Image: GT Spirit
After leaking a series of teaser photos since last week, Lamborghini has finally released details on their Sesto Elemento concept car. Sesto Elemento means “sixth element” in Italian, and the car’s name is a tribute to the extensive use of carbon fiber throughout the vehicle. Carbon, after all, is the sixth element of the periodic table, and there’s no such thing as too much carbon fiber if you ask me.
Ferrari will be showing the 599 Roadster at next week’s Paris Auto Show, but you’re already too late to buy one. The car, actually called the SA Aperta, will be built in a production run of just 80 vehicles to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Pininfarina, and all 80 have been spoken for. As Carscoop tells us, even the name is a tribute to Pininfarina, with the SA honoring Sergio and Andrea Pininfarina (Aperta, on the other hand, is just Italian for “open”).
Another week, another series of “leaked” product introductions ahead of next week’s Paris Auto Show. This time it’s Range Rover, showing off the Evoque, which makes its official debut at the Paris event. Range Rover has ambitious plans for the Evoque, as the company hopes it will bring in an entirely new demographic of buyer. In keeping with current trends in both the E.U. and the U.S., Range Rover will seek to maximize interior content and luxury, while maintaining Range Rover’s legendary all weather capability. The Evoque is also smaller than existing Range Rover models, which the company hopes will broaden its appeal in urban environments.
The Fisker Karma. Photo: Fisker Automotive
Fisker Automotive has reached another milestone that doubters never thought they would: the first factory built (though not production) Karma will be on display at the upcoming Paris Auto Show. Fisker will also be announcing details on their global importer network, which bodes well for their ability to get vehicles to market once the Karma reaches production. Their stated goal is production of 100,000 cars per year.
The Porsche Carrera GTS, in coupe or cabrio. Photo: Porsche AG
Proving once again that you really can’t have too much of a good thing, Porsche is unveiling a new flavor of 911 at this year’s Paris Auto Show. The Carrera GTS will be available in both coupe and convertible body styles, and will slot in just above the Carrera S in Porsche’s lineup.
2012 Ford Focus ST in Tangerine Scream. Photo: Ford Motor Company
I’ll start off by saying that’s the good news. The better news? We’re getting it stateside, although I can’t tell you exactly when other than “early 2012”. You may recall that the current Focus ST, which made 225 horsepower, was killed off in the EU by the stricter Euro 5 emission standards. Ford promised a new model that would make us forget all about the old one, and it looks like they’ve hit the mark.
Although the official unveiling will be at the Paris Auto Show late this month, Bentley has released images and video of the newly freshened Continental GT Coupe. The automaker is wise to not make substantial changes to the Continental’s lines, since buyers expect understated elegance with their luxury and performance. I’d say that Bentley’s done a remarkable job of updating the coupe’s appearance without changing its identity. Aside from the revised headlights, the most noticeable change is the new car’s wider track, which gives the 2012 Continental GT a more muscular look than the car it replaces.
The Mastretta MXT prototype from 2007.
The Mastretta MXT has been a work in progress since the sports coupe concept was first shown back in 2007. This year’s Paris Auto Show will see the debut of the production Mastretta MXT, billed as a competitor to the Lotus Elise. The company plans production of some 150 cars per year, 70% of which will be exported to the US or the UK.
First came news that the 2011 Ford Explorer would be a unibody front-wheel-drive sport ute, instead of the body on frame RWD version we’d come to expect. Now, Land Rover, maker of storied off road vehicles that have been to hell and back, has announced a new front wheel drive version of their upcoming LRX. Expect it to be unveiled at this October’s Paris Auto Show, with production beginning sometime in 2011. We probably won’t see it on this side of the pond, as the sole motor identified to date is a 2.2 liter turbo diesel developed in conjunction with Peugeot.
Citing the proverbial auto industry crisis and the unfavorable economy, Lamborghini announced they have cancelled plans to introduce the 4-door super performance Lamborghini Estoque. Officially unveiled back in October at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, the Estoque’s odd design aesthetic drew incredibly mixed reviews and caused many devote Lambo fanboys to question their religion. Drawing heavily from the Gallardo in terms of both engine options and front-end design, the new bull just barely lived up to the promise made by the traditional bull’s badge. Equipped with a front-engined, AWD powertrain, engine options for the Estoque included the Gallardo LP 560-4′s V10 as well as an advanced hybrid/turbo diesel variant.
Unfortunately, the Estoque’s projected cost of production and development was too steep for the Italian automaker’s tightened budget, and the decision was made to pull the plug on the project before it even got off the ground. Explained Lamborghini director of research and development, Maurizio Reggiani, “The timing and market conditions are just not right for an additional model line.” Read More…
