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Citroën has released first details on the striking Citroën DS High Rider diesel hybrid Concept that will be unveiled at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. It is the second concept associated with Citroën's innovative and distinctively styled DS line, after last year's DS Inside.  The Inside design study led to the DS3. The concept is expected to be the precursor to the Citroen DS4.

Without denying the appeal of conventional coupés, Citroën DS High Rider Concept represents a bold and radical vision of the future, combining compact dimensions with generous internal volumes, dynamic performance, sophisticated style and consummate quality.

Unlike traditional 4-seater coupés, with their long, low design, the Citroën DS High Rider Concept is compact and muscular. Its character is expressed in its unique driving sensations, with a sleek flowing windscreen that soars over the heads of front occupants - hinting at a bright and spacious cabin environment. The apparently continuous glazed area of the side windows connects the A-pillars to the gently sloping roof line of the rear.

Citroen's newcomer rides on  19" alloy wheels and beautifully in proportion, Citroën DS High Rider Concept's confident profile is characterised by its high waistline. Its front end is purposeful with gaping air intakes, long incisive headlights and defined ridges along the bonnet.

Citroën DS High Rider Concept is an expression of automotive luxury and elegance - exemplified by its glossy golden paintwork and brushed chrome trim that accentuate the car's flowing lines. The roof is covered with a coated textile material - to give it a more "quality" look. Just 4.26m long, 1.82m wide & 1.48m high, Citroën DS High Rider Concept combines a neat and nimble chassis, for responsive handling, with intelligent design architecture that provides occupants with a generous amount of internal space.

2010 Citroën DS High Rider Concept's ability to rise above conventional design constraints is also reflected in its choice of power. Offering an enjoyable driving experience with dynamic on-road performance, Citroën DS High Rider Concept is respectful of the environment with an advanced 'Full Hybrid' diesel drivetrain that combines a refined HDi DPFS engine under the bonnet with an electric motor located on the rear axle. 

2010 Citroën DS High Rider Diesel Hybrid Concept Car

The hybrid platform enables Citroën DS High Rider Concept to combine the fuel efficiency and power of an HDi diesel engine with the ecological benefits of a new generation electric ZEV (Zero Emission Vehicle). Under certain conditions, both engines combine to deliver additional power with additional torque transmitted to the rear wheels.

As part of its new Marque project, Peugeot is launching a double product offensive: the development of new markets and the strengthening of its presence in its historic market segments. The Peugeot 5 Concept car is another indication of the changing face of Peugeot and provides an insight into the Marque's future ambitions in the large luxury vehicle segment. Its pure and elegant lines blend with subtle technical detailing to create an overall effect of a timeless, exclusive and modern design.

A 2.0 litre HDi FAP163 bhp diesel engine, mounted at the front of the vehicle, is combined with a 37 bhp electric motor at the rear. This arrangement provides an overall maximum power of 200 bhp, an electric only mode for low speed operation, four-wheel drive when required, and low fuel consumption and emissions of 74.3 mpg and 99 g/km of CO2 or zero in electric mode. Powered by the automaker's forthcoming HYbrid4 technology, the new 5 by Peugeot features a 163 horsepower 2.0-liter HDi diesel engine driving the front wheels and a 37 horsepower electric motor on the rear axle. This arrangement provides a peak output of 200 horsepower, an electric only mode for low speed operation, all-wheel drive traction when required and a fuel economy of up to 74.3 mpg.

Its dimensions, proportions and styling are a direct response to the changing trends in the large luxury saloon car market segment. It reflects the continual search for more status, quality and performance, combined with a modernity that encompasses the vehicle's general efficiency in terms of architecture, engines and styling. The'5 BY PEUGEOT' expresses the Marque's vision and experience in the large touring car market. This concept car is designed and built to have both elegance and precision, but without in any way sacrificing the personality and dynamism so beloved of the Peugeot Marque. The emotion aroused by its exterior design holds the promise of exceptional interior space, convenience and comfort.

At the front, the interpretation of the Marque's traditional feline appearance is spectacular; 'LED' lights are highlighted by the use of illuminated surrounds that blend perfectly with the overall exterior body styling. The headlamps frame a unique front grille design, whose visual appearance is closely influenced by the Peugeot SR1 concept car. The innovative design of the front grille gives the impression that it is detached from the vehicle; it appears to be suspended in front of the car. The new revised Lion badge naturally takes pride of place in a specially shaped area at the front of the long aluminium bonnet.

The streamlined sides of the car are enhanced further by the bevelled, brushed-aluminium window surrounds and door handles, combined with sculpted 19'' wheel trims. The rear design of the vehicle suggests both robustness and power. The bold design of rear lights, consisting of three separate linked light clusters, clearly distinguish the vehicle at night, but also provides a link back to some of the Marque's historic models.

Peugeot 5 Concept is further proof of Peugeot's environmental strategy. The modular technology of the Hybrid4 system can be combined with a range of naturally-aspirated engines according to market requirements, and can be fitted to different body shapes and different platforms, helping to ensure future driving enjoyment.

2010 Peugeot 5 Concept HYbrid4 Technology

The elegance, precision and dynamic appearance of the car's exterior styling is also reflected in the car's technical specification. The '5 BY PEUGEOT' concept incorporates Peugeot's HYbrid4 technology which, will be launched in 2011 in the Peugeot 3008.

2010 Peugeot 5 Concept HYbrid4 Technology

Hot on the heels of the facelifted 911 Turbo comes the more extreme 2011 Porsche 911 Turbo S, which will be making its world debut next month at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show before arriving in local showrooms in the second half of the year. The engineers at Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, have developed a new top-of-the-range sports car for the customer who will only settle for the very best in terms of power, performance and driving dynamics: the 911 Turbo S. The heart of this most exclusive high-performance athlete is of course a six-cylinder boxer boosted by two exhaust gas turbochargers with variable turbine geometry, with an increase in power over the 911 Turbo by 30 to 530 bhp (390 kW). 

Maximum torque is a most impressive 700 Newton-metres (516 lb-ft). At the same time the 911 Turbo S comes as standard with all high-tech components available only as options on the regular 911 Turbo. In addition to its PDK transmission and all-wheel drive system, the latest 911 Turbo S gets Porsche’s dynamic engine mounts and torque vectoring system with a mechanical differential lock on the rear axle.

Despite its significant increase in power and dynamic performance, the new 911 Turbo S, at 11.4 litres/100 kilometres (equal to 24.8 mpg imp), does not consume any more fuel than the Porsche 911 Turbo, making it by far the most efficient sports car in its performance class.

 2011 Porsche 911 Turbo S The most efficient Sports Car

The 911 Turbo S comes exclusively with seven-speed Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) (Porsche’s Double-Clutch Gearbox) conveying drive power to Porsche Traction Management (PTM) all-wheel drive. Driving safety optimised to an even higher standard is ensured by Dynamic Engine Mounts and Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) including a mechanical differential lock on the rear axle. In conjunction with Launch Control on the Sport Chrono Package Turbo likewise featured as standard, 911 Turbo S accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in 3.3 seconds and reaches 200 km/h in 10.8 seconds. Top speed is 315 km/h or 195 mph. Extra-light and fading-resistant Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) provide the same outstanding performance in terms of stopping power and controlled application of the brakes.

The supreme level of standard equipment including Dynamic Bending Lights, 19-inch wheels in RS Spyder design with central locking, a three-spoke sports steering wheel with gearshift paddles, adaptive sports seats, cruise control, a CD/DVD changer and exclusive twin-tone leather upholstery in Black/Crema or Black/Titanium Blue additionally underlines the outstanding class and calibre of this first Turbo S in five years.

The 2011 Porsche 911 Turbo S will go on sale in Europe in both Coupe and Cabriolet variants this May and will arrive in the U.S. later in the year. Expect more details to be revealed following the car’s debut at next month’s Geneva event.

Which is based on the Porsche 911 Turbo (997) 3.8-liter with PDK gearbox, the tuners at speedART have just launched the BTR II 580. As expected, the car underwent serious upgrades both in styling and performance, with pricing for the full kit going up to 21,630 euros. Taken separately, the BTR II 580 power kit costs 9,890 euros, while the body kit retails for 5,100 euros and the wheels go for 6,640 euros. According to speedART, the power increase of 80 hp and 120 Nm of torque was achieved by adding a modified motronic, a sport exhaust with 200 cell sport cats and big single race-tail-pipes. Moreover, the sport exhaust is also available with sound control switch.

The upgrades mean the BTR II 580 is now able to develop 580 hp and 720 Nm of torque. Thanks to Porsche's PDK transmission, the BTR II sprints from 0-100 km/h in 3.2 seconds and has a top speed of 325 km/h (202 mph).

2010 SpeedArt BTR II 580 Sports Car

The body kit consists of an optimized front chin spoiler for more downforce and better brake cooling, side skirts, rear diffuser, roof top spoiler and a rear spoiler wing. The BTR body kit is painted in a bi-color version with additional side stickers.

2010 SpeedArt BTR II 580 Sports Car

The visual and physical connection to road is given by the forged and weight reduced modular twin spoke wheels type „LSC FORGED (Light Spoke Competition)" in 8,5" and 12 x 20" with 245/30 and 325/25 ZR20" available in many different colors (for the rim and center star). Moreover, sportive and adjustable sport suspension comes in many different variations from type "street sport" up to or "race sport" including PASM function.

2010 SpeedArt BTR II 580 Sports Car

Additional modifications :

- sport steering wheel for all models and with F1 shift paddles for PDK

- Sport seats with carbon shell in leather, alcantara or special design variations

- special leather or alcantara applications

- carbon interior parts in many colors availiable

Both short- and long-wheelbase models will be offered. The BMW ALPINA B7 will make its North American premiere at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show in February, and go on sale at authorized BMW Centers in Spring of 2010. Bmw announced today the prices for the 2011 Alpina B7 for US - $122,875 (standard wheelbase) and $126,775 (extended wheelbase). BMW of North America announced that the BMW ALPINA B7 sedan will join BMW’s North American product range as the most dynamic 7 Series model. The BMW ALPINA B7 represents the second generation of ALPINA automobiles based on the BMW 7 Series to be offered in the US. The first BMW ALPINA B7 was offered as a limited edition for the 2007 and 2008 model years. Newly interpreted and based on the current BMW 7 Series platform, the B7 will again set the benchmark in terms of performance, refinement, technology, luxury and exclusivity. However, Alpina B7 is slightly less powerful that the 760i, but it looks very very sporty and aggressive.

Yielding exquisite levels of power and torque from the twin-turbocharged 4.4 liter V8, and in conjunction with the electronically-adjustable suspension with active roll stabilization, the new B7 promises to offer a spectrum of driving experiences so broad as to be unheard of in this class of automobiles. The evolution of the traditional 20-spoke 21” ALPINA CLASSIC wheels underline the fresh design language found throughout the B7 and impart it a distinctive appearance and powerful stance.

ALPINA – a name famous in Europe and the wider world for putting a particular performance accent on BMWs, though not yet so well-known in North America. BMW – a name famous all over the world for motor vehicles of performance, quality, luxury and safety.

The two companies, both at home in the German state of Bavaria, have a long history of working together to produce special BMW automobiles. Burkard Bovensiepen, son of the founder of ALPINA Business Machines and an enthusastic racing driver/engineer, began his automotive career path in 1961 by developing a dual-carburetor setup for the just-introduced BMW 1500 sedan. It was a predictive beginning: to take an already fine-performing BMW (which also just happened to be a practical sedan) and making it perform even better.

By 1964, BMW had officially recognized ALPINA’s contribution to BMW performance. Not long thereafter, Burkard Bovensiepen founded the ALPINA company – ALPINA Burkard Bovensiepen KG – that continues today, creating special versions of BMW automobiles that offer a particular brand of performance for discriminating auto enthusiasts. Yet outside the circle of dedicated BMW enthusiasts, ALPINA has kept a low profile in North America. In addition to racing versions of BMWs, ALPINA has developed a progression of BMW-based cars based on 3, 5, 6, 8, Z4 and Z8 models and offered them on a limited-production basis. ALPINA is located in the small Bavarian city of Buchloe, some 50 miles southwest of Munich, BMW’s headquarters city and the capital of Bavaria.

The B7 is the newest manifestation of the unique BMW-ALPINA synergy – once again based on the BMW 7 Series luxury sedan. Currently, BMW offers ultra-performance models of its 3, 5, 6, X5 and X6 Series developed by BMW M, BMW’s own performance subsidiary. For an ultra-performance version of the 7 Series – a vehicle defined by luxury and generous interior space – something other than “M” performance character was called for. In recent models, ALPINA has concentrated on delivering very high levels of performance with moderate rpm ranges and automatic transmission. Most appropriately, the new BMW ALPINA B7 applies this philosophy to the newest 7 Series to produce a luxury sedan of stunning performance. “A 7 Series Beyond,” one might say.

While yesterday was Ferrari's turn to present his car, McLaren did today. The team presented the MP4-25, the model that will run Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button in the Formula 1 season starting on March 14 in Bahrain. The McLaren team that will be the last two world champions in Formula 1, Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton. According to the company, the 'MP4-25', is a car that carries the British team has worked "more than ever" to tackle "an exciting year."

The McLaren Mercedes team launched its new car for the 2010 season on Friday morning, with the target of clinching both titles after a mixed campaign in 2009. The Mercedes-powered MP4-25 was unveiled at Vodafone UK's headquarters in Newbury. The Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team revealed its brand new MP4-25 chassis – the car in which reigning world champion Jenson Button and 2008 world champion Lewis Hamilton will contest the 2010 FIA Formula 1 World Championship.

Unveiled at Vodafone UK’s stunning headquarters in Newbury, the 2010 car looks noticeably different from last year’s race-winning MP4-24. MP4-25 features a radical aerodynamic overhaul and a significantly larger fuel tank to take full advantage of this year’s new regulations, and its design team is confident it has explored every possible avenue to maximise the car’s performance.

Horsepower once again comes from our friends in Stuttgart. Mercedes-Benz’s FO 108X V8 subtly improves upon an engine that has become the benchmark in Formula 1, winning the last two drivers’ world championships.

The team kicks off its 2010 campaign with a stunning driver pairing: 2009 world champion Jenson Button and 2008 world champion Lewis Hamilton. It is the first time since 1989 – when it ran Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna – that the team has fielded a joint-world champion driver line-up, and marks the first time in Formula 1 history that the sport’s two most recent world champions have been partnered together.

However, the driver line-up represents only a fraction of the team’s remarkable strength in depth. Members of the design team who contributed to the development of MP4-25 can also trace their involvement back through an incredible seven of the team’s 12 drivers’ world championships, five of the team’s eight constructors’ world championships and 112 of the team’s 164 grand prix victories.

The Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team begins pre-season testing with MP4-25 at the Circuit de la Comunitat Valenciana Ricardo Tormo on Monday.

Toyota is the first carmaker in North America to be offering this innovation. The Auto Access Seat has a seat-mounted ingress/egress switch and a wireless remote control that allows for easy and flexible seat operation. The seat is able to rotate 90 degrees and can be lowered to within 19 inches of the ground to further facilitate easier passenger transfers at the exact height required. The Toyota Sienna is well known as a transportation solution for moving people and cargo comfortably and efficiently. The third-generation Toyota Sienna will look and drive more like a sedan, conform to new ideas about personal comfort, easily accommodate cargo, and handle big loads. The Toyota Sienna will come in five conveniently configured grades, all sharing a distinctly new visual direction and features. Toyota unveiled the all-new, third-generation Toyota Sienna minivan at a media conference at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto show.

The 2011 Sienna has been reinvented to handle these needs as it shifts to a more expressive and dynamic vehicle with a stronger profile, high shoulder character and responsive handling. The 2011 Toyota Sienna may be the Japanese automaker's third-generation minivan, but Toyota emphasizes that the new Sienna is becoming more carlike than ever. The Sienna gets smart updates to its drivetrains and to its interior package for 2011-but not to its seating configurations, which still lag the class-leading Dodge Grand Caravan and Nissan Quest in flexibility. The Sienna is offered in a broad model range, and continues to be the only minivan with an all-wheel-drive option.

The third-generation Sienna combines a contemporary style with features not previously seen in a minivan, and a fun-to-drive spirit that will surprise many, along with the flexibility, spaciousness and features that have defined the segment. The Sienna was designed by Toyota's Calty Design Research and developed at Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor, Mich., with assembly being accomplished at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana.

2011 Third-generation Toyota Sienna Minivan

A Toyota first rear-seat Dual View Entertainment Center is another innovative option. The system uses two displays side-by-side to create a seamless 16.4-inch widescreen image from a single source. When two separate entertainment options are called for, the system can split the screen into two individual screens, each with input from separate sources. Used as a single screen, it can be easily seen from the third row, and it can be operated from any seat via remote control. Used as two screens, the system can accommodate the preferences of two separate passengers who might want to play a video game or watch a second DVD simultaneously via auxiliary inputs.

A choice of two responsive DOHC engines will be available: a 3.5-liter V6 or 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine. By adding the alternative of a four-cylinder engine, the 2011 Toyota Sienna is the first minivan in years to stray from the V-6-engine-only formula. Both engines offer the latest in efficient, lightweight technology, including Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i), roller rocker arms and an Acoustically Controlled Induction System (ACIS) that changes the length of the air-intake pipe to supply more torque on demand. 

2011 Third-generation Toyota Sienna Minivan

The 3.5-liter V6 makes 266 horsepower at 6,200 rpm, with expected EPA-estimated mileage ratings of 18 mpg city/24 mpg highway (16 mpg city/22 mpg highway on AWD models). It also has a 3,500-pound tow capacity. With 187 horsepower at 5,800 rpm, the 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine produces responsive power that exceeds some competitors V6 performance, while delivering expected EPA-estimated fuel efficiency ratings of 19 mpg city and 26 mpg on the highway. Given its upgraded engineering, every Toyota Sienna will ride well and track cleanly through corners, but none more so than the newest addition to the line: the sporty SE.

2011 Third-generation Toyota Sienna Minivan

The Limited is designed for customers who want all the features with more luxury. The standard equipment list is extensive, including new second-row Lounge Seating and a power 60/40 Split & Stow third-row seat, front and rear parking sonar, dual moonroof, Smart Key, and Safety Connect™. Select options include those available on the XLE plus HID auto high-beam auto-high beam headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, and Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.

The Toyota Sienna will come in five grades: Sienna grade, LE, SE, XLE and Limited. All-wheel-drive is available with the V6 on LE, XLE and Limited models. The all-new 2011 Toyota Sienna will begin arriving at Toyota dealerships in February 2010.