SEAT has fully restored a classic 600 as part of the model’s 60th anniversary. Launched in 1957, SEAT’s version of the original FIAT 600 offered many Spaniards the chance to finally take to the road, and went on to sell nearly 800,000 examples. Over 1,000 original parts had to be sourced, along with 50 metres of exclusive fabric and 15 litres of new paint - before a team of 30 people could painstakingly rebuild the car in time for the 2017 Automobile Barcelona show.
Audi has revealed its new e-tron Sportback concept at the Shanghai Auto Show. The all-wheel drive, all-electric car is powered by three motors delivering up to 370 kW - for a 0-62mph time of just 4.5 seconds an a top speed of around 130mph. Audi claims a driving range of over 310 miles for the e-tron Sportback, which isset to enter series production in 2019.
Citroen is unveiling its new C5 Aircross SUV at the 2017 Shanghai Auto Show. Initially powered by the latest-generation petrol engines, the C5 Aircross will also feature plug-in hybrid technology and - with a total system output of 300 bhp - will become the most powerful Citroen production car ever. The SUV also debuts a new suspension system with Progressive Hydraulic Cushions which deliver, says Citroen, a 'uniquely smooth and comfortable ride'. The C5 Aircross will go on sale in Europe in the second half of 2018.
Vauxhall has pulled the covers off its new urban crossover - the Crossland X. Seen here with sister company Opel badging, the new model is described as compact on the outside, and spacious on the inside with an SUV-look, and an elevated seating position. Technology features include a head-up display, a panoramic rear view camera and LED headlights. Power comes from a choice of petrol and diesel engines, with manual and automatic transmissions. The Vauxhall Crossland X arrives in showrooms this summer.
The new Volkswagen Arteon has made its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show. Replacing the CC, the five-door GT becomes the top model in the VW range - and combines sports car elements with the space of a fastback. The Arteon will be available in three trim levels: standard, elegance and R-line - seen here - and comes with a choice of six turbocharged petrol and diesel engines. Top of the range models get the dual clutch DSG transmission and 4MOTION all-wheel drive as standard. Prices for the new Arteon are expected to start from around £30k.
The Geneva Motor Show has seen the covers come off the most powerful production Ferrari ever - the aptly-named 812 Superfast. Power comes from a 6.5-litre V12 engine, pumping out a hefty 800 PS - 60 more than the F12berlinetta - for a sub 3-second 0-62mph time and a top speed of 211mph. The 812 Superfast is described as having near-perfect aerodynamics and is also the first Ferrari to feature Electric Power Steering. The asking price is expected to be in the region of a quarter of a million pounds.
Unveiled in Geneva the FE Fuel Cell Concept previews Hyundai’s next generation of hydrogen-powered vehicles. The FE, which stands for ‘Future Eco’, is inspired by nature and water - the car’s only emission. Power density of the fuel stack has increased by 30% compared to the current generation system, boosting the car’s range to more than 500 miles. Hyundai says that elements of the FE Concept will influence an SUV Fuel Cell model set for launch in 2018.
Following on from its World debut in Detroit, Kia’s new high-performance sports saloon – the Stinger - has been revealed in European spec. The fastest production Kia to date features a long bonnet, short overhangs and a fastback roofline. The rear-wheel-drive five-seater is powered by a choice of two petrol engines or a diesel - all turbocharged - mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Kia says it’s targeting a 0-62 mph time of 5.1 seconds and a top speed of 167 mph. The new Stinger is set to arrive in Europe later this year.
The performance division of Mercedes - AMG - is kicking off its 50th anniversary celebrations with the launch of a new GT C Coupe. Unveiled at the Detroit Auto show, the GT C will initially be available exclusively as a special ‘Edition 50’ model, with plenty of black chrome and unique paint finishes including graphite grey. Power comes from a 4.0-litre V8 engine delivering 557 horse power, which translates into a 0-62mph time of 3.7 seconds. Meanwhile, the Mercedes-AMG GT and GT S have also been facelifted and upgraded with even more power.
Jaguar has revealed its first-ever electric vehicle - the I-PACE Concept - in Los Angeles. The I-PACE combines five-seater SUV versatility with an F-Type inspired, lower driving position. 0-60 is dispatched in under 5 seconds thanks to 400PS and 700Nm of instant torque from the front and rear electric motors. The battery pack sits flat between the axles, offering a predicted range of over 310 miles, and can be 80% recharged in 90 minutes. A production-ready I-PACE will be revealed in late 2017 going on sale in 2018.
With the Paris Motor Show in full swing we take a look at some of the homegrown concept cars that are making the headlines. Renault revealed its super sexy all-electric Trezor concept. Featuring a power unit borrowed from the Renault Formula E team, it boasts 350 brake horse power and can accelerate from 0 to 62mph in under four seconds. Not to be outdone, Peugeot brought along its Fractal concept which has an electric motor on each axle delivering a combined total output of just over 200bhp. Described as an urban coupé, it comes with a removable roof to turn it into a stylish cabriolet. Citroën meanwhile, debuted its new CXPERIENCE petrol-electric plug-in hybrid concept. At just 1.37m tall, the low slung prototype features rear-hinged doors and a concave rear window for improved aerodynamics.
MG has confirmed pricing for its all-new GS SUV. First seen at the London Motor Show, the entry level ‘Explore’ model comes with cruise control, automatic headlights and air conditioning - and starts just a fiver short of £15-grand. The mid-range ‘Excite’ model costs from £17,495 and adds DAB radio, Bluetooth and rear parking sensors, while the flagship ‘Exclusive’ model is also available with MG’s first 7-speed automatic gearbox, and gets leather sports seats as well as iGo Sat Nav, for £21k OTR.
Lamborghini has revealed an ultra-exclusive new model – the Centenario – at the Geneva Motor Show. The 770 horsepower, limited edition Lambo, which celebrates 100-years since the birth of company founder Ferruccio Lamborghini, can sprint to 62 in just 2.8 seconds, topping out at over 217mph. Just 20 coupe and 20 roadster versions will be produced, and all 40 have already been snapped up, despite an asking price of over £1.3 million plus tax.
Senior UK car industry executives teamed up with Business Secretary Sajid Javid to give British-built cars a unique send-off to the Frankfurt Motor Show. The event coincided with news that total investment in the UK's automotive sector this year, has topped £2 billion, with more than 4,500 new jobs created. Among the 10 cars flying the British flag, the brand new Rolls-Royce Dawn was seen in public for the first time ahead of its Frankfurt world premiere.
Peugeot has revealed its Vision Gran Turismo, designed exclusively for the Sony PlayStation game GranTurismo6. Featuring a 1:1 power-to-weight ratio – meaning its weight of 875kg results in 875bhp – the Hypercar also launches from 0 to 62 in just 1.73 seconds. A 3.2-litre V6 turbo engine sits just behind the driver and lays the power down via a six-speed manual transmission and an all-wheel-drive system. The Peugeot Vision Gran Turismo will be released as a part of a free update for the Sony PlayStation game in the very near future.
Audi has unveiled the third iteration of its prologue design concept - the allroad - at the Shanghai Auto show. The Estate variant features a raised body and a more rugged stance, with 22-inch wheels and flared arches. The hybrid show car is powered by a 4.0-litre TFSI V8 and an electric motor for a total system output of 734 bhp and 900 Nm of torque, which helps launch the allroad to 62mph in 3.5 seconds while returning up to 117mpg.
Lamborghini unveiled its fastest-ever production car, the LP 750-4 Superveloce. Powered by a 750 bhp V12, the new Lambo was designed with a focus on weight reduction and thus makes extensive use of carbon fibre to achieve electrifying performance figures: 0-62 in 2.8 seconds, and a top speed of over 217 mph. Koenigsegg meanwhile showed off its new Regera. Powered by a 5.0-litre twin-turbo V8 and 3 electric motors, the Swedish company described it as the most powerful production car ever, claiming a total power output somewhere close to 1800bhp. Making its debut at the Geneva Motor Show, Aston Martin’s all-new Vulcan is a track-only supercar. Boasting over 800 bhp from its 7.0-litre V12, the all-carbon fibre racer promises extreme performance – but will be limited to just 24 examples worldwide.
The brand new Vauxhall Viva will make its debut at next month’s Geneva Motor Show. Seen here badged as the Opel Karl – as it will be sold in mainland Europe – Vauxhall's new entry-level, five-door hatchback will be powered by a specially-developed 75PS 1.0-litre ECOTEC engine. Available with a choice of 14- to 16-inch wheels and an IntelliLink connectivity system enabling smartphone integration, the new Vauxhall Viva is set to hit showrooms later in the Spring.
With Auto China 2014 opening its doors this week in Beijing, we take a look at a few of the show cars with star potential. Citroen will reveal its DS 5LS R Concept -- a luxury saloon fitted with lightweight carbon fibre components to maximise the performance from its 300bhp, 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine. Bentley will pull the covers off the Mulsanne-based Hybrid Concept. The luxury car maker's first ever hybrid uses copper as a styling element to highlight its electrical veins, which endow it with an emissions-free, electric-only driving range of up to 50km. Finally, Infiniti will premiere a short film of the Q50 Eau Rouge development prototype being put through its paces by Director of Performance and Formula 1 World Champion, Sebastian Vettel.
