First Look: 2011 Mitsubishi ASX

Hope you like that Lancer nose, because it's here to stay. It's already spread to the Outlander and the Europe-only Colt and now it's spread to the new Outlander Sport compact crossover that premiered today in Geneva as the European-spec ASX.












Mitsubishi spent at least as much time during its press conference today talking about the future as it did about the ASX, as the two are strongly linked. The ASX, which we'll see here in the future as the Outlander Sport, marks the debut of Mitsubishi's new 1.8-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel, which the company claims is the first ever to offer variable valve timing on a diesel engine in a passenger vehicle. The new mill and its variable-geometry turbocharger make 148 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque while emitting only 0.51 to 0.53 pound of CO2 per mile depending on whether it's driving two wheels or all four.

The ASX also packs a number of green features including low rolling-resistance tires, regenerative braking and auto stop/start technology. All together, Mitsubishi says these features will help the ASX 41 mpg on the European Urban Cycle, 49 mpg on the European Extra-Urban Cycle and 34 mpg on the European Combined Cycle. Also helping is a relatively low curb weight of 3300 pounds for two-wheel-drive models and 3400 for Electronic All-Wheel-Drive models.
The European ASX model will go on sale in the Spring following its debut in Geneva, but an exact on-sale date for the U.S. Outlander Sport model hasn't been set. We hope to see it by the end of the year, but we probably won't be getting the slick new diesel. U.S. offerings are likely to use Mitsubishi's 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and 2.4-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engines.
That's not the end of the story, though. This new diesel is expected to make its way into other Mitsubishi products in the future and is already confirmed for European Lancers. These new diesel models will be the first wave of greener cars from Mitsubishi, which will include more EVs like the i-Miev and new plug-in hybrids coming in 2013 based off of the PX-MiEV concept. By 2020, Mitsubishi hopes to have plug-in hybrid and EV models account for 20 percent of its sales, with the other 80 percent made up of highly efficient diesel and gasoline models. Can Mitsubishi redefine itself as a green performance brand? It's certainly going to try.

First Look: 2010 Mercedes-Benz Brabus E V12 Coupe

The Black Baron is back. After stupefying us at last year's Frankfurt show by stuffing an insanely powerful V-12 into a Mercedes-Benz E-class sedan (and dressing it like the Batmobile), German tuner Brabus announced they're offering the same prescription for the new E-class Coupe.










Brabus starts with Mercedes' twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V-12, which powers the likes of the S- and SL600 models, but bores it out to that magical 6.3-liter displacement. The larger bore, coupled with new camshafts, a special crankshaft, and other tuning tricks, allow the engine to whip up an astounding 800 hp and an earth-shattering 1047 lb-ft of torque (although it may be electronically limited to 811 lb-ft of torque).
As was the case with the E V12 Sedan, that power is enough to rocket Brabus' magic coupe from 0-62 mph in 3.7 seconds, and to 124 mph in 9.9 seconds. The car can reach a top end of 186 mph with the speed limiter intact, but removed, that figure grows to an insane 230 mph.
Like the sedan, the E V12 coupe receives a number of upgrades to help control such insane power, including upgraded brakes, a revised suspension system, and a carbon fiber body kit that was actually designed in a wind tunnel. Unlike the sedan, it's thankfully devoid of the ungainly wheel skirts and grille spoiler.
We've yet to see pricing information, but we wouldn't be surprised if Brabus kept the E V12 Coupe as expensive ($875,000) and exclusive (10 examples total) as its four-door sibling.

First Look: Hispano Suiza

Switzerland's latest limited-volume production car made its world debut in Geneva (where else?), reviving a storied name that once adorned some of the world's most expensive cars. Striving not to break that tradition, the new car lists for 700,000 Euro ($949,300 by today's exchange rate). At first glance, that seems excessive, considering that it is largely based on the Audi R8 5.2, which tops out at 163,210 Euro ($221,300) in Germany.

But the company points out that while they start with an Audi R8 5.2, they completely disassemble it, stretch the front of the spaceframe, fit a completely new interior (it does incorporate door pull handles, the Bang & Olufsen stereo, vents, and more) and replace every body panel. The long, low, angular design may look better in person than it does in pictures (some staffers were reviled by the photos). It will certainly turn heads. The design is that of Erwin Leo Himmel (Audi 1982-1994, VW Group Design Centre Europe 1995-1999, Fuore 2000-2007), and it is rendered entirely in carbon fiber.

The suspension is all uniquely Hispano Suiza and the center-lock 22-inch wheels are forged of an aluminum-titanium alloy and shod in Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires, sized 275/25 in front, 295/25 in back. Customers can choose a six-speed manual or auto-clutch manual. Supplying the power to all four corners is a 5.2-liter V-10 modified by Motoren Technik Mayer (MTM), and fitted with twin electric superchargers that, along with other modifications, boost output to 739 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. That's enough to launch the car to 62 mph in 3.4 seconds and onward to a top speed of 211 mph.










Orders are being taken now for delivery in six months, and plans are already underway for a hybrid variant with a 150-horse electric motor driving the front wheels, providing a total horsepower of 889 and short-range electric-only propulsion for city centers. There is also a convertible variant in the works, expected to go on sale next year. The company hopes to build 25-50 cars per year, but are there that many filthy rich, historically astute car-lovers out there to buy them?

First Look: Mansory Rolls-Royce Ghost

We thought owning a Rolls-Royce Ghost would be a privilege in itself, but if that’s not exclusive to you, renowned tuner Mansory may have just the solution.
These renderings reportedly preview a customized Ghost Mansory will showcase at the 2010 Geneva motor show. We’re not fans of the wild color scheme, but there’s no arguing it sets this Ghost apart from its stock brethren. Mansory claims the gold-on-blue paint job accentuates the Ghost’s bold lines, but that may be a bit of an understatement.
Those bold lines are made more athletic with the inclusion of a full aerodynamic kit consisting of front and rear bumpers, side skirts, rear diffuser, and trunk lid spoiler. Look closely and you'll notice the slight differences versus the stock form. Monstrous 22-inch one-piece wheels match the Ghost's equally enormous personality.
All show and no "go," you may scoff. Not exactly. Mansory replaced the 6.6-liter V-12's twin turbochargers with bigger units, reflashed the ECU, and bolted on an exhaust. Forget the usual 563 horsepower with a corresponding 575 pound-feet of torque. Say hello to 720 horsepower and 752 pound-feet of pulling power. Zero to 62 mph takes only 4.4 seconds (a stock Ghost takes 4.8 seconds to get to 60 mph). Mind you, this British brute weighs in at around 5450 lbs.
Rolls-Royce’s interiors already sport some of the best materials known to man, but somehow Mansory has one-upped the brand once again with suppler leather hides, smoother ultra suede, and exquisitely patterned carbon fiber. Owners can also specify bamboo trim if desired.
The Mansory Rolls-Royce Ghost will make its global debut at this year's Geneva Motor Show, so stay glued for some live shots.
Source: Mansory

First Look: 2010 Aston Martin DBS UB-2010 Special Edition

It’s been nearly a decade since Dr. Ulrich Bez assumed the helm at Aston Martin, but instead of awarding its CEO a jewel-encrusted tie-tack, the folks at Gaydon crafted a better gift to celebrate his milestone: a special-edition DBS.
Dubbed the UB-2010 Limited Edition, the special DBS models are a product of Aston’s Works Service program, which is typically employed by customers desiring personalization to the nth degree. In this instance, Bez himself specified the unique color scheme, which includes an “Azurite Black” paint hue, metallic bronze leather with woven seat inserts, and a special “Cryptic Titan” interior trim finish.
Each DBS UB-2010 will wear special doorsill plates with Bez’s signature. Aston says Bez will personally sign off on each of the UB-2010 cars, lending his signature to the car’s final inspection plate as well.
Only 40 examples of the UB-2010 will be manufactured --20 coupes and 20 Volantes -- but Aston has yet to set prices for the special-edition cars. Should you miss out on the run, however, we imagine Works Service could build you something similar -- sans the Bez autograph -- for the right price.

Alfa Romeo's Centennial Anniversary - What's it all about, Alfa?

This August, Alfa Romeo will celebrate its centennial at Pebble Beach, where it is a featured marque at the Concours d'Elegance. Rumor has it that the Italians will cap off the festivities by unveiling the 4C, a compact, lightweight sports car concept. Says one insider from parent company Fiat's headquarters: "The 8C has been a very successful halo car. What we need next is a more affordable follow-up model that spreads the message over a wider customer base."
The 4C, interpreted above by our spy illustrator, will do without high-end materials like carbon fiber or a Ferrari-built engine. Instead, it's expected to feature a highly tuned, 250-hp four-cylinder, possibly mated to a rear transaxle as in the 8C. Production will probably be limited to 5000 (rather than 500) units. The roadster may be followed by a coupe (or vice versa), and prices are expected to start at about $70,000 (€50,000).

For America's Alfisti, though, the excitement this August, and the 4C, may be short-lived. One would be hard-pressed to call the liaison between Alfa/Lancia and Chrysler a marriage made in heaven, and the crudely badge-engineered Chrysler (Lancia) Delta on display at the Detroit show was hardly a hopeful sign. As far as the Alfa Romeo brand goes, we're still waiting for a final decision on whether it will return to North America; in January, Fiat chairman Sergio Marchionne said that it will be a year before a decision is made.

For Alfa, which is in a severe sales slump, much rides on the success of the Giulietta, the 147 replacement that's set to debut at the Geneva show in March and go on sale shortly thereafter. A slightly longer and wider version of its platform will be used for the Alfa 159 successor, which revives the Giulia nameplate and is due in 2011. An Alfa crossover is planned for the following year.

Whether or not Americans see those Alfas, their compact/mid-size platform will come to the States, underpinning a host of Chrysler products: PT Cruiser and Sebring replacements; new versions of the Dodge Caliber, Avenger, and Nitro; the Jeep Patriot and Compass; and a still-nameless Chrysler crossover. The cross-pollination works both ways. Both Alfa Romeo and Lancia stand a good chance of obtaining new rear-wheel-drive flagship models based on the next Chrysler 300C and built in North America.

First Look: 2011 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Carbon Edition

A new seventh-generation (C7) Corvette is at least three years away. That means the current C6 Vette will have to soldier on for nine, possibly ten, full model years. To keep the old girl fresh, Chevy will continue coining limited-edition packages and model variations to juggle the storehouse of engines, transaxles, frames, bodystyles, and chassis components developed for the sixth generation.
A run of 600 GT1 Championship Edition Corvettes celebrated the C6R's 2009 graduation from GT1 to the GT2 class of ALMS road racing competition. The 2010 Corvette Grand Sport replaced the longstanding Z51 option with upgraded wheel, tire, brake, transaxle, and bodywork components.
To rebuild momentum after last summer's quick rinse bankruptcy--which diminished Corvette calendar-year sales to less than 14,000 units (the lowest volume since 1961)--the Corvette team ginned up a 2011 limited edition that helps fill the yawning void between the $75,235 Z06 and the $109,130 ZR1.
Called Z06 Carbon, this Corvette is essentially a Z06 blessed with the ZR1's carbon-ceramic brake system, 20-inch Michelin tires with appropriate black-painted wheels, and Magnetic Selective Ride Control adjustable dampers. The Z06's high-revving 505-horsepower LS7 7.0-liter dry-sump V-8 and its hydroformed aluminum space frame carry on unchanged.
Body features that make the leap from the ZR1 include black headlamps and rear-view mirrors, body-color door handles, and a rear deck spoiler. The list of added carbon-fiber components includes the ZR1's front air splitter, side sill extensions, and hood (minus the acrylic peek-a-boo window). Two paint jobs will be offered when this limited edition enters production this summer: a low key Supersonic Blue and a flamboyant Inferno Orange. Special stick-on racing number placards (11) are included for dealer or owner installation. Chevy pledges that only 500 Carbon edition Corvettes will be built during the 2011 model year.
Naturally there are interior embellishments. Black and charcoal leather and suede trim is standard. Accent stitching in blue or orange is keyed to the exterior color. The Carbon identification is displayed in a steering wheel emblem, door sill plates, seat headrest embroidery, and on a new engine cover.
For customers who prefer the chassis hardware without the body and interior components, Chevy will offer a package called Z07 that can be added to 2011 Z06 Corvettes. And for those with a carbon fiber fetish, there's a new CFZ option containing just the light weight rocker panels, front splitter, rear spoiler, and roof panel available for Z06s (but not base Corvettes).
Prices won't be revealed until the Carbon package is ready for consumption but we're guessing it will cost between $85,000 and $90,000. Look at it this way: at least the proceeds are funding the development of an all new Corvette.