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Maserati debut the Alfieri at Geneva

Curvaceous and sensual, the Maserati Alfieri made a dashing debut at the Geneva Motor Show.

How do you upstage a Ferrari and, potentially, even a 610-horsepower Lamborghini?

You create a car that is so curvaceous and sensual, it makes everything else look absolutely dull and dreary.

It's tough to keep your hands off the new Maserati Alfieri concept.

It’s tough to keep your hands off the new Maserati Alfieri concept.

We’re not going to suggest the Ferrari California or Lamborghini Huracán, both of which appeared today at the Geneva Motor Show, aren’t some pretty amazing machines.

It’s just that the Maserati Alfieri concept is achingly beautiful – trust us, it was difficult not to run our hands along the body of this Italian sports coupe.

Maserati is expected to put the Alfieri into production in the next year or two.

Maserati is expected to put the Alfieri into production in the next year or two.

Luckily for Maserati, they had one of the most diligent dusters and fingerprint smudge removers at the show!

In our opinion, what you’re looking at is the next-generation Maserati GranTurismo. Exactly how much of the Alfieri makes it to production remains to be seen, of course.

It wasn't immediately clear what would power the Alfieri when it goes into production.

It wasn’t immediately clear what would power the Alfieri when it goes into production.

Yet if it looks anything like this concept car, Maserati is going to have to fight back a hoard of well-heeled car buyers.

Details are scarce, though it’s likely the Alfieri would continue with a version of the current GranTurismo’s delicious-sounding 454-hp 4.7-liter V-8.

The Maserati Alfieri may have just upset both Ferrari and Lamborghini at the Geneva Motor Show on Tuesday.

The Maserati Alfieri may have just upset both Ferrari and Lamborghini at the Geneva Motor Show on Tuesday.

Once the car reaches production – and our guess is that this will happen within 12-24 months – we expect the price to remain around the same $126,000 you’d pay for the 2014 GranTurismo coupe.

This is assuming the Alfieri actually makes it to production. There’s a good chance the car was built just for the show circuit.

We doubt that very much, however.

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/

 

 

Finally, the Lamborghini Huracan is here!

2014 Geneva Motor Show: 2015 Lamborghini Huracan LP 610-4 kicks off the show!

It looks incredible and the specs of the 202 mph Lamborghini Huracan had us weak at the knees when debuted early this morning in Geneva . What better way to start an auto show right? A 610 horsepower V10 engine propels this wild Lambo to a top speed of 202mph.

There had better be a good reason for us to get out of bed early, especially after a long flight from New York City to Switzerland.

Luckily for us, Lamborghini gave us 610 great reasons to skimp on sleep and get to the Geneva Motor Show early during the first media day, held March 4.

This 610-horsepower Huracan looks like a million bucks, even though it’s technically going to be Lamborghini’s most affordable model.

As the replacement for the outgoing Gallardo – Lamborghini’s best-selling vehicle of all time – the Huracán has traded some of its predecessor’s hard edges for gentler curves.  We think the end result is stunning.

Look closely at how the upper half of the door flows back, and tucks neatly into a rear-mounted air intake. Tell us there isn’t more than a hint of classic Countach in those sumptuous lines!

The Huracan has hurricane-strength power, with a 610 horsepower V-10 pushing this Gallardo replacement from zero 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds.

Courtesy of www.nydailynews.com

Today is the day of the Lamborghini Huracan

We’re less than a week away from the official March 4 unveiling of the Lamborghini Huracán at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show. While we already know exactly what to expect, seeing it in the metal will be the true test of the Huracán’s visual impact–a key component of any Lamborghini’s feature set.

To whip up the excitement even further, Lamborghini has released this official trailer for the car, chock full of dramatic weather, dramatic music, and dramatic (if all-too-brief) shots of the car.

 

www.motorauthority.com will be live on hand in Geneva for the unveiling to bring you the live photos and information as it happens, but you can following along yourself with a live stream of the Huracán’s unveiling at the official Lamborghini site, too.

–and don’t forget, you can go configure one to your exact specification, too.

 

Alicia Keys tries out the Lamborghini Aventador

They have been married since 2010 and from the looks of it things are only getting better as Alicia Keys and husband Swizz Beatz know how to enjoy their time together. The American hip hop recording artist/ record producer/ composer posted on his Instagram account a picture of his beautiful wife while trying out his Lamborghini Aventador.

Yes, apparently the famous singer is no stranger to fast, luxurious cars and can taken on a Lamborghini quite easily. Alicia seemed to be enjoying her time behind the wheels of the said car and definitely pulled out the right outfit for the occasion.

Her husband, Swizz Beatz also seemed to be enjoying himself as he posted with the black and white picture the comment “BFFs” suggesting that before being lovers, husband and wife they are BFF. Thus, they know how to spend their time together.

Numerous fans were impressed with the Beatz’s words and took to his Instagram account to post some really heartwarming messages. Concerning the Lamborghini, as you expected, it looked great and of course it, in true hip-hop/ rapper style, it sported a white shade. Nevertheless, we still like the two and we honestly wish to see what cars will they try out together.

Ferrari unveil the F14 T with typical style.

If you are into cars and love being teased and dazzled by images of exotic cars, Ferrari recently released one of their most enchanting car porn teasers ever to the F1crowd. There are no girls and no sex scenes even in it. Watch the unveiling of the all new Ferrari F14-T unveiled at the home of Ferrari at Maranello and Scuderia devotees are likely to bet you good money that if you are into hot cars, fast cars, or cool cars that if you press play to see the new video, you are more than likely about to get turned on. Even the car guys at the official F1 Newspage can’t stop talking about the car company’s latest and greatest racing masterpiece. On Feb. 26, they even released drawings of the car after trying to get a closer look at her undercarriage (those voyeuristic rascals).

 

Created by: AutoMotoTV

Click here to see the video.

The tantalizing video filming appears to have taken place primarily inside the company’s factory at Maranello [located in the heart of Italy]. All the engineers and development team are wearing uniforms in the traditional Scuderia Ferrari “Rosso Corso” red color — a red that has a slight undertone of orange rather than blue, giving their fabrics a very distinct level of official “Ferrari-esqueness” (for lack of a better term that describes the color more easily).

Alluring photography is just one way the famous Italian exotic car brand marketers have sought to capture the mind, hearts, and various other sundry body parts of the viewing audience. Saying this year they need to have all the aces, they make reference to their team of engineers and auto mechanics, F1 drivers Kimi and Fernando, and then a simple phone call from an office to the company president makes the announcement.

The F14-T is ready. Oh yes, that is a statement that produces immediate anticipatory shivers.

[Would it be wrong for race fans to refer to Kimi Raikkonen and Fernando Alonso “fluffers” in this particular situation? Whatever you call them, they certainly raised the temperature of the video and appear to have lifted the factory worker’s spirits quite effectively simply by showing up in the video, paying attention, and being willing to smile while actively participating.]

The president and the F1 race drivers arrive together at the factory where a sea of Italian auto workers parts like the red seas. Scuderia red to be more accurate — a color everyone who knows and loves the brand marquis is proud to say their arteries already naturally bleed.

Formula One construction of the new F14-T is finally complete and present to the crowd as a truly orgasmic joy to see. Look closely — she’s a beauty. Much more subtle and refined in her prowess and mastery: elegant, commanding of presence, red hot and ready for man-handling.

Look closely and you will see the car sports logos for such famous auto racing sponsors as Fiat, Shell, UPS, Puma, Brembo, and Pirelli. There is even a decal on the car and a logo teaser at the end for TNT energy drink.

 

Has Maserati got a rival for the F-Type?

 

To compete with the F-type, Maserati’s new GT would likely slot in below the current GranTurismo Sport.

Regarding the power of gossip, swashbuckling golden-era actor and unabashed Hollywood self-promoter Errol Flynn is quoted as saying, “It’s not what they say about you, it’s what they whisper.” And while the internet is patently incapable of speaking in hushed tones, its capacity for spreading rumors is unparalleled. So when GTSPIRIT.com announced that Maserati would be debuting a new GT concept car at the Geneva auto show, we weren’t quite sure if the news was simply based on speculation or if it grew from a seed sown by a shrewd Maserati employee. We reached out to Maserati for an official comment, but they had none, only offering “No information has come out of the factory, although they are aware of the article.”

It’s worth noting that 2014 is Maserati’s 100th Anniversary, and a game-changing car for the brand would certainly brighten up the celebration. GTSPIRIT.com contends that such a car would fall into line with Maserati boss Harald Wester’s statement from early last year that Maserati is keen on creating a car to rival the Jaguar F-type along with select Porsche 911 models. Should the GT make the transition from concept to reality, many are speculating that it would be built on a shortened version of the platform used by the company’s Ghibli and Quattroporte, and offer buyers their choice of Maserati’s 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 or 3.8-liter V-8 engines. To compete with Jaguar’s F-type, however, the GT’s base price would have to come in under $70,000. For that reason, we think there is room for a new GT to sit in Maserati’s lineup alongside the current GranTurismo Sport, which starts north of $125,000, rather than replacing it.

As with the recent rumors surrounding the maker’s future Levante SUV, we’ll be sure to hunt down the truth next week at the 2014 Geneva auto show.

 

Thanks for the gossip GTSPIRIT.com

 

Jaguar XFR-S at the Geneva International Motor Show

Jaguar is set to unveil its 2015 model year XF Range at the Geneva International Motor Show 2014 in Switzerland. “The 2015 XF model range has an incredibly wide breadth of capability. From a blistering 0-60mph time of only 4.6 (4.4 for the XFR-S Saloon) seconds to emissions figures of just 129g/km from the XF R-Sport 2.2 Diesel – with 1675 litres of loadspace for all Sportbrake models – there’s a Jaguar XF to suit every taste.” Ian Hoban, Vehicle Line Director, Jaguar

 

JAGUAR’S 550PS XFR-S SPORTBRAKE: POTENT PERFORMANCE MEETS EVERYDAY PRACTICALITY

 

At-a-glance… The XFR-S Sportbrake is the first high-performance sports estate car to be produced by Jaguar The XFR-S Sportbrake builds on the already acclaimed XFR-S saloon – boasting the same power figures and levels of agility – with increased versatility and practicality Its 5.0-litre supercharged V8 delivers 550PS of power and 680Nm of torque with the added benefit of 1675 litres of rear load space when the rear seats are folded flat.

The XFR-S Sportbrake will sprint from zero to 60mph in 4.6 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.8 seconds) and on to an electronically limited top speed of 186mph (300km/h) An eight-speed transmission with ‘Quickshift’ functionality enables optimal acceleration throughout the speed and rev ranges The XFR-S Saloon’s chassis has been specifically retuned for the XFR-S Sportbrake Active electronic differential and Dynamic Stability Control systems from the XFR-S Saloon enhance the XFR-S Sportbrake’s handling characteristics Aerodynamic changes reduce lift compared to the standard Sportbrake and give the XFR-S Sportbrake an assertive appearance 20-inch ‘Varuna’ forged alloy wheels – the same as those fitted to the XFR-S Saloon – are shod with bespoke tyres to maximise grip Exclusive interior materials include carbon leather and contrasting highlight micro-piping and stitching “Combining real-world versatility with electrifying performance, the XFR-S Sportbrake brings Jaguar’s sporting character to life in a truly engaging car that will satisfy the most demanding of drivers while fitting into the most active of lifestyles.” Dean Murden, Vehicle Programme Director, Jaguar Summary.

 

The third model in Jaguar’s ultra-high performance R-S range, the XFR-S Sportbrake joins its XFR-S saloon sibling in the exclusive 300km/h club and is a vivid expression of Jaguar’s longstanding and legendary sports saloon lineage. The XFR-S Sportbrake incorporates engineering features from both the XKR-S and the all-new F-TYPE two-seater sports car to create the most driver-focused, agile and responsive iteration of Jaguar’s award-winning XF model range.

 

The XFR-S Sportbrake’s R-S powertrain, chassis and body enhancements enable the car to push the performance boundaries. Electrifying performance is provided by the 5.0-litre supercharged V8 petrol engine, which now boasts 550PS and 680Nm – up 40PS and 55Nm respectively over its XFR installation. The increases have been achieved through revisions to the engine management system and optimisation of the flow of air both into and out of the engine. Fitted with an eight-speed transmission incorporating Jaguar’s ‘Quickshift’ technology (developed for the F-TYPE), the increase in engine output allows the XFR-S Sportbrake to accelerate to 60mph in 4.6 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.8 seconds) and on to an electronically limited top speed of 186mph (300km/h).

 

In order to manage the extra rear mass of the XFR-S Sportbrake while retaining the sharp turn-in and response of the XFR-S Saloon, the Sportbrake’s rear suspension has been modified with revisions to both rear spring rates and the adaptive damper tune. These revisions work together to increase the feeling of connectivity with the road surface, allowing for confidence-inspiring handling and a supple, controlled ride. Recalibrated active electronic differential and Dynamic Stability Control settings have been tuned to work with the XFR-S Sportbrake’s modified rear suspension to allow the enthusiastic driver to make the most of the car’s huge potential. Design Reflecting the changes under the skin, the appearance of the XFR-S Sportbrake has been subtly modified in order to allow the car to achieve its full potential.

 

As with the standard Jaguar Sportbrake, the combination of a flowing rear window graphic, rising waist and estate roofline lends the XFR-S Sportbrake a dynamic, broad-shouldered stance, while the extended roofline affords rear-seat passengers an additional 48mm of headroom and the seats offer both a 60:40 split fold function and integral ski hatch.Remote-fold levers inside the load-space opening allow the seats to be stowed flat quickly and easily, creating a cargo volume of up to 1675 litres. Rear lift has been reduced through the fitment of a spoiler mounted on the top of the rear hatch to manage the airflow off the top rear surface of the car. The new, deeper front bumper incorporates larger lower central and side air intakes – the former framed in carbon fibre – in order to provide adequate airflow into the engine bay.

 

A front splitter at the lower edge of the bumper provides the first of a number of aerodynamic changes designed to smooth the passage of the car through the air at very high speeds. The extended side sills and aeroblade mouldings behind the front wheels serve to create a sharp break-off point between the lower bodywork and the road surface in order to keep the airflow attached to the car’s sides for as long as possible. The same thinking dictated the deeper side mouldings behind the rear wheels. This extended rear bumper also incorporates a central, carbon fibre diffuser, deeper than the item found on the XFR and which travels further under the rear of the car to reduce lift. The wider, six-spoke, 20-inch lightweight Varuna forged alloy wheels provide the XFR-S Sportbrake with a purposeful, broad-shouldered stance and come as standard with a dual finish. A ceramic polish is applied to the outer surfaces, its eye-catching appearance contrasting with inner gloss black areas. As an option the wheels can be supplied in either full gloss black or technical grey finishes.

 

The assertive appearance of the XFR-S Sportbrake is further enhanced through the use of gloss black trim in place of chrome around the grille, within the side vent, around the front and rear screens, windows and across the bootlid. The mesh in the front grilles is also a purposeful gloss black. XFR-S Sportbrake customers can choose from an exterior palette comprising five colours: Ultra Blue, Ultimate Black, Stratus Grey, Polaris White and Italian Racing Red. This colour palette is complemented inside the XFR-S Sportbrake with Warm Charcoal leather trim on the seats and doors enhanced through the use of carbon effect leather.

 

Exclusive to R-S cars, this is used on the seat bolsters and arm rests and reflects the use of exotic carbon fibre on the aerodynamic elements of the car. The seats themselves are embossed with the R-S logo and can be finished with a choice of contrast colour micro-piping and stitching in either red, blue or ivory. The same subtle enhancement runs across the top of the dashboard, the fascia of which is finished in a Dark Aluminium unique to the R-S, complete with badging. Performance The XFR-S Sportbrake features Jaguar’s acclaimed 5.0-litre supercharged V8 petrol engine in its most potent form matched to an eight-speed transmission with Quickshift functionality.

 

This all-new combination provides a visceral blend of vivid acceleration, driver involvement and control plus entry to the exclusive 300km/h (186mph) club of ultra-high performance cars. The all-aluminium quad-cam engine delivers not only extreme performance but also tremendous efficiency thanks to the technologies incorporated into it, including spray-guided direct injection (SGDI) and dual independent variable cam timing (DIVCT). The high-pressure die-cast lightweight aluminium block is stiffened with cast iron liners and cross-bolted main bearing caps, providing refinement to match its power.

Jaguar XFR-S Sportbrake on its way.

Want to haul ass down the Autobahn with the whole family and all their gear in tow? Forget that Porsche Cayenne or Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 – what you’ll want is a power wagon: something like an Audi RS6 Avant or Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG Estate. Unfortunately there are precious few of these performance station wagons on the market anywhere, especially with American offerings like the Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon on its way out and the Dodge Magnum SRT8 long gone. But there’s a new challenger emerging.

That’d be the Jaguar XFR-S Sportbrake, a hi-po estate from Coventry that’s been a long time in the making. And now it’s apparently almost here. (Only by “here,” we mean “there,” as it’s not likely ever to come to the United States.)

Apparently set to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show is a Frankenstein-style cross between a Jaguar XF Sportbrake and XFR-S performance sedan, taking the best elements from both. From the former, that means the extended roofline that gives it the cargo capacity of a small crossover. From the former, that means a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 producing 542 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque, driving the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission.

That ought to be good for a 4.6-second 0-60 run and a top speed in the vicinity of 180 miles per hour. But before you go comparing that to the less powerful XFR Sportbrake, bear in mind that there isn’t one, and has never been one: Jaguar has apparently opted to skip the less powerful XFR treatment for the wagon version and go straight to the XFR-S. It’s a shrewd move on Coventry’s part, and we expect to have all the juicy details shortly.

 

Thank you to www.autocar.co.uk

New Range Rover Evoque to launch at Geneva show

Land Rover is introducing the Autobiography name to the Range Rover Evoque for the first time with the Range Rover Evoque Autobiography Dynamic, which has upgraded turbo power and an optimised chassis for sharper handling. The range-topper will debut at next month’s Geneva show. The Autobiography Dynamic is powered by the Evoque’s 2.0 litre turbocharged engine, but it’s upgraded to 285 PS and 400 Nm here, a substantial 45 PS/60 Nm increase. The petrol engine is mated to a nine-speed ZF automatic transmission. Active driveline 4WD, optional on all Evoques, is standard here. The optimised performance is matched with upgraded 350 mm front brake discs, while Torque Vectoring by Braking (TVB) is standard. TVB helps to reduce understeer on low- and high-grip surfaces.

RR Evoque Autobiography-04

The steering of the Autobiography Dynamic has been retuned for additional on-centre precision, while the chassis features upgraded suspension geometry, firmer spring rates and recalibrated adaptive dampers, increasing agility and turn-in response. This has been achieved without impact on ride quality, LR says. In the looks department, you get a new grille design, lower front valance, jewel-like headlights/tail lamps and 20-inch forged alloys. Autobiography ingot badging on the tailgate and front wing vents provides further visual differentiation. A new body colour called Phoenix Orange debuts across the Dynamic Evoque derivatives, as seen here. Inside, the Autobiography’s leather interior can be had in six colours. Headrests feature an Autobiography embossed logo whilst Autobiography illuminated tread plates greet you as you open the door. Hemingway looks forward to adding this beauty to the fleet and invites you to be one of the first to try it out.

 

Thank you to www.paultan.org for updating us with this news.

Lamborghini Huracan Reviewed by Top Gear

Huracan it is, then. Lamborghini has unveiled its Gallardo successor, and its name is Lamborghini Huracan. Pronounced, we’re told, ‘Ooh-ra-cahn’. Here’s what you need to know: 602bhp and 413lb ft from a 5.2-litre V10, four-wheel drive, 0-62mph in 3.2 seconds, a top speed of ‘over 202mph’.

These are impressive numbers. Then again, the Huracan will need every one of its many, many horsepowers. When it arrives next year, the ‘baby Lambo’ will plunge into battle with two of the finest supercars of modern times: the Ferrari 458 and McLaren 12C. But such was the sales success of the Gallardo that Lambo has decided on evolution, not revolution with the Huracan: that 5.2-litre V10 is an evolution of the Gallardo’s direct-injection unit.

The Huracan’s 602bhp output represents a 50bhp jump on its predecessor, and nestles the little Lambo neatly between the 458 (562bhp) and 12C (616bhp). That power reaches all four wheels through a proper flappy-paddle gearbox. While the Gallardo made do with a thunking automated manual, the Huracan employs a new dual-clutch ‘box called ‘Lamborghini Doppia Frizione’ (LDF). We’d suspect – though Lambo engineers haven’t yet confirmed this – shares much with Audi’s ‘S tronic’ transmission that found its way into last year’s facelifted R8. No bad thing: that gearbox is as smooth and snappy as any in the business. However, the introduction of a decent two-pedal set-up means Lamborghini won’t offer the Huracan with a manual gearbox, at least at launch. That double-clutcher helps the Huracan crack the 62mph sprint in a blink over three seconds, with 124mph arriving under seven seconds later.

Clearly that ‘over 202mph’ top speed claim has absolutely nothing to do with the Ferrari 458’s v-max of at 202mph exactly. No 12C-style carbon tub here: the Huracan uses what Lamborghini calls a ‘hybrid chassis’, an integrated spaceframe structure of carbon and aluminium. Lamborghini quotes a dry weight of 1422kg for the Huracan, which should equate to a kerbweight around 1550kg. Maybe a little less. The cabin is Lambo’s now-familiar, and entirely welcome, blend of VW Group switchgear wrapped in Italian lunacy. As well as a jet-fighter-style start button sheathed under a red cover, there’s a the toggle at the base of the steering wheel to select from three ‘dynamic modes’. As in the Aventador, you can flick between Strada, Sport and Corsa: this alters gearbox response, throttle mapping, the aggressiveness of the stability control systems, torque split of the four-wheel drive and the level of ear-bleed you desire from that V10. Carbon ceramic brakes come as standard, while variable magnetorheological suspension – as found on the Audi R8 and Ferrari F12, among others – is offered as an option. And that name? Well, as you may have guessed, Huracan is Spanish for ‘Hurricane’. But Huracan, says Lambo, was also a ‘defiant and invincible’ fighting bull that fought in Alicante in 1879.

When will Lambo run out of excellently-named, well-hard man-cows after which to name its cars? Anyhow. The Huracan gets its official unveil at the Geneva motorshow in March, before taking on the 458 and 12C (not to mention the Audi R8 V10, and Merc’s upcoming ‘C190′, and the Porsche 911 Turbo, and…) this summer. Should be quite a battle: who’s your money on? Courtesy of BBC Top Gear.