The current Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe may be too large to rightfully compete with the likes of the BMW 3 Series and Audi A5, but the Silver Arrow is rectifying that with the new-for-2012 C-Class Coupe – a revival of the old CLK, if you will.
Aside from the slightly lower roofline and the removal of two doors, the C Coupe is exactly like its newly redesigned sedan brethren. There are three powertrains on tap, including a new 201-horsepower 1.8-liter turbocharged inline-four in the C250 and the direct-injected, 304-hp V6 in the range-topping C350. Well, range-topping for now – the sure-to-be-badass C63 AMG Coupe is set to debut in the very near future. Yeah, we're salivating.
Still, the more pedestrian C-Class Coupe will make up the vast majority of sales, and we're glad to see a modern-day CLK in production once again. Scroll through our gallery of high-res shots below and take it all in, then hop the jump for a trailer of Benz's new 'Drive and Seek' mini-movie starring the new E-Coupe and some rather attractive bank robbing women...
Geneva 2011: 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe is a CLK revival
Geneva 2011: Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4
Lamborghini's fifth generation V12 supercar made its official debut in Geneva, and while we've already detailed every aspect of the Aventador LP700-4 in our in-depth article we published yesterday, today we finally had the opportunity to get some first person impressions of the latest Raging Bull.
Lamborghini had three Aventadors on display, ranging from the bright orange example we first saw in the studio photos to a more subtle grey and a stunning matte white. The white, in particular, shows off the various styling elements of the exterior, especially the muscular creases on the front and sides. Despite having more complex lines, the Aventador still manages to have a cleaner look than some of the later generation Murcielagos. We snag a few minutes inside, and the quality of materials is proof that Lamborghini is continuing to benefit the Volkswagen Group's influence.
You can see our live photos of the Aventador LP700-4 in the gallery below, and be sure to see our in-depth coverage of the car in case you missed it the first time around.
Lancia Flavia introduced in Geneva
Fiat-owned Lancia has brought their own rebadged version of the Chrysler 200 to the Geneva Motor Show. The company says the D-segment car should enter production as both a saloon and convertible inside of six months.
The Lancia Flavia saloon features a terribly conservative Bright Black finish with polished metal features on the front bumper, door handles, side mirrors and boot lid. That conservative feel continues on the 2+2 interior where dark leather is used throughout the cabin. Meanwhile, the Flavia convertible uses a White Zenith exterior color offset by a Black Lava roof, and complemented by an Ivory White leather interior with black accents and beige Alcantara.
Each concept measures roughly 4.5-meters (177 inches) in length with seats that "recline into chaise-lounges", according to a press release. They ride on 17-inch alloy wheels, instead of the 200's steel wheels. The cars also diverge from the 200 with the new Lancia signature grille, fog lamps, and LED rear lighting.
Other features include Bluetooth, electronic stability control, electronic traction control, multi-function steering wheel and six airbags.
A Lancia spokesman says the Flavia, "embraces the stylistic features of the Italian manufacturer, giving a unique interpretation of the Chrysler 200 model which could be launched on European markets in record time."
The Lancia Flavia should hit European showrooms later in 2011. Initially it will be offered with Fiat's 1.6-liter 105-hp (77-kW / 105-PS) MultiJet engine mated to an automatic transmission, but a manual transmission and other engine options will be available down the line.
Source: Lancia
2012 Mercedes C63 AMG debuts in Switzerland
Mercedes has officially unveiled the C63 AMG facelift in Geneva.
Drawing inspiration from the SL63 AMG, the C63 has a prominent front splitter, a single-bar grille, and new headlights with LED indicators. Elsewhere, there's a new rear bumper and restyled 18-inch alloy wheels.
Inside, the cabin has been significantly improved thanks to a greater emphasis on material quality. Most notably, there's a new dashboard, a revised instrument cluster, and piano black trim on center console.
As before, power is provided by a naturally-aspirated 6.3-liter (6208cc) V8 engine that develops 451 hp (336 kW / 457 PS) and 443 lb-ft (600 Nm) of torque. It is connected to a new seven-speed 'SpeedShift MCT' transmission that enables the sedan to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds (4.6 seconds for the estate) and hit a limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).
For the power hungry, the optional AMG Performance Package increases output to 480 hp (358 kW / 487 PS) and 443 lb-ft (600 Nm) of torque. With the extra power, the dash from 0-100 km/h takes just 4.4 seconds (4.5 seconds for the estate).
Lastly, to improve the car's handling, engineers installed a new steering system, revised spring / damper rates, and a thicker anti-roll bar. Thanks to these modifications, owners can expect "greater driving enjoyment and ride comfort at all times."
The 2012 C63 AMG will start arriving at European dealerships in July and German pricing starts at €71,340.
Source: Mercedes-Benz
Bentley Supersports "Ice Speed Record" Convertible looks for warm reception in Geneva
To celebrate its recent ice-speed record, Bentley is rolling out a special edition of the Continental Supersports convertible at this week's Geneva Motor Show. The record was set a mere two weeks ago by Finnish rally star Juha Kankkunen, who went 205.48 miles per hour on the frozen Baltic Sea in a Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible. Kankkunen's run eclipsed his 2007 record of 199.83 mph, which was also set in a Bentley Continental GT.
The Bentley Continental Superspots "Ice Speed Record" Convertible sports the Flying B's most-powerful engine ever, a 631-horsepower W12 kicking out 590 pound-feet of torque and sporting flex-fuel capability. The car Kankkunen set his record in ran exclusively on bio fuel.
Behind the impressive engine is a six-speed Quickshift automatic. The combo is good for a 3.8-second 0-60 sprint, with 100 mph coming up in just 9.5 seconds. Bentley claims that running the car on E85 will cut C02 emissions by up to 70 per cent.
Outside, the "Ice Speed Record" Supersports Convertible gets one of three unique colors: Beluga (above), Quartzite or Arctica White. Never one to stop at enough, Bentley has gone as far as to cover the soft top in a composite weave sporting its own metallic finish. Rounding out the package is a set of black 20-inch Supersports wheels. Both the special edition Supersports and Kankkunen's actual record-breaker will be on display at the Bentley booth in Geneva, so stay tuned for live images of them both soon.
Get in line now if you want one, as Bentley says it'll only build 100 of these worldwide.
[Source: Bentley]
Geneva 2011: Volkswagen Giugiaro Tex Concept brings Italdesign to the people
Earlier this year, famed design house Italdesign Giugiaro became part of the Volkswagen Group, and the longtime collaborators are are presenting their first joint concepts at the Geneva Motor Show this week.
The Italian design firm calls the Tex an "interpretation of tomorrow's sporty Volkswagen," incorporating coupe-like lines into a hatchback shape. In execution, it looks a bit like the current Euro-spec Honda Civic hatch to our eyes – especially up front. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but if we're honest, we expected something a little bolder from the company that has penned some of the most gorgeous designs of all time.
The Tex Concept is powered by Volkswagen's Twin Drive plug-in hybrid system, which we're told has a range of 35 kilometers (about 21 miles) with just the battery driving the wheels.
Inside, the Tex uses a driver-focused cockpit, and unlike the vast majority of concept cars that we'll be seeing in Geneva, the Giugiaro interior looks nearly production-ready. We like the implementation of the flat-bottomed steering wheel, supportive seats and funky new shift knob.
While the Tex is merely a concept right now, there's no telling if Volkswagen will use this as a basis for a future sports car, perhaps even a Golf or GTI far along down the road. Hit the jump to read the full details in Volkswagen's press release, and see the Italdesign Giugiaro Tex Concept for yourself in both of our high-res image galleries below.
[Source: Volkswagen]
Skoda VisionD Concept and new corporate design revealed
Skoda's got a brand new badge.
The Czech automaker, part of of the VW Group, has unveiled its new company logo along with the Skoda VisionD Concept and new corporate design revealed on the eve of the Geneva auto show, a concept model which previews the brand's new design paradigm.
The new Skoda logo features a more prominent winged-arrow design with its color now a lush "Skoda Green" instead of the previous "natural" green. The border area of the badge also now comes with a chrome highlight.
"We are keen to express the new power of our brand not only through our future products, but also in the way we present ourselves to partners and customers. Our new design and fresh outlook reflect our plans for the future," said Jürgen Stackmann, head of marketing and sales at Skoda, the press release attached here.
Source: Skoda
