SEAT unveiled the IBE Concept at the Geneva Motor Show, a compact, sporty, urban vehicle equipped with an all-electric powertrain packaged with a fascinating design statement that shapes the silhouette of future company models.

With its manageable dimensions, its cut as a 2+2-seater, it is conceived for youthful lifestyles. With a maximum output of 102 hp (75 kW), and 200 Nm of torque, the power unit delivers exactly the kind of dynamic driving fun suggested by the exterior styling and a driving range of up to 130 km.

Shakira, whose european tour is sponsored by SEAT was on hand to lend star power to the unveiling.

Here are the photos of the concept car.

Here is a video of the event.

Under glorious skies in the centre of the French capital, a press conference was held at the Automobile Club de France officially launching the new-for-2010 FIA GT1 World Championship.

Ahead of what is expected to be an extremely competitive inaugural season, the event drew nearly 300 people, including the media, manufacturer representatives, sponsors, teams and drivers. Emceed by ex-racer Tiff Needell, the event’s first speaker was FIA President Jean Todt, followed by series’ founder and CEO of the SRO Motorsports Group Stephane Ratel.

Among the six manufacturer representatives who then spoke, NISMO President and NISSAN Motor’s Global Motorsports Program Director Yuichi Sanada commented, “We are very excited about NISSAN returning to a world championship after nearly 20 years away. The FIA GT1 World Championship is an ideal venue for NISSAN to showcase its technology globally through the participation of its iconic model the NISSAN GT-R. Our partner teams, Sumo Power GT and Swiss Racing Team are also excited about racing the NISSAN GT-R at circuits around the world. We are looking forward to the inaugural race in Abu Dhabi in April.”

The Press Conference was followed by the unveiling of the 2010 cars on the Place Vendome, located in the heart of the city, and which drew a great deal of attention from onlookers and passersby. Machines from each of the twelve competing teams were uncovered one by one, including the #23 Sumo Power GT-entered NISSAN GT-R and the similar #3 entry from Swiss Racing Team, both cars displaying their final livery for the first time.

Drivers Peter Dumbreck (Scotland) and Michael Krumm (Germany) from the #23 Sumo Power GT entry were on hand for photographs and to field questions, while multiple FIA GT race-winner Karl Wendlinger, who will drive one of the Swiss Racing Team-entered NISSAN GT-Rs spoke as a representative of the GT1 drivers. “I have been racing in the FIA GT Championship for many years, but now I’m very excited about the new world championship – and very happy to be driving the NISSAN GT-R.”

Both teams have taken part in pre-season testing: Sumo Power GT attending the FIA official test at France’s Paul Ricard and also conducting a private test in Spain while Swiss Racing Team have been to two FIA official tests, at the Algarve Circuit and at Paul Ricard.

Drivers for the #22 Sumo Power GT and #4 Swiss Racing Team entries will be announced shortly.

Within the next 10 days, the 4 competing NISSAN GT-Rs will be shipped to Abu Dhabi for the season-opener, taking place at the Yas Marina circuit on April 17th. The inaugural FIA GT1 World Championship then visits another nine countries.

Acknowledgement: Nissan

Survolt turns received notions on their heads through its radically new vision in a consummate blend of high-fashion glamour and extravagance with motor-racing punch.

Innovative and sensual

With its compact dimensions – 3.85 m long, 1.87 m wide and 1.20 m high – Survolt reappropriates sports car styling cues to form an all-new and revolutionary concept.

At the front, the distinctive vehicle badge reigns elegantly above the large oval-shaped grille, its centre home to the striking double chevron. Its slim, horizontal head lamps, inspired by high-performance sports coupés, exert a magnetic appeal, while an LED light signature adds a contemporary, high-tech touch.

Survolt was made to gobble up the miles and glide over roads. Low-slung and sleek, it features strong contrasts between the voluptuous bonnet and generous, sculpted flanks, highlighted by emphatic wheel arches that promise performance and thrills.

Survolt’s air-slicing, flowing design is heavy on excitement and sensuality. It conveys agility, precision and vitality, barely containing a powerful, well-defined musculature under refined and luxurious wraps. The rear features the elegant light signature of Revolte together with a spoiler in an essential reference to motor sport.

Survolt features two-tone paint, hues of fuchsia and charcoal grey, and plays with materials and volumes. The curves shift from satin-smooth to shiny, breaking definitively with the classic masculine codes of the sports world. The inclusion of materials such as chrome and aluminium inevitably recall the spheres of luxury goods and motor sport.

Elegantly sporty

Survolt’s cockpit is designed like a floating cell, a glass setting held between chrome-finished roll bars like some magnificent piece of jewelry.

The cabin was imagined as a cross between two worlds that by their essence are opposed. This union begets an organic universe, both flowing and technical, from which the driver’s station springs forth. The interior as a whole was designed to bring the two occupants comfort and refinement, triggering singular pleasure and an outstanding experience.

Acknowledgement: Citroen

Jaguar XJ

Bentley Mulsanne

Bentley Supersports Convertible

Porsche 918 Spyder

Rolls Royce Ghost

Volvo S60

Hyundai iFlow

The steeply raked front and rear roof pillars, unique side-glass profile, chamfered roof line, and tapered rear cabin shape combine to create a dynamic and distinctive appearance from any perspective. The lightning-bolt beltline dives toward the rear of the vehicle emphasizing the new Odyssey’s sporty appearance while enhancing outward visibility for third-row passengers. Aggressive body-to-wheel proportions reduce the perception of vertical height common to most minivan designs. Fender flares further accent the vehicle’s securely planted and stylish persona. The concept vehicle’s projector beam headlights, LED taillights and form-fit fog lights further heighten the sophisticated quality of the design.

Enhanced aerodynamics and advanced powertrain technologies will contribute to the next-generation Odyssey’s increased fuel efficiency. The all-new 2011 Odyssey is expected to achieve an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 19 city/28 highway miles-per gallon on select models (preliminary estimate determined by Honda).

Currently in its third generation, the Odyssey’s unique array of features, including its superior driving dynamics, 3rd-Row Magic Seat® and efficient i-VTEC™ V-6 engine with three-mode Variable Cylinder Management™ (available) all combine to offer a sophisticated environment with room for up to eight people (seven on Odyssey LX). The Odyssey has been America’s best-selling minivan since 20082 and is produced exclusively in Alabama by Honda Manufacturing of Alabama (using domestic and globally sourced parts). Both the concept and production vehicles, along with all development activity for the 2011 Odyssey, are being designed at Honda R&D Americas in Torrance, California, and Raymond, Ohio.

The Odyssey’s accolades include the Edmunds.com 2010 “Top Recommended” minivan award, U.S. News and World Report 2010 “Best Minivan for the Money” award, Automotive Lease Guide 2010 “Best Minivan for the Money,” the Kelley Blue Book award as one of the ten “Best New Family Vehicles of 2009″ and “2009 Best Resale Value Award” in the van category, which recognizes vehicles that are expected to have segment-leading resale value after five years of ownership.

Odyssey Concept Basic Dimensions

Length (inches) 202.8
Width (inches) 78.5
Height (inches) 68.3
Wheelbase (inches) 118.1

Acknowledgement: Honda

It requires 125 man-hours to create the body of a pre-production Mulsanne at the new 7,500m2 Assembly Centre.

The bare metal shells of high-strength steels and aluminium are assembled using techniques that range from industry-leading adhesives through to hand-crafted brazing skills.

As Bentley prepares to produce the very first customer cars later this year, the body assembly team are undertaking a range of exhaustive tests on the first bodies being developed in pre-production.

Here is a short video of the making of the pre-production car.

And here is a short video of the finished product from the Geneva Auto Show.

With so many competing brands, finding a trademarkable name with global appeal can be challenging.

One way to bring instant recognition and equity to a car is to bring back a popular name from the past.

Buick brought back the Regal nameplate for 2011 and Chevrolet did the same with Camaro last year.

Most mainstream brands use nouns for their cars monikers, like Equinox, Mustang and Corolla, while luxury brands utilize numbering like Mercedes E350 and Cadillac SRX.

Here is the video with sound bites:

Longer, lower and wider than the previous generation model, the new Optima features a significantly longer wheelbase and will offer more space for people and cargo.

The next generation Optima will go on sale at Kia dealerships in the USA and in non-European markets from Fall 2010, while sales in Europe will begin in Spring 2011.

The world premiere of the next generation Optima will take place at the Kia Stand on Level 1 of the ‘Jacob Javits Center’ located between 34-39 Streets on 11th Avenue in New York City.

Here are the photos.

Acknowledgement: Kia Motors

The new XKR Special Edition delivers a significantly raised maximum speed, 174mph (280km/h), and bold exterior styling changes that create the ultimate supercharged Jaguar.

The 2011 Model Year XKR features the acclaimed AJ-V8 Gen III R direct-injection engine, the most advanced and efficient supercharged engine Jaguar has ever produced.

The new XKR Special Edition with Speed and Black Packs will be unveiled at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show on March 4th, 2010.

Here is the video of the car being introduced.

DeltaWing LLC, of Indianapolis, introduced the future of open wheel racing today at the Chicago Auto Show, aimed at realigning America’s premiere racing tradition with current automobile industry and consumer trends. DeltaWing calls on technological innovation to return racing to cutting edge relevance in the search for extreme performance with less environmental and financial resources.

“Today marks a fundamental shift in how race fans and the general public will view all racing cars in the future; this is a game changer” said Dan Partel, Chief Executive Officer of DeltaWing LLC. “This radical prototype takes open wheel racing to a new level from both an engineering standpoint and the overall spectator experience.”

The car also marks the next step in the industry’s dedication to becoming more environmentally responsible. DeltaWing has identified that this marketplace trend can be applied to the IZOD IndyCar Series and has developed this concept car using the most advanced American technology.

By targeting reduced aerodynamic drag and lighter weight, the DeltaWing design achieves record breaking on track performance with only half the engine power of its recent predecessors.

The unique vehicle design provides optimum and consistent distribution of loading for the Firestone Firehawk tires, which are specifically developed for the dynamic characteristics of the DeltaWing racer. The futuristic form aims to appeal to a younger demographic audience who is increasingly in search of technological innovations to solve the requirement for sustainable personal mobility. DeltaWing LLC will design, engineer and supply a running prototype by August, 2010.

Revolutionary design from every angle

Ultra narrow front track design saves weight, while fairings for the Firestone tires reduces aerodynamic drag and prevents wheel interlocking

Delta plan view shape provides undisturbed airflow to the downforce generating ground effect underbody venturi located beneath the car’s center of gravity just ahead of the widely spaced rear wheels. Highly efficient downforce with negligible wake ensures minimal loss of aerodynamic performance for a trailing car thus enhancing the on-track overtaking spectacle

Uncluttered side view with rearwards driver location provides ideal sponsorship positioning and true single-seater appeal. The highly prominent tail fin replaces the conventional inverted aerofoil in order to broaden the yaw stability envelope without inducing aerodynamic drag on straight-aways

“We are confident that this car will outperform the current generation IndyCar and do it in a more environmentally friendly way,” said Partel. “Auto racing has always been a powerful marketing tool for propelling new technology into the hearts and minds of consumers. This new car was specifically designed to be more closely aligned with the new reality of automobiles that are arriving on the road today. Consumers are choosing cars that provide impressive performance capabilities but with greater fuel efficiency. This prototype IndyCar features those same characteristics, making it much more relevant to the public and the auto industry. It is our goal to make participation in the series highly attractive to the automobile manufacturers as well as the fuel, technology, information and entertainment corporate sectors.”

DeltaWing anticipates the final car will weigh a remarkable 50 percent less than the current generation IndyCar and crucially, generate only half of the aerodynamic drag. This combination requires substantially less horsepower to generate speeds of over 235 miles per hour while delivering a 100% improvement in fuel efficiency.

“Our goal is to have our first prototype on the track in August,” said Partel. “We look forward to an exciting development project with the Indy Racing League to ensure that all of their requirements are met for DeltaWing to become the next IZOD IndyCar in 2012.”
“Today, we saw the future of racing unveiled”, said Bill Lafontaine, Chief Marketing Officer. “This revolutionary car and business concept ushers in a new era in racing and reinforces the strong tradition of innovation in open wheel racing. This initiative reaffirms America’s ability to lead in the automotive field. We look forward to the development of the car and our first running prototype.”

About the DeltaWing IndyCar Prototype

Initial concept work by Ben Bowlby started with a clean sheet approach and began in January, 2009 at Target Chip Ganassi Racing in Indianapolis. The first prototype car will be powered by a 2.0 liter 4 cylinder turbocharged engine. Final horsepower figures will be based on the car’s performance on the track, but by using state-of-the-art computer modeling, it is anticipated that the engine will need to produce approximately 300 horsepower to attain the performance targets and will run over 4,000 miles before requiring a rebuild, a dramatic 100% improvement over the current engine.

“The DeltaWing Concept is more than just a new and exciting racing car; it is about creating a platform that moves racing into the new era of information entertainment”, said Bowlby, Designer and Chief Technology Officer. “Once we have successfully production engineered and manufactured the first generation of team cars, those cars will form the beginning of a constant evolution formula. Our intention is to publish the entire design detail via the DeltaWing website where access will be available to everyone and so provide a unique participation opportunity and insight into the engineering world of modern racing cars. Just as we hope to see multiple engine suppliers with different configurations and displacements, we also hope to create a framework that will allow us to see a varied and ever changing grid of racing machines in a sustainable, cost controlled and high value manner. We will be unveiling these plans once the prototype is up and running. As we design the DeltaWing prototype, safety, efficiency, value and cost are our main priorities; the goal is that more teams and drivers will have the opportunity to compete in the IZOD IndyCar series. At this point we anticipate a complete car with engine will sell for $600,000.”

Key Specifications (estimated)

Weight with driver: 1,030 lbs.
Horsepower: 300 BHP
Wheel base: 125 inches
Front track: 24 inches
Rear track: 70 inches
Aerodynamic drag: Cd 0.24

Key Technical features

Engine and transmission are “non-stressed members” of the chassis structural design which allows teams to install a wide variety of lightweight powertrains
The prototype will feature a 4 cylinder turbo charged engine that will produce approximately 300 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and weigh only 160lbs fully dressed
Engine capacity, RPM and configuration freedoms are anticipated given only that the rate of fuel delivery to the engine will be controlled by a specially developed fuel flow rate control unit

Vehicle weight distribution is necessarily more rearward than traditionally seen with 72.5% of the mass on the larger rear tires

80% of the aerodynamic downforce acts on the rear of the car

Inline traction under acceleration through the rear tires is greatly enhanced by rearward weight and aerodynamic distributions

Unique amongst today’s racing cars 60% of braking force is generated behind the center of gravity giving a dynamically stable response

Locking propensity of the inside front wheel on corner entry is greatly reduced

Transmission features 6 speed oval and 5 speed plus reverse road track configurations with sequential paddle shift actuation

Differential features full torque vectoring active technology with driver control of gain for balance adjustment. “Active stagger” removes the expensive necessity for staggered rear tire diameters for ovals

Advanced computer modeling of structures, impact energy management, aerodynamics, vehicle dynamics and tires has been used to develop the virtual DeltaWing car

The car’s performance has been simulated on each configuration of race track encountered during the IZOD IndyCar Series Championship

Modern advanced materials and CNC construction techniques applied to achieve gains in light weight structures and occupant safety

Driver position, restraint layout and energy absorbency facility designed with the latest data on survival criteria

Acknowledgement: Bridgestone and DeltaWing