2013 Audi R8 e-tron Concept

After the E-tron concept and the E-tron Detroit Show car, Audi has brought us the e-tron technology platform based on the R8 from the 24 Hours of Le Mans race. This has turned out to be more than just a publicity stunt or science experiment. Audi is serious about bringing this car to market and has taken the time to develop a completely new ideology behind this electric R8 and the normal gasoline version.

2013 Audi R8 e-tron

Having the exterior design of the car already completed and in supercar form it was an easier job for the Audi engineers to develop an electric version than if they would have had to start from scratch. The mid-engine design of the R8 provides the perfect location to store heavy batteries without distorting the weight balance that Audi wanted to achieve. In essence, this electric version should be able to compete on the same levels as its V8 and V10 brothers, but will it be as exhilarating?

2013 Audi R8 e-tron

2013 Audi R8 e-tron

2013 Audi R8 e-tron

That all depends on what the driver sees as excitement – The V10 version will provide an unbridled amount of power and harmonious soundtrack to go along with it, but the electric version will incorporate some of the most innovative technology available today. Being able to reach high top speeds in the least amount of time is the most important thing that a sports car can deliver, if it can do it by using batteries than we don’t really see a problem. If Audi can truly create an exciting Quattro experience with its new E-Tron R8 than they will have accomplished something truly special in this emerging market.

BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupe

The 2013 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este kicks off this weekend, and BMW has once again unveiled a concept car for the prestigious Italian car show. Called the Gran Lusso Coupe, the vehicle was built in partnership with Italian design house Pininfarina. According to BMW, the concept marks the first time the two companies have paired together, and the coupe showcases the best each company has to offer in “style, dynamics, and aesthetics.”

BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupe

BMW didn’t specify what car the Gran Lusso Coupe is based on, but from the outside it looks like a 7 Series morphed into two-door form. Power comes from a V-12 powerplant, further hinting that its roots stem from BMW’s flagship sedan. That said, the large coupe sits on a long wheelbase, which contributes to its commanding presence, a sharp contrast to the smaller, two-seater BMW Zagato Coupe unveiled at last year’s show. The front end still sports the familiar BMW design cues like the dual-kidney grille and quad-round headlights. Additionally, the Gran Lusso Coupe features the automaker’s Air Breather aerodynamic system, which first debuted on the 4 Series coupe concept.

BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupe Concept

From the side, the coupe features a sloping roofline, large 21-inch wheels, short overhangs, and the requisite Hofmeister kink. A chrome accent strip engraved with the “Gran Lusso” logo is found between the front fender and door, while a “Pininfarina” badge is affixed immediately behind the Hofmiester kink. The rear end is fairly simple, with a sleek, single-unit taillight bar that wraps around the fender and rectangular exhaust tips integrated into the lower bumper.

BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupe Concept front view

BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupe Concept left rear view with driver

Inside, passengers are surrounded in brown leather seating surfaces and a black headliner made from Italian virgin wool. A fixed-glass moonroof cuts across the center of the roof that is also illuminated by LED accent lighting at night. BMW claims the kauri wood accent pieces, which were sourced from New Zealand, are more than 48,000 years old. Other interior trim pieces include black chrome, patterned leather piping on the seats, and a sporty, three-spoke steering wheel.

2013 Renault Twin-Run Concept

The rumors were true: Renault’s new Twin’Run concept, which debuted today at the Monaco Grand Prix, does channel the spirit of the wild Renault 5 Turbo rally car of the 1980s.

Renault has hinted that the Twin’Run ties in with a string of concept cars dating back to the 2010 De’Zir, but this latest concept has more in common with the Twin’Z show car unveiled earlier this year. Although that car was a five-door battery-electric vehicle, it still drew its inspiration from the old Renault 5 subcompact. The Twin’Run – which bears a close resemblance to the Twin’Z – does the same, but specifically the 5 Turbo: a rear-engined, Alpine-assembled monster originally created for Group B rally racing.

Renault Twinrun Concept

The Twin’Run’s shape and surfacing is almost identical to the Twin’Z, but a little more muscular and aggressive. The front fascia boasts a large, open lower air intake, and is topped with four square LED driving lights. The 5 Turbo’s blistering rear fenders are nowhere to be found, but large air intakes are tucked into the C-pillars, giving a hint to its mid-engine configuration.

Renault TwinRun Concept Front Three Quarters View on Track

With the exception of the carbon fiber roof and wheel wells, the Twin’Run’s bodywork is fabricated out of fiberglass and then draped upon a bespoke tube-frame chassis. That framework is especially evident within the interior, despite Renault’s attempts at dressing up the cabin. A rounded, white instrument panel echoes the shape of the original R5 Turbo’s but boasts a large, multi-function LCD panel that replaces most mechanical gauges. The dashboard and door panels are trimmed in red Alcantara, while the bucket seats use the same faux-suede albeit in three different shades. Vive les 80s.

Renault TwinRun concept side view

The cockpit is separated from the engine compartment by means of a plexiglass panel located just aft of the front seats. Unlike the R5 Turbo, the Twin’Run doesn’t use a small four-cylinder engine – or, for that matter, forced induction. Instead, Nissan’s VQ35 3.5-liter V-6 – the same engine found once found in the 350Z and Infiniti G35 — is planted amidship, and mated with a six-speed sequential gearbox. Power is then routed through a limited-slip differential to the rear wheels.

Renault Twin'Run Concept

Renault says the 3.5-liter V-6 serves up 320 hp and 380 Nm of torque. That sounds somewhat pedestrian until you consider the Twin’Z is almost the exact same size of a Fiat 500, and tips the scales at 2100 pounds – 400 pounds less than a 500 Abarth. That crazy power-to-weight ratio allows for a 0-62 mph time of 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph. And, despite placing a large V-6 in the tail, the Twin’Run boasts a relatively even 43/57 front/rear weight distribution.

That’s pretty cool, but is it a proper successor to the R5 Turbo? According to Jean Ragnotti, former R5 rally racer and the man Renault hired to tune the Twin’Run’s handling, it certainly is.

“I’d say this is a sound car with a sound pedegree,” Ragnotti dished in a prepared press release. “It’s easy to control. All we need to sharpen our attacking edge a bit more are racing tires. There’s a slight roll but no understeer. There’s excellent traction with a responsive engine delivering full power at all revs, and with more torque than the R5 Turbo. [That] makes it particularly efficient and easy to drive, unlike the R5, which required more technique.”

That said, don’t expect this to follow in the R5 Turbo’s footsteps and become a production – or rally – reality in the near future.

2013 Skoda Rapid Sport Concept

Škoda Rapid Sport shows off the power of the Skoda design as well as the Rapid's inherent possibilities. The result is a vehicle full of dynamism and sportiness. The vehicle is painted in the metallic colors 'Corrida Red' and 'Steel Gray'. The sports car sits on massive 19" alloy wheels. The front of the vehicle impresses with spoilers and a powerful air intake in the skirt. Generously dimensioned fenders and massive rocker panels underscore the appearance of the vehicle.

2013 Skoda Rapid Sport Concept

2013 Skoda Rapid Sport Concept

2013 Skoda Rapid Sport Concept

2013 Skoda Rapid Sport Concept

Other sporty accents are the rear with a voluminous bumper and two integrated exhaust tailpipes. The rear lights in the 'C'-shaped design typical for the brand show a contrasting color. A circumferential carbon frame completes the bottom section. The sporty layout continues in the interior of the car, for example with a sport-type steering wheel, Recaro seats and illuminated door sills.

2014 HSV Gen-F GTS

Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) revealed the lineup of its Gen. F vehicles today, and they do not disappoint in the least. Rocking an amazing 430kW (576 hp) of power and 740Nm (545 lb.-ft.) of torque, the menacing machines are not only as fast as they look, but they are the fastest vehicles to ever be made in Australia.

2014 HSV Gen-F GTS

2014 HSV Gen-F GTS

The Gen F HSV family will come in multiple flavors: the Clubsport sedan and Clubsport Tourer wagon; the Maloo and Maloo R8 ute; the luxurious Senator; and the bonkers-looking GTS sedan.

2014 HSV Club Sport R8 sv Gen-F

2014 HSV GTS Gen-F

Major technology highlights include HSV’s Enhanced Driver Interface which streams real-time vehicle dynamics and performance data to the touch screen display. There’s also the Driver Preference Dial, which allows the driver to manipulate the vehicle’s various electronic performance systems according to a range of distinct pre-set modes. And of course, third-generation Magnetic Ride Control (MRC). Topping things off are a color Heads Up Display, Lane Departure Warning, Automatic Park Assist (where the car can park itself), and Hill Start Assist/Hill Hold Control for models equipped with manual transmissions.

2014 HSV Club Sport Gen-F

Suddenly, the Chevrolet SS appears drab and wretched by comparison (albeit significantly less expensive). Here’s to hoping the same treatment is in the cards for the sport sedan in America.

2014 BMW 5 ActiveHybrid

Global bestseller, winner of a string of comparison tests and "Germany's favourite car" - the BMW 5-Series represents a quite unique success story. Its sales figures, the verdicts of experts and the response of the public make a compelling narrative. And now the BMW 5-Series Sedan, BMW 5-Series Touring and BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo are preparing to build on their standout presence in the world's car markets with the help of cutting-edge technological innovations and sensitively modified design features. The introduction of the new BMW 5-Series provides the latest highlight in the development of the company's longest-serving model family; the BMW 5-Series has been a fixture in the BMW portfolio since 1972 - longer than any other current model. It didn't take the 5-Series long to establish itself as a paragon of driving pleasure and aesthetic appeal in its segment. And today it can add efficiency and innovation to the list of disciplines in which it leads the way in the executive car market.

2014 BMW 5 ActiveHybrid

The BMW 5-Series Sedan currently rolling off the assembly line is the sixth-generation model. An impressively harmonious balance between sporting flair and elegance has been a defining feature of the four-door variant since it first made the leap from the drawing board to the road and went on to become the most popular executive car in one market after the next. Entering the fray in 1991 and now in its fourth generation, the BMW 5-Series Touring blends hallmark BMW dynamics and all-embracing comfort with a variable-usage cargo area designed to meet the requirements of a wide range of activities. And the BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo, unveiled in 2009, has seen BMW introduce drivers to an all-new type of car. Its extravagant design represents the expression of sports performance, luxurious long-distance comfort and versatility.

2014 BMW 5 ActiveHybrid

To date, over 6.6 million BMW 5-Series cars have left the factory. And the current BMW 5-Series is in excellent shape to surpass the record set by the highly successful last two generations, each of which sold in excess of 1.4 million units. A total of more than one million units of the current BMW 5-Series Sedan have been delivered to customers since the sales launch of the 5-Series in March 2010. No other generation has bettered these sales figures over such a short period of time.

The BMW 5-Series defended its leading position as the best-selling car in its class in supreme style once again last year, further extending its upward curve of constantly rising sales figures since its market launch.

2014 BMW 5 ActiveHybrid

Like the manual gearbox fitted in the BMW 5-Series, the eight-speed automatic option also stands out with its remarkable efficiency. Indeed, the majority of 5-Series models burn even less fuel with the eight-speed automatic specified than when the same engine teams up with the manual gearbox. All the models in the BMW 5-Series line-up come as standard with features including the Auto Start-Stop function, Brake Energy Regeneration, the need-based operation of ancillary components, active air vents, Electric Power Steering and tyres with reduced rolling resistance. Elsewhere, modifications to the wheel arches and underbody panelling and a redesigned front apron contribute to further optimisation of the cars' aerodynamic properties. The result, among other things, is a reduction in the drag coefficient (Cd value) of the new BMW 520d to 0.25.

2014 BMW 5 ActiveHybrid

The standard-fitted Driving Experience Control switch can be used to activate ECO PRO mode, which tweaks the engine management, accelerator responses and shift characteristics of the automatic gearbox to help the driver keep revs low and burn as little fuel as possible. Plus, efficient power usage for electrically operated functions such as the climate control system and the seat and exterior mirror heating ensures efficient energy management. A coasting mode is now also available for the first time in conjunction with the optional automatic gearbox. In ECO PRO mode this function disengages the powertrain as soon as the driver takes his foot off the accelerator at speeds between 50 and 160 km/h (31 and 99 mph). This allows the car to glide along with no engine braking effect and burning only minimal amounts of fuel.

The optional Navigation system Professional also does its bit to assist efficient driving, presenting drivers with not only the quickest or shortest route to their destination, but also the ECO PRO Route - mapped out to keep fuel consumption particularly low. Another innovation making its debut in the new BMW 5-Series range is the Proactive Driving Assistant. With the navigation system's route guidance activated, this function advises the driver on the ideal moment to take his foot off the accelerator when approaching corners and speed-restricted areas in order to reduce fuel consumption. The BMW ActiveHybrid 5 comes with specially adapted versions of the coasting mode and Proactive Driving Assistant, helping customers to make maximum use of the car's pure electric driving potential.

2013 Aston Martin CC100 Speedster Concept

Aston Martin is celebrating its centenary in world-class style with the debut of the exceptional Aston Martin CC100 Speedster Concept.
Created as a stunning celebration of the great British brand's 100 years of sports car excellence the one-off CC100 looks both to the past and the DBR1 - Aston Martin's greatest sporting triumph on the track - and to the future with its teasing glimpses of potential future design direction.

2013 Aston Martin CC100 Speedster concept front view

The 6.0-litre V12-powered concept car made its world debut by completing a lap of the famous Nordschleife at Germany's ADAC Zurich 24 Hours of Nürburgring race. It is lapping the circuit together with the 1000km race-winning 1959 DBR1 with British racing legend Sir Stirling Moss at the wheel. It is the most tangible expression yet of the brand's year-long 2013 centenary celebrations.

2013 Aston Martin CC100 Speedster concept front three quarters view

Viewed by tens of thousands of lucky spectators in Germany, the radical speedster is being driven today by Aston Martin CEO Dr Ulrich Bez. He said: "CC100 is the epitome of everything that is great about Aston Martin. It represents our fantastic sporting heritage, our exceptional design capability, our superb engineering know-how and, above all, our adventurous spirit!

"I have nicknamed it 'DBR100' because of its affinity to the great 1959 race-winning cars and, of course, our 100-year anniversary in 2013.

2013 Aston Martin CC100 Speedster concept side view

"But this car is more, even, than a simple 'birthday present' to ourselves: it shows that the soul of Aston Martin - the thing that differentiates us from all the other car makers out there - is as powerful as ever and I very much hope that everyone who catches a glimpse of it at the Nürburgring today enjoys seeing it."

Designed and constructed in fewer than six months at Aston Martin's global headquarters in Gaydon, working with key supplier Multimatic Inc, under the leadership of Special Projects and Motorsport Director David King, the finished look of the two-seater CC100 is the work of Design Director Marek Reichman working alongside the brand's Chief Exterior Designer Miles Nurnberger.

2013 Aston Martin CC100 Speedster concept rear three quarters view

Miles explained: "The brief was very simple, yet enormously testing: create something that reflects the 100 years of Aston Martin heritage and signals the future of the brand.

"The idea of an iconic speedster concept that nods to the Le Mans − and Nürburgring - winning cars of 1959 soon came, and we have had complete freedom to shape this car."

Marek Reichman said: "I'm extremely proud of the entire team at Gaydon for creating this remarkable sports car concept in such a short time.

"The need to create a truly fitting tribute to 100 years of the Aston Martin brand has brought out the creativity and talent that makes Aston Martin such an exceptional luxury sports car maker."

Measuring almost four and a half metres nose to tail, and more than two metres wide (including mirrors) the Speedster Concept body is a classic example of the almost infinitely flexible nature of Aston Martin's trademark Vertical Horizontal engineering philosophy.

With a body and interior crafted from carbon fibre, tooled and provided by low volume specialists Multimatic, the Aston Martin CC100 utilises the latest generation AM11 naturally aspirated V12 gasoline engine mated to a six-speed hydraulically actuated automated sequential manual transmission. Controlled via steering column-mounted paddle shifts the lightweight 'box delivers truly sporting changes perfectly suited to the Speedster's track-focused nature.

The drivetrain will power the Aston Martin CC100 from rest to 62 mph in a little over four seconds, while the top speed is limited to 180 mph.

Dr Bez added: "The future of Aston Martin is, very clearly, more exciting now than perhaps at any time in its history and I'm looking forward to seeing the excitement and anticipation that CC100 creates among Aston Martin owners and enthusiasts worldwide."