An executive source from within BMW said production volume of the Vision would most likely be between 5000 and 10,000 units, making it “quite probably” the brand’s second true supercar after the Giugiaro M1.

The 265kW/800Nm hybrid powertrain – which comprises a range-extending three-cylinder diesel engine, a lithium-polymer battery stack and two electric motors – will remain mostly unchanged. As BMW’s engineers continue to work on the prototype, however, they are confident that its quoted 4.8 0-100km/h sprint time will be sharpened by production time.

Two things will change for sure if the Vision does make production.

The first is all the fancy synthetic glass, which will be replaced by more familiar materials, although the BMW source was hopeful it would not push its weight too far above the sub-1360kg concept.

The second change will be the name.

“That name that the marketing people forced on us, that’s going to change for sure,” Edmunds’ source said.

With the Audi e-tron and Mercedes-Benz SLS electric already lined-up for production, a similar super-green supercar from the Bavarians as early as 2013 would come as no surprise at all.

(with Edmunds Inside Line)

©2010 Car Advice | News | Reviews - http://www.caradvice.com.au - All Rights Reserved.

Peugeot says the car will “embody all of the spirit of the BB1” – a fully-electric, 2.5m four-seater designed for the future of inner-city transportation – but has given no specific details on the final configuration of the production vehicle.

As revealed by CarAdvice last September, the unique design of the BB1 concept maximises interior space with its near-vertical windscreen, raised roofline and compact electric drive system.

With two 7.5kW electric motors in the rear wheels maximum power peaks at just 15kW, enough to take the BB1 from 0-60km/h in 6.8 seconds, while the lithium-ion battery packs stored under the rear seats have a range of up to 120km.

Not only is the BB1 emissions-free but it also traps pollutants and ultra-fine dust particles in the atmosphere through the use of high-performance filters and activated carbon, and it also uses solar panels to capture energy and power some of its systems.

Other innovative features include full-LED headlights, wide-opening suicide doors, a tiny turning circle of 3.5m, smartphone connectivity and rear cameras in place of mirrors to improve aerodynamics.

Just how many of these features and functions make it to the final production version of the BB1 (expected by 2015), only time will tell.

©2010 Car Advice | News | Reviews - http://www.caradvice.com.au - All Rights Reserved.

Around 850,000 people attended the 10-day exhibition, down some 150,000 on 2007 which recorded over one million visitors, with the number of exhibitors also down by 30 percent to 750.

Although according to Germany’s VDA auto federation head, Matthias Wissmann, this figure is significantly better than the 750,000 expected, remarking that the show had “completely surpassed all our expectations.”

“It makes little sense to compare this year’s show with 2007, which took place at a time of economic prosperity. The conditions have totally changed,” added Wissmann, “enthusiasm for cars is, as before, very high” and that the halls were often overflowing with visitors eager to see the 100 world premieres exhibited at the show.

The future of the automotive industry is expected to return similarly surprising results despite the current crisis with a survey of Frankfurt attendees suggesting that one in four visitors intends to buy a car in the next six months.

©2010 Car Advice | News | Reviews - http://www.caradvice.com.au - All Rights Reserved.

Very, according to this simple yet highly effective promotional video from Lamborghini made for the car’s debut at the Frankfurt auto show.

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At 2550mm long the unconventionally styled car is shares similar proportions to that of a smart fortwo but is capable of carrying four adults.

The near vertical windscreen allows maximum use of the small interior space while the raised roofline allows rear seat passengers greater headroom.

There’s no word yet on the car’s production value with the BB1, for now, remaining an exercise in engineering and design.

©2010 Car Advice | News | Reviews - http://www.caradvice.com.au - All Rights Reserved.

All eyes were on the Aston Martin stand at Frankfurt this year with the unveiling of the much talked about and much praised, Rapide four-door sports sedan.

Adding two extra doors to a DB9, which is often regarded as one of the most beautiful coupes in the world, is no easy design job. It had to be seamless; otherwise the car would look out of proportion, which could damage the perception of the model or worse still, the brand itself.

Judging by the smiles on the faces of the world’s media when the circular veil was raised, Aston Martin has nothing to fear.

Head of Aston Martin design Marek Reichmann, has pulled it off, the Rapide can take its rightful place in the brand’s stable, as the most beautiful four-door production sports sedan in the world.

The car was first conceptualised in June 2005, and had to maintain all the brand traits of a low volume, highly exclusive, high performance luxury sports car, but with two additional doors.

Only 2000 cars a year will be produced, ensuring the utmost exclusivity in a rarefied automotive segment.

I asked Mr Reichmann about the benefits of a low volume model such as the Rapide, as opposed to the Porsche Panamera, which is produced in numbers up to 20,000 per year.

“Take the grab handle that you use to get out of the car; its made using two types of different leathers and stitching, that type of attention to detail is just not possible with significantly higher volume luxury cars”

The seats are a design piece in their own right, and are superbly comfortable, front or back.

The Rapide is every bit as much a sports thoroughbred as the rest of its Aston Martin siblings.

There’s a huge 6.0-litre V12 engine under the bonnet, producing 350kW of power and maximum torque of 600Nm at 5000 rpm.

It should be a comfortable car to drive too, with a six-speed automatic gearbox.

No longer will you have leave the kids or dogs behind, Aston Martin has just become family friendly.

©2010 Car Advice | News | Reviews - http://www.caradvice.com.au - All Rights Reserved.

There would have to be something seriously wrong with any human being, if they didn’t visit the Ferrari stand at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

That’s especially true this year, where you will see on display one of the best shapes to come out of Maranello in years.

The 458 Italia is a drop dead gorgeous machine, with super smooth lines not seen in a Ferrari since the 246 GT.

While the F430 was a far more advanced car than the F360 it replaced, the same goes for the 458 Italia.

It’s a much quicker car than the F430, with the eight-cylinder engine developing 425kW and 540Nm of torque, of which 80-per cent is available from 3250rpm.

The 0-100km/h-sprint time comes up in less than 3.4 seconds and top speed is a jet like 326km/h.

Shift times for the seven-speed F1 dual clutch gearbox have been reduced even further, while the weight of the car is just 1380 kilograms, which should make the car a spectacular track day weapon.

There’s also a more direct steering ratio for greater control ,while up to 360 kilograms of down force is developed at top speed.

It’s hard to believe, but the 458 Italia has 15 per cent more torsional rigidity than the F430.

Moreover CO2 emissions have been reigned in to a commendable 307 grams per kilometre, with fuel consumption now at 13.7 litre per 100 kilometre on the combined cycle.

Ferrari’s 458 Italia is surely one of this year’s highlights at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

©2010 Car Advice | News | Reviews - http://www.caradvice.com.au - All Rights Reserved.

The French carmaker says that a compact city car, Revolte sidesteps the difficulties of dense urban traffic with a totally new approach to small car design.

With its iridescent, glossy colours, silky smooth textiles, and subtle, sophisticated materials, Revolte places passengers in a feminine, cosmetic setting, of bold and elegant design – we’re not sure how the guys feel about that!

Spirited and lively, Revolte also has an eye on the future with its rechargeable hybrid drivetrain.

This ecologically sound technology makes maximum use of electric mode and also contributes to the concept car’s agility.

The rear-hinged doors provide easy access to the cabin, revealing a multi-coloured interior that resembles a box of make-up.

Revolte also dares a three-seat cabin design, said to resemble a lounge with seats similar to those found in home furnishings.

The contemporary, sophisticated character of Revolte is also reflected in its powertrain, which has the future clearly in its sights.

Striking a distinctive note in the automotive industry’s ongoing quest for “all-electric” solutions, Revolte features a solution that is both exciting and credible: a rechargeable hybrid drivetrain.

This means it has a small-capacity conventional combustion engine combined with an electric motor, both able to drive the wheels; it also has the ability to run in all-electric Zero Emission Vehicle mode; and has a battery recharging function that supplies the electric motor.

This rechargeable hybrid drivetrain places the emphasis on “all-electric” running. As well as producing no CO2 emissions, this mode delivers a quiet ride with a high level of driving comfort.

Citroen says Revolte respects the ecological constraints of urban driving in every way while also delivering an agile and spirited ride.

Citroën decided to take a bold approach to revolutionising the conventional image of small cars.

The modern character of Revolte is therefore expressed through provocative styling inspired by one of its most illustrious ancestors: the 2CV.

Citroen says that adopting a heretic stance; Revolte reviews all the codes of the 2CV, and systematically transforms those values that made the 2CV the myth it remains today.

In this way, Revolte expresses the creativity and dynamic vitality of Citroën, a brand in touch with its past but continuously in search of progress.

With Citroen Press

©2010 Car Advice | News | Reviews - http://www.caradvice.com.au - All Rights Reserved.

Four motors, two each at the front and rear axles, drive the wheels, making the concept car a true Audi quattro.

Producing 230kW of power and an absurd sounding 4500Nm of torque, the two-seater accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 4.8 seconds, and from 60 to 120km/h in 4.1 seconds.

The lithium-ion battery provides a truly usable energy content of 42.4 kilowatt-hours to enable a range of approximately 248 kilometres.

Revealing the Audi e-tron the company said the performance figures were by no means the only evidence of the consistent and holistic strategy.

The design makes it clear that the e-tron belongs in the major leagues of sports cars, and the package takes into account the specific realities of an electric vehicle.

The battery is directly behind the passenger cabin for an optimal centre of gravity and axle load distribution.
The e-tron is able to freely distribute the powerful torque of its four electric motors to the wheels as required.

Audi says this so-called torque vectoring allows for dazzling dynamics and an undreamed-of level of agility and precision when cornering.

Audi has taken a new and in some cases revolutionary approach to many of the technical modules.
A heat pump is used to efficiently warm up and heat the interior.

The drive system, the power electronics and the battery are controlled by an innovative thermal management system that is a crucial component for achieving the car’s range without compromising its high level of interior comfort.

At the same time Audi says that networking the vehicle electronics with the surroundings, which is referred to as car-to-x communication, opens new dimensions for the optimisation of efficiency, safety and convenience.

©2010 Car Advice | News | Reviews - http://www.caradvice.com.au - All Rights Reserved.

After road testing Land Rover’s 2010 Range Rover and Discovery models, reviews of which, we will post later this week, it was time to fast track to Edinburgh and catch a plane to Frankfurt.

The Frankfurt International Motor Show has always been one of the largest in the world, but this year it is huge, with eleven halls it’s more a city within a city, if you will.

Mercedes-Benz and BMW have their own buildings, as does the Volkswagen group, which, includes Volkswagen, Audi, Seat, Skoda, Bentley, Lamborghini and Bugatti, which isn’t attending this year.

While CarAdvice has already posted a number of news articles on new releases at the show, we spent a good part of today, on the ground, taking as many photographs as possible in between face-to-face interviews with design directors and car company bosses.

Lotus has a stand directly opposite Land Rover, where we are based, and the new Evora caught our eye immediately.

While CarAdvice hasn’t driven the car as yet, overseas reports rate the car’s performance and handling, highly.

Powered by a common Toyota 3.5-litre V6, and weighing in at a paltry 1382 kilograms, the Evora is fast, 0-100km/h in 5.1 seconds kind of fast.

It’s also the world’s only mid-engine 2+2, which provides the car with typical super glue style grip, a core brand value of Lotus.

Although its small in stature, don’t let that fool you, the Evora can accommodate two adults up to 196cm tall.

Built at Hethel in England, you will be guaranteed of exclusivity, as only 2000 cars will be built each year. That said there is the potential to extend the Evora nameplate to other variants of the car.

Next to the purely road going version, sat the Evora Type 24 Endurance Racer, with a six-speed sequential paddle shift, AP Racing six-piston callipers and four-way adjustable dampers, this car will own the track.

©2010 Car Advice | News | Reviews - http://www.caradvice.com.au - All Rights Reserved.

Enthusiasts need not be disappointed by the removal of the trademark V6 with the new Golf R boasting the title as the fastest-accelerating Volkswagen ever.

The Golf R is equipped with a 2.0-litre TSI four-cylinder engine producing peak power of 199kW at 6000rpm and 350Nm coupled with a new generation all-wheel-drive system.

Not only is the new engine 35kg lighter and 15kW more powerful than the 3.2-litre V6 found in the outgoing Golf R32, it is also more efficient with a combined fuel economy figure of just 7.1 litres per 100km while CO2 emissions fall from 257 g/km to 199 g/km.

Despite its gains in efficiency, the new car can accelerate from rest to 100km/h in just 5.7 seconds, or 0.2 seconds quicker when equipped with a six-speed DSG transmission.

The four-cylinder 2.0-litre engine is derived from the MkV Golf GTI and features a reinforced cylinder block, uprated pistons, conrods ,high pressure injectors, an uprated turbocharged and new intercooler.

The new 345mm front brakes are joined by uprated suspension that has been lowered by 25mm with revised spring and damper rates and new anti-roll bars.

The Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP) has also been revised for the Golf R with two stages designed for track use.

Unlike the four-wheel-drive system offered on the R32 that relied on differing wheel speeds between the front and rear axles to engage the four-wheel drive, the system fitted to the Golf R uses a pre-charged hydraulic system that’s able to react more quickly while also limiting the torque being channeled through either axle to reduce wheelspin.

In certain circumstances, the Golf R is able to channel 100 per cent of the torque available to the rear wheels if required.

To differentiate the Golf R from the standard Golf or GTI model, it features new front and rear bumpers complete with LED running lights at the front and a gloss black diffuser at the rear housing a pair of central exit exhausts.

A set of Xenon headlights, new black grille and wing mirrors create a menacing look which the sill extensions are flanked by 18-inch five-spoke wheels complete with 225/40 tyres as standard – 19-inch wheels with 235/35 tyres are optional.

Inside, owners will be greeted by a set of distinctive aluminium ‘R’ kick plates which are joined by new seats finished in grey Alcantara contrasted against high-grip black mesh cloth.

The new Golf R is set to arrive in the UK in December with local prices and specifications due to be announced closer to launch.

©2010 Car Advice | News | Reviews - http://www.caradvice.com.au - All Rights Reserved.

Representing Aston Martin’s addition to the fledgling luxury four-door coupe market, the Rapide can accommodate up to four adults while offering an engaging driving experience synonymous with all Aston Martins.

As the brand’s first four-door sports car, the Rapide manages to succeed where – arguably – the Porsche Panamera has failed by offering a truly stunning package encapsulating the core values of Power, Beauty and Soul.

Four ‘swan wing’ doors provide access to each hand trimmed individual sports seat with a personal heating and air conditioning system.

The luggage compartment features a movable bulkhead allowing access from the rear cabin while the rear seats fold flat at the touch of a button to create a flat loading space increasing the luggage compartment from 301 litres to 750 litres.

Chief Executive, Dr. Ulrich Bez said: “Rapide is the culmination of the Aston Martin range of sports cars, a car that seals the revival of a truly admired marque. There is now an Aston Martin for every taste and for every use.”

Under the bonnet is Aston Martin’s hand-built 6.0-litre V12 engine producing peak power of 350kW at 6000rpm and 600Nm mated to a specifically tuned six-speed Touchtronic 2 automatic transmission as standard, boasting a zero to 100km/h time of just 5.3 seconds.

The Rapide’s weight balance is near perfect with a 51:49 split, with the use of lightweight materials contributing to the projected weight gain of only 190kg over its DB9 stablemate for a kerb weight of 1950kg.

The dynamics have certainly not been compromised with Aston Martin’s bonded aluminium chassis able to withstand 28,000Nm of force twisted through 1 degree – a key element in delivering exceptional dynamic feel despite being 290mm longer than the DB9.

To take full advantage of its extremely rigid platform, the Rapide features Adaptive Damping System (ADS) first seen on the DBS which uses two separate valves to set the dampers to five different positions, allowing instant adjustment of the car’s ride and handling characteristics.

“There is a real sense of proportion with this car, akin to a tailored suit; the new double grill gives more presence on the road while the iconic signature side strake has been lengthened through to the rear doors to enhance its lateral proportions in a subtle, yet elegant way. The car’s purity makes it look right from every angle.”

First deliveries of the Rapide will commence early in 2010 and will be available globally through Aston Martin’s 125 strong dealership network with pricing to be confirmed at the Frankfurt Show.

©2010 Car Advice | News | Reviews - http://www.caradvice.com.au - All Rights Reserved.

Like the Coupe version which made its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show two years ago, the Reventon Roadster features the same stealth-fighter inspired design.

The Reventon Roadster will be powered by the same 6.5-litre V12 engine found in the Coupe, developing peak power of 478kW and 660Nm.

This is coupled with a six-speed E-gear transmission and all-wheel-drive as standard.

Performance should match its aggressive appearance, accelerating from zero to 100km/h in just 3.4 seconds and on to a top speed of 340km/h.

With all 20 Reventon Coupes finding an owner, it is safe to assume the expected 1.2 million Euro price tag for the Roadster won’t be a problem.

Full details and specifications will be released when the car is officially unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Source: WorldCarFans

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If there was ever a car everyone at CarAdvice simply agreed on, it’s the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG that is scheduled for its world premiere at the Frankfurt International Motor Show (which CarAdvice will be attending) next Monday.

Although we’ve criticised Mercedes-Benz for making some less than inspiring cars in recent times, it’s the German company’s ability to release a car like the SLS AMG that really defines the brand’s capability. Mercedes and AMG have gone all out with this one, producing a reincarnation of a model that will undoubtedly became an icon in due course.

According to Mercedes-Benz, it has done the high everyday utility and exemplary safety work while AMG focused on lightweight engineering and superior handling dynamics. Either way, the engineers behind the car and specifically the engine need to be congratulated.

Moving the aluminium space frame body, complete with gullwing doors, is an AMG 6.3-litre (M159), front-mid V8 engine that produces a staggering 420kW and 650Nm.

All that power is handled through Mercede’s seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission and forced to the rear axle through a lightweight driveshaft made of carbon-fibre – similar to the DTM C-Class touring car. Despite weighing in at a heft 1620 kilograms the SLS AMG can go from 0-100km/h in just 3.8 seconds.

Front and rear weight distribution comes in at a near perfect 47 to 53 percent and the SLS AMG is capable of reaching an electronically limited top speed of 317 km/h.

Now if one of the Australian performance manufacturers had built a car like this, we’d expect fuel consumption figures nearing the 16-17 litres per 100 kilometre mark, but not so for AMG.

German engineers are well respected for their ability to extract extreme amounts of power out of an engine whilst managing a more than respectable fuel rating, in this instance the rating comes in at 13.2L/100km.

“With the new SLS AMG, Mercedes-Benz is presenting a fascinating super sports car that will quicken the pulse of any car fan, said Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars.

“The SLS AMG bolsters both the Mercedes-Benz and AMG brands equally, and will surely become one of the most alluring sports cars of our time.”

Taking some bits from history, the fins on the bonnet are reminiscent of styling elements found on the 300SL. The front rides on 19-inch AMG wheels while 20-inch rear light alloy wheels handle the enormous power. AMG will offer three different types of wheels

“In the SLS AMG, our customers benefit first-hand from the expertise gleaned by Mercedes-AMG from more than 40 years of motor sports experience, said Volker Mornhinweg, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

“The unparalleled technology package provides for extraordinary handling dynamics with moderate fuel consumption—another hallmark of AMG today.”

Mercedes-Benz Australia says local pricing will be announced later and the car should be available here in mid next year.

Tune in next week as our own Anthony Crawford reports from Frankfurt. Check out the gallery below.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
Engine

Power transmission

Chassis and suspension

Dimensions and weights*

Performance and fuel consumption

©2010 Car Advice | News | Reviews - http://www.caradvice.com.au - All Rights Reserved.

Demonstrating its strength in innovation, Porsche will present the 911 Turbo, the 911 Sport Classic (limited to 250 examples), the 911 GT3 RS – and its motor sport twin the 911 GT3 Cup race car.

The new generation 911 Turbo has the Nissan GT-R set squarely in its sights, promising to be the most dynamic high-performance sports car in its class, as well as the most fuel efficient.

Porsche will also reveal the race-bred 911 GT3 RS for its global debut, followed by the race-only 911 GT3 Cup car which will continue the legacy of Porsche in motor sport.

The Frankfurt Motor Show also marks the European introduction of the four door Panamera Gran Turismo.

©2010 Car Advice | News | Reviews - http://www.caradvice.com.au - All Rights Reserved.

Details are scarce with Citroën accompanying the release with only a short and rather cryptic sentence: “Citroën hasn’t finished surprising you with its creativity…”

Either way, all will be revealed on Tuesday 15th September with Director General of Citroën, Mr. Frédéric Banzet, set to officially unveil the new concept.

©2010 Car Advice | News | Reviews - http://www.caradvice.com.au - All Rights Reserved.

With a biturbo V12 engine under the bonnet, the Brabus SV12 R churns out an insane 552kW and peak torque of 1350Nm.

In Brabus’ own words, the SV12 R Biturbo 750 engine is a prime example for the old adage that nothing can replace displacement except more displacement.

With this philosophy in mind, Brabus has bored out the standard 5.5-litre V12 engine to 6.3-litres, incorporating a special crankshaft, larger diameter forged pistons, larger turbochargers, a more efficient cooling system and high-performance stainless-steel exhaust.

In an effort to cull the typical rubber-to-smoke effect derived from 1350Nm of torque from just 2100rpm, Brabus has been forced to electronically limit peak torque to ‘just’ 1100Nm.

Power is transferred to the rear wheels via a modified five-speed automatic transmission, with an optional locking differential doing its best to tame the torque.

Its extraordinary power makes the BRABUS SV12 R not just the most powerful but also the fastest luxury sedan in the world, accelerating from zero to 100km/h in just 4.0 seconds, 200km/h after just 11.9 seconds and on to an electronically limited top speed of 340km/h.

With a top speed considerably higher than Mercedes ever intended, Brabus has had to completely redesign the aerodynamic components from scratch, using a wind tunnel to develop a striking front apron whose sophisticated shape reduces lift on the front axle.

Brabus designers have also developed custom-tailored front aluminium sport fenders that replace their production counterparts featuring integrated air vents made from clear-coated carbon.

The aerodynamic-enhancement concept is rounded out by the Brabus rear spoiler lip and the new rear apron for the facelift-generation of the S-Class.

Brabus has also developed a unique business concept for the Mercedes S-Class featuring around an ultra-slim 3.0GHz notebook computer housed safely in a docking station inside an electrically deployed drawer in the trunk.

A 15.2-inch screen serves as the computer monitor with the package capable of connecting to the internet, playing digital television, Blu-Ray discs, video conferencing and even includes a colour printer in the rear.

©2010 Car Advice | News | Reviews - http://www.caradvice.com.au - All Rights Reserved.

Centre-stage has been reserved for the world debut of the ix-Metro, a new Hybrid Electric CUV for the European sub-B segment which promises CO2 emissions of just 80g/km.

The ix-Metro is powered by an inline three-cylinder engine with a mere one-litre of displacement, combined with direct injection, dual CVVT, turbocharging and a six-speed dual clutch transmission to make for a highly efficient compact package.

This represents the fifth model in a series of concept cars to be created by the Global Design Team in Namyang Korea, all hinting toward the design and technical future of Hyundai.

The second world debut for Hyundai in Frankfurt is the i10 Electric, a zero emissions urban commuter vehicle which will see limited series production begin in 2010 starting with the Korean market.

Powered by a 49kW motor and a 16 kWh battery, the i10 Electric promises a driving range of 160km and top speed of 130km/h and will initially be made available to government ministries, state corporations and utilities in the first stage.

Hyundai will also use the Frankfurt show for the European unveiling of now only its ix35, the European version of the all-new Tucson replacement, but also the Elantra LPI Hybrid which emits just 94 g/km of CO2 (European combined mode) and the Blue Will Plug-In Hybrid Electric concept vehicle which made their world debut at the Seoul Motor Show earlier this year.

©2010 Car Advice | News | Reviews - http://www.caradvice.com.au - All Rights Reserved.

Known in Europe as the Auris HSD Full Hybrid Concept, it represents a milestone in Toyota’s strategy by introducing its full hybrid technology to a mainstream model.

This marks the first step in the deployment of Hybrid Synergy Drive across the company’s model range

The new Prius Plug-in Hybrid Concept will also make its world premiere in Frankfurt, expanding the capabilities of Toyota’s full hybrid technology.

This latest evolution will allow pure electric operation for short-range day-to-day transportation.

An extensive field trial is due to commence in Europe by early 2010 which will see over 150 units being leased to selected fleet customers.

Frankfurt will also stage the European premiere of the iconic, all-new Toyota LandCruiser, which will go on sale later this year.

©2010 Car Advice | News | Reviews - http://www.caradvice.com.au - All Rights Reserved.

The images reveal a new frontal look that draws from the S60 concept shown earlier this year at the Detroit Motor Show and the recently launched XC60 SUV.

While there are some minor changes around the rear, the side and rear views show little change, unlike the front, which has a stronger restyling, taking on the sharper look of the S60.

Volvo says that equipped with the same smart three-piece steel roof, practical seating for four adults and world-leading convertible safety, the new C70 features a revised front and rear design, along with an updated interior.

“The Volvo C70 has classic convertible lines and a strong identity of its own,” explained Fedde Talsma, Exterior Chief Designer at Volvo Cars.

“What we have done is to carefully redesign the front and rear so they harmonise more with both today’s and tomorrow’s Volvo models.

“We have also increased the exclusiveness of the materials and trim details to enhance the atmosphere of luxury and enjoyment inside the car,” he added.

Volvo agrees with us saying that with its new front, the Volvo C70 reveals traces of the S60 Concept Car that was unveiled at the Detroit auto show earlier this year, bringing the C70 in line with Volvo’s new design language.

Bodywork details such as the front wings have also been redesigned, while the nose is more wedge-shaped and has been given added three-dimensional depth by moving some elements of the front.

The new headlamps and the décor around the fog lamps, for instance, have been angled offset up and to the rear, at the same time as the detailing of the lower grille has been enhanced.

From head-on, the front forms an open, inviting “V”. The enlarged iron mark and the new, larger air intake reinforce the self-assured stance.

Owners who want to be seen even more can specify a dramatic new red colour, Flamenco Red Pearl.

The high-tech LED lamps, the same type as found on the Volvo XC60, are the most noticeable update at the rear.

The interior has been updated in several respects to create a unique ambience in the Volvo C70.

The instrument panel has been redesigned, giving it a wider, sleeker look and the surface of the panel has a new texture that enhances the feeling of quality.

The new instruments, with gauges and graphics specific to the C70, are yet another example of how the car’s premium feel has been emphasised still further.

The new Volvo C70 has been engineered as one of the safest convertibles on the market, as regards both active and passive safety.

The Volvo C70 has sturdy metal hoops that shoot up behind the rear seat passengers to create added protective space should the car roll over.

The updated Volvo C70 is due for arrival in Australia in March 2010.

©2010 Car Advice | News | Reviews - http://www.caradvice.com.au - All Rights Reserved.