First Look 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe

First Look 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe

First Look 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe

After rolling out sedan, wagon, and AMG variants of its new 2012 C-Class, Mercedes-Benz has released the first official details surrounding its latest C-Class spinoff -- the 2012 C-Class Coupe -- before its public debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.
The new model isn't Benz's first attempt at crafting a C-Coupe, but it is a remarkably different approach. Unlike the C-Class Sportcoupe hatchback, sold here from 2002 to 2007, the new two-door C-Class isn't a basic, entry-level luxury compact. Instead of competing against Audi A3s, this C is gunning directly at BMW's 3-Series Coupe.
Exterior styling is certainly handsome, if not predictable. The new C-Class Coupe is almost the splitting image of the C-Class sedan, and even uses the same front fascia and fenders as its four-door siblings. Coupe models do receive a sweeping panoramic glass roof that's nearly an inch and a half lower than the sedan, and incorporates a very BMW-like kick in the quarter window design.
Despite shedding a pair of doors, the coupe still rides on the same 108.7-inch wheelbase as the sedan, and is only a half-inch shorter and 100 pounds lighter. Mercedes continues to use a strut-type suspension in front and a five-link independent setup for the rear axle. Sport-tuned dampers are standard, although electrically adjustable units are available as a special-order option.

 First Look 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe

First Look 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe

 

 

First Look 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Hamann Hawk

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Hamann Hawk

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Hamann Hawk

Think Mercedes-Benz's SLS AMG needs a little extra power and some wild bodywork? German tuner Hamann shares your mindset, and its new Hawk model - which debuts at this week's Geneva Motor Show - promises to add a little cosmetic and mechanical flare to the already potent SLS.
At first glance, the Hawk resembles an SLS AMG GT3 hit with an ugly stick, and then bathed in carbon fiber. After starting with a stock SLS, Hamann adds a new front fascia with large air intakes, a ventilated carbon fiber hood, and a lip spoiler crafted from the same composite material. Taller side skirts are also par for the course, as is a rear bumper fascia that incorporates both a diffuser and four exhaust tips. The size of those exhaust ports may be substantial (at 3.5 inches in diameter, they're roughly the same caliber as an M1 anti-aircraft gun), but they're completely dwarfed by the giant fixed wing mounted to a carbon fiber deck lid.
That wing is designed to help keep the Hawk planted on terra firma, which may prove difficult thanks to some additional power. Hamann wisely kept the superb hand-built 6.2-liter V-8 underhood, but tweaked the air intake, exhaust manifolds, and engine computer. As a result, the eight-cylinder throws down 636 horsepower and 501 pound-feet of torque. That's a nice increase over the 563 horsepower and 479 pound-feet offered by a stock SLS AMG, and it's reportedly enough to help the Hawk sprint from 0-62 mph in 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 198 mph.
Other modifications designed to help keep that power in line include an adjustable damper kit (which allows owners to lower the ride height by an inch), along with large 21-inch forged aluminum wheels. Hankook performance-rated 245/30 ZR 21 tires are wrapped around the front rims, while massive 345/25 ZR 21 rubber is applied to the 13-inch wide wheels fitted in back.
Inside, the Hawk's interior resembles that of a stock SLS, but Hamann bathes every surface in leather, suede, and carbon fiber. The latter is applied to trim pieces on the steering wheel, center console, door sills, instrument cluster, and HVAC vents. Recaro sport seats - like those offered as an option on the SLS - appear to be standard fare, and are trimmed in hand-stitched leather hides.
Hamann will be more than happy to tailor-make a Hawk to your tastes, but we'd recommend skipping the ungainly Everose Gold metallic shown here. Neither pricing nor production figures have been discussed, but seeing as procuring a stock SLS can prove both difficult and expensive (MSRP is $188,500, including destination), expect the Hawk to command a sizable chunk of change.

 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Hamann Hawk

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Hamann Hawk

 

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Hamann Hawk

Mazda Minagi Concept

Mazda Minagi Concept

Mazda Minagi Concept

Is this the new CX-5? We'll know soon enough, as Mazda has confirmed that its Minagi crossover concept is debuting at 2011 Geneva show. The speculation has already begun about what the Minagi may become if indeed a version of the vehicle reaches production.
The Minagi is more than just a concept created to showcase the new Kodo (Soul of Motion) design language. Mazda notes that the Minagi boasts plenty of Skyactiv technologies to keep the crossover -- and all future Mazdas -- as efficient as possible. The automaker claims the Minagi's body benefits from weight reduction efforts while still remaining safe. A Skyactiv engine will continue the industry-wide trend of downsizing engines while attempting to maintain similar power levels.
As for the concept itself, one of the most distinctive styling features is the piece of chrome trim on the bottom of the front grille that cuts the headlights in half. The Minagi's styling reminds us of the Ford Vertrek concept and the Kia Sportage (in back).
If you couldn't already tell the Minagi's purpose, Mazda says the concept "nimbly navigates a sprawling urban cityscape." Whether the production vehicle that's derived from the Minagi is called something totally new like CX-5 or if its a possible replacement for the CX-7, we're not sure. We'll have all the latest updates on Geneva show vehicles leading into March.

 Mazda Minagi Concept

Mazda Minagi Concept

 

Mazda Minagi Concept

Maserati GranCabrio Sport

Maserati GranCabrio Sport

Maserati GranCabrio Sport

Maserati GranCabrio Sport

Is this the new CX-5? We'll know soon enough, as Mazda has confirmed that its Minagi crossover concept is debuting at 2011 Geneva show. The speculation has already begun about what the Minagi may become if indeed a version of the vehicle reaches production.
The Minagi is more than just a concept created to showcase the new Kodo (Soul of Motion) design language. Mazda notes that the Minagi boasts plenty of Skyactiv technologies to keep the crossover -- and all future Mazdas -- as efficient as possible. The automaker claims the Minagi's body benefits from weight reduction efforts while still remaining safe. A Skyactiv engine will continue the industry-wide trend of downsizing engines while attempting to maintain similar power levels.
As for the concept itself, one of the most distinctive styling features is the piece of chrome trim on the bottom of the front grille that cuts the headlights in half. The Minagi's styling reminds us of the Ford Vertrek concept and the Kia Sportage (in back).
If you couldn't already tell the Minagi's purpose, Mazda says the concept "nimbly navigates a sprawling urban cityscape." Whether the production vehicle that's derived from the Minagi is called something totally new like CX-5 or if its a possible replacement for the CX-7, we're not sure. We'll have all the latest updates on Geneva show vehicles leading into March.

Maserati GranCabrio Sport

 

Maserati GranCabrio Sport

Lotus Elise Club Racer

Lotus Elise Club Racer

Lotus Elise Club Racer

Lotus Elise Club Racer

The Lotus Elise Club Racer making its debut at the 2011 Geneva show is a stripped-down, hardcore take on the company's beloved sports roadster
As the name suggests, the Elise Club Racer is designed to be even more agile on the track. As such, engineers abided by the longtime corporate principle of adding lightness, and put the car on a diet. A number of weight saving measures, including lighter wheels, a lighter battery, removing sound insulation, and replacing emblems with printed decals, allowed nearly 55 pounds to be stripped from the car, bringing its curb weight down to a lithe 1875 pounds.
In addition to the crash diet, Lotus also added a few extra goodies designed to appease weekend racers. An adjustable front anti-roll bar allows drivers to adjust handling to their taste, and a new traction control system (Dynamic Performance Management, in Lotus-speak) has a revised sport mode, which permits greater wheelspin.
The Club Racer's powertrain, however, was left untouched. Power is still provided by a Toyota-sourced 1.6-liter I-4, which is good for 136 horsepower and 122 pound-feet of torque. An optional Club Racer Power Pack, which adds unique air intake and exhaust systems, boost output to 142 horsepower and 122 pound-feet of torque -- but also renders the car illegal for street use.
Not that we'll be seeing the Elise CR on our roads anytime soon, as Lotus plans on the Elise Club Racer remaining a European-market exclusive. Pity -- it looks rather fun.

Lotus Elise Club Racer

 

Lotus Elise Club Racer

First Look Ferrari FF

First Look Ferrari FF

First Look Ferrari FF

Amedeo Felisa, Ferrari's chief executive and veteran engineer, says his all-new Ferrari FF four-seater is as fast around a track as a 599. "Not the GTO," he adds hastily, "but the regular 599." For the FF to be as fast as the shattering (and shatteringly hard-to-drive) GTO would be impossible. For it to be as quick as the regular 599 is merely miraculous.
Ferrari people are suspiciously keen to stress the Ferrari-ness of their new car. Could this be because the last time they strayed from their supersports heartland with the California, they suffered a squall of criticism for going soft and selling out?
Well, if the California tore the envelope of the traditional Ferrari ideal, then the new FF straight-up shreds it. It's got four adult-sized seats, a hatchback, and all-wheel-drive.
But here are some stats that might nudge it back towards Ferrari-ness in your mind. The car retains a 53-percent rear-axle weight distribution, and that weight is just 220 pounds more than a 599. Which, incidentally, makes it some 1000 pounds less than its nearest conceptual rival, the new Bentley Continental GT.
At 8000 rpm, the FF's new 6.3-liter direct-injection V-12 generates some 651 horsepower. Did that get your attention? It means a better power-to-weight ratio than the 599 GTB Fiorano, never mind the 612 Scaglietti, which the FF replaces. The über-responsive seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox is mounted as a rear transaxle, aiding weight distribution. As a result, Ferrari can plausibly claim a 0-62 mph figure of 3.7 seconds.
Felisa says the 612 Scaglietti accounted for just 10 percent of the company's worldwide sales, and that wasn't enough. His head of product marketing, Nicola Boari, said customer requirements were important in determining the direction of the new car, which in turn impacted the concept and execution. So it can seat four 6-foot, 2-inch occupants and carry two golf bags, or offer 15.9 cubic-feet for four weekend bags, or with the rear seat folded, two sets of vacation luggage -- all of which are accessible through the FF's hatchback. A full rear-seat AV system is available. And the AWD system means it's usable in wet climates.

 First Look Ferrari FF

First Look Ferrari FF

 

First Look Ferrari FF