Video: Opel Corsa OPC including Nurburgring footage

GM’s brand-new Opel Corsa OPC has left a good first impression to most journalists in Europe with its punchy 192Hp strong 1.6-liter Turbo engine and its sexy exterior looks –don’t you just love those Lambo-styled rims? After you see our compact sized video that includes footage from Nurburgring click here to check out more facts on GM’s Europe only hot hatch -thank the 20.000+ Euros – 26.000+ USD price tag for that.

Technorati: Opel+Corsa+OPC, Vauxhall, Video, Geneva+Motor+Show, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007

MILA Future: Magna Steyr presents 4-in-1 roof system

We missed this presentation at the Geneva Show, but better late than never. Basically, the MILA Future from Magna Steyr is a new folding roof system for coupe-cabriolets that allows up to four different roof configurations on one vehicle: coupe, landaulet (only rear window lowered completely), roadster and copster (targa). Magna Steyr’s technology used is based on a two-part retractable top where one part consists of the roof and the other of the deck lid. Integrated in it are the movable rear window and the rollover protection. Via: Autoblog.it -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see the press release and a high-res image gallery

PRESS RELEASE: MILA Future - an automotive sculpture with four roof configurations

At the 2007 Geneva Motor Show, MAGNA STEYR is presenting MILA Future, an automotive sculpture that is reduced to a forward-looking design and fully functional roof system. This unique system can be used to show four different roof configurations on one vehicle - a world first.

If a roadster has a retractable hard top (RHT), its back does not usually lend itself to classic coupé lines. When the roof is closed, the trunk volume is generally satisfactory, but when open the storage space may be reduced by up to half. Many of the retractable tops common today require a rear deck cover that opens in the opposite direction to travel to accommodate the roof - making additional motors necessary. MILA Future offers a variety of innovative ideas and demonstrates the development team's creative potential at MAGNA STEYR and MAGNA Car Top Systems in a number of interesting details.

MILA Future: the world is adaptable, but always open - four variants in one vehicle

MILA Future coupé:
A characteristic of classic coupés is the flowing silhouette towards the rear. It gives the vehicle an elegant, dynamic appearance that the target group on the market regards as its distinctive feature. In addition to attractive styling, other benefits include fully utilizable trunk volume and protection against wind and weather for the passengers.

MILA Future landaulet:
Landaulets were horse-drawn carriages that had double soft folding tops for driving half open. Thanks to the special design of roof, deck lid and rear window, the Mila Future can be driven in a similarly romantic mode - the rear window is lowered completely, but the roof itself remains in place over the passengers protecting them against direct sunlight. On country roads you therefore feel in touch with your surroundings and if driving faster the airflow is reduced to a pleasant level.

MILA Future roadster:
When the roof is down and the rear window lowered, you can experience real roadster feeling. Compared with conventional solutions, however, the remaining trunk space is 20% larger. This additional volume is created by leaving the B and C pillars on the deck lid as styling elements, which means that the space is not required in the trunk area. The result is a new, exciting appearance and makes this type of vehicle unmistakable on the roads. At the same time, it provides adequate rollover protection - so the typical bars behind the seats are not required.

MILA Future copster:
A combination of coupé and roadster, this variant keeps the roof in the trunk with the rear window in the coupé position. It also serves as a permanent wind deflector and does not require manual mounting. This configuration gives you a sense of safety in the interior without having to sacrifice the open-air feeling.

Technorati: Geneva+Motor+Show, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, blogs, images, pictures, 2007

Pic of the Day: Stola’s made to measure Concept Car…

Words from my part are totally unnecessary here as the picture speaks for itself. Still, feel free to comment below… Pic Via: Autoblog.it

History: Opel Geneva Concepts 1975 to 2004

The Gran Tourismo Coupe was met with enthusiasm from both journalists and consumers alike but despite the rumors, Opel hasn’t decided whether it’ll produce it or not. That makes Opel’s report on its Swiss adventures over the few past decades even more interesting since it not only refreshes our memories but it also offers us a chance to see what happened to their previous concepts. Undeniably, petroholics will find the sexy “Geneva” sports coupe as the most intriguing of them all. The “Geneva” actually started out with a rotary-engine but during the development process GM dropped its Wankel program before the concept was completed for the 1975 Geneva Show! -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see the Concepts

Press Release: Advanced Opel Concept Cars in Geneva

1975 – Opel Geneve

In Geneva in 1975, Opel revealed a beautifully streamlined two-seater, the “Genève”. Engineered to take a Wankel-type rotary engine, its original name was “GT/W” (“W” forWankel). However, GM dropped its Wankel development program before the car was completed. Opel Design renamed it and exhibited its fiberglass mock-up as an eye-catcher at the show.

1982 – Opel Corsa Spider

The spectacular fiberglass “Corsa Spider” concept car was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 1982. Cover plates were used to complete the transformation from a four-seater to a two-seater. In the same way, covering the front passenger seat gave the Spider the look of a single-seat race car. Much to the dismay of many fans, Opel did not put the “Corsa Spider” into production.

1992 – Opel Twin

Highlights of the Twin concept car included interchangeable drive units, with the engine, transmission, rear axle and energy accumulator housed inside. This allowed the vehicle to run on whichever drive assembly made the most environmental and economical sense. For highway driving for instance, there was a three-cylinder gasoline engine (0.8 liter, 34 hp) and for city or short distance driving, an electric unit with two wheel-hub motors (each with 14 hp). Arranging all the drive assemblies in the rear allowed for a variation to the usual seating layout. Instead of sitting front left, the driver had a central single-seat position, while three more passengers were able to sit in the back.

1995 – Opel Maxx

Instead of a conventional steel body, the Opel Maxx had a stable light alloy structure made of extruded aluminum profiles like a cage, which was visible from the outside. The form and dimensions of the profiles were variable, ensuring exceptional flexibility. The idea behind it was that instead of the two-door and two-seat basic version, Opel was also able to build a four-door extended version with four or even six seats.

1997 – Opel Signum Concept

The Signum was a concept for an elegant sedan with a long wheelbase and very spacious passenger compartment, featuring an interior arrangement with unprecedented flexibility in a car of this kind. The new idea became reality in 2003, when Opel launched a Signum that reflected the principle and innovation of the initial concept: maximum interior size and flexibility.

1999 – Opel Concept A

Distinguishing features of the “Concept A” microvan study were exceptional design, high levels of functionality and ultra-modern, environmentally compatible propulsion technology. Its striking look was just as impressive as its high variability, which allowed the compact five-door microvan to be transformed from a four-seater into a spacious load carrier. Raised seat positions made getting into and out of the vehicle easier and made traveling more relaxing. The smart Opel fun car was powered by a particularly low-emission “bivalent” engine and, at the touch of a button, ran on gasoline or compressed natural gas. The Concept A served as the forerunner to the Agila.

2002 – Opel Concept M

The “Concept M” was a sporty and environmentally-friendly concept van from Opel. With a height of 1.62 meters, the dynamically styled, compact body had plenty of space for four passengers. The 1.6-liter, 110 kW/150 hp natural gas turbo engine, combined with the automated “Easytronic” manual transmission familiar from the Corsa, formed a very promising drivetrain concept. The high-quality cabin was also ultra-modern and boasted great potential for a variety of innovative and flexible interior solutions. The Concept M became a great market success as the Meriva.

2003 – Opel GTC Geneve

With the GTC Genève, Opel unveiled a sporty three-door concept car that inspired many elements of the Astra GTC and showcased both high dynamics combined with comfortable seating for four people. The champagne-silver concept car featured a tinted, transparent roof that stretched from the windshield to the rear window, and the design team took the GTC's proportions (length/width/height: 4349/1773/1352 mm) to the extreme.

2004 – Opel Trixx

The Opel TRIXX was a true multi-talent. There was either room for up to three adults and one child, or plenty of load capacity as a one-seater. Three electrically powered pantograph doors enabled very easy access for passengers and luggage loading. Other ingenious ideas included an inflatable rear seat, a foldaway front passenger's seat and a rear pull-out luggage rack. This clever feature, which is today known as “Flex-Fix”, is now in series production and optionally available for the new Corsa and Antara.

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Mansory Conquistador: Geneva Show's pimped Rolls Royce Phantom

You could say that Mansory is trying to justify the Phantom’s name with the black-mat finish of its Conquistador project, but then again we’re talking about a 3.2 tonne, 5.83 m long tank on wheels so obviously that’s not the case here. If I had to choose, I’d say that the Conquistador was born to star in hip-hop video-clips; I can just imagine it filled with a bunch of “bootylicious” chicks dressed in mat-black mini shorts or even better yet, not dressed at all! Know what I'm saying... -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see the rest of the article plus more images

I guess all of you who clicked here would like to know a thing or two on the Conquistador so let’s get straight to the point. From what we made from the German press release, the Conquistador has been painted with BASF Coatings' Glasurit brand mat-effect paints. The original black glossy finish was lightly sanded, then paint was applied, followed by a layer of clearcoat. After another round of sanding, a layer of clearcoat mat was added. The mirrors, the radiator grille, and the trim strips received a coat of silver mat instead of black mat.

And that’s no all since the Conquistador also features a “light” bodykit consisting of a front spoiler with LED daytime running lights, side skirts with implemented aluminum flanks, a trunk lid spoiler and a new set of humongous, 24’’ black rims. In the interior Mansory applied a huge doses of carbonfibre trim as well as ambiance-light-effects and chequered quilted seats.

Finally, Mansory decided to give the 6,8-litre V12 a little more power by intervening with the electronics. That resulted to an output of 499Hp and a maximum torque figure of 780Nm of torque (up from 460Hp & 720Nm respectively).

Technorati: Mansory, Conquistador, Rolls+Royce+Phantom, Geneva+Motor+Show, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images

2008 Mazda2 - Demio Video including driving & static shots

The promo video gives us a real life example of what we can expect from the all-new Mazda2 - Demio in Europe and Japan later this year. It'll also make its apperence in the US beginning in 2008. And since vids are almost always more entertaining than pics, this one was worth the time to find. But, in the name of all that is holy... ixnay on the color-ay.

Technorati: Mazda2, Mazda+Demio, Geneva+Motor+Show, Video, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007

GENEVA: Lada-C Concept

One of my beloved and obviously useless hobbies is to try to find similarities or inspirations between various concepts and models of different makes. With the Lada-C Concept I didn’t even had to try; to me, the folks over at Lada took a VW Iroc, threw in the rear part of a Fiat Stilo along with a shot of Russian idiosyncrasy and presto: Lada’s proposition for a sporty looking compact hatch! Don’t believe us? Check out the images after the jump and see for yourself. -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see the official press release & more high-res pics

PRESS RELEASE

It is quite possible that in the nearest future LADA cars will look exactly like that – impetuous and aggressive. The letter “C” at the name of a vehicle, developed by young Russian designers, symbolizes three concepts at once: C-class, Concept, Coupe.

LADA-C is conceptual design on the basis of the new platform, which is developing in cooperation with Magna International Inc. and will become the base for the whole range of new LADA models. This class-C family will include sedan, hatchback, universal, compact van and cross-over with engines 1.6 – 2.0l. In September 2006 at Moscow International motor-show for the first time LADA presented the new family sedan, its name was Concept C, and today in Geneva there is a debut of 3-doors hatchback with a typically sports character.

Concept-car design illustrates the process of searching for the new style of future Lada vehicles and now we know that this design will comply with the latest requirements. The new LADA family from the very first stage realizes fundamentally new level of basic consumer characteristics – safety, reliability, comfort. In particular, form the very first stage the vehicle is developing with the purpose to obtain the maximum number of points for safety, not only for driver and passengers but also for the pedestrian safety. The results of tests, carried out according to a procedure similar to EuroNCAP, show that prototypes comply not only with the existing but also with prospective requirements for passive safety.

LADA-С Technical specifications

Overall dimensions
Length 4.208
Width 1.837
Height 1.548
Engine capacity, 2.0-liter
Maximum speed, 210 km/h - 131
Tyre size 225/40 ZR18

Technorati: Lada-C+Concept, Lada, Russia, Geneva+Motor+Show, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images