Automotive

February 11, 2005 Renault has released a photo of its upcoming concept car due for release at the Geneva Motor Show. Dubbed the Z17, the concept is based around a premium vehicle for the urban environment so common in Europe, with the accent on "genuine motoring pleasure." Apart from being as cute as a button, not much more is known as Renault intend releasing the details when the Geneva Auto Show opens on March 3. Renault's only released statement on the Z17 reads as follows: "Z17 is a vehicle designed for city life. It has been shown that cars carry only 1.4 people on average, but two seat interiors are perceived as a constraint. Z17 is therefore a genuine three-seater complete with a boot located behind the driver's seat, all built into a compact architecture."  Read More

February 11, 2005 Citroen gave the world a look at its new C6 today in a sneak preview of the World debut at the Geneva Motor Show. The latest addition to an historic line, the C6 takes the grand tourer concept and incorporates the latest cutting-edge technology. An executive saloon that represents the latest stage in the creative renewal of the brand, the C6 has been inspired by the large Citroens of the past, models that have helped the marque to establish a strong heritage in large cars. The complete and innovative range of high-tech features includes a head-up display, the first application in a Citroen of the new 208 bhp V6 HDi diesel engine, active suspension with variable damping, the Company's lane departure warning system and directional Xenon headlamps.  Read More

February 11, 2005 Ferrari's range of V8-engined sports cars will be joined by the new F430 Spider when it is unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show (3-13 March 2005). Ferrari's new drop-top includes a number of important technical features which give hints of the car's F1 pedigree, starting with the innovative electronic differential - first developed by the racing division for the Scuderia's all-conquering F1 cars - which improves traction and roadholding under all conditions. The Spider also features the steering wheel-mounted commutator switch, known to the Scuderia's drivers as the 'manettino', which allows the car's set-up to be adjusted easily and quickly.  Read More

February 10, 2005 -- CHICAGO -- Hyundai today introduced its new Portico concept vehicle at the Chicago Auto Show. The Portico features seating for six passengers and roomy, flexible cargo space. Created to provide a look at the future of family transportation, the Hyundai Portico is designed to be a versatile vehicle that will adapt to the changing needs of modern families. The Portico is neither a sedan nor an SUV, but it provides the benefits of both designs with a car-like ride and a large, versatile and "family friendly" interior. Portico combines the functional benefits of current family vehicles in a stylish package with better drivability.  Read More

February 9, 2005 The Mercedes-Benz E 200 NGT switches from natural gas to petrol at the press of a button, does 227kmh and performs on par with the E200 KOMPRESSOR in either mode, and can halve running costs if run on natural gas alone. Throw in Mercedes exceptional retained value resale figures and the equation looks like a winner for when the right-hand drive models become available mid-year.  Read More

February 9, 2005 In 2002 the Alfa Romeo Brera, a concept car designed by the Italian design maestro, Giorgetto Giugiaro, stole all the limelight at the Geneva International Motor Show and in January 2003 it was awarded the 2003 Concept Car of the Year Award. That's a hard act to follow, but the Brera will have an encore performance at the 2005 Geneva Show in the first week of March when the show-stopping concept car finally surfaces in production form.  Read More

February 7, 2005 The Mazda MX5 has been one of the most popular open top sports cars of the modern era since the public first glimpsed its distinctive shape at the 1989 Chicago Auto Show. Despite a meagre 90 bhp 1600cc four-cylinder engine, the car became a best seller and despite only one major redesign, has remained so for a decade and a half. Now comes the news that Mazda is planning to breathe new life into the evergreen favourite with a third generation of the MX5 to be unveiled later this month.  Read More

February 6, 2005 The 1939 Mercedes-Benz G4 offroader is an extremely rare vehicle: originally a gift to Spanish dictator General Franco and now owned by the Spanish royal family, it is one of just a few surviving units of this three-axle offroader originally developed for the German army – just three of the total of 57 units built are still considered absolutely authentic with a meticulously documented history. A no-expense-spared, three-year restoration was recently undertaken at the Mercedes-Benz Classic Centre with a correspondingly unusual request: the G4 was to be restored to a technically impeccable condition but was to retain its unique patina acquired in the course of its 66-year life. The restoration of the vehicle was a gift from Mercedes-Benz España to the Spanish Royal family and makes for fascinating reading:  Read More

February 3, 2005 The evolving shape of the automobile took an interesting turn today when Nissan revealed a preview of their 2005 Geneva Motor Show line-up, including the Zaroot SUV concept car. The Zaroot is Nissan's vision of how sporty SUVs could look in the future. It combines traditional SUV values and serious off-road ability with futuristic, sports oriented styling. Retaining the traditional design cues of an SUV, the Zaroot's appearance is squared-off, solid and tough looking. It implies strength and security, yet combines these familiar themes with something a little different - a pair of gullwing doors.  Read More