Brabus Smart Ultimate

After previewing two of their Geneva-bound works – the Brabus Rocket and the Brabus SLS – the German tuning company has released the first official photo of their third and final Geneva offering: the Brabus Smart ForTwo Ultimate.

For a company that specializes on upgrading Mercedes and Maybach vehicles, Brabus doesn’t always get to work on Smart-branded vehicles. As a matter of fact, the Smart ForTwo Ultimate will only be the second Smart vehicle to be tuned by Brabus, after the Ultimate 101 back in 2006.

Details behind the overall package are still being withheld, but unlike the two other vehicles headed for Geneva, Brabus decided to release a photo of the Ultimate Smart ForTwo in all its glory. Looking at the photo, you’ll notice that the car comes in the same matte gray body finish as the two other vehicles. There also appears to be some hints of carbon fiber on the car as well as some fancy – at least as far as Smart standards are concerned – set of Brabus machined-alloy wheels on the car. While they have yet to release information on what’s under the car’s hood, we’ve been informed that the Ultimate Smart ForTwo will also come with a modified engine.

The Smart Ultimate, together with the Brabus Rocket and the Brabus SLS, will make their debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. Be sure to check back with us to find out more information on this decked-out Smart ForTwo when details become available.

Aston Martin Virage

Built between 1989 and 2000, the Aston Martin Virage was one of the most powerful sports cars of the moment. It was a model built as a replacement for Aston Martin’s old V8 line-up, and now the name returns once again as a sports car that combines performance with luxury, comfort, and refinement. The model is now on sale in 41 countries, in both coupe and Volante versions.

The new Virage is placed between the DBS and the DB9 and is powered by a 6.0 liter V12 engine that produces 490 HP and 570 Nm (420 lb. Ft) of torque.

Aston Martin CEO, Dr Ulrich Bez said: "100 years of automotive history has demonstrated that evolution delivers the best solutions in time. So it is with Virage; it is the next level of evolution in our VH architecture strategy and it does everything with the perfection that you would expect today. It is the perfect balance of opposites."

Hit the jump to read more about the 2012 Aston Martin Virage.

McLaren MP4-12C

McLaren automotive is the second oldest Formula 1 racing team in existence behind Ferrari. With that being said it would make sense that the company knows a thing or two about building powerful machines and winning races. The team operates under the name Vodafone McLaren Mercedes and has 169 individual race wins under its belt. The company has been known as an innovator since its inception and carbon-fiber products have been their claim to fame.

This year the F1 team will be competing in the company’s 200th carbon fiber monocoque chassis. Other road-going vehicles have been designed with a heavy use of carbon-fiber composite material. In 1993 the F1 debuted as the first car to utilize a carbon chassis. The legendary F1 also competed in F1 races, winning its first ever 24 hours of Le Mans race. McLaren has had a long running partnership with Mercedes that led to the German company receiving carbon-fiber expertise from McLaren for its SLR model. In a seven year long production run, the Mercedes-McLaren SLR has over 2,000 individual examples on the road making it the most successful car in history with a carbon chassis.

With the successful completion of the design phase for the 12C, McLaren is poised to re-introduce itself to the automotive marketplace. The McLaren Group and McLaren Automotive have over 1,500 employees, many of who work in the Woking, England headquarters.

Perhaps the most exciting moment up until the release of the 12C was in May of 2004 when Queen Elizabeth II opened the McLaren Technology Center (MTC). The new headquarters of McLaren Automotive and all its subsidiaries sits on a half-million square meter site and reportedly cost 300 million pounds, making it the largest privately funded construction project in Europe at the time. Having a complete facility for the company to be able to design, develop and produce their vehicles under one roof is critical throughout every phase at McLaren.

This year will be another milestone at the site when the McLaren Production Center (MPC) is completed. With the introduction of the 12C it was clear that the production side of the company needed to grow, but still be linked to headquarters. The new 40 million pound site is capable of producing roughly 1,000 12C’s per year.

Engineers and other employees will be able to reach the new MPC by an underground tunnel. The building features several zones from general assembly, paint facility, test areas, and it can all be viewed from a balcony at the end. When the original headquarters was built it featured several products that made it more environmentally conscious than any other manufacturer in the world. This 32,000 square-meter building is no different and attempts to leave as little an impact as possible on the surrounding wildlife. Its rectangular shape and extensive use of aluminum will match that of the Technology Center. The MTC uses the large lake that also completes its circular shape for cooling. The roof of the new MPC will help to make this system a full loop by collecting rainwater in order to replenish evaporation loss from the lake. These low-energy use systems help McLaren run a very green operation and further compliment the company’s vision of creating powerful, but efficient vehicles.

The level of dedication to this project shines through when discussing its origins as “Project 11” that started in 2005. Inside of a secure room as the technology Center is perhaps the most advanced simulation software in the world. McLaren can use this virtual environment to test cars ability at any track and any conditions. These systems can allow year round testing when facilities such as the Nordschleife are closed due to inclement weather.

In conjunction with the simulation programs – real world testing is completed and fed back into the system as raw data. 2007 saw the first mules used in testing which helped the McLaren team initially test aerodynamics, powertrain and drivetrain parameters. More complete Production Prototypes are used later in the process to fine-tune the car and complete high-mileage tests. McLaren tests every car thoroughly by taking at least on of the 50 mule vehicles built to every market in which the car will be sold.

The raw data that these test vehicles produce is collected by a special system created by McLaren for its F1 racing team. The high-speed data logger had to have its capabilities enhanced in order to handle the information coming from 20-ECU systems on the 12C. The data is collected from 100 different pressure transducers, lasers, acceleromoters, displacement sensors, thermocouples, strain gauges and GPS systems. This information can be placed back into the simulation software in near real-time making the development cycle faster and more efficient.

With the continued success in F1, it makes sense that McLaren would transplant its knowledge from the track to the road. This was seen when the car debuted at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in England and the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance for North America. At the time, performance figures given by McLaren were simply numbers and had no real world testing outside of their engineers to back them up.

With production now beginning, the performance capabilities of this car have been confirmed. The M838T engine was designed specifically for the 12C and has several unique features. It is a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 weighing only 439 lbs. The engine produces 592hp @7,000rpm and 443 lb-ft. of torque between 3,000 and 7,000rpm. With the use of the company’s carbon-fiber structure and other lightweight components, such as an optional exhaust made from Inconel, the car achieves a stellar power-to-weight ratio of 455bhp/tonne. It’s a simple racing that low weight and high power are key ingredients to speed. The 12C will reach 60mph in 3.3 seconds and an even faster 3.1 seconds with the optional high-performance tire option. As this car will undoubtedly be compared to the McLaren F1 of the past, the new team made sure the top speed of the 12C would be formidable topping out at 205mph.

A dual-clutch transmission is the only setup available and features 7-speeds and multiple settings. Choosing between Normal, Track, and Sport modes will modify how the transmission selects gears. A unique Pre-Cog feature loads the clutch before a shift is made lowering shift times to virtually zero. The transmission is also capable of some electronic wizardry. Shift paddle son the steering wheel have the ability to be “clicked” for fast shift or held fully depressed for a new feature. IF you depress the paddle through a corner, the transmission will select the correct gear to exit the corner in by matching the revs more accurately than most drivers would be able to. For those driving this car in a more urban setting may find the Automatic and winter modes for the transmission helpful as well. The idea of a no compromise sports car was carried through to the design of the suspension. McLaren calls it ProActive Chassis Control with Adaptive Damping. It is essentially a double-wishbone setup with coil springs at all four corners. An innovative feature is the adjustable roll control that makes mechanical anti-roll bars obsolete. The suspension can be tuned by the driver with the touch of a button much like the transmission. The modes are the same and they manage the damping and stability control settings depending on road and track conditions.

All of these systems help the 12C go fast in a straight line or around a track, but McLaren has not neglected to the other side of the equation, braking. In the late 1990’s McLaren introduced a Brake Steer function on its Formula 1 MP4-12. The system was later banned by racing, but was further developed by McLaren for its road cars. During cornering the system applies the brakes to the inside rear-wheel in order to help the car turn faster. This can help a driver that has entered a corner incorrectly or a professional looking for the fastest line. To stop the tendency for understeer, the system is able to assess steering angle and calculate the necessary braking needed to correct the cars direction and increase the yaw rate. McLaren has also incorporated an airbrake to the 12C providing downforce and faster braking times. When the car is traveling fast and the driver brakes hard a hydraulic system lifts the brake to 32-degrees. Forces from the wind rushing over the panel force it to a higher 69-degrees helping the system to be both effective and lightweight.

The 12C will begin to go on sale in Europe first, sometime in late spring. The North American sales will begin in the summer and wrap up for the Asia-Pacific markets at the end of the year. McLaren has 31 dealers appointed to sell the car in 19 different countries and the price will start at $229,000.

McLaren has been careful in the way it positioned the 12C within the market. It gave it supercar capabilities and technology, but has kept the price towards other manufacturers entry-level models. Calling a Ferrari 458 Italia somewhat of an entry-level model may sound like blasphemy, but with the 599, 612 and Enzo supercars positioned above it that is basically what it has become. McLaren clearly has the beautiful new Ferrari in its sights and the performance figures match up quite nicely. The Ferrari uses a V8 and 7-speed transmission much like the 12C and the 0-60mph times are within a tenth of a second. Seeing these two models square off on a track would be the ultimate test between F1 powerhouse companies who have thrown all of there technology and considerable know-how into road going machines.

 Sold out for 2011

Jaguar XKR-S

It wasn’t that long ago when, in the middle of their brand reinvention, Jaguar released the refreshed XKR sports car at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show.

A year after the new XKR made its debut to the public, Jaguar is headed back to Geneva with another XKR model. Only this time, it’s the hot-as-a-scorching-summer’s-day XKR-S.

Armed with aerodynamic upgrades, a reworked suspension, and a modified V8 engine, Jaguar’s cream-of-the-crop sports car is looking to turn heads at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.

Adrian Hallmark, Jaguar’s new Global Brand Director, describes the car as a "bold and exciting new model for Jaguar”. He adds: “We expect [the car] to attract both loyal and new Jaguar driving enthusiasts who still want the comfort, opulence and class only a Jaguar can offer, combined with inspirational performance.”

You heard it straight from the horse’s mouth, fellas. The Jaguar XKR-S is coming to the Geneva Motor Show and it’s ready to pounce on the competition.

Details on the Jaguar XKR-S after the jump.

Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4

Like we mentioned, word has it that the Aventador is going to have a lot of styling cues derived from the Reventon. Based from some of the spy shots we’ve seen of the car doing test runs, one feature that looks to be Reventon-esque are the intakes. Even though the pictures released so far have been heavily clad test mules, it’s sure to be more edgy than its predecessor. The Sesto Elemento concept featured more flat edge surfaces than a stealth fighter plane and utilized the carbon-fiber developed with a co-op through Boeing.

One other notable thing we learned about the new supercar is that it’s going to be lighter than its predecessor, the Murcielago, especially after Lamborghini CEO Stephen Winkelmann has made it known that the company intends to shed off pounds off of Lamborghinis, including on the Aventador, which is rumored to be using a carbon fiber monocoque chassis that drops the supercar’s weight by 500 lbs from the Murcielago while also increasing its rigidity by over 70%. Despite the lighter models, Lamborghini is still using some famous aspects of past Lamborghini models on the Aventador, including the use of the iconic scissor doors that have come to define Lamborghinis from the rest of the exotic car market.

The Aventador is said to come with a long list of standard features including air conditioning, a navigation system, ABS anti-blocking system, multiple airbags, ESP, traction control, car computer, Euro 5 catalytic converter, xenon lights, automatic keyless go, ceramic brakes, rain sensor, lifting system, and iPod interface. The Diablo was plagued with poor interior quality and transmission linkage that would unexpectedly break. The Murcielago made major strides inside with increased use of lightweight carbon fiber, alcantara, and better ergonomics. The Sesto Elemento concept showed us bucket seats that were actually a part of the monocoque shell and thinly padded directly on top. This allows for weight loss and a more involving driving experience – talk about driving by the seat of your pants.

As for performance specifications, Lamborghini has announced that the Aventador will come with a new 6.5-liter V12 engine with an AWD layout that produces 700 horsepower and 479 lb/ft of torque. It is the first all-new Lamborghini developed engine since the Countach. This engine will be able to get from 0-60 mph in just 2.5 seconds while blasting off a top speed of 217 mph and a redline of 8,250 RPM. With a total weight of 1575 Kg it will deliver a power to weight ratio of 2.25 Kg/hp.

The Aventador’s engine is mated to an all-new “Lamborghini ISR” – the ISR stands for Independent Shifting Rod - seven-speed single clutch automated manual gearbox that combines quick shift time with manual shifting, which proves to be quite useful when a car has a low weight and compact dimensions.

The ISR gearbox allows the Aventador to shift gears almost simultaneously. It comes with two modes and 50 millisecond shifts that works in such fashion that when one of the shifting rods is moving out of one gear, the second rod is already shifting on to the next. Another important aspect of the new Lamborghini transmission fits perfectly with the company’s new goal of making its supercars more lightweight: the ISR transmission weighs in at only 79 kilos – about 174 pounds – significantly lighter than any other DSG transmission out on the market.

the new Lamborghini powertrain is a revolutionary new technology that will set apart the Aventador – and all its future models - from it’s supercar contemporaries.

Lamborghini president and CEO Stephan Winkelmann explains that the new Lamborghini powertrain is a revolutionary new technology that will set apart the Aventador – and all its future models - from it’s supercar contemporaries. “This new power unit is not only the crowning glory of our product range, it is also part of our enormous investment in the future of the Lamborghini brand,” he said.

The body and chassis will be entirely constructed from carbon fiber. In collaboration with Boeing Corp. and the University of Washington, Lamborghini created a carbon fiber tub and body that boasts stiffness calculated as 35,000 Newton-meters per degree of deflection. By comparison of stiffness, the Koenigsegg CCR is 28,100 Nm, the Ferrari F50 is 34,600 Nm, and the existing Murcielago is 20,000 Nm. (Automotive News)

The Aventador’s monocoque will also be made solely of carbon fiber. The CFRP not only keeps the curb weight as low as possible, but it is also extremely rigid and offers the same protection as any other Formula 1 race car. In case of a crash, the occupants will benefit for the same protection enveloped in an extremely safe roll cage.

With a total weight of only 324.5 lbs, the new carbon fiber monocoque is connected at the front and rear with equally rigid aluminum sub-frames, on which the suspension, engine, and transmission are mounted. With this construction, the V12 model will weigh in at only 505 lbs and boast of phenomenal torsional rigidity of 35,000 Newton meters per degree of twist.

"Systematic lightweight engineering and an optimum power-to-weight ratio are absolutely crucial to the super sports cars of the future, for both the highest levels of driving pleasure and lower emissions," says Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. "Lamborghini has put a lot of hard work into growing its expertise in the application of CFRP, attaining the leadership position we hold today. With its innovative carbon-fiber monocoque, the successor to the Murciélago displays the full competence of our brand and starts a new chapter in the history of Lamborghini."

Next to the impressive 700 HP V12 engine, the new supercar will also feature an innovative and highly sophisticated suspension concept. The first details of the concept reveal that the pushrod spring and damper was inspired by Formula 1 and adapted to a high-performance road-going vehicle, allowing it to handle better and be much more responsive. Next to this, the Aventador will also get an aluminum double wishbone suspension and a carbon ceramic brake system. The spring elements are not located on the wheel mounts, but connected inboard to the bodyshell structure. They are transversely positioned: under the windscreen in the front and close to the engine in the rear. Also at the front axle are shock absorbers that come equipped with a hydraulic lifting system enabling the front end of the super sports car to be lifted by 40 millimeters at the touch of a button. When driving a Lamborghini through any parking lot with speed-bumps you will immediately recognize the convenience and need for a system that lifts the front end.

A new and innovative steering wheel system will also make it into the Aventador. The system has the ability to think its way through a bend adhering to the perfect line. This could be similar to the McLaren MP 4-12C brake steer system that will debut this month. It, in conjunction with a dozen computer systems, analyzes how the driver has entered a curve and adjusts steering inputs and braking to help the car maintain a more efficient line.

No word yet on when the car is going to make its long-awaited debut, although we figure that it would be a best guess to expect the Aventador to be introduced sometime early next year, possibly during the Geneva Motor Show. Preorders are already being taken with price tags starting at $350,000.

If and when the Lamborghini Aventador is released – teaser images have pointed to a 2012 launch date – it’s a pretty safe bet that it’s going to go head-to-head with a number of other new exotics, with the most notable of which being the Ferrari 599 GTO. Numbers aren’t too far from each other with the Aventador’s 700 horsepower, 2.9-second 0-60 mph time, and 217 mph top speed going up against the 599 GTO’s 670 horsepower, 3.3-second 0-60 mph time, and 208 mph top speed time.

With the specs of these two Italian thoroughbreds closely similar to each other, it should make for a nice comparison test between the two. Sure, we’re going to have to wait until Lamborghini officially introduces the Aventador for that to happen, but we’re pretty confident that at some point, it’s going to.

Lamborghinis and Ferraris will always be interlinked with each other so bragging rights between the 599 GTO and the soon-to-be-released Aventador LP700-4 should still make for a very interesting comparison test. Other companies will be having there chance to take a shot at this raging bull including Pagani and McLaren. Many people know little about these companies, but they produce some of the baddest sports cars on the planet. Their most recent models have pushed the limits of engineering and manufacturing and the newest models will be more than light competition for the Lamborghini. The McLaren already promises similar performance from a smaller and more economical twin-turbo V8 engine. The Pagani will be utilizing an AMG V12 like the past models and have a peak output close to the new Lamborghini. In a perfect world, we would love to see these four new cars on one track at the same time to duel it out for bragging rights.

Press release

Lamborghini’s Geneva motor show launch of its Murciélago replacement promises an extraordinary new technology-driven super sports car. One significant feature will be the extensive use of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) technology throughout the car, and in particular, in the entirely carbon fiber composite monocoque.

The cell of the future Lamborghini flagship super sports car is made entirely from carbon fiber and has been designed as a monocoque structure. The load-bearing structure of the vehicle is engineered as a “single shell” that functions physically as one component, thus taking full advantage of the extreme rigidity of CFRP. Formula 1 race cars have been built using CFRP monocoques for many years – and have proven their crash worthiness time and again. The same applies to road-going sports cars featuring monocoque technology – the carbon fiber occupant cell functions like an extremely safe roll cage.

Of course, the term “single shell” applies only in the descriptive sense – the new Lamborghini monocoque is made from a series of individual parts with specific functions, such as stiffening elements made from Braiding technology, that is one of the best technology to manage energy adsorption in case of crash. After the curing process, however, this structure functions as a single component – including the base section known as the tub and the complete roof.

The full monocoque solution offers advantages which other processes, like a tub where a metal roof structure is attached in a conventional manner, cannot realize. That’s why Lamborghini made the no compromise choice of the full monocoque, which weighs only 147.5 kilograms (324.5 lbs).

Superior passive safety is only one benefit of the extreme rigidity of a full carbon fiber monocoque - very high torsional rigidity is another. The monocoque is connected at the front and rear with equally rigid aluminum sub-frames, on which the suspension, engine and transmission are mounted.

The entire body-in-white of the future V12 model weighs only 229.5 kilograms (505 lbs) and boasts phenomenal torsional rigidity of 35,000 Newton meters per degree of twist. This guarantees a superb feeling of solidity, but, more importantly, extremely exact wheel control with excellent steering precision and sensitive feedback. For the dedicated driver, both are essential for truly enticing driving pleasure. The new Lamborghini flagship responds to the most minute steering input with the stunning precision of a perfectly balanced race car.

Depending on the form, function and requirements of the individual elements, the Lamborghini development team selected from three main CFRP manufacturing methods within its technology tool kit. They differ not only in their production processes, but also in the type of carbon fiber and its weave and, most importantly, in the chemical composition of the synthetic resin used.

Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM): In this process the carbon fiber mats are preformed and impregnated with an exact amount of resin. Afterwards, they are cured under heat while the part is in the mold. Lamborghini has achieved a major breakthrough by further developmening this method. Using the patented “RTM-Lambo” process, the final mold is no longer a heavy, complex metal piece, but is made instead from lightweight carbon-fiber parts, thus making the manufacturing process faster, more flexible and more efficient.
An additional benefit of the RTM-Lambo process is the low injection pressure that doesn’t require expensive equipment.

Prepreg – The carbon fiber mats used in this method, commonly known as prepreg, are pre-injected by the supplier with a thermosetting liquid resin and must be stored at a low temperature. The mats are then laminated in molds and cured under heat and pressure in an autoclave. Prepreg components are complex to make, but have an extremely high-quality surface finish (Class-A surface quality) and are therefore the preferred option for use in visible locations.

Braiding – These components are manufactured by using RTM technology. This carbon fiber weave technology is derived from the textile industry and used to make tubular components for special applications such as structural roof pillars and rocker panels. The woven components are made by diagonally interweaving the fiber in several layers.

The monocoque of the new V12 super sports car is constructed using these technologies applied in a series of special processes. One significant advancement Lamborghini realized is the ability to use already-assembled monocoque elements as the mold for the next step in the process. This makes for a considerable simplification of the manufacturing process compared with conventional methods.

Epoxy foam components are also used within the monocoque. They are placed in strategic points to increase the stiffness of the monocoque by working as spacers between the composite layers while also dampening noise and vibration. In addition, aluminum inserts are laminated into the front and rear surfaces to facilitate connection with the aluminum front and rear sub-frame elements.

Because of the complexity of the materials and process outlined above, Lamborghini decided to produce its new monocoque completely in-house, managing one strategic step in the production process.

Quality control is an absolutely crucial factor – every single monocoque is measured to exacting tolerances of only 0.1 millimeters, facilitating the extreme precision of the overall vehicle. Quality control starts with the purchase of the carbon fiber parts. Every delivery of carbon fiber is certified and the material is checked regularly for compliance with quality standards. Lamborghini worked together with its suppliers to develop a world-exclusive fiber and resin system for its RTM technology. Ultimately, these materials and processes constitute an important part of Lamborghini’s worldwide leading expertise in the field.

These materials made from CFRP combine the lowest possible weight with excellent material characteristics – they are very light, extremely rigid and exceptionally precise.

Furthermore, CFRP materials can also be formed into highly complex components with integrated functions. This reduces the number of individual parts when compared to traditional metal construction – thus enabling further weight reduction. Lighter cars have lower fuel consumption and fewer CO2 emissions. Most significantly, however, it improves the power-to-weight ratio – the deciding factor in the overall feel and performance of a sports car. A super sports car built using CFRP accelerates faster, has superior handling and better braking.

Ferrari FF

After teasing us for quite a while now, Ferrari has finally revealed the official details on their new successor for the 612 Scaglietti. Called the FF - an acronym for Ferrari Four (four seats and four-wheel drive), the new model is the company’s most powerful, versatile four-seater ever, as well as its first ever four-wheel drive car.

The concept car was designed by Pininfarina, and according to Ferrari "the new car represents not so much an evolution as a true revolution." The new model will deliver "unprecedented level an extremely sporty, high-performance character with incredible versatility, superb comfort and sophisticated elegance, guaranteeing both driver and passengers an absolutely unique driving experience."

The new Ferrari FF GT sports car concept is expected to make its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March, and a production version will follow by 2012.

UPDATE 02/15/2011: A few days ago, Ferrari revealed a series of images showing the FF in action on the snow. Now, thanks to someone by the name of Metinakkas, we have a video showing the car in action... on the snow, of course! Enjoy! Video after the jump.

UPDATE 02/22/2011: The Ferrari FF will make its world debut tomorrow, February 23rd, 2011 at 6:00pm CET. The event will be shown on www.ferrari.com in eight different languages –Italian, English, Spanish, French, German, Arab, Chinese, and Japanese – by simply connecting to the website. The world premiere in Maranello will be presented by Ferrari Chairman Luca di Montezemolo and CEO Amedeo Felisa. The presentation can also be seen on iPhone and iPad in English and Italian.

Hit the jump to read more about the 2012 Ferrari FF.

Italdesign Giugiaro starts countdown for new concept(s) in Geneva

It’s not unlikely that when a company undergoes some major ownership changes, they find ways to make a "comeback" of sorts to bring their name back onto the lips of automotive journalists everywhere, and not just for their paper shuffling buy-outs. Just look at the Saab-Spyker negotiations and the plethora of vehicles offered once the transfer was complete for a true-to-life example of this scenario. Now Italdesign Giugiaro - the same guys credited for their work on some of the greatest supercars to date - is getting ready to leave their recent Volkswagen buyout in the past with a new concept car which will debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.

Italdesign Giugiaro hasn’t released any real details on the new concept just yet, but they have revealed their seemingly obligatory teaser image in order to rouse up some interest in the new concept before its debut. They have even launched an official web page for this yet-to-be-seen concept with a countdown to Geneva. If you’re wondering, we’re about six days away from the show at the time of this posting.

The only thing we could get from the obscure website information thus far, is that we believe the new concept will be either a hybrid or an electric vehicle, although our bets are on a full electric model showing its face at the show. They’ve waited this long for the unveiling, so why settle for a hybrid.

All in all, we are pretty excited about the new concept from Italdesign Giugiaro. The only thing that would burst our bubble is if the new concept turned out to be one of the two Volkswagen Group concepts in which Giugiaro had a hand in designing. We’ll just have to wait until March 3rd, 2011 with our fingers crossed for a new concept to get the answer to that.

UPDATE 02/23/11: All the build-up Volkswagen and Guigiaro were planning for their Geneva offering went for naught as teaser images of the two concepts - yep, there are two! - were revealed only a day after the German automaker released a teaser image of one of the concepts. No names were given on the cars, but it looks like one of the concepts will be a special iteration of the Volkswagen Golf whereas the other could very well be a future Volkswagen Polo model. In any case, check out the photos in the photo gallery and take a look at two concepts Volkswagen and Giugiaro Italia have in store for us at the Geneva Motor Show.

Fisker Karma

Henrik Fisker has had an illustrious career since graduating from design school. His stints with BMW and Aston Martin have evolved his design and shown his hands-on approach to coach building to be very successful. The inspiration to create automotive works of art came from an all-time great and Mr. Fisker has said, "The guy who influenced me most was Giorgetto Giugiaro. I remember the first time I saw the Maserati Boomerang concept on a magazine cover behind a window at a newsstand. I put my nose against the glass, and just said ’wow’!" Maserati has long been known for creating visceral masterpieces of design and the similarities between the body of the Maserati Quattroporte and Fisker’s Karma can be seen in the flowing, clean lines, and strong sense of presence. Fisker’s desire to cement his own interpretation of timeless cars into the hearts and minds of fans everywhere will begin with the Karma; truly his own from the ground up.

Many of Fisker’s cars have been described as “feline” and that is seen in the grill of the Karma echoing whiskers on a cat and a coiled stance ready to pounce. Some of this design could have evolved from BMW’s design philosophy with the double kidney grill and eyelid headlights.

Beyond the simple beauty of the exterior, several innovative technologies have been used to further the Karma’s visual and working impact. The world’s first glass-flake paint is being used to make the paint color chosen truly react to its surroundings. According to Fisker press releases, the paint is unparalleled in terms of shine and reflectivity. The paint was also used because of its water-based content in an effort to not use current industry standard paints that may harm the environment.

Moving to the top of the car, one immediately notices the full panoramic roof. Upon further inspection, the roof actually acts as the largest full roof solar panel in the industry. While the sun beats down on you as you whisk the Karma through picturesque hills and winding coastal roads, your roof is actually increasing the range of the vehicle. Apparently it can add up to 200 miles of photovoltaic driving power.

Once your Karma has autonomously started due to its proximity start system located in the key fob, you are enveloped in rich leather and rescued wood accents. That’s correct, even the wood grain dash is eco-friendly having been recovered from the intense wildfires that burned through Orange County, CA in 2007.

Fisker has gone to great lengths in making the car both graceful and functional, which shows at nearly every angle.

The sumptuous leather gracing your behind was treated at an energy-sufficient plant further helping to protect the environment during manufacturing. Many of the models will also feature a type of suede that was created from mostly recycled materials. Fisker has gone to great lengths in making the car both graceful and functional, which shows at nearly every angle.

The Karma is not lacking in infotainment technology either. A 10.2” touch screen interface is predominately placed front and center to control everything from audio to climate and navigation functions. The computer will even adapt to your knowledge of the system by displaying less complicated views for novice users based on their initial inputs. The combination of high-technology instruments and old-world craftsmanship make the interior of the Karma a heavenly place to spend your time.

The Fisker Karma is a plug-in hybrid that uses a lithium-ion battery pack to power two 200+ hp electric motors for about 50 miles. Once the juice runs out of the batteries, a GM-sourced 2.0-liter gas engine producing 260 hp generates the electricity needed to power the sedan. Fisker says the Karma makes the 0 to 60 mph sprint in less than 6 seconds and can hit a top speed of more than 125 mph.

Fisker Automotive began accepting pre-orders for the car long before any production or test mule models were even developed. By the beginning of 2011, Fisker had received 3,000 deposits and expect to make the first deliveries in February.

The United States Department of Energy (DOE) has been integral in giving Fisker over $500 million in capital to get the car and the company off the ground. Assembly is planned to take place in the Valmet factory in Finland. This facility has also been the production line for several Porsche and Saab models in the past. Do not plan on taking delivery of your new Fisker before late in the first quarter this year, unless you have over $95,900 to spend on the base version of this eco-friendly luxury sedan. That price doesn’t even take into consideration all the optional upgrades on the car, which if you avail, should send the bill all the way up to six-digit territory. Sure, tax credits should be able to lighten the load a little bit, but it still wouldn’t be enough to make you feel any better about the brand’s latest price hike.

It is somewhat difficult to describe the competition in the market for the Fisker Karma. This vehicle places itself in so many segments at once that hardly anything is a direct competitor.

One of the top luxury sedans, produced by the oldest car brand in the world, has recently been introduced with a hybrid powerplant, the Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid. It is closely priced to the Karma and has been brought to market in order to please those who want a more eco-friendly car without losing any of the creature comforts that one expects when spending over $90,000.

Two cars that may be more closely linked than either company would admit would be the Fisker Karma and the Aston Martin Rapide. The Aston makes no attempt to be eco-friendly or even relatively expensive, but rather was designed to be stunning from every angle. The car designed by a company whose philosophy was undoubtedly influenced by Henrik Fisker and has been creating some of the most sensual sports cars on the market in recent history.