Sunday, February 28, 2010

2010 Citroen DS3 Racing Car Limited Edition

Citroen plans to unveil a limited edition of the Citroen DS3 next month at the Geneva Motor Show. The Citroen DS3 Racing is a suped up version of the company's luxe supermini. While only 1000 units will be built, Citroen Australia General Manager, Miles Williams said that local availability for the special DS3 Racing will be announced when the regular DS3 launches in August.
2010 Citroen DS3 Racing Car Limited Edition
“The Citroen DS3 Racing represents an outstanding concentration of behind-the-wheel thrills with an artful blend of performance and efficiency. The DS3 Racing provides a clear indication of what we can expect when the DS3 arrives in Australia in August.” Mr Williams said.
2010 Citroen DS3 Racing Car Limited Edition
Developed by Citroën Racing - the winning team behind five WRC manufacturer's titles and six driver's titles for Sébastien Loeb and Daniel Elena - Citroën DS3 Racing is a special edition with a 100% sporting pedigree. Planned for the second half of 2010, the exclusive Citroën DS3 Racing will be limited to just 1000 production units.
2010 Citroen DS3 Racing Car Limited Edition
As such, the car's output has been bumped up by 30% to 200 PS (147 kW / 197 hp) using the turbocharged 1.6-liter THP engine. Torque is improved by 15% to 275 Nm (203 lb-ft). These changes were achieved by remapping the engine control unit, adjusting the turbo, and adjusting powertrain components.
2010 Citroen DS3 Racing Car Limited Edition
Meanwhile, stiffer suspension springs and new shock absorbers are also installed. The car has been lowered by 15mm, while both the front and rear track were widened by 30mm. Along with the new tires wrapped around the 18-inch wheels, the changes "all dramatically change the driving dynamics," according to a press release.
2010 Citroen DS3 Racing Car Limited Edition
To handle the extra power, the company installed four-piston caliper brakes up front and ventillated discs in back. Carbon-fiber touches are used on the new air diffuser, front bumper, lower body, and wing extensions. Chrome is also used at certain points, like the door handles and exhaust, with orange tint on the calipers, grille, roof, side mirror caps, and wheels. Inside, designers added carbon trim and orange inserts. Purposeful sport seats were also installed.
A Citroën DS3 Racing signature on the rear tailgate and an individually numbered identification plate fixed to the roof-lining further confirm the model's exclusivity.
2010 Citroen DS3 Racing Car Limited Edition
At 3.94-meters long, the grey and orange car will be shown in Geneva with checkered flaq and DS3 Racing graphics. Based on the existing DSport powered by the THP 150, production Citroën DS3 Racing editions will be finished in a special workshop and fitted with a parts kit developed according to Citroën Racing specifications. Only 1000 units of the Citroen DS3 Racing will be produced. The car will be released in the second half of 2010.

Saturday, February 27, 2010

2010 Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept with E-REV Drive System

Think of the Opel Flextreme GT/E concept as a bigger Chevrolet Volt (or Opel Ampera if you're European). The idea behind this concept, which will debut at the Geneva Motor Show (March 4 - 14, 2010), is to show how the Volt's extended-range electric vehicle drivetrain can be used in a larger vehicle, in this case a mid-size five-door hatchback. And it will boost the company's credentials as a leader in green technologies, offering expressive design with efficient environmental performance - and engineered with German precision.
2010 Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept with E-REV Drive System
In Opel's strategy for achieving more independence from fossil fuels, electricity plays a key role. The 4.7-meter long Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept illustrates how extended-range electric vehicle (E-REV) technology can be plugged into large or mid-size vehicles, as well as compact cars such as the upcoming Opel Ampera. Opel calls this strategy e-mobility unlimited: adapting the highly efficient E-REV drive system - which removes the limitations of battery-only power - to vehicles across all market segments. To enjoy zero CO2 driving emissions Opel-style, the Flextreme GT/E concept shows that size doesn't matter.
2010 Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept with E-REV Drive System
The purposeful design also enables the Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept to achieve a projected drag co-efficient of just 0.22, which helps it reach a 200 km/h-plus top speed as well as conserve energy and extend its driving range. Stand-out visual features include a low and wide stance, wing-shaped lights front and rear, a distinctive nose and grille, floating C-pillars and muscular, sculptured bodywork.
2010 Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept with E-REV Drive System
The clean, frontal styling features a low hood line and an extended nose section, which is clasped by wing-shaped, signature LED headlamps. These are deeply carved into the front fenders and across the hood line. The new trapezoidal grille execution is slim but bold. The prominent wing-shaped chrome bar carries a large Opel emblem, which doubles as a socket for charging the Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept's battery pack. The upper section of the grille is used to admit cooling air, the lower portion being covered by a translucent panel. The absence of additional air intakes allows a low frontal area for aerodynamic efficiency and also enables the Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept to meet future pedestrian protection requirements.
2010 Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept with E-REV Drive System
In profile, the Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept is distinguished by innovative, stubbed C-pillars. This floating design allows the glasshouse to be extended rearwards under the arching roofline, emphasizing the flowing lines of the side body. The car's dynamic character is further underlined by a fresh expression of Opel's signature blade motif, now a swooping swage line from the base of the C-pillar into the lower front fender. The translucency of the fixed glass panel in the center of the roof is adaptive, allowing sunlight to warm the interior in the cold of winter, but darkening for coolness in summer. A duct at the rear edge of the roof is for additional cooling of the battery and electronic components.
2010 Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept with E-REV Drive System
Integral to the Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept's expressive looks is the efficiency of the design execution. The small frontal area, low roof height (1308 mm) and a flat, enclosed underbody all enable the car to cleave the air with a minimum of disturbance. The 21-inch alloy wheels are relatively narrow, to reduce wind resistance, and fitted with 195/45, low rolling resistance tires. Clear, flush-mounted trim inserts also minimize air turbulence.
2010 Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept with E-REV Drive System
The Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept also explores the potential for active shape shifting. At speeds above 50 km/h, a vertical panel extends along the body from the air extraction slot behind each rear wheel-arch. These 350 mm-long side spoilers guide high-speed airflow around the rear corners of the car, further reducing the amount of turbulence.
2010 Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept with E-REV Drive System
Mass reduction measures for the body include the use of lightweight, carbon composite outer panels, polycarbonate window glazing and aluminum alloy structural components. Compared to conventional materials, these offer a 40 percent weight saving which further contributes to reduced energy consumption and an increased driving range.
The efficient concept also includes GM's ground-breaking E-REV drive system, already developed for the Opel Ampera. The Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept shows the versatility of this technology by displaying it in a larger, mid-size vehicle format.
2010 Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept with E-REV Drive System
Despite its greater size and a maximum speed of more than 200 kilometers per hour, the Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept is projected to offer performance similar to that of the Ampera: a battery-powered driving range of up to 60 km - with zero CO2 tailpipe emissions - and a total range of more than 500 km. Average fuel consumption is estimated at 1.6 l/100 km, with CO2 emissions of less than 40 g/km. Unlike a hybrid vehicle, the wheels of the Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept are powered at all times by electricity. For typical journeys up to 60 km, energy is supplied by a T-shaped lithium-ion battery pack located under the floor and rear seat.
2010 Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept with E-REV Drive System
However, unlike a battery-only electric vehicle, the Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept eliminates any possibility of range anxiety through fear of being stranded without power. The small gasoline engine/generator is seamlessly engaged to provide electricity whenever the battery's supply becomes depleted. In this mode, the driving range is extended to more than 500 km, until the plug-in battery pack can be recharged or the car is refueled. The motor in the electric drive unit delivers a substantial 370 Nm of instant torque, giving lively performance and projected zero to 100 km/h acceleration in less than nine seconds.
2010 Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept with E-REV Drive System
The Flextreme GT/E concept is a further step in Opel's unfolding strategy for the electrification of the automobile, which includes a wide portfolio of products using battery, extended-range, hybrid and fuel cell technologies.

Friday, February 26, 2010

Bentley AERO ACE Sports Car Concept Next-Gen Speed VI

The Bentley Aero Ace Speed VI is the brainchild of auto designer Gabriel Tam and has been inspired by the original Speed 6 driven to victory by the Bentley Boys of the ’20s at Le Mans. The next-generation Speed VI is an overtly sporting vehicle with the raw aggression of a pure blood racer, while retaining the refined elegance of past Bentleys.
Bentley AERO ACE Electric Sports Car Concept Next-Gen Speed VI
The design was inspired to signify the raw aggression of a sporting vehicle, while paying close attention to the aerodynamic properties of each element of the vehicle. The adjustable aerofoil / spoiler feature double wishbone suspension to maximize the efficiency.
Bentley AERO ACE Electric Sports Car Concept Next-Gen Speed VI
Close attention during the designing period to refine the aerodynamic properties of the vehicle has resulted in enhanced efficiency and increased speed. Additionally, a double wishbone suspension has been incorporated within the adjustable spoiler to further better its efficiency.
Bentley AERO ACE Electric Sports Car Concept Next-Gen Speed VI
The twin rear heat exhaust-ducts of this zero-emission concept car are fed by the air intake used to keep electric motors cool. Electric motors are located towards the rear of the vehicle, while the battery cells are located towards the front in an even arrangement to balance the weight. The electric motor cooling system features air intake and incorporates diffusers that help air flow to create down-force.
 
 
Bentley AERO ACE Electric Sports Car Concept Next-Gen Speed VI
The wheels are semi enclosed that improves aerodynamics, while the 1+1 seating arrangement offers focused driving experience. Also, the diffusers aid air flow in this vehicle creates the down-force, the battery pack is equally distributed and the vehicle has a 1+1 seating layout for finest weight distribution.
Bentley AERO ACE Electric Sports Car Concept Next-Gen Speed VI 

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Chevrolet CORVETTE Racing at Sebring 2010

Back in August when General Motors introduced the all-new GT2 class Corvette C6.R, it ran downsized 6.0-liter version of the 7.0-liter V8 from the long-dominant GT1 car. At the launch, Corvette Racing program manager Doug Fehan told us the 6.0-liter was just an interim engine. With revised GT rules on tap for 2010, GM was already planning a brand-new engine for its race Vette.
Chevrolet CORVETTE Racing at Sebring 2010
Unlike the 6.0/7.0, which is a ground-up race engine that only shares basic architectural dimensions with the production small block, the 2010 C6.R's V8 is a new 5.5-liter unit that will indeed be derived from the production engine found in roadgoing Corvettes. In fact, the 5.5-liter race engine will be built at GM's Performance Build Center alongside ZR1 and Z06 V8s.
Chevrolet CORVETTE Racing at Sebring 2010
Fehan has confirmed that the 5.5 is running on the dyno and will make its race debut at the 12 Hours of Sebring in March. We don't have any additional details on the new engine yet, although we were told earlier that it is based on the next-generation production small-block, which we expect to see in the Corvette soon
Chevrolet CORVETTE Racing at Sebring 2010
Corvette Racing is preparing for the season-opening round of the 2010 American Le Mans Series, the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, to be held in Sebring, Fla., on March 20. Forty years ago, Sebring set the stage for some highly competitive racing among Cobras, Ferraris, and Corvettes. 
Chevrolet CORVETTE Racing at Sebring 2010
Difficult weather and trying mechanical situations added a challenging dimension to an exciting event. In light of recent C5-R successes and the impending start of yet another season of American Le Mans Series competition, a look back at the effort put forth by the privateer Corvette camp lends amazing perspective.
Chevrolet CORVETTE Racing at Sebring 2010
Corvette Racing will compete in the GT (formerly GT2) class against entries representing Porsche, Ferrari, BMW, Jaguar, and Ford. Corvette Racing drivers Johnny O'Connell, Jan Magnussen, and Antonio Garcia are testing the No. 3 Compuware Corvette C6.R. Oliver Gavin, Olivier Beretta, and Emmanuel Collard are testing the No. 4 Compuware Corvette C6.R.
[Source: Chevrolet]
Chevrolet CORVETTE Racing at Sebring 2010

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Review: 2010 Range Rover Sport Supercharged

2010 Range Rover Sport Supercharged

Despite enduring a string of financial hardships, Land Rover still enjoys one of the clearest and most robust brand identities in the automotive kingdom. The English automaker has held the same core values since the company's first off-roader was created by Maurice Wilks in 1948. Wilks reportedly designed the first Land Rover to emulate a Jeep he had driven, and the first Land Rover prototype actually utilized a chassis borrowed from that legendary American off-roader. And much like Jeep, when you think of Land Rover, the words rugged, purpose-built, and capable are sure to come to mind, but the two storied marques part company when it comes to luxury amenities. England's four-wheeling pride and joy can be found in places like Africa, the Middle East, Australia's Outback and as well as the ritziest precincts of Beverly Hills and Monte Carlo.

While the core identity of Land Rover hasn't deviated much over the years, its product lineup has grown substantially. After Ford purchased Land Rover from BMW in 2000, the brand added the supremely capable LR4 and Range Rover Sport to a struggling lineup. The Sport traces its looks and name to the top-end Range Rover model, but its underpinnings are actually based on the LR4, with an integrated bodyframe semi-monocoque construction for a combination of rough and ready off-roading and good noise isolation characteristics.

The sportiest of Range Rovers has been a solid entry in the luxury mountain climbing segment for a half-decade, but the folks at Land Rover have given the Sport a very thorough update for 2010 to help it live up to fast and flashy new competitors like the Porsche Cayenne and BMW's X5/X6 M twins. We were able to get our hands on a new 2010 Range Rover Sport with the company's new Jaguar-derived supercharged 5.0-liter V8 to see if it's as accomplished on paved streets as it is off-road.

When we say that the Range Rover Sport has been updated for 2010, we mean thoroughly overhauled. It may not look all that different on the outside, but among the upgrades for 2010 are a pair of more powerful engines, a new six-speed automatic transmission and comprehensive – if subtle – alterations to the accommodations. Exterior changes include new, impressive-looking LED-encrusted headlights and taillights that give the Sport a more commanding presence on the road. Other than the new lights, though, the Range Rover Sport looks nearly identical to the model it replaces, which is just fine with us. Range Rover's classic design remains the black tuxedo of the luxury SUV set, with an intrinsically tough-looking stance and manly lines throughout. Our completely loaded Bournville (fancy word for really dark brown) Range Rover Sport carried an MSRP of $82,345 with standard navigation and moonroof, along with every option box checked, including rear-seat DVD, upgraded 20-inch wheels and HD Radio. A hefty price tag to be sure, but is it worth it?

On the inside, we'd say yes... for the most part. Land Rover started with the familial cockpit layout that's become a staple of the marque, along with upgraded materials and a host technological improvements. High-grade leather is present just about anywhere your hand falls and the use of matte finish woods is among the best we've ever seen. Seemingly everybody we transported during our week with the vehicle wanted to touch the trim for themselves, as evidenced by the multitude of fingerprints on the leathery dash. We can't blame anyone for getting a case of the fondles (*ahem*) when sitting in the front seat of the Land Rover, as we can't recall a vehicle with better materials at this (lofty) price point. Land Rover has even swapped out the seats for 2010, and the new, deeper thrones have ample electronic-controlled bolstering to keep your butt planted during aggressive driving.




One of the things we didn't like about past Land Rover interiors was their labyrinthine maze of buttons splayed across the center console. We apparently weren't alone in disliking the button-palooza, as Tata Motors' luxury SUV outfit has cut 50 percent of its overall press-points for 2010, and the remaining switchgear is easy-to-reach and a snap to navigate. And speaking of navigation, our Range Rover Sport tester came standard with a seven-inch touchscreen nav/infotainment unit, a no-brainer for an adventure-ready $82,000 luxury SUV. We'd love to tell you the nav was a hoot to use, but unfortunately, that was far from the case.

For starters, the screen is smaller than the one you can find in other vehicles at half the price, and its slight stature is amplified by the fact that the Range Rover control array is the Spruce Goose of center stacks. We'd be able to overlook this one problem if the system was responsive and easy to use. Again, not so much. Every time we touched the screen, there was a persistent latency between contact and execution of the command. Our fully-loaded tester also came with LR's optional rear-seat entertainment package. When we saw a pair of massive LCD screens embedded into the back of the front seat headrests, we immediately thought the kids were in for a treat. What we didn't anticipate was how big of a headache it was going to be to pop in a DVD for the kids to enjoy while we have our way with the 510 horsepower manwagon.




When it came time to take the family for a ride, we loaded up the kids along with a copy of The Pink Panther. After everyone piled into the gorgeously appointed SUV, Dad opened the glove box to insert the DVD. Nothing there. Maybe the CD slot in the dash doubles as a DVD reader? Nope. Oh, then it must be hiding beneath the center armrest. Again, no. Luckily, we had a 13 year-old in the back seat. Anything back there? Under the seat? Nope. We checked the manual (no mention) and we looked in the trunk. Nothing. After wasting a half hour of our lives, we made a call to editor Paukert for some council. Paukert reminded us that older Range Rovers used to have a small, obscure access panel in the boot above the passenger-side rear tire well.

We ventured outside one more time to take a look, and wouldn't you know it, there was a tiny access panel staring us right in the face. We'd seen the panel before, but assumed that it was just too small to be anything but a fuse box. Unfortunately, we were wrong. Nestled into the panel ever so tightly was a six-DVD changer buried deep into a dark, narrow sarcophagus. After a couple of minutes of jostling, we were able to pry out a flimsy cartridge. The Pink Panther was inserted and the kids re-entered the vehicle. We then fooled around with the LCD interface for five minutes before realizing that we had to labor through the nav interface to turn on each headrest-mounted LCD before playing the DVD. Now we know what it feels like to be Santa Claus at a Philadelphia Eagles game. Needless to say, we subsequently watched the same movie every time the family was in the vehicle, and we're pretty sure the disc was still in the boot when it was picked up. And to think that the rear-seat entertainment package is the most expensive Range Rover Sport option at $2,500. Ouch. Fortunately, the Range Rover Sport was much more enjoyable once we actually started driving.



Getting behind the wheel of a Range Rover Sport is a bit like entering a Brinks truck, albeit a very nicely appointed one. It's hard not to feel invincible from the moment you close the doors with a confidence-inspiring thud and stare out the front window only to revel in your commanding seating position. And those new seats? They're a fitting reward for the driver who plops down 82-large. The chairs are Lazy Boy-comfy but with very respectable bolstering for a 5,900 pound utility vehicle. And as we would soon find out, said bolstering is very welcome given the Range Rover Sport's extraordinarily powerful drivetrain.

The biggest aspect of the Sport's refresh is a pair of completely new powertrains, and we were lucky enough to get the direct injected, supercharged 5.0-liter mill under the bonnet of our tester. With 510 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of thrust, our tester felt more like a supersized sportwagon than a massive SUV. Land Rover claims a 0-60 mph time of 5.9 seconds, and after one stab at the throttle, we can attest to the accuracy of that time. The Eaton-sourced twin-vortex supercharger is 16 percent more efficient than the booster it replaces, giving the RR Sport another 135 ponies (versus the naturally aspirated model) while still passing ULEV2 emissions regulations. The new engines figure to be more reliable, too, and they carry 15,000-mile service intervals, effectively doubling the amount of regal mud bogging between dealer visits. Land Rover went to ZF for its newest transmission, and the HP28 six-speed unit is a very smooth operator. Paddle-shifters were on-hand, but we had no desire to use them more than once thanks to the engine's surplus of torque.



And just because the RR Sport weighs in at nearly three tons doesn't mean that Land Rover has built a sloppy cornerer. LR hasn't obliterated any longstanding laws of physics, but by adding adaptive vehicle dynamics, it's helped bend some rules. The Landie's DampTronic valve tech monitors and optimizes damper pressure 500 times per second, helping even first-time drivers feel confident and controlled behind the wheel. Steering feel has also been improved by stiffening the front suspension's lower arm bushings.

While we certainly couldn't verify Land Rover's claim of 500x per second damping pressure monitoring, we can tell you that the sporty Range Rover feels very surefooted in a wide variety of driving conditions and during aggressive driving. We were pleasantly surprised at how flat this beast is under hard cornering – it's like Land Rover built a tank that was specifically designed for slaloms. Actually, tank-like is a great way to describe the feeling we got when behind the wheel, but not in a laboring, trench warfare way. More like, this is as close as the English could come to duplicating the Abrams Tank while still retaining the driving dynamics of a vehicle much smaller than it really is. The steering is nicely weighted and has some level of feedback, though it won't be confused with a Porsche Cayenne any time soon. The Range Rover's five spoke, 20-inch wheels fill out the wells just fine, and the 14.2-inch ventilated rotors up front and 13.8-inch stoppers at the rear provide enough fade-free stopping power to keep your Land Rover from dancing with bumpers or boulders.



The Land Rover Sport may have the heart of an on-road athlete, but it is constructed to excel off-road even more than it does on pavement. Every Range Rover Sport comes with Land Rover's Terrain Response system; a dial with six settings for varying driving conditions. The driver can select from settings including general driving, sand (new for 2010), rock crawl, mud and ruts, and grass/gravel/snow. The other all-new setting, which is only available on the supercharged model, is Dynamic Program, which tightens steering and body control while also reconfiguring the stability control system for snappier responses. Select this option and Land Rover promises that you'll enjoy a more athletic on-road driving experience. We found Dynamic Program to have improved steering and throttle response, but a single performance-inspired setting does not a 3 Series-fighter make. It does, however, result in a confident-handling luxury SUV. Our favorite setting was the winter detent, because Southeast Michigan received about two inches of snow right when we took delivery of our tester. While the settings didn't cut out sliding and slipping altogether, it did a fantastic job of keeping us on the straight and narrow.

Since our test model had every available option, we were also able to test Land Rover's adaptive cruise control. While we're not huge fans of most adaptive cruise systems, we were very happy that Land Rover has done an excellent job of making the system easy-to-use. If you find yourself slowing down too far from the vehicle in front of you on the highway, simply slick a steering wheel-mounted button to decrease the trailing distance. A five-inch, grayscale LCD located in the gauge cluster shows the driver which setting he or she is using. Keep in mind, though, that unlike some advanced adaptive cruise systems that will bring a vehicle to a complete stop if the radar system senses an object in its direct path, in our experience, Land Rover's system will slow the Sport to about 10 mph. From there, it's up to the driver and those capable brakes to bring the Sport to a complete stop.



On the efficiency front, Land Rover says that the 2010 Sport is more economical than the model it replaces, which is no surprise when considering how thirsty the outgoing model was. Our time with the RR Sport added up to fuel economy of about 13 miles-per-gallon in mixed yet spirited driving. The EPA says you should expect 17 mpg on the highway and 12 mpg in the city, so don't trade in the family Mini just yet.

In the end, it's hard not to love the Range Rover Sport because it remains straightforward in what it promises and diligent in ensuring that those promises are kept. The new model delivers with luxurious appointments and vastly improved performance while honoring a 60-year tradition of off-road capability. Mix in the boxy good looks that come standard on every Gaydon gladiator, and we couldn't help but fall for this Land Rover quite a bit. Okay, so we didn't take our tester on safari, but it did everything we asked of it during our time in the urban jungle. Like us, we suspect that most Range Rover Sport owners won't often take the road less traveled, though we're sure the ability to easily hurdle a cement parking barrier in complete luxury is a fine ability to have should the need ever arise.

[Source: Autoblog]

Rear-drive Hybrid Lexus IS, V10-powered GS F on the way?

Lexus GS 450h

It looks like Lexus is planning to go to both extremes on the green-performance continuum. When the next-generation IS appears in a couple of years, it will likely add a hybrid powertrain option. Such a move would be in keeping with Toyota's oft-stated commitment to having hybrid drive available in almost all of its platforms by the end of the decade. The IS hybrid may also spawn a new rear-drive hybrid sports car around the same time. If these IS based hybrids are consistent with the current GS450h they will definitely be biased more towards performance than efficiency, using the hybrid drive to enhance acceleration without consuming more gas.

Meanwhile, the GS – as rumored previously – could be setting its sites on the new BMW M5 and Cadillac CTS-V. Even though only 500 LF-As will be built, the 4.8-liter V10 may find its way into a much-rumored new GS-F model. The GS-F won't arrive until 2013 so it should be based on the next generation sedan. In the LF-A, the V10 has the power to compete with the German and American models but falls short of the Cadillac's torque. If the new M5 gets the uprated 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 from the X5/X6 M, it would also be way ahead of the Lexus. Unless the Lexus engine gets boosted or the GS looses a lot of weight, this could be the only high-revving sports sedan of the pack left.

[Source: Autocar, Autocar]

2010 Super Hatchback Concept Car by Jamie Martin

Details on a possible future eco-friendly model, called SHC (Super Hatchback Concept), were revealed by designer Jamie Martin, a UK based designer whose previous works include the Cobra Venom V8 concept and the London Navigator bus. The SHC was conceived out of a desire to fuse the two very different worlds of hatchbacks and supercars. And in a world where limiting CO2 output is becoming increasingly important, the SHC also has some green tech up its sleeve.
2010 Super Hatchback Concept Car by Jamie Martin 
Designed to compete against the likes of the Honda Civic Type-R and Ford Focus RS, the SHC would be offered with a choice of two different engine/transmission packages.
It has similarities to both a supercar and a 3-door hatchback and boasts of both styling and performance characteristics. The concept car is available in a choice of three next generation powertrains, including an electric / hybrid option. Interestingly, the body is composed of 65% Steel and 35% aluminum used for front wings, bonnet & bumpers. Alternatively, 30% glass reinforced plastic can be used for designated sections. 
2010 Super Hatchback Concept Car by Jamie Martin 
Other features include front and rear window ‘air-streams’, combined with hydrophobic and super-fast screen heating and high-intensity LED/Single-Source fiber-optic illumination used on the headlight wing, lower fog light, and rear lights. Martin describes the car to have a “balanced formula of raw power, racing spirit, practicality and eco engine choices.” He said that this means that you have a supercar-inspired drive to use for weekly shopping.
2010 Super Hatchback Concept Car by Jamie Martin 
The first proposed powertrain of the concept consists of a twin-turbocharged internal combustion engine with direct injection, stop-start technology and regenerative braking. Transmission would be via a 6-Speed Short-Shift manual gearbox or a 7-speed paddleshift auto.
2010 Super Hatchback Concept Car by Jamie Martin 
The second option is a system dubbed the 'Delta Drive Hybrid (DDH)'. This setup consists of a smaller displacement internal combustion engine and a pair of electric motors. Nano-Titanate batteries located in the engine bay, and under the floor would feed power to the high-torque electric motors mounted within the front wheels. 3-performance modes would be available: Economy (low bhp town driving), Normal (medium bhp - motorway driving), and Performance (high bhp - utilising both the petrol engine and electric generator together for ultimate power). The car could also be driven in full electric mode for around 70 miles before the engine was needed to recharge the batteries.
2010 Super Hatchback Concept Car by Jamie Martin 
Further highlights of the SHC include a magnetorheological fluid suspension system with Normal, Sport & Track modes. This system, first used by Ferrari, features dampers with iron filings suspended in fluid. When an electrical current is passed through the fluid it instantaneously changes the damping rate and stiffens up the suspension.
2010 Super Hatchback Concept Car by Jamie Martin 
While the SHC is just an independent concept with no intention of production, it does seem more and more likely that hybrid technology will filter very quickly into performance vehicles - and hot hatches could be one of the first segments to make the switch.