2011 Porsche Cayenne range revealed at 2010 Geneva Auto Show

The Porsche Cayenne is credited with expanding the breadth and scope of the brand, bringing some of the company's legendary sports-car genes to family-hauling utility vehicles. And the Cayenne is again leading the charge for Porsche, this time in an effort to cement its green credentials.

The redone 2011 Cayenne range will break cover in March at the Geneva auto show, and the spotlight model is a Cayenne S hybrid that packs total output of 380 hp and can run short distances completely on electric power.

The 3.0-liter supercharged V6 makes 333 hp and works with a 47-hp electric motor. Peak torque is available low in the band, with 427 lb-ft on tap at just 1,000 rpm. The motors work in tandem or separately with the help of a decoupling clutch, which manages the transitions between the two in an effort to make for seamless operation. The hybrid can run on electric power at speeds of up to 40 mph, Porsche says.

Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid : 2010 Geneva auto show

Lotus Engineering has created what the U.K. firm calls a "high-performance technology demonstrator" in the Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid. The Lotus shares elements of its plug-in series hybrid drivetrain with a Giugiaro-designed concept from Lotus' Malaysian parent, Proton. Both will be at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show.

The Evora 414E Hybrid shares its 47-horsepower 1.2-liter three-cylinder gasoline "range extender" engine with the Proton hybrid concept.

But the emphasis on the Evora 414E Hybrid is on performance. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than 4.0 seconds and has a range of 35 miles on pure battery power and an extended range of more than 300 miles from the hybrid system.

The car's muscle is housed in the twin electric motors, each of which drives one of the rear wheels. The motors generate a combined 408 hp and 590 pound-feet of torque.

Through the magic of electronics, the single-speed transmission is linked to a column-mounted paddle shifter designed to simulate upshifts and downshifts in a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Lotus also created a synthesized engine sound that changes frequency with the "virtual" gear selection, as well a modulation in drive torque to simulate a gearshift "jolt."

Lotus hybrid concept is best

Lotus hybrid concept

Mazda CX-9 crossover

the CX-9 drives more like a car. And its unique, modern design looks good. It reads as the quintessential crossover, combining the best of cars and SUVs.

On the down side, in Touring trim, such as the one we reviewed, navigation isn't available, forcing a move up to the Grand Touring trim, plus buying the navigation option on top of that.

2010 Mazda2 Hatchback and New Sedan Variant

A subtly updated version of the 2010 Mazda2 will make its way to Australian showrooms in May in hatchback and for the first time, sedan body styles. Aside from the new looks and the addition of the longer, four-door sedan to the range, the 2010 Mazda2 also heralds the change of production as the refreshed model will now be sourced from the company's new factory in Thailand instead of Japan.

As with the North American version of the car, the styling tweaks on the revamped Aussie-spec Mazda2 are mostly concentrated up front and concern the new front bumper that incorporates the firm's smiley-shaped lower grille, darker head light clusters and the revised upper grille.

Both body styles of the new Mazda2 will continue to be powered by a 76kW / 102HP 1.5-liter petrol engine hooked up to either manual or automatic transmissions.

New Pagani C9 Shows Off its Gullwing Doors in South Africa

It's a small world indeed. The next generation of the Italian boutique supercar, the Pagani C9, was caught on film during a pit stop at a gas station in South Africa. Looking a bit like a modern interpretation of the Batmobile, the lightly camouflaged prototype was fitted with a pair of eye-catching yellow stickers that say "Government Approved Highspeed Testing Vehicle".

New Lotus Elise facelifted

Lotus has unveiled its revised Elise.

The facelifted Elise gets a cheery new face, courtesy of a revised front bumper, splitter and clamshell. It even gets LED running lights. LED running lights! On a Lotus Elise! Next they'll be telling us it's got night vision cameras.

Round the back, the engine cover and rear bumper have been sharpened up, too, but it's the mechanical stuff underneath that's most interesting.

The entry-level Elise gets a new 1.6-litre, 134bhp four-pot petrol engine - the first time the Elise has been fitted with a 1.6 - that emits 'under 155g/km of CO2'.

Lotus claims this gives it ‘the lowest CO2 per performance for any petrol high-performance sports car in the world': a bold claim, but one we're struggling to refute. Anyone want to take a punt?

The 189bhp 'R' and 218bhp supercharged ‘SC' Elises remain powered by the familiar 1.8-litre unit. Their CO2 emissions remain at 196g/km and 199g/km respectively.

Alfa Romeo to return to the United States

Things are once again looking up for Fiat S.
p.A.’s plan to return Alfa Romeo to the US by 2012, according to a Chrysler Group spokesman who recently confirmed remarks made by CEO Sergio Marchionne last Friday.

Marchionne had expressed his confidence that Alfa Romeo will reconstitute a product offering that is acceptable globally, and more in particular in the US and Canada. Press reports have talked about the brand being most likely to be back within the next two years. Alfa made its exit from the US in 1995 with a reputation for poor quality.

2010 Land Rover LR4

Land Rover’s LR4, formerly known as the LR3 and called Discovery everywhere else in the world, is one of the last of its breed, — a SUV assembled with antique body-on-frame construction that is engineered for extreme off-roading.

That’s all fine if you are out patrolling the Serengeti on a regular basis, but less admirable if you are cruising shopping centers in Beverly Hills.

With the U.S. imposing 2016 standards of 35 mpg and Europe setting regulations on carbon dioxide emissions, that kind of excess would seem to make the life expectancy of the LR4 a limited one.

Ignoring societal and regulatory considerations, the LR4 measures up quite well. A finalist for the North American Truck of the Year award, it is more modern and refined than any Land Rover in memory.

The driver sits up high in a captain’s chair with an armrest. Unlike in earlier models, the pedals and stacks respond with a reasonable degree of effort.

The new 5.0 liter 375-hp aluminum alloy V-8, which is also used in Jaguars, provides plenty of pep, propelling this seven-passenger vehicle to 60 miles per hour in a brisk 7.5 seconds. The interior is both functional and attractive and aligns Land Rover with international standards. There are no more switches that move in an opposite direction from the rest of the world’s.

Some of the information screens, though were difficult to decipher — especially while traveling at 60 mph — and the trip computer appeared incapable of delivering a fuel consumption analysis.

2010 Ford Flex EcoBoost

We remember growing up when lots of families had station wagons. And we thought they were cool. Fake wood on the sides, rear-facing third row seats, the perfect family hauler for trips to the store or cross-country. Along the way, the noble wagon got replaced by minivans and SUVs, but we always felt like something was lost. So we were pleased to get a chance to drive the new Ford Flex. Okay, Ford calls the Flex a crossover, but to our eyes, this is just one cool, big wagon.

The Flex has actually been around a year, but for 2010 Ford has introduced the twin-turbo V6 EcoBoost engine making this spacious hauler a rocketship as well.

This is a great looking vehicle that stands out in a crowd. Square, blocked off lines, grooves running down the sides and a contrasting white roof on our Red Candy tester gave it the look of a modern-day Surf Wagon. Add in the EcoBoost’s slightly lower suspension and optional 20-inch alloy wheels and our Flex was the epitome of cool.

And with EcoBoost you’ve got the goods to back up the image. The stats on the engine are impressive: 355 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. That’s a whopping 92 hp and 102 lb-ft over the standard 3.5-liter V6. But it’s how the EcoBoost works that’s really impressive, coming on swiftly, quietly and strongly at any speed, making it great fun to surprise some more “performance” oriented machines. And while the EcoBoost pulls with V8-power, it sips with V6 efficiency, with an EPA 16mpg city/22 mpg highway rating – strong numbers for such a big vehicle.

Helping you enjoy the power is a standard 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters for manual-style fun, standard all-wheel drive to make sure none of the power is wasted, and a sport suspension that gives surprising sport-sedan responsiveness and a maneuverability making the Flex feel much smaller than it actually is.

1950 GMC Pickup

1950 GMC Pickup

Lexus LX570

Lexus loaded its LX570 full-size SUV with just about every conceivable amenity and then added a new one for 2009: a $4,050 luxury package with a radar system that senses when a car or person, motorcycle or wall, is in your path and applies the brakes to prevent contact.

There's also adaptive cruise control that senses when traveling faster than the car ahead and regulates speed and braking to keep a safe distance.

And crawl control to limit engine speed and apply brakes over rough or slippery surfaces so the driver can focus on steering; holds itself on a hill without rolling when first started; adjusts shock settings for on- or off-road surfaces; raises itself 3 inches for off-road clearance or lowers 2 inches for easier entry/exit; has full-time all-wheel drive with a low setting for off-road excursions; and offers stability control and traction control on- and off-road.

Yet the tall SUV, weighing in at 5,995 pounds, doesn't move like a ballerina, especially in sharp corners or turns.

A 5.7-liter, 383-horsepower V-8 with 6-speed manual-mode automatic has the muscle to climb or pass without huffing, but moving nearly three tons means a disappointing 12 mpg city/18 highway. No hybrid or cylinder deactivation. For shame.

The SUV holds eight in three rows. Second-row room is very good, and the power-operated split seats motor back to accommodate legs and knees or forward to create more cargo space. Third row is tight for other than kids. Second-row seats fold and flip for access to the back, but don't attempt entry in a skirt or carrying a cane.

BMW facelifts the X5 SUV

BMW has released details and images of the facelifted X5 SUV that will be showcased at the 2010 New York Auto Show. The X5 now has new bumpers, reworked headlights with white corono rings as well as renewed taillights. BMW also added new body colours and new wheels.

Inside you can find a new iDrive system with a standard 6.5-inch display screen while an 8.8-inch version is optional. Buyers also have more optional features to choose from. These include a panorama glass roof, a DVD system, heated steering wheel, adaptive cornering lights, heads-up display, a reverse camera, lane departure warning and more.

Four models of the X5 are available including the xDrive35i, the xDrive50i, the xDrive30d and the xDrive40d. The 35i has a turbocharged 3.0 liter 6-cylinder that makes 306hp and 400Nm of torque. This N55 engine replaces the normally-aspirated 3.0 liter found in the outgoing X5. This delivers 100 kilometers with 10.1 liters of petrol.

The 50i has a twin-turbo 4.4 liter V8 that makes 407hp and a massive 600Nm of pulling power. This top of the line model hits 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds and reaches a top speed 250 km/h. It takes in 12.5 liters of petrol to deliver 100 kilometers. The 30d features a turbocharged 3.0 liter diesel unit that can produce 245hp and 540Nm of torque. Fuel consumption is rated at 7.4 liters per 100 kilometers.

GMC Terrain mostly smooth

For 2010, Equinox was reborn, redesigned and enlarged. And now that Pontiac is going out of business, Equinox gets a new partner called Terrain, a midsize crossover sold by GMC. GM insists Terrain was earmarked for GMC before Pontiac was earmarked for extinction.

Terrain, like Equinox, is designed to attract consumers moving out of gas-thirsty mid- and full-size SUVs, as well as minivans. Good plan, considering GMC has dropped its midsize Envoy and Chevy its midsize TrailBlazer, and GM and Ford have dropped minivans. Foreign competition includes the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V.

We tested Equinox (Rides, July 19) and now Terrain, which serves those needing two rows of seats. (Acadia is for those needing three rows.) The only other things Terrain has in common with Equinox are the platform, roof and windshield.

GMC says it caters to higher household-income levels than Chevy, so Terrain comes standard with such goodies as rearview camera, auto-dimming mirror, deep-tinted glass, USB port, floor mats, fog lights, heated mirrors and projector beam headlamps -- all options on Equinox. Terrain/Equinox offer optional heated leather seats, but only Terrain heated cloth seats ($440 with SLE-2).

Front- or all-wheel drive and a 2.4-liter, 182-horsepower 4-cylinder or a 3-liter, 264-hp V-6 are available on both. Both come with 6-speed automatic. The 4 is a member of the 30 mpg club, with a rating of 22 mpg city/32 highway with FWD and 20/29 with AWD. The V-6 is rated at 17/25 with FWD; 17/24 with AWD.

We tested the FWD Terrain with a V-6. GMC says styling is bold, with large, slab side-body panels, raised hood, bulgy fender flares and low-slung plastic bumper and rocker-panel cladding.

2010 Lexus LX 570 Price

Lexus, the famous luxury marque has unwrapped the 2010 Lexus LX 570 off-roader. The luxurious Lexus LX 570 SUV gets improved specifications and a fresh re-styled vision.

For the new model year, all LX 570 trim levels will receive enhancements to the navigation and user interface, USB input for portable media devices, a 12-volt socket in the cargo areas, headlamp washers and updated privacy glass in the rear of the vehicle. A new „Sports” variant fitted with centre console cool-box, rear seat entertainment unit and roof rails will replace the well-known Lexus LX 570 Prestige model. The top-of-the-line 2010 Lexus LX 570 Sports Luxury is distinguished by a new 10-spoke, 20-inch alloys set and an exclusive aero-kit that features front and rear sport spoilers. Thanks to its new styling improvements, the Sports Luxury models underlines ultimately the athletic nature of the striking SUV.

2010 Seat Ibiza ST

2010 Seat Ibiza ST
2010 Seat Ibiza ST
2010 Seat Ibiza ST

2011 Kia Sportage Official Revealed

The all-new Kia Sportage will show a dramatic shift in design direction when it makes its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show on 2 March, 2010.

Embodying Kia's new visual dynamism, all-new Sportage is a fresh, bold, athletic and sporty design that blends the key features of an SUV - the commanding driving position, heightened sense of security and raised ground clearance - in a sleek and urban-friendly design.

Longer, lower and wider than the previous generation model, all-new Sportage will offer more space for people and cargo, with improved ride quality thanks to a longer wheelbase.

Michael Cole, Managing Director of Kia Motors (UK) Ltd., said: "Sportage was the car that really made the breakthrough for Kia in Europe and the all-new version will make people sit up and take notice just as the original did. I am convinced it will begin a remarkable new chapter in the Kia story."

The all-new Sportage comes to the UK later this year, with a range of highly competitive diesel and petrol engines.

The world premiere of the all-new Sportage will take place at 08.45 on 2 March, 2010 on the Kia Stand (No 6441) in Hall 6 at the Geneva International Motor Show.

2010 Mini John Cooper Works Challenge Edition

More performance. More customisation. More MINI. Introducing the new and exclusive race-inspired MINI John Cooper Works Challenge Edition – bringing the MINI John Cooper Works even closer to the track.

In recognition of the pure pedigree that underpins MINI, the release of the MINI John Cooper Challenge Edition draws John Cooper Works even closer to the MINI CHALLENGE race car, both in its appearance and performance.

The MINI John Cooper Works Challenge Edition is powered by the same powerplant as the MINI CHALLENGE race cars; delivering 155kW from a twin-scroll turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine. Developing a maximum of 260 Nm of torque (280 Nm torque available during Overboost) the MINI John Cooper works propels from 0-100km/h in just 6.5 seconds.

Exclusive to the Australian market, the John Cooper Works Challenge Edition includes the following features over the already highly optioned MINI John Cooper Works model: John Cooper Works aerodynamics package consisting of front, rear and side aprons, John Cooper Works Carbon spoiler, John Cooper Works Aluminium cross brace, John Cooper Works Alcantara and Carbon steering wheel, John Cooper Works Carbon gearshift knob with Alcantara shroud, John Cooper Works Carbon handbrake lever with Alcantara surround and unique Challenge Edition badging.

The Challenge Edition is available with all new MINI John Cooper Works Hardtop, Clubman or Cabrio models. Representing over $7,000 worth of value, the Challenge Edition is available for a strictly limited time as a $2,500 option.

A testament to the strength and success of the MINI Challenge race series, last year the sales of MINI John Cooper Works reach unprecedented heights, accounting for 26 percent of MINI Cooper S Hardtop sales and 10 per cent of the entire model range.

The 2010 MINI Challenge season kicks off in March with the categories debut at the Clipsal 500 in Adelaide.

2010 Mazda MX5 Pictures

2010 Mazda MX5 Pictures

2010 Mazda MX5 Pictures
2010 Mazda MX5 Pictures