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.
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]
Rinspeed BamBoo frolics in the sunshine ahead of Geneva
Rinspeed has unleashed a mammoth collection of photos featuring its upcoming BamBoo. We eagerly await spying this grown-up golf-cart (their words) in person at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. The photos are heavy on the stylized portrayal of wealthy youth enjoying a summer in Saint-Tropez, yet they reveal little of what's under the BamBoo's skin.We do know that its German-made 54-kW electric motor will allow speeds of up to 75 miles per hour and that its battery (unknown chemistry) offers 65 miles of range. What's more, it appears that there may be a bicycle or two taking up residence in the rear cargo area. Tech junkies will surely appreciate the included seven-inch (Android-powered?) tablet computer.
The photos are fun to look at (get a load of the inflatable roof that also serves as a beach blanket) and help give us an idea of what to expect when we finally train our own lenses on the real-life version of the BamBoo. In the meantime, feel free to check out the press release after the break.
[Source: Rinspeed]
Land Rover promises Range_e plug-in diesel hybrid for Geneva
Land Rover is gearing up for the 2011 Geneva Motor Show and it's bringing four new models to show off, one of which shows the automaker is thinking a bit more green: the Land Rover Range_e plug-in diesel hybrid.
Power for the electrified Range Rover Sport comes courtesy of a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 paired with a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission, as well as an electric motor. The Range_e's driving range is said to be nearly 700 miles and it can drive approximately 20 miles on electric power alone, which should be good enough to get the SUV into the heart of London.
Also getting the bright light auto show treatment are the luxurious Range Rover Autobiography Ultimate Edition, Evoque in two and four-door guise and the 2011 Discovery/LR4 Landmark Edition. The Autobiography Ultimate is described as the most luxurious Land Rover ever produced and features yacht-inspired teak flooring and Apple iPad tablets for the rear passengers. The Evoque will be featured in a handful of trims that offer unique customization options for consumers. Finally, the limited-edition Landmark LR4 will be available in either a Black or a White theme with upscale interiors and unique color treatments.
[Source: Land Rover]
