2012 Kia Picanto

Kia has released the details and images of the new generation, 2012 Kia Picanto which will have its world premiere at the 2011 Geneva International Motor Show.

Designed by the company's European design team in Germany, the 2012 Kia Picanto will be available with four engine choices, ranging from 1.0-litre to 1.2-litres in capacity, among which a new three-cylinder turbo diesel. 

Under the hood, power will be provided by "four all-new powertrains in 1.0- and 1.2-liter displacements." Details are limited, but Kia says they will all deliver "class leading CO2 emissions levels."

Peter Schreyer, Kia’s Chief Design Officer shared: “In profile, new Picanto features significant sculpting and a very prominent rising character line. The result is a layering of light and shadow and this breaks up the height, giving the car a more sure-footed stance.”

Source: Kia




Press Release

Next generation Kia Picanto - a design that's small but grown-up

• Kia releases first official photos of 'mature' and 'sculpted' new model
• Next generation offered in two body styles with four all-new powertrains
• Production vehicle to be revealed at 2011 Geneva Motor Show

(SEOUL) January 4, 2011 - Kia Motors Corporation has released the first official photos of the next generation Picanto city car, which now offers a bolder, more mature and more self confident look.

Completely redesigned and re-engineered, the new car has grown in overall length and wheelbase and is set to redefine its position as one of the most competitive vehicles in its segment.

Kia's Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer, said, "In profile, new Picanto features significant sculpting and a very prominent rising character line. The result is a layering of light and shadow and this breaks up the height, giving the car a more sure-footed stance."

Picanto has never been sold in Australia but Kia Motors Australia has not shut the door on the latest generation.

"While there are no immediate plans to bring Picanto to Australia we have been, and will continue, to look at opportunities in areas in which we do not currently compete," Kia Motors Australia Chief Operating Officer, Mr Tony Barlow, said. "The Picanto now has the advantage of being an all-new car and if it makes sense as a business case then it is certainly not off the agenda."

While the current Picanto is available only as a five-door hatchback, the new generation version will be offered as a five-door globally while a sportier three-door body style will also be marketed in Europe.

The new Picanto will feature four all-new powertrains in 1.0- and 1.2-litre displacements, all boasting class leading CO2 emissions levels. In addition to petrol engines, LPG bi-fuel and flex fuel variations will be available depending on market.

The next generation Picanto will be officially unveiled at the Geneva International Motor Show in March when further technical specifications will be available.

2012 Kia Picanto

Kia has released the first teaser images of the 2012 Picanto, which offers a general view of the next generation model. The world debut of the 2012 Kia Picanto will take place next year, at the Geneva International Motor Show in March 2011.

Styled at the company's European design studio, the new Picanto promises "to stand out from the crowd" by "exuding self confidence, solidity and maturity." Furthermore, it will be available in three- and five-door configurations.

With an exterior that looks more confident and mature, the new Kia Picanto will go on sale across UK in Spring 2011, although no details regarding motorisation and pricing are available at this moment.




Press Release

Kia sketches out future with 'stand-out' newcomer

• Kia reveals first design sketches of stylish next generation Picanto city car
• Newcomer brings confidence, solidity and maturity to the A-segment
• Production vehicle to be unveiled at 2011 Geneva Motor Show
• On sale in the UK from late Spring 2011

Kia has today released the first official design sketches of the next generation Picanto city car designed to stand out from the crowd.

The new model has been styled by Kia's European design team based in Frankfurt, Germany, under the direction of Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer.

Exuding self confidence, solidity and maturity, the next generation Picanto is designed to break the city car mould and will be officially unveiled at the Geneva International Motor Show in March 2011 and will be on sale in the UK from late spring.

Geneva Debut: Rinspeed BamBoo concept

Rinspeed has announced plans to introduce the BamBoo concept at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.

The Rinspeed BamBoo is a 'grown-up golf cart' and as the name suggests, many of its interior components are made from bamboo fibers. However this is not some kind of weight saving measure, as the idea behind the Rinspeed BamBoo was to create an open top vehicle, light and easy to maneuver, reminiscent of the 70s for people who love the summer and the beach.

Since the vehicle is called BamBoo, it’s easy to guess that the material will be found somewhere in the workings of the car. Rinspeed states that bamboo fibers are a part of major components of the interior, but we’ll probably have to wait for Geneva to get more information. In fact, we’ll have to wait until the Geneva Motor Show in March to find out a lot about this open-top vehicle. The only other information we could pull from the press release is that, if produced, this vehicle will more than likely be electric for that little bit of modernization needed for this retro design.

These are about all the details released regarding the Rinspeed BamBoo concept, the manufacturer leaving room for speculation. We're sure the Rinspeed BamBoo will be completely revealed next year.





Press Release

"BamBoo" - the Pure Roots of Mobility

The names of the concept cars from Swiss car visionary Frank M. Rinderknecht are more than marketing-driven slick onomatopoeia that polls well with focus groups. At Rinspeed names often have a deeper meaning. That is also true for the latest creation from Rinderknecht. "BamBoo" is the name of his latest ‘baby' that resembles a grown-up golf cart and is bound to evokes plenty of admiration at the next Geneva Motor Show which runs from March 3rd through 13th, 2011.

Nomen est omen - the name says it all - is immediately apparent: Many interior components are made from bamboo fibers. But the four-seater "BamBoo" takes it to a whole new level - to the Meta level so to speak: This open-top vehicle awakens the longing for sun, summer, for lightness and easiness, the desire to be at the beach. It is a reminiscence of the Seventies, of the south of France and St. Tropez. And one would expect to find Brigitte Bardot behind the wheel with playboy Gunther Sachs at her side heading towards Tahiti beach..

Anyone who might think that this is simple retro design for nostalgia's sake underestimates the boss of the Swiss concept powerhouse. Yes, Rinderknecht incorporates the automobile references of the time. But he doesn't leave it at that. He reinterprets them and evolves them into the future. And he focuses in them the yearning to get back to the roots, paired with the absolute desire to be in harmony with creation. That makes electric drive, also for the onboard foldable two wheeler for the last "mile", a must.

Anyone not blinded by horsepower orgies, chrome tinsel and top-speed frenzy should take a closer look. "BamBoo" pushes the ‘reset' button, clears the mind for a new way of thinking. It sports simple, clean lines. No bells, no whistles. Nothing is superfluous. Plain aesthetics in their purest form. As stated before and even in a figurative sense: Nomen est omen. Simply bamboo.

Citroen Survolt vs Agni Z2【Video】

Citroen Survolt, the French electric concept presented this year at Geneva Auto Show,

The Citroen Survolt was driven in the race by Vanina Ickx – Le Mans Series and Touring Car racing driver. Yes, she's the daughter of Formula One driver, Jacky Ickx. The Agni Z2 was ridden by Jenny Tinmouth - the fastest woman around the Isle of Man TT course. The Citroen Survolt is powered by an electric motor, juiced by a 62kW battery, that outputs 300 bhp. The top speed of the Citroen Survolt is rated at 162 mph and the manufacturer says it can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 5 seconds.

The Citroen Survolt features a tubular chassis, has a carbon fiber body, weights 1.15 tonnes and its 140 Kg lithium-ion battery pack enables it to reach speeds of 260 Km/h (162 mph). The Citroen Survolt packs a combined power of 300 BHP and need less than 5.0-seconds to sprint from 0 to 100 Km/h (0 to 62 mph).

Powered by 80 battery packs and weighing 220kg (485 lbs), the Agni Z2’s 65hp all-electric drivetrain delivers a 0-100 km/h (0-62mph) time of around 3.5 seconds with a top speed of just over 210 km/h (130 mph).

Propelled by two electric motors with a combined power of 300bhp from0 to 5,000rpm, Survolt is capable of exceptional performance with a topspeed of 260kph (162mph) and a 0-100kph (0-62mph) time of under five seconds.  The concept’s twin 140kg lithium-ion batteries each boast a 31kw capacity and can cover 200km (124 miles).






Press Release

Electric racecar faced electric superbike for the very first time as Citroën’s striking Survolt concept and an Agni Z2 went head-to-head at Thruxton race circuit.

In the capable hands of two professional female racers – Vanina Ickx and Jenny Tinmouth – car and bike battled it out to test speed, agility and performance in the all-electric shoot-out of four wheels against two.

Piloting Survolt was Vanina Ickx – Le Mans Series and Touring Car racing driver and daughter of Formula One driver, Jacky Ickx. Riding the Agni Z2 was Jenny Tinmouth, the fastest woman around the Isle of Man TT course and championship leader in the 2010 TTXGP.

Vanina Ickx commented; “This was a fantastic experience – the first electric duel of its type. The lack of engine noise made it a very interesting challenge. Normally you have an idea where your opponent is by their sound, but with electric vehicles it’s so much quieter – a new racing dynamic. I had a lot of fun and I’m thrilled to have been part of this unique track event.”

Survolt was fresh from its appearance on Sunday (12/09) as part of The Prince of Wales’ Start Eco Car Spectacular. Held on The Mall in the shadow of Buckingham Palace, Survolt led a parade of ecologically-conscious vehicles, wowing the crowds and attracting much appreciation from attending celebrities including Kevin McCloud, Sanjeev Bhaskar, Lisa Rogers and Quentin Willson. At the event’s prize-giving, Survolt was presented with the ‘Vision Award’ by M&S Chairman Sir Stuart Rose.

Specially developed with compact dimensions and a light-weight frame (1.15 tonnes) to suit the race track, Survolt features a tubular chassis, flat underside with extractor and full carbon bodywork, all combining to make a genuine emissions-free, electric racing car.

Propelled by two electric motors with a combined power of 300bhp from 0 to 5,000rpm, Survolt is capable of exceptional performance with a top speed of 260kph (162mph) and a 0-100kph (0-62mph) time of under five seconds. The concept’s twin 140kg lithium-ion batteries each boast a 31kw capacity and can cover 200km (124 miles).

Powered by 80 battery packs and weighing 220kg, the Agni Z2’s 65hp all-electric drivetrain delivers a 0-60mph time of around 3.5seconds with a top speed of just over 130mph.

Citroen Survolt vs Agni Z2【Video】

Citroen Survolt, the French electric concept presented this year at Geneva Auto Show,

The Citroen Survolt was driven in the race by Vanina Ickx – Le Mans Series and Touring Car racing driver. Yes, she's the daughter of Formula One driver, Jacky Ickx. The Agni Z2 was ridden by Jenny Tinmouth - the fastest woman around the Isle of Man TT course. The Citroen Survolt is powered by an electric motor, juiced by a 62kW battery, that outputs 300 bhp. The top speed of the Citroen Survolt is rated at 162 mph and the manufacturer says it can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 5 seconds.

The Citroen Survolt features a tubular chassis, has a carbon fiber body, weights 1.15 tonnes and its 140 Kg lithium-ion battery pack enables it to reach speeds of 260 Km/h (162 mph). The Citroen Survolt packs a combined power of 300 BHP and need less than 5.0-seconds to sprint from 0 to 100 Km/h (0 to 62 mph).

Powered by 80 battery packs and weighing 220kg (485 lbs), the Agni Z2’s 65hp all-electric drivetrain delivers a 0-100 km/h (0-62mph) time of around 3.5 seconds with a top speed of just over 210 km/h (130 mph).

Propelled by two electric motors with a combined power of 300bhp from0 to 5,000rpm, Survolt is capable of exceptional performance with a topspeed of 260kph (162mph) and a 0-100kph (0-62mph) time of under five seconds.  The concept’s twin 140kg lithium-ion batteries each boast a 31kw capacity and can cover 200km (124 miles).






Press Release

Electric racecar faced electric superbike for the very first time as Citroën’s striking Survolt concept and an Agni Z2 went head-to-head at Thruxton race circuit.

In the capable hands of two professional female racers – Vanina Ickx and Jenny Tinmouth – car and bike battled it out to test speed, agility and performance in the all-electric shoot-out of four wheels against two.

Piloting Survolt was Vanina Ickx – Le Mans Series and Touring Car racing driver and daughter of Formula One driver, Jacky Ickx. Riding the Agni Z2 was Jenny Tinmouth, the fastest woman around the Isle of Man TT course and championship leader in the 2010 TTXGP.

Vanina Ickx commented; “This was a fantastic experience – the first electric duel of its type. The lack of engine noise made it a very interesting challenge. Normally you have an idea where your opponent is by their sound, but with electric vehicles it’s so much quieter – a new racing dynamic. I had a lot of fun and I’m thrilled to have been part of this unique track event.”

Survolt was fresh from its appearance on Sunday (12/09) as part of The Prince of Wales’ Start Eco Car Spectacular. Held on The Mall in the shadow of Buckingham Palace, Survolt led a parade of ecologically-conscious vehicles, wowing the crowds and attracting much appreciation from attending celebrities including Kevin McCloud, Sanjeev Bhaskar, Lisa Rogers and Quentin Willson. At the event’s prize-giving, Survolt was presented with the ‘Vision Award’ by M&S Chairman Sir Stuart Rose.

Specially developed with compact dimensions and a light-weight frame (1.15 tonnes) to suit the race track, Survolt features a tubular chassis, flat underside with extractor and full carbon bodywork, all combining to make a genuine emissions-free, electric racing car.

Propelled by two electric motors with a combined power of 300bhp from 0 to 5,000rpm, Survolt is capable of exceptional performance with a top speed of 260kph (162mph) and a 0-100kph (0-62mph) time of under five seconds. The concept’s twin 140kg lithium-ion batteries each boast a 31kw capacity and can cover 200km (124 miles).

Powered by 80 battery packs and weighing 220kg, the Agni Z2’s 65hp all-electric drivetrain delivers a 0-60mph time of around 3.5seconds with a top speed of just over 130mph.

Official: Citroen DS High Rider Concept Interior

The French carmaker has released new images and details of the Citroen DS High Rider interior. Citroen released today the first images of the interior of DS High Rider concept presented in Geneva in March and expected to anticipate the future design guidelines of DS4 and also of the C4.

The interior door panels are trimmed with a graduated grey to gold shading that’s supposed to match the golden tone of the DS High Rider Concept car’s golden exterior paintwork. You can also spot a colour screen in the centre console and the ‘Hybrid’ badge just below the gear stick.

The concept’s interior offers a clear contrast, as its dark-shaded roof lining meets the vehicle’s large panoramic windscreen. The luxurious details are complemented by a set of bespoke badging: the dashboard features embossed DS initials, while the seats use chrome DS inserts.

On the instrument panel, seats and door panels the automaker uses full-grain leather, chrome detailing around the dials, steering wheel, air vents, gear knob and center console, plus various golden and grey accents.





Press Release

STEP INSIDE CITROËN'S DS HIGH RIDER

Citroën has revealed the interior of the DS High Rider concept - which was originally showcased at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. In line with the car's distinctive exterior styling, DS High Rider's cockpit exudes strength, dynamism and refinement, with the utmost care and precision applied to even the smallest details. The ergonomic design of the controls, the quality of the carefully selected materials and the prestigious atmosphere on board convey status, elegance and the promise of luxurious comfort.

With a clear contrast between DS High Rider's large panoramic windscreen and its dark-shaded roof lining, the cabin is an exclusive environment with an emphasis on sporting luxury - also evidenced by the extensive application of leather and chrome detailing.

The instrument panel, seats and door panels are all finished in a quality, full-grain leather with clearly defined over-stitching and a ‘bracelet' design on the seats. The DS initials are also subtly embossed into the leatherwork of the dashboard.

Completing the dynamic ambience of the interior, chrome detailing is used around the dials, steering wheel, air vents, gear stick and the arch that connects the instrument panel to the console. Chrome ‘DS' inserts also feature, positioned just below the headrests on each of the front seats.

Mirroring the golden tone of the DS High Rider's bodywork, the interior door panels are trimmed with a graduated grey to gold shading that required the careful application of specific varnishes to achieve the gilded, metallic look.

DS High Rider's technology can be glimpsed in the controls mounted on the sculpted steering wheel, the colour screen in the centre console and the ‘Hybrid' badge just below the gear stick - which asserts the model's ecologically sensitive drivetrain.

Official: Citroen DS High Rider Concept Interior

The French carmaker has released new images and details of the Citroen DS High Rider interior. Citroen released today the first images of the interior of DS High Rider concept presented in Geneva in March and expected to anticipate the future design guidelines of DS4 and also of the C4.

The interior door panels are trimmed with a graduated grey to gold shading that’s supposed to match the golden tone of the DS High Rider Concept car’s golden exterior paintwork. You can also spot a colour screen in the centre console and the ‘Hybrid’ badge just below the gear stick.

The concept’s interior offers a clear contrast, as its dark-shaded roof lining meets the vehicle’s large panoramic windscreen. The luxurious details are complemented by a set of bespoke badging: the dashboard features embossed DS initials, while the seats use chrome DS inserts.

On the instrument panel, seats and door panels the automaker uses full-grain leather, chrome detailing around the dials, steering wheel, air vents, gear knob and center console, plus various golden and grey accents.





Press Release

STEP INSIDE CITROËN'S DS HIGH RIDER

Citroën has revealed the interior of the DS High Rider concept - which was originally showcased at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. In line with the car's distinctive exterior styling, DS High Rider's cockpit exudes strength, dynamism and refinement, with the utmost care and precision applied to even the smallest details. The ergonomic design of the controls, the quality of the carefully selected materials and the prestigious atmosphere on board convey status, elegance and the promise of luxurious comfort.

With a clear contrast between DS High Rider's large panoramic windscreen and its dark-shaded roof lining, the cabin is an exclusive environment with an emphasis on sporting luxury - also evidenced by the extensive application of leather and chrome detailing.

The instrument panel, seats and door panels are all finished in a quality, full-grain leather with clearly defined over-stitching and a ‘bracelet' design on the seats. The DS initials are also subtly embossed into the leatherwork of the dashboard.

Completing the dynamic ambience of the interior, chrome detailing is used around the dials, steering wheel, air vents, gear stick and the arch that connects the instrument panel to the console. Chrome ‘DS' inserts also feature, positioned just below the headrests on each of the front seats.

Mirroring the golden tone of the DS High Rider's bodywork, the interior door panels are trimmed with a graduated grey to gold shading that required the careful application of specific varnishes to achieve the gilded, metallic look.

DS High Rider's technology can be glimpsed in the controls mounted on the sculpted steering wheel, the colour screen in the centre console and the ‘Hybrid' badge just below the gear stick - which asserts the model's ecologically sensitive drivetrain.

Abt Sportsline gets its hands on Audi R8 Spyder

Whenever Audi introduces a new model, chances are that the folks at Abt Sportsline are going to get their hands on one. The German company has been tuning Volkswagens and Audis since the 1970s and has enjoyed success racing the Audi A4 in DTM and more recently the new R8 LMS. Needless to say, Abt knows how to properly modify cars bearing the four rings.


Abt's latest project is the droptop version of the Audi R8. Visually the car gets a new front grille, front fascia with carbon fiber spoiler, side sills, rear fascia, rear spoiler and lightweight five-spoke wheels. Even more importantly, the 5.2-liter V10 has been massaged to provide 600 horsepower, good for 0-100 km/h in 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 199 mph. Finally, Abt provides a sport suspension system for improved handling.

More Photos



Press Release


The R8 Spyder is not just a cabrio, it is a teasingly beautiful open-top sports car of the top class, a real dream car - in particular ABT Sportsline's version. Their designers have contoured the lines of the open-top model athlete, and using the ABT R8 Spyder has redefined the word "roadster" with Bavarian thoroughness: the result is a vehicle whose power can be seen even when it is at a standstill. The front grill, front apron, side sills and rear apron with the rear spoiler as well as the dual-colour coated ABT BR alloys have been adjusted to the dynamic design of the car. As with the closed R8 versions from ABT, the team has designed all the components in order to achieve the sports car's optimum distribution of weight; all the parts are therefore made from carbon. As a result the performance can be converted into a maximum of driving enjoyment. Anyone who wants to systematically reduce the weight of their Spyder should use the new ABT CR Superlight alloys, as they also excellently suit the character of the ABT R8.

The V10 with 5.2 litre cubic capacity is used in the ABT R8 Spyder: this provides 600 welltrained horses (441 kW) – while in the series version there are 525HP (386 kW). The Spyder is able to sprint from 0 to 100km/h in just 3.8 seconds and achieves a top speed of 320 km/h. The roadster is therefore a hurricane for the road, giving lovers of fresh-air a new "tangible" term. Suspension springs from ABT provide even better handling, which in particular has a positive effect in the threshold regions of the Spyder. In addition the lower centre of gravity gives the mid-engine sports car an even more aggressive appearance. When you take a look at the car you can see that it is one of the fastest of the fast - and is really ready for anything, as you would expect from an ABT R8.