2008 Aston Martin DB9

(from Aston Martin Press Release) 2008 Geneva Motor Show, which includes significant enhancements to standard specification.

These changes include a revised version of Aston Martin’s 6.0 litre V12 engine to deliver improved power and torque. Peak power of 470bhp (350kW) – increased by 20bhp (30Nm) - is now reached at 6,000rpm, resulting in a power to weight ratio of 267bhp per tonne (199kW/tonne) – an increase of 11bhp per tonne over the existing DB9.

Peak torque of 600Nm is delivered at 5,000rpm, providing even more accessible power for the driver, as well a greater performance feel overall. Accordingly, top speed is now 190mph (306km/h) and the benchmark 0-60mph time improves by 0.3 seconds for the Touchtronic transmission – which benefits from a new valve box and integrated transmission controls to achieve quicker gear shifts – to 4.6 seconds and by 0.1 seconds to 4.6 seconds for the manual gearbox.

The innovative DB9 introduced an exciting new era for Aston Martin. The 2+2 sports car set new standards in its class due to its astonishing combination of technology, agility and design. The car marked the beginning of a new era for Aston Martin and became the first car to be hand-made at the company’s state-of-the-art facility in Gaydon, Warwickshire.

Sales of the DB9 started in spring 2004, and to date, more than 10,000 examples have been produced and delivered to customers around the world – surpassing the DB7 as the most successful Aston Martin of all time.

Deliveries of the updated DB9 begin during quarter two 2008, with prices from Ј113,950 for the DB9 Coupe and Ј122,950 for the DB9 Volante.

© Source: seriouswheels
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Land Rover LRX: Geneva '08 Preview

Land Rover is quick to remind that the LRX is just a concept, but it's sending a pretty strong message in Geneva, where a second, black-and-silver LRX will join the original white truck that premiered in Detroit. And the new one is even hotter than the original, itself one of the best concepts of the last year. It's supposed to demonstrate how a (potential) production LRX could be personalized, and we would like to have one delivered to our personal garage approximately yesterday.

The rakish shape now features a silver roof fitted with side rails and a removable carbon-composite panel. This beautifully contrasts the black primary finish, and aluminum-accented details do their part to further dress up the exterior. As a subtle reminder to onlookers that this is still a Land Rover despite its elegance, matte-finished protective trim adorns the side sills and wheel flares. Furthermore, carbon-composite skidplates supply underbody protection. Inside, a sumptuous-sounding (LR hasn't released any pictures yet) tan-and-dark chocolate interior awaits. Motivation comes from a 2.0L diesel hybrid that is theoretically capable of 60 mpg on the EU combined cycle.

The Electric Rear Axle Drive can power the SUV on its own up to 20 mph, and it also can be used to supply additional torque when the LRX is playing in 4x4 mode. Like we said earlier, the LRX is still only a concept, but Land Rover will be actively monitoring customer and dealer interest in Geneva. The white one got our attention, but this one closes the deal. Hey Land Rover: white or black, just color us interested.

© Source: autoblog
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Geneva '08 Preview Zenz concept

Here's another concept to add to the long list of four-wheeled flights of fancy we'll soon be covering in the land where hot cocoa runs free, i.e. Geneva. The Zenz is penned by Ralf Zenz, a German car designer who's all about marrying high-performance and efficiency in one fun package.

Though the car on display in Geneva will just be a model, it shows off the slippery design that achieves a drag coefficient of just 0.21Cd, something we suppose that's not that hard to achieve when you ditch such real world features as door handles, sideview mirrors and windshield wipers. Nevertheless, an efficient 140-hp diesel engine propelling only 1,675 lbs. of car should make for decent performance. Zenz claims the concept's top speed is 143 mph, while its efficiency target is pegged at 3.0 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers. There are no plans to sell the Zenz, but it, like every concept in Geneva, will vie for the attention of automakers and well-funded venture capitalists who could put it on the path to production.

© Source: autoblog
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Geneva '08 Preview Peugeot 308 SW

Peugeot has been bringing its 308 line-up into full focus, arriving in Geneva with both the 175-hp hot-hatch version as well as this, the new 308 SW. The wagon replaces the previous 307 SW and adds upgrades with a number of innovative and utile features.

Despite its compact size, the 308 SW can actually accommodate seven passengers, thanks to removable third-row seating. Without the third-row and with the modular second row in place, the 308 SW can accommodate an impressive 674 liters of cargo under the load-bay cover. Remove the second-row seats as well, and the spacious little sport-wagon can swallow a cavernous 2,149 liters all the way up to the roof.

Compared to the 308 hatch, the sport-wagon had its wheelbase stretched 100mm and the rear overhangs by an additional 124mm. Other improvements include a larger glass panorama roof that extends beyond the second row (see right), and a liftgate with a separately accessible glass window. Combine that with the more aggressive styling of the new range and the 308 SW shapes up to be a compelling package for European buyers looking for some extra versatility without losing the driving dynamics and economy of a conventional small car.

© Source: autoblog
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Geneva 2008 Ford Kuga

The Kuga CUV is based off the C-car platform that underpins the C-Max and Euro-Focus (also our Mazda3 and Volvo S40/C30), and is motivated by Ford's 2.0-liter Duratorq TDCi common rail diesel. 136 hp and 236 lb.-ft. of torque can be sent to either the front wheels or all four depending on the model (Trend or Titanium, respectively) and the Kuga comes standard with ESP, Anti Rollover Mitigation, ABS and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution.

Inside, Ford boasts a handsomely outfitted cabin, with seating for five and a 60/40 split rear seat that offers a bit of practicality alongside the Kuga's style.

As much as we'd like to bemoan the fact that Ford is still offering products abroad that we think would do wonders for the marque here at home, we can only hope that Mr. Mulally's plan to globalize Ford's lineup happens soon and sends over some of the Kuga's mojo.

© Source: autoblog
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Geneva '08 Preview Chevy Aveo 3-door

Chevy has completed the Aveo facelifts and will introduce the updated Euro-market 3-door at the Geneva Motor Show next month. You can sum it up like this: it's like the Aveo5, minus the doors for second-row passengers. The rear windows pop open for ventilation and an 84-horse 1.2L or step-up 1.4L that generates 101 hp will supply power.

The interior styling carries over, as do the exterior visuals that share the Aveo 5-door's gigantic grille, fake fender vents, and the like. If this were offered in the US, it might make a nice alternative to the Yaris Liftback -- also a 3-door.

© Source: autoblog
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