Infiniti QX30 Concept foretells the future

Making its global debut in Geneva, the Infiniti QX30 Concept provides a look at what the automaker plans for a versatile new vehicle that can bolster its market position on a global basis. "The QX30 Concept foreshadows an entry in the premium compact segment that provides a stylish alternative to the existing choices," said Roland Krueger, Infiniti President and CEO. It embodies our conviction to give customers the freedom to go wherever they want, whenever they want - in a style that turns heads and makes a statement, in a way that expresses their individualized character

A bolder variation on the Q30 Concept

The Q30 Concept was like a panther, lithe and slender. We transformed the QX30 Concept into a mountain lion, strong and muscular," said Alfonso Albaisa, Infiniti Executive Design Director. "The QX30 Concept design conveys a gritty sense of durability but tough doesn't mean rough. We've retained a sense of artistry throughout, even in the most functional of parts

Although the two vehicles are virtually identical in size, the QX30 is about 1.2 inches taller and has 7.6-inches of ground clearance. The fascia treatments on the QX30 also display a more aggressively robust character, with larger flared air intakes/exhaust outlets set off with satin chrome accent elements and matte carbon trim found on the door-sill kick plates and wheel-arch surrounds as well as lower bumpers and stylized faux skid plates. The QX30 wears 21-inch tires wrapped around distinctive two-tone alloys with a 3D twisted-spoke design that interweaves milled aluminum and matte rubber. Even the integrated roof rack that sits over the full panoramic glass roof reflects a unique sense of sculpted style

Inside, the QX30 Concept also shows a heavy Q30 design influence but complements bespoke detail elements with a darker motif that matches brown Connolly leather centers with blue quilted leather bolsters set off with blue contrast stitching and customizable LED accent lighting. That color combo is reprised in its premium leather-weave carpet. Here, too, each of the four individual seats features a slim-line look that adds to the feeling of inner space. To bolster that interconnected experience for all aboard, the QX30 Concept also is fitted with the latest Infiniti InTouch infotainment system and app set

Like the Q30 Concept, the QX30 Concept is designed to accept a wide variety of powertrain choices. In this case, Infiniti fitted a 2.0-liter turbocharged/direct-injected 4-cylinder gasoline engine matched with a 7-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the front or all four wheels. While stopping short of further details, it's believed the QX30 will share the same Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class platform/powertrain elements that will be used in the production Infiniti QX30

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Honda Civic Type R set for European launch 2016

The early anticipated 2015 Honda Civic Type R bowed in Geneva, but unfortunately for American enthusiasts, this one's for Europe only. With its aero-optimized body, upgraded suspension and brakes, competition-inspired cabin and packing a new 306-horsepower engine, it's simply the most performance-focused production Civic ever created by Honda. Here's a quick rundown of what we'll be missing

While its development wasn't quite as intensive as Honda's Formula One effort, the new Civic Type R benefitted from the same kind of racing-derived engineering and wind tunnel work before its final design was settled. That recasting starts with a redrawn front fascia that features a deeper front splitter and larger, more efficient air intakes which work with the Type R's extended side skirts. Out back, the large rear spoiler teams with a highly effective diffuser as well as a full underbody fairing to keep this hot Civic more confidently planted at speeds of up to 167 mph

New 2.0-liter engine

Helping the new Type R reach that velocity and sprint to 62 mph in 5.7 seconds is an all-new 2.0-liter turbocharged/direct-injected VTEC 4-cylinder engine backed by a quick-shifting 6-speed manual transmission. Part of automaker's Earth Dreams family, this latest VTEC powerplant backs its 306 horses with a stout 295 lb-ft of torque, record stats for any Type R model. Honda says it signals the start of a new era of performance for the brand and recently lapped a prototype version of the car around Germany's fabled 12.9-mile Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit in 7 minutes 50.63 seconds, the fastest time ever for a front-drive performance hatchback

To prevent the kind of potential control issues that can occur when shipping that level of power to just the front wheels, Honda engineers reworked the chassis on the Type R, replacing the standard front underpinnings with a new Dual Axis Strut system that cuts torque steer by 50 percent. The improvements also enhance high-speed stability, cornering agility and steering feel. Honda also swapped the existing H-section torsion-beam rear axle for a "crushed pipe" alternative that improves roll rigidity by 180 percent and also helps the Type R's high speed cornering stability. The Civic Type R further benefits from a new 4-point Adaptive Damper System, as well as new Dual Pinion Electric Power Steering that provides a more linear feel and positive feedback. The package also includes upsized Brembo brakes and a set of bespoke 235/35 performance tires wrapped around super-stiff 19-inch alloy wheels

Full-race ambiance 

As with previous Type R offerings, the cabin displays a decidedly high-performance character that starts with torso-hugging sport seats trimmed in black and red suede-style cloth and a unique array of primary gauges and supplemental readouts plus a machined-aluminum shift knob. Also new is a dedicated +R button that when engaged, tweaks the engine power/torque mapping, steering feel and damper firmness to higher levels of enthusiast-pleasing intensity. Buyers also will be able to opt for a GT Pack that adds Garmin satellite navigation, Honda Connect Infotainment, 320-watt premium audio package and a full set of advanced driver safety/assist technologies that include Forward Collision/Lane Departure Warning and Honda's City Brake Active systems

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Ford Focus RS revealed 2016

Following up on its Detroit show-stealing GT, Ford has opened another chapter in its performance revival with the first look at the Focus RS, a compact supercar with more power and agility than the Focus ST. It will be the latest in a series of 30 RS (for Rally Sport) models dating to 1985, the third based on the Ford Focus, and the very first RS to reach U.S. showrooms

The heart of Ford's potent new pocket rocket is a turbocharged (read: EcoBoost) 2.3-liter four-cylinder, adapted from the version offered in the new Mustang. In Mustang tune, this engine delivers 310 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. With extensive revisions (new cylinder head, new twin-scroll turbocharger, new intercooler, freer flowing exhaust) Ford predicts the 2.3 turbo to deliver "well in excess of 315 hp," revving up to 6800 rpm and a 0-60 mph time of less than five seconds. No torque figures were given. For contrast, the Focus ST's 2.0-liter EcoBoost four generates 255 hp and 270 lb-ft

4 x 4 and more

Big power in a compact car is always a prescription for fun, but that's only part of the new RS story. The six-speed manual transmission (no automatic option) sends power to a new all-wheel drive system featuring torque vectoring at the rear wheels via twin clutch packs

In normal straight-ahead driving on dry pavement, the system delivers 100 percent of the engine's output to the front wheels. But when sensors detect wheelspin, the system can transfer as much as 70 percent of engine torque to the rear wheels, and torque vectoring transfers as much as 100 percent of that power from side to side, depending on traction

The RS presentation suggested chassis-stiffening measures, with no specifics, as well as stiffer suspension components with two pre-sets to accommodate normal driving and/or track use; bigger brakes (from Brembo); 19-inch alloy wheels; and grippy 235/35 Michelin tires (Pilot Super Sport standard, Pilot Sport Cup optional). RS chassis engineers expect the car to pull over 1.0 g on the skidpad

More aggressive looks

In addition to mechanical enhancements, the RS development also included wind tunnel work. The front fascia features a more aggressive splitter, fender flares cover the Michelin rubber, there's a big wing integrated into top of the rear hatch, and a diffuser down low. The aero team also cleaned up the underside thereby improving downforce as the sum of the various upgrades

Although this first look focused on powertrain, chassis, and exterior design, Ford did reveal one interior element: driver and front passenger will sit in Recaro bucket seats. The RS will also have the latest version of the company's SYNC infotainment system

Slated for worldwide distribution, all RS assembly will take place at Ford's plant in Saarlouis, Germany, not far from Luxembourg. Billed as a rival to the recently introduced 2015 Volkswagen Golf R and 2015 Subaru WRX STI, the RS is scheduled to go on sale sometime in 2016. Official pricing is not available, but as an index the Golf R starts at $37,415 and the Subaru from $35,290. The base MSRP for a Ford Focus ST is $25,195

While there is still much to learn about the RS, this much is certain: it will be by far the hottest hatchback Ford has ever offered in the U.S

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Ferrari 488 GTB: Turbo thriller Geneva-bound 2016

Set to appear at the Geneva Auto Show, the 2016 Ferrari 488 GTB is the de facto replacement for the 458 Italia which is being phased out later this year. The striking Gran Turismo Berlinetta rolls onto the scene 40 years after the automaker's first mid-engine V-8, the iconic Ferrari 308 GTB. A major remake of the naturally aspirated mid-engine 458 Italia, the new 488 GTB matches dramatic styling and enhanced dynamic capability with a new twin-turbocharged V8

While the same 3.9-liter size as the force-fed engine in Ferrari's front-engine California T model, the 488 GTB's V8 - in which each cylinder displaces 488 cubic centimeters - is a new design that reportedly shares few common components. Although smaller than the 4.5-liter in the 458 Italia, it's more potent, making 660 horsepower and 561 lb-ft of peak torque in top gear compared to the 597/398 output of the top 458 Speciale variant

Race-bred pedigree

Ferrari used data culled from its Formula One, World Endurance Championship and exclusive "XX" limited-production track-only test model programs to fine-tune the aerodynamic, electronic and suspension systems of the new 488 GTB. Penned at the Ferrari Styling Center, the 488 GTB's aero-optimized exterior is specifically contoured to efficiently channel air around and under the body. In addition to a double-profile front spoiler that helps improve thermal efficiency of the radiators and full underbody fairings, the car sports large functional side scoops that pay homage to those found on the original 308. The tail also features some clever design flourishes, including a spoiler that generates downforce without increasing drag and a more efficient rear diffuser with active flaps. Collectively, the efforts yield a 50-percent increase in downforce compared to the 458. Chassis revamps on the 488 GTB are highlighted by a new version of Ferrari's Side Slip Control system. Called SSC2, the setup is more precise and less invasive than the Gen I package and allows greater longitudinal acceleration out of corners. Still teamed with the car's F1-Trac and E-Diff systems, the SSC2 now also integrates with the 488 GTB's active damping system to ensure better body control and greater stability in transitions

The 488 GTB's performance-focused cabin shares basic themes with the 458 Italia, including separate dash and console elements, flat-bottom multifunction steering wheel with Manettino rotary controller and torso-hugging bucket seats. Changes include recast air vents, new satellite control clusters and a more legible, user-friendly interface on the infotainment display. Even the ignition key, which features a design inspired by the engine's cylinder banks, has been redone to allow for keyless starting

Heading into production in late summer, the 2016 Ferrari 488 GTB is expected to arrive in showrooms here shortly thereafter. Pricing will be announced near its official on-sale date. Also expect Ferrari to introduce an open-air GTS Spider version as well

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BMW Alpina B6 Xdrive Gran Coupe bows 2016

The fastest and most powerful vehicle in BMW's lineup will be the 2016 BMW Alpina B6 xDrive Gran Coupe when it goes on sale later this year in North America. Following its Geneva debut, the car will be shown at the New York Auto Show, with shipments coming as early as June. The 4-door Gran Coupe boasts 600 horsepower, a gain of 60 over the previous Alpina special, and it will have an electronically limited top speed of 200 mph

The twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine also pumps out 590 lb ft of torque and promises 0-60 mph acceleration of 3.6 seconds. In addition to the reshaped kidney grille and more aggressive front spoiler, Alpina has equipped the B6 with a new hood featuring two additional character lines to distinguish the Gran Coupe from standard models. In addition to upgrading the engine, Alpina worked with ZF to develop the car's 8-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift buttons mounted on the rear of the steering wheel. The beefed up gearbox has three models, Automatic, Sport (which dials up quicker shifts and holds gears to the redline) and Manual, where the driver has complete control over the transmission and its gearchanges

Tuned suspension

Alpina tuned the suspension to utilize stiffer springs and increased front wheel chamber to sharpen handling. The B6 is equipped with Alpina turbine-style 20-in alloy wheels shod with 255/35ZR20 tires on the 8.5-inch wide front wheels and  295/ZR20 tires on the rear 10-inch wide rims. The Alpina sport suspension uses BMW's advanced electronic suspension technologies including Dynamic Damper Control (adjustable, adaptive shock absorbers) and Adaptive Drive (Active Roll Stabilization), which work together with the fully-variable torque distribution of the all-wheel drive system to achieve neutral, agile driving dynamics

Upgraded brakes and exhaust

Other upgrades include larger brake discs, LED lighting package and a full stainless steel exhaust system with ALPINA trademark elliptical twin tailpipes. The tuned exhaust note is modulated through active valves that provide the driver with the choice of a more prominent sound or quiet comfort by using the car's Driving Dynamics Control button.  In Comfort Mode, the exhaust valve is closed up to 2,500 rpm, and in Sport Mode the valve is permanently open

The new B6 xDrive Gran Coupe has a long list of standard equipment and a luxurious interior using high-quality materials. Nappa leather and a leather instrument panel remain standard in addition to essential features such as electric comfort seats. The BMW Navigation system with BMW ConnectedDrive services is also standard. Other features exclusive to the B6 include Blue Alpina instrumentation, an Alpina sport steering wheel covered in hand-stitched Lavalina leather, an Alpina production numbering plaque overhead, door sill trims with blue illuminated Alpina lettering, and wood trim in Myrtle or Piano lacquer finish off the interior. Pricing will be announced during the car's New York showing

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