Nissan Sway Concept: Stylish subcompact strikes

With the Nissan Sway subcompact, the Japanese automaker is making a statement that small cars need not be boring cars. Positioned as a possible successor to the Micra, a small hatch primarily sold in Europe, the Sway adapts the design language that has been featured on larger Nissan products like the newly redesigned Murano crossover and Maxima sedan

In introducing the Sway, Nissan's chief of design, Shiro Nakamura, said that the vehicle incorporates the V-motion grille theme, floating roof, kicked-up C-pillar treatment and flowing fender lines that have come to characterize the company's styling philosophy. The 4-door hatch uses rear-hinged back doors and no B-pillar to ease cabin access. The coach-style doors give the car the look of a sporty 2-door

A study of contrasts

By using an orange metallic paint on the roof rails and rocker extensions as well as inside the front air intakes to contrast with the bluish gray interior, the contrast highlights the floating roof design and adds a muscular, planted look to the lower body. Another design signature developed for the car was the boomerang shape to the front and rear LED lighting elements

The Sway also features a glass roof, and an interior with a floating wing-design dash inspired by the IDx concept car. The wing shape was adopted for its elegant simplicity. The result is an interior where function takes a priority, and where nothing is used for purely decorative purposes. Structural elements, for example, are shown as structural elements. The door pulls are designed to be integrated as a part of exposed aluminum struts. Even the three-spoke steering wheel has a 'back-to-basics' simplicity, with a squared off bottom section and aluminum spokes

Back to basics

Just two basic instruments face the driver, with all other functions captured on a large trapezoidal tablet in the center of the dashboard visible - and usable - by both driver and front seat passenger. The lightweight seats have an aluminum structure - once again exposed - and are covered in a premium suede-like fabric partially accentuated with pearl-effect material, featuring stitching techniques more usually found on luxury handbags. Color coordination sees the use of strong blue and orange themes inside, complementing the exterior perfectly

"With this new concept car for Geneva, we are experimenting to see how Nissan might be able to bring fresh ideas to the compact hatchback segment," Nakamura said. While this may or may not be the shape of the next Micra, the car's upscale looks in a small package would be a welcome addition to Nissan's U.S. lineup

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Morgan Aero 8 returns with a new look and better performance 2016

British boutique sports car maker Morgan used Geneva to reveal a reinvented version of the Aero 8 model, which last graced the lineup in 2010. Due to start production this fall and carrying a nameplate introduced 15 years ago, the 2016 Aero 8 will replace the existing Aero Coupe and Aero Supersports models that end their runs in April. Although the 362-horsepower/4.8-liter BMW V8 engine and 6-speed manual or paddle-shift automatic from those two will carry over, the new Aero 8 boasts a makeover that enhances both form and function compared to the cars it supplants -- upgrades that lead Morgan to deem it the most refined Morgan Aero product to date

The Aero 8's remake starts with a new hand-formed aluminum body that retains the classic Morgan design cues but offers a cleaner and more aggressive profile. It can be crowned with a foldaway fabric soft top that tucks neatly behind its two seats and beneath a new rear-opening decklid - a first for Morgan -- or by an optional bolt-on hard shell. Both the front and rear treatments of the Aero 8 are tidier and more aero-friendly. Trimmed in leather and wood, the recast interior incorporates a new dash and climate control system and can be further upgraded with a touchscreen infotainment system and carbon fiber seats as well bespoke detailing packs

Changes that you can't see promise to be even more impressive in shaping the dynamic character of the new Aero 8. Focused chassis reinforcements add significant torsional stiffness to the aluminum-intensive architecture. That gain is leveraged by an all-new double-wishbone suspension with retuned dampers and anti-roll bars as well as a new BMW-sourced limited-slip rear differential. Beyond its substantially improved ride and handling, the new Aero 8 will offer more extensive personalization. Morgan anticipates turning out about 300-350 of these new Aero 8 models over the course of a two-year period, and some of them will be heading to America

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Mercedes-Maybach Pullman set for Geneva launch 2017

The second entry into of the new Mercedes-Maybach sub-brand, a Pullman limousine, will make its debut at the Geneva Auto Show, marking the 50th anniversary of the introduction of the best-known Pullman sedan of them all, the 1965 Mercedes-Benz 600. The all-new 2017 Mercedes-Maybach Pullman is an impressive limo, measuring 21.3 feet in overall length, fully 3.5 feet longer than the current Mercedes-Maybach S-Class

Powered by a twin-turbo 6.0-liter producing 523 horsepower and 612 lb-ft of torque, the massive Maybach Pullman has a 14.5-foot long wheelbase to accommodate an interior that features a partition between the driver's seat and the rear passenger cabin that has two rear executive seats that can recline up to 43.5 degrees as well as facing jump seats for two additional riders.  In addition to its impressive length, the Mercedes-Maybach Pullman stands 5.2-feet tall, nearly 4 inches taller than a standard Mercedes S-Class

Unabashed luxury

Quite apart from providing stately and stylish seating for high-ranking passengers in the comfort and spaciousness for which it is famed, the new Mercedes-Maybach Pullman is of course the embodiment of exclusivity at its highest level," commented Ola Källenius, Member of the Daimler AG Management Board responsible for sales and marketing of Mercedes-Benz Cars. "One can sense the significance and greatness of it in every detail

The interior of the Mercedes-Maybach Pullman is upholstered entirely in leather and the center partition features a glass window that can be raised and lowered as well as changed from transparent to opaque at the touch of a button. The rear cabin also features standard window curtains, and a retractable 18.5-inch rear monitor

Unique Pullman design

Unlike the ubiquitous stretch limousines on the road today, the Mercedes-Maybach Pullman S600 features long side doors for easy access, a rear seat positioned behind the vehicle's C-pillar and a generous area at the front of the rear cabin for the power jump seats (which can be deleted at the buyer's option). The standard Burmester audio setup can be upgraded to a Burmester High-End 3D Surround Sound System, while customers are also given the opportunity to individually specify colors, equipment and materials to match their preferences

The prices for unarmored models start at around half a million euros ($566,922). The first customers will take delivery at the beginning of 2016, while the U.S. launch is still to be determined

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Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake -- a wagon we still want 2015

this new wagon -- which remains a Euro-only offering for now - will start hitting showrooms there this month. Like its sedan sibling, the new Shooting Brake offers a choice of gasoline and diesel engines with outputs ranging from 121 horsepower to 355 horses in the range-topping CLA45 AMG - a variant that also comes standard with M-B's 4Matic all-wheel drive which is optional on the other front-drive members of the family

"Like its big brother, the CLS Shooting Brake, the CLA Shooting Brake is targeted at active customers who are looking outside of the mainstream for a car that impresses with a high utility value," notes Ola Källenius, Member of the Divisional Board Mercedes-Benz Cars with responsibility for Marketing & Sales. Those seeking a bit more visual distinction without the added performance and expense of going the full AMG route will be able to choose a limited-run OrangeArt Edition that adds unique orange highlights to the bezels around its the bi-xenon headlamps, rim flanges of the AMG light-alloy wheels and lower fascias as well as orange/black sports seats with orange contrast topstitching

Offered in standard, Urban and AMG Line trims as well as the CLA45 AMG itself, the 5-passenger CLA Shooting Brake features bespoke body bits from the A-pillar back to its smartly raked tail. Both a Panoramic glass roof and power liftgate are included in its roster of upline options. The Shooting Brake's more flowing roofline adds nearly 1.6 inches of additional rear headroom and the available cargo space can be increased from 17.5 to 47.8 cu ft by dropping the near-flat folding backs on its 60/40-split rear seat. There are currently no plans to bring the CLA Shooting Brake to America, although we hope Mercedes reconsiders that decision at some point

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Lotus Evora 400 U.S. bound 2016

British sports car maker Lotus has taken the wraps off the next generation mid-engine Evora 2+2  and announced that following the European launch this summer, will hit the North American market in the fall as a 2016 model.  Called the Lotus Evora 400, it is the fastest production Lotus ever, according to the company. The 400 refers to the engine output, which sees the previous Evora S 3.5-liter V-6 fitted with a new supercharger that boosts it from 345 to 400 horsepower. Torque has been increased from 295 to 302 lb-ft with maximum torque available from 3,500 to 6,500 rpm

With a top speed of 186 mph, the Evora 400 takes just 4.1 seconds to accelerate from 0-60 mph and has beat the previous production car lap time set by the Evora S on the company's test track at Hethel, England, by 6 seconds. In addition to the engine upgrades, the 2016 Lotus Evora 400 features a new aluminum chassis, updated interior and lightweight composite body panels that give the car a new look

Faster and lighter

In addition to being faster than the model it replaces, it's lighter with the new design shaving 45 pounds from the previous model even though content has been increased. "We have always said that to make a car better, you must make it faster and lighter," said Jean-Marc Gales, CEO for Group Lotus. We have achieved this, of course, but we didn't stop there, as considerable number of changes in the interior, chassis, engine and body design have warranted emphatically the title of a new Lotus Evora

The new Evora 400 features new styling that includes a bolder face with larger cooling inlets and LED daytime running lights. At the rear, the Evora benefits from a new bumper, lightweight composite rear diffuser and a three-element wing. The car has a more aggressive stance and appears lower, wider and more planted on the road. Overall length has increased 1.4 inches and yet a shorter front overhang reduces the approach angle from 11.5 to 10 degrees

Cabin improvements

Among the upgrades to the interior, first and foremost, Lotus had made the Evora easier to get in and out of, thanks to narrower and lower sills as well as thinner inside door panels. All new sport seats are lighter, more aggressively bolstered and supportive. The new bonded aluminum chassis not only has thinner sills without sacrificing stiffness, but also allows for a slightly larger rear seating area that's 11 inches wider. The Evora 400 has three new trim levels including upgrades to full Alcantara or Scottish leather, each package featuring specific detailing

In addition to an all-new dash layout, revised instrument cluster and a lightweight forged aluminum sport steering wheel, the Evora 400 benefits from an all-new climate control system that provides greater airflow and more operator control. Other changes include the incorporation of a stop/start button and the introduction of a new high-end sound system. Lotus, which produces about 45 cars per week, will ramp production up to 70 per week to accommodate the demand for the Evora 400. Pricing will be announced closer to its launch date

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Lamborghini Aventador LP 750-4 Superveloce debuts 2015

Serving up more power with less weight, improved aerodynamics and a healthy measure of enhanced technology thrown in for good measure, the 2015 Lamborghini Aventador LP 750-4 Superveloce - SV for short -- bowed at Geneva as a more exotic take on one of the world's most stunning supercars

Based on the Aventador LP 700-4 Coupe, the new SV pushes the limits emerging as "the fastest and most emotional series-production" Lambo ever to roll out of the Sant'Agata Bolognese factory. To help trim 110 pounds from the carbon-composite intense baseline Aventador, Lamborghini engineers further optimized the monocoque and its aluminum subframes and replaced the alloy body panels as well as the new rear wing and air intakes with either carbon fiber or superlight Sheet Molding Compound (SMC). The interior came under the same mass-reducing scrutiny, where carbon fiber door panels and racing style shell buckets lessened mass, as did dispensing with the standard infotainment system - still on offer at no added cost - conventional carpeting and a fair bit of sound insulation. It also boasts a new yellow TFT screen for its digital instrument cluster with a blue upshift indicator and a G-force indicator in the lower part of the main display

Less restrictive exhaust

On the motivation front, upgrades to the Variable Valve Timing and Variable Intake System on its mid-mounted 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 coupled with all-new lighter and less-restrictive exhaust plumbing contributed to a gain of 50 horsepower - which works out to 739 horsepower. Redline has also been lifted from 8,400 to 8,500 rpm. Collectively, the revamps improved overall power to weight ratio by 10 percent on the 3,362-pound Aventador SV, trimming its 0-62 mph time by 0.1 second -- to 2.8 ticks - and helping it reach a top speed of over 217 mph

Fed to Lambo's 7-speed ISR automated manual transmission that prodigious power heads to all four wheels via the latest Haldex IV electronically controlled AWD setup. Like the standard Aventador, the SV uses a racing style pushrod chassis with adaptive Magneto Rheological Suspension (MRS) shocks and a new variable-ratio electromechanical Lamborghini Dynamic Steering (LDS) system that adapts to road speed and the Strada/Sport/Corsa mode settings available on the SV's Drive Select system. Other SV touches include 20-inch front/21-inch rear alloy wheels - available with racing-style center locks -- wrapped in Pirelli P Z Corsa performance tires and standard Carbon Ceramic Brakes

To keep the Aventador LP 750-4 Superveloce securely planted at speed and enhance its cornering prowess, the two-seater also benefits from a comprehensive aero tweaking. The front end has a more open appearance with a bolder and deeper splitter and twin wing elements as well as larger air intakes to further improve brake cooling. That same openness carries to the rear treatment, where the 3-way manually adjustable wing is matched with a revised and more efficient lower diffuser separated by a black mesh insert that helps extract heat from the engine compartment. Lamborghini says the revisions optimize the SV's total aero signature by 150 percent and increase downforce by 170 percent compared to the baseline Aventador

The 2015 Lamborghini Aventador LP 750-4 Superveloce goes on sale later this spring and will start at just over $366,000. No word yet on what that figure will be in the U.S. or when the first cars will arrive here

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Bentley Continental GT lineup freshened 2015

British luxury automaker Bentley Motors will take the wraps off styling enhancement and feature upgrades across the Continental GT line at the Geneva Motor Show. The new design cues, wheel choices, interior improvements and mechanical tweaks are being applied to all 2015 Bentley Continental GT Coupes, GT Speed and GT Convertible models

According to Wolfgang Dürheimer, chairman/CEO of Bentley Motors, Bentley offers uncompromised luxury and performance with ultimate comfort for grand touring and our new 2015 features extend the appeal of our family. With these new evolutions we're making our cars even more stylish, efficient, connected and useable every day

Bolder presence

The goal of the redesign is to give the 2015 Bentley Continental GT lineup a bolder presence that starts with a new front bumper, smaller radiator opening and more pronounced fender lines. In profile, the front fenders also sport a new vent incorporating a metallic flying "B" accent along with new chrome badging that identifies the model as having either a V8 or a W12 engine. At the rear, the decklid has been reshaped with a more aerodynamic sweep to the rear, while the bumper has been redesigned and widened to give the car a more muscular stance. The V8 S and GT Speed have new rear diffuser designs to differentiate these performance versions of the standard Continental GT

In addition to reshaping the car, Continental GT models will offer a new range of wheels in 20- and 21-inch diameters, the standard for the GT V8 and V12 models being a six element tri-spoke wheel. The Mulliner Driving Specification wheel is now a 21" seven-twin-spoke design, finished in graphite with bright machined spokes. Finally, a new 21" five-spoke directional sport wheel joins the existing 21" design available for the V8 S and GT Speed

A cabin with contemporary flair

Inside, the four seats have been trimmed in a straight fluting pattern, while the Mulliner spec package features a tighter small diamond quilting. New controls with an optional sport steering wheel and larger paddles for the sequential shift automatic are among the upgrades. Chromed accents across the console are updated while the instrument panel boasts new dials and graphics for a refreshed, more contemporary look. The cabin is also illuminated by LEDs and the beauty of the new interior is now illuminated by LEDs.  The center console also features a new gloss black gear lever surround, while the rear seat passengers can access a new, hidden center storage compartment

While the V8 engine family carries over unchanged in the Continental GT, the 6.0-liter W12 see power and torque increase from 567 horsepower and 516 lb-ft to 582 horsepower and 531 lb-ft. This additional output is accompanied by a 5-percent increase in fuel economy thanks in part to a new variable displacement system that allows the engine to operate in a 6-cylinder mode. The redesigned 2015 Bentley Continental GT will go on sale this summer

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Aston Martin DBX Concept surprises at Geneva

Providing a bit of drama beyond the introduction of the Aston Martin Vulcan supercar, the British automaker surprised the crowd by having a second, unannounced concept on hand, the DBX, a crossover SUV coupe.  The vehicle was commissioned by new CEO Andy Palmer when he took over Aston Martin last October

The 4-passenger 2-door coupe with the stance and ride height of an SUV also breaks with Aston Martin convention in that it is an all-wheel drive electric. According to Palmer, he charged his design and engineering staff to think out of the box

The DBX Concept is a challenge to the existing status quo in the high luxury GT segment, Palmer said. It envisages a world when luxury GT travel is not only stylish and luxurious but also more practical, more family-friendly and more environmentally responsible. I asked my team at Aston Martin to expand their thinking beyond conventions, to explore what the future of luxury GT motoring would look like in years ahead, and the DBX Concept you see before you is the result

Traditional grille, futuristic package

Beyond the trademark Aston grille, the DBX use of materials represents the company's forward thinking in the use of lightweight aluminum. The concept's exterior bright work is made from machined billet with visible milling lines in a piece of craftsmanship intended to be seen as jewelry. The DBX Concept's unique paint finish - Black Pearl Chromium - has been specially created to mimic the look of a genuine black pearl, and comprises a micro-fine layer of chrome to deliver a level of reflectivity that cannot be obtained through normal paint finishes

Inside, designers deliberately chose to use non-automotive materials to create a soft, cocoon-like cabin. This includes extensive application of velvet-like Nubuck leather, which contrasts with the concept's hard, hi-tech equipment. The exposed leather reveals a sandwiched accent layer, more akin to high-end furniture, while the car's interior bright accents mimic that of the exterior with the addition of a gold 'pin striping' element on the edging

In addition to space for four, the DBX also boasts plenty of cargo space thanks to the use of an electric power train that frees up space both beneath the front hood and in the rear

The DBX Concept is more than a thought starter for us and for our customers, though, Palmer explained. We will, in due course, be entering a car into the new DBX space and I am very much looking forward to seeing how this concept is received not only here today, but also by our legion of existing loyal customers and by those potential customers around the world who have, to this point, yet to consider one of our cars

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Aston Martin Vulcan: 800-hp track-day thriller

Totally outrageous and stunningly bold, the Aston Martin Vulcan makes its debut in Geneva

That prodigious might passes through an Xtrac 6-speed sequential manual transmission and heads to the rear wheels via a Multimatic limited-slip differential. While holding off on citing performance numbers until the car makes its on-track debut later this year, Aston Martin says the Vulcan has a better power-to-weight ratio than current GTE- category racers that compete in the FIA's World Endurance Championship, including the firm's own Vantage GTE

Light makes right

As one might expect, the Vulcan features all carbon composite construction, and Aston said that elements of the car's exterior styling hints at what we'll see in the next generation of its production sports cars. However, those aren't likely to include the Vulcan's ultra-efficient front splitter and rear diffuser nor its massive fixed aft wing. Underneath, this ultra-Aston's racing-derived pushrod-style chassis incorporates fully adjustable dampers, anti-roll bars and traction control as well driver-selectable brake bias on its huge Brembos that feature carbon-ceramic discs

Fitted with two racing-style bucket seats, the Vulcan's competition-spec cabin incorporates an FIA roll cage, a cutaway steering wheel and a digital instrument display. While performance is paramount, Aston says buyers - who'll are expected to be shelling out something beyond $2 million for the right to own one - will be able to have it painted, trimmed and equipped to their specific preferences by the brand's "Q" personalization group when production begins late this year, with deliveries in 2016

Full factory support

Like the track-only McLaren P1 GTR and Ferrari FXX K, acquisition of an Aston Martin Vulcan will be accompanied by a full factory support package. It includes seat time in various Aston Martin models including a V12 Vantage and the exotic One-77 as well as a Vantage GT4 racer -- all with hands-on guidance from Aston Martin's Le Mans-winning driver Darren Turner - to develop a feel for what the Vulcan has to offer as well as the option to book time in one of Turner Base Performance Simulators prior to taking part in a series of organized track events

We have already received strong interest from the customers we have spoken to about Aston Martin Vulcan, noted Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer. The cars will blend our traditional Aston Martin values of Power, Beauty and Soul with an unrivalled ownership experience; a unique combination that will guarantee their place in the brand's rich and charismatic history

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New York International Auto Show: Sedans in the spotlight 2015

There's no question that the auto industry is mad for crossover SUVs as the compact-sized variety is one of the fastest growing segments currently. But that's not to say that the traditional 4-door sedan has been consigned to the ash pile of history. At least that's the conclusion to take away from the New York International Auto Show, which played host to a bevy of new 4-door models

The most anticipated new sedan at the show was the all-new Cadillac CT6, a full-size sedan offered in either rear- or all-wheel drive positioned to take on the likes of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series. The CT6 not only ushers in new nomenclature for the car side of GM's luxury division, but also debuts a new lightweight architecture and a new family of twin-turbo V6 and V8 engines. It is a make or break product in Cadillac's bid for global parity among the top luxury cars. Cadillac's longtime rival Lincoln showed off an early look at its own new flagship sedan, the Continental Concept

No less important to Jaguar/Land Rover Group is the remake of the mid-size Jaguar XF, which will share the aluminum-intensive approach introduced in the compact XE. In addition to hitting the show floor in New York, the car also bowed in London as part of a high wire act

In the mainstream market, the Nissan Maxima has also been redesigned and will again stress its performance-oriented suspension and drivetrain under the 4-door sports car positioning, Chevrolet's much needed remake of the Malibu midsize sedan showed off completely new skin and a package that promises more rear legroom, while Kia took the covers off the next installment of its popular Optima midsize family car. At a more entry-level price point, Scion gave us a two-fer: The iA is that division's first 4-door sedan, and it bowed alongside the all-new iM hatchback

Other non-SUV offerings include a new Chevrolet Spark hatchback, Smart hosted the American debut of its new Fortwo city car and McLaren flaunted the high-performance 570S Sport two-seater

And even though sedans dominated the New York Auto Show headlines, there were some significant SUV introductions, too. Making their world debuts were the Mercedes-Benz GLE — a replacement for the current ML — a redone Mitsubishi Outlander and perhaps most important of all, the all-new Lexus RX, a remake of the iconic crossover SUV that created the segment

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