After we presented many news from Geneva Motor Show about renowned automakers, I think it’s time that we turn our attention to sports car that will leave you with your mouth gaping. It’s the KO 7 Spider developed by Japanese designer Ken Okuyama, the same man that contributed to Ferrari’s Enzo and Maserati’s Quattroporte with this ideas. The KO 7 Spider will have a production of 99 models and it will be available for about $150,000 as of this year. For a better view of the sportscar, check out the gallery below.

Gallery: KO 7 Spider

BMW kept its promise and unveiled the X5 Vision EfficientDynamics Concept at the Geneva Motor Show and I am proud to say that we gave you a preview a few days ago. We also have to remind you that this concept car is a hybrid powered by a twin-turbo 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. The green X5 also features a 1 square meter photovoltaic solar panel mounted on the roof. Check out the gallery below consisting of live photos from the Geneva Motor Show.

Gallery: BMW X5 Vision EfficientDynamics Hybrid Concept

Renault worked hard to develop a new sports car and they needed to finish on time for the Geneva Motor Show. We already anticipated the unveiling of the Alpine Concept, but at the show they presented the Megane Coupe so we think Alpine was just a codename.

Looking at the Megane Coupe, I said to myself that Renault finally did it – they successfully designed and developed a sports car. Check out the gallery below and I am sure you will approve me.

Gallery: Renault Megane Coupe Concept

Every year all automakers are trying to refresh the air in their garage, so the perfect way to launch their products are the auto show and if it’s one of the best in the world it’s even better. This year at Geneva Motor Show, Mitsubishi unveiled its Prototype-S. This model is powered by a 2.0-liter supercharged four-cylinder engine which produces 240 HP and 252 lf-ft of torque. This concept is scheduled to enter in production phase as of next year. If you think they might be rushing with this decision, you should read the full press release and check out the gallery below with live photos.

Gallery: Mitsubishi Prototype S

PRESS RELEASE

MITSUBISHI PROTOTYPE-S

- The Color Orange -

What’s in a color ?…

In the case of “orange”, adjectives such as lively, warm, enthusiastic, creative, energetic, successful, stimulating but also polarizing come to mind, all things that do very much apply to Mitsubishi Motors Corporation in 2008…
Right-brained and different, MMC embodies these traits through an all-new range of cars, each of them supported by an iconic figure on a mission:

- Lancer Evolution: Sporting spirit
- “i”: Green (orange ?…) vision
- Pajero: 4-Wheel Drive expertise

Perhaps the most potent symbol of this positive corporate & brand mindset, “Project Global” has already proved its worth through the success of Lancer Sports Sedan, New Outlander and Delica D:5, the first products based on this all-new global architecture.

Europe

Launched in certain selected markets late last year and very well received, the stylish all-new Lancer Sports Sedan already started to bring its own contribution to Mitsubishi Motors commercial perfor-mance in Europe with 6,576 sales (to end of December 2007).

First member of the new Lancer family, it will be followed in the market by a full set of siblings, including Lancer Evolution, Lancer Ralliart and the sleek Lancer Sportback, together with its sportier Lancer Sportback Ralliart derivative.

When launched later in the year, this 5-door hatchback will be the most important variant of all in Europe, representing 70% of the forecasted Lancer volume in the region.

Right Brain

Prior to this most important introduction, Prototype-S previews the shape of things to come…

Just as Prototype-X (2007 Detroit) was a near real-life expression of Concept-X (2005 Tokyo) announ-cing the new Lancer Sports Sedan and Lancer Evolution, Prototype–S follows up today the much-acclaimed Concept-Sportback show car (2005 Frankfurt), signalling the future arrival of the Mitsubishi C/D segment hatchback.

Building on the same assets of racing heritage, sharp design, rewarding driving dynamics and “right-brain” take at the market, Prototype-S hits the same emotional / non-mainstream buttons as Lancer Sports Sedan, albeit in a hatchback format, benchmarking the likes of Alfa Romeo with the 156 / 159 Sportwagons (dynamic benchmark) and of Saab with the legendary Saab 900 Turbo Combi-Coupé (aspirational benchmark).

Tonic

Sporting a very tonic metallic orange, the 458,5 cm Prototype-S adds the convenience of a liftgate and of flexible rear seating to the driving dynamics of the new Lancer range.

Essentially a productionized version of the original Concept-Sportback, Prototype-S remains close to its inspiration.

At the front, it uses a further variation of Lancer’s trademark “Jet Fighter” grille featuring a full matt black finish, mesh inserts and chrome surround. It its flanked either sides with additional air intakes incor-porating boomerang-shaped fog lights. Further distinguishing features include a Lancer Evolution-type hood, specific headlamps and 19″ five-spoke alloy wheels.

At the rear, Prototype-S follows the same design theme explored in 2005 with Concept-Sportback with a very fast lift-gate surmounted by Sportback’s characteristic color-keyed roof spoiler. Elongated rear combination lamps widen the stance of the car as they warp around the rear fenders. A feature on their own, they sign a neat bumper/fender shut line that runs exactly parallel to the rear door opening.

Inside, Prototype-S displays a very continental flair with its italianate twin-hood meters, the black suede finish of the upper dashboard & door panels or the light brown-colored leather selected for its upholstery, in plain, perforated or weaved finish according to the area covered.

Of course, the meters are orange lit…

Fast Lane

Mirroring its aspirations, a sporty wedge-like profile, sharply chiselled lines, assertive stance born from long wheelbase / wide track proportions, a high-shouldered rear end or the very expressive rear roof spoiler will embody Mitsubishi’s vision for a flexible sports sedan in the C/D sector, away from the traditional hatchbacks.
Fittingly, Prototype-S will blend elements from Concept-Sportback (overall concept), Lancer Evolution (execution) and Lancer Ralliart (240 ps / 343 Nm 2.0 l turbo engine, Twin Clutch SST gearbox, full-time 4WD drivetrain featuring Mitsubishi Motors’ Active Center Differentia or “ACD”).

Peugeot is preparing a 308 GT version for the 2008 Geneva Motor Show, called the Peugeot 308 GT THP 175. As you can notice in it’s name, it has 175hp, produced by a 1.6-liter turbo engine, with a torque of 195 lb-ft. Along with it’s power, it’s also good for fuel economy, with 37.1mpg and carbon emission of only 180g/km.

The car can reach 0 to 62mph in 8.3 seconds and also has some more improvements, like the front bumper, rear spoiler, steering wheel, lowered suspension, aluminum pedals and shifter.

Customers can opt for manual or automatic transmission, both coming with six speeds. It will be available in a three-door version, along with a 150hp five-door, with four speeds.

Visit the gallery for some more photos.

Let’s take a moment of our time to take a look to a car which is not related and will not show up for the Geneva Motor Show. The reason why we present you this Mercedes-Benz is that the German automaker has developed a new hybrid system. The new S400 BlueHybrid will be powered by a 3.5-liter V6 petrol engine along with the 15kW electric engine.

The novelty consists of the fact that this hybrid will be the first to use lithium ion battery. Also the S400 BlueHybrid is the most economical sedan in NEDC (city and highway driving) by managing about 30 miles per gallon. This Hybrid Concept will be available as of 2009 with the ML450 two-mode hybrid system in the U.S. and Europe.

Source

The upcoming Geneva Motor Show, by the way it’s the 78th edition of the famous show, will be full of concept cars which is not so bad considering the fact that most of them are really cool. Another “concept-maker” called Webasto announced that they will show up with the LigHT Concept at Geneva and they will self-praise with the Light Hybrid Top (a roof concept) and with the Liquid Heat Generator (LHG) which is an auxiliary heating system.

The Geneva Motor Show will open for public as of 6th March and we will bring you more infos then and we will try to get our hands on a photo gallery, but until then follow the press release after the jump.

PRESS RELEASE

Webasto at the Geneva Motor Show 2008

Presentation of the Webasto LigHT (Light Hybrid Top) roof concept and the LHG (Liquid Heat Generator) auxiliary heating system are highlights of Webasto’s appearance at the show

Stockdorf/Munich – 12 February 2008 –

Webasto is exhibiting at the 78th Geneva Motor Show taking place 6 – 16 March 2008, new products from its two business groups Convertible, Roof & Body (CRB) and Global Comfort Solutions (GCS) will be presented under the motto “Moving Innovations” in Hall 5, Stand 5132. The CRB input is the new “Webasto LigHT Concept” – an innovative roof concept featuring a hybrid top with a new material mix – which will be shown on a roadster design study. The contribution from GCS is the Liquid Heat Generator (LHG), a newly developed auxiliary heating system which generates heat, which occurs through turbulence in the engine coolant, and is regulated by an intelligent hydraulic performance control.

In addition, three creative and dynamic 1:4-scale convertible roof models provide a glance into the automotive future; they are the result of a design study carried out by Webasto in cooperation with Munich University’s Faculty of Design. Under the motto “The roof of the future”, the potential designers had the opportunity to unleash their fantasy and develop studies beyond the classic convertible body styles. Furthermore, the company is also displaying the world’s largest polycarbonate roof, exclusively developed for the smart fortwo and to date fitted in 100,000 series vehicles.

On the public days at the show, Webasto will be offering end customers a wealth of information on its current range of after market products in the areas of parking heater systems and sliding roofs for passenger cars.

Finally we get something we want – Italdesign Giugiaro has released high-res pics of the Quaranta Concept just before Geneva Motor Show. We’ve been expecting this for a long time for the concept based on the 1968 Bizzarrini Manta Concept for its looks and on the Toyota Prius for its engine.

The Hybrid Synergy Drive completed with the 3.3-liter V6 engine produces 268 HP and 212 lb-ft of torque, enough to boost the Quaranta from 0 to 60 in just 4.05 seconds. Another design and tech cool characteristic is the solar power-generating roof. The design of the concept is simply astonishing and it will surely draw everybody’s attention at the upcoming auto show.

Check out the gallery below and follow the full press release after the jump.

Source

PRESS RELEASE

ITALDESIGN GIUGIARO QUARANTA CONCEPT POWERED BY TOYOTA HYBRID SYNERGY DRIVE

Uncompromising innovation in Giugiaro tradition

An “extreme”, clean-technology project embodying 40 years of styling research and engineering celebrated by Italdesign Giugiaro in Geneva

The “Quaranta” project is a concept car designed to celebrate Italdesign Giugiaro’s forty years of business in styling and technological research at the service of the automotive sector. The Quaranta, world-premiered at the 2008 Geneva International Motor Show, is a synthesis of Italdesign Giugiaro’s unmatched experience of automotive design: from city cars to super sports-cars, from MPVs to medium-engined saloons up to and including luxury flagships and environment-friendly SUV, not to mention light/heavy duty commercial vehicles, in complete cooperation with leading manufacturers all over the world.

The Quaranta is an “extreme” product, an environment-friendly, 4WD super sports-car which incorporates a series of innovative aspects: its styling, but also its drive technology, which combines a hybrid engine with solar energy, and its internal layout which, despite its mid-mounted rear engine, can accommodate three adults and a child, also providing a generous luggage compartment.

The idea which inspired the Quaranta project is that of the first single-volume concept car with central engine and drive. The original reference is to the 1968 Bizzarrini Manta which, at that time, represented a major breakthrough in styling, now adapted to state-of-the-art technology and enriched with Italdesign Giugiaro’s forty years experience of research.

The style of the future
Despite its flat, highly compact shape, the Quaranta features a single-volume shape characterized by a continuous body line stretching from its clipped nose to the tail that exploits the almost horizontal rake of the windscreen.

Access to the cabin is “step-in” via an upper door incorporating the side ones. At the touch of an electric on/off button, the door opens upward in a downwind direction, regulated by proximity sensors. The door is hinged to the hood pillar and is aligned with a second upper rear door, for access to the engine compartment and boot.

The roof houses the array of solar panels, necessary to power the electric battery, in the space between the two doors. Along with the other solar panels positioned on the front end, these create a central opaque strip, a distinctive signature of the model, thanks to the interplay of light with the bright paint of the bodywork. The solar panels can generate a power of up to 250 W, sufficient for the functioning of the cockpit conditioning system and for recharging the electric battery.

The styling of the Quaranta prototype is further enhanced by the attention dedicated to surface aerodynamics, designed to ensure maximum possible efficiency and penetration, also by using sharp edges on the rear. This can also be noted in the front end of the vehicle where the radiator grille has been eliminated and replaced by two side air inlets, positioned above the lighting clusters, which perform the delicate function of front stabilizers. The rear of the vehicle has also been conceived to improve overall aerodynamic performance: an attentively-molded spoiler, with a perfectly square-edged cut and a very technical design, has the scope of supporting the lower wing, modeled according to latest generation F1 styling, that makes up for the absence of the traditional upper stabilizer.

Styling research aimed at top aerodynamic performance is also reflected on the sides, characterized by extremely generous glazing stretching from the front fender to the tail and in which the air vents are housed, located after the doors but also along the sill, in which the water cooling ducts are inserted. The most innovative feature of the side profile is certainly the contour line, between the door-windows and the sill, which is “negative” in the shoulder section, a particular, absolutely innovative feature for super sports-cars.

Interiors: technology for safety and comfort
Inside, the most striking innovation can be found in the multi-control steering wheel which reflects an idea already incorporated in the 1980 Medusa, a prototype developed by Italdesign and on display at its stand in Geneva: all vehicle driving and control functions are concentrated on the spokes, where the stalks have been eliminated and replaced with keys. This guarantees easier control by the driver, in a central position which can be obtained due to the absence of the gearbox-transmission block tunnel. This is possible thanks to the electric four-wheel drive system which eliminates any obstacles on the floor pan, making it completely flat. The generously-scaled central space of the cockpit can accommodate two adults and a child, behind the driver. The dashboard has been conceived with a sporting, modern look, with clean-cut details matching the style of the exterior, and equipped with a vast array of instruments. These are organized on two levels: the screens of the side and rear TV cameras are positioned on the upper level, with particular attention to the left-hand view mirror, useful when overtaking; the lower level is dedicated to the management of the vehicle. The drive-panel also includes a visor for X-ray sensors for night driving. The dark-colored leather and alcantara upholstery reflects the most refined Italian taste.

The lighting clusters are extremely modern: the low-beam lights are based on led technology, while the full-beam are of the Bi-xenon type. The direction indicators, the tail and rear stop lights are of the full led type, inserted in a single box but differentiated according to color, assembled and adapted by hand at Italdesign Giugiaro.

Last but not least, the Quaranta features 9 ½ by 20″ alloy wheels, without hub caps for improved styling and aerodynamics, and four Vredestein tires as standard, which differ only in shoulder height: 275/35/R20 front and 275/40/R20 rear. The dimensions are certainly tight for a super sports-car but suitable for a 4WD car.

Mold-breaking mechanicals
The structure of the prototype is made up of the carbon monocoque frame onto which aluminum and special steel parts are assembled, while the windscreen and roof are made of stratified glass with UVA filter. The Quaranta is fit with electronic four-wheel drive, divided in a small electric motor on the fore-carriage and the thermal engine/electric engine system located in a central rear position. This particular structure, which has seen Toyota’s involvement in the electronic control management, has made it possible to develop the vehicle on a 2620-mm wheelbase, ideal for a mid-engined car.

The batteries which assist the electric motors are located between the engine compartment and the cockpit and are powered directly by the solar panels. The Quaranta features a double fuel-tank, integrated in the supporting frame, with a total capacity of 60 liters, giving a mileage of up to 1000 km.

Dynamic asset is variable in two ride height positions: sporting and raised. Maximum ground clearance is 230 mm, an absolute record which means that the super sports-car can take any type of terrain in its stride. The main technical aspect that distinguishes the mechanical design of the Quaranta is the weight balance and in particular the “weight centering”: all the mechanical weight of the vehicle is contained between the two axles, including the mufflers which are positioned in front of the rear wheels. Only the radiator and a large overhanging luggage compartment, able to accommodate two golf-bags, remain outside.

The front suspensions also represent a breakthrough: designed according to F1 cars, they are equipped with a central mono-shock echoing an idea already presented by Italdesign – Giugiaro on the 2004 Toyota Volta and on the 1997 Alfa Romeo Scighera. The linkage mechanism of the levers guarantees exceptional stability in any type of situation, simulating a “multilink” mechanism. The links have been designed and engineered entirely by ITALDESIGN GIUGUIARO: the “ovalized” down tubes are made of special steel and the uprights of Ergal.

The entire Quaranta project is an idea of Italdesign Giugiaro, constructed in accordance with the classical formula of the package of services furnished to automotive manufacturers.

Quaranta confirms the classic Italdesign – Giugiaro versatile service formula for car manufacturers. The competence and capability of designing a new car model considering style development, frame development, safety and ergonomics analyses and mechanics development, starting only from a given functioning engine.

The chassis, bodywork and layout of the Quaranta prototype have been designed by the Engineering Division of Italdesign Giugiaro, while the mechanicals and electronics have been developed in cooperation with Toyota. The vehicle was entirely built at the Moncalieri facilities.

The Italdesign Giugiaro construction process
The Italdesign Giugiaro construction and prototyping process, tried and tested during forty years of activity in the automotive sector but also extended to industrial design, preserves certain characteristics of technical specialization and production quality of unequalled value.

- Construction of a prototype involves various completely independent phases that can also be carried out with a modular approach. Starting from hand-made drawings, the next step is Styling Research and definitive development of the master models, using state-of-the-art CAD technologies. In parallel, the phases of technical design of the prototype

interior, or even of only some parts, can be integrated with style development, producing a unique technical result. This is the most complete, professional process that Italdesign can offer its clients. Following consolidation of the styling-engineering project, a full-scale mockup is built. The mock-up gives the possibility of physically evaluating modifications and integrations and represents the basis for the subsequent construction of the final prototype. Italdesign can also carry out various technical tests, including the model crash-test;

• The prototyping phase, a mainly hand-crafted process with the aid of forefront automated systems, includes preparation of the assembly jigs (so-called negatives), usually constructed by hand in the workshop, and hitting models milled according to the style master models, useful for beating the sheets of aluminum or stratified carbon;
• Work on the interior is necessary in order to prepare the seats, facial, door panels and all the other elements inserted in the cabin of the vehicle. Lined fiberglass-reinforced parts are always constructed at Italdesign, and also the upholstery, available in any type of material or shape required;
• The above phases are followed by construction of the mechanical and structural parts of the prototype, preparation of the tooling and uprights necessary for the construction phase and beating of the parts, assembly of the structure, of the interior and accessories and lastly painting. In the case of the Quaranta prototype, the door was designed and constructed entirely at Italdesign using a temporary piston tubular structure, subsequently reproduced and fastened to the chassis.

Cooperation between Toyota-Italdesign Giugiaro
Cooperation between Italdesign Giugiaro and Toyota Group started with the supply of the high performance hybrid engine fit on the Volta prototype, displayed for the first time at the 2004 Geneva Show.

For the Quaranta, Toyota furnished Italdesign Giugiaro with a derivative of the latest available hybrid system, Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive technology. The innovative aspect of this engine lies in the ability of the electronic control system to regulate the power distributed by the electric motors to the wheels, making the clutch-gearbox-transmission block superfluous.

The Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive system guarantees power, acceleration and top performance still keeping high mileage, reduced emissions and extremely silent operation. The compact battery makes it possible to store the energy produced in the braking or deceleration phase instead of dispersing this as heat.

The electric motor is complementary to the thermal engine but can also operate independently, activated by the electronic traction control unit where ideal conditions exist.

The Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive system consists of a V6 3.3 liter gasoline engine and of two electric motors that operate in synergy, delivering a high power output, comparable to that of an 8-cylinder engine, but with fuel
consumption and emissions lower than those of a 4 cylinder engine. To improve efficiency and handling, the intelligent E-Four system automatically activates two- or four-wheel drive, taking advantage of the increased handling and stability of four-wheel drive in acceleration, cornering or braking, and the reduced consumption and acoustic comfort of rear wheel drive at normal cruising speed.

The Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive system also includes the E-CVT Electronic-Continuously Variable Transmission, an automatic planetary gear transmission with ratios varying infinitely as speed changes.

The real innovation of the Quaranta prototype is reflected in the mid-ship positioning of a hybrid engine on a super sports-car that guarantees high performance with reduced consumption and low emissions.

Technical data

Length (mm): 4450
Height (mm): 1230
Height from ground (mm): 165 / 230
Wheelbase (mm): 2620
Front/Rear overhang (mm) :960 / 758 (1014 / 808)
Front/rear width (mm): 1980 / 1982
Front/rear track (mm): 1759 / 1697
Front tires: 275 / 35 / R20 Vredestein
Rear tires: 275 / 40 / R20 Vredestein
Rims: 9 ½ x 20″ OZ
Windscreen angle of incidence: 70°
Weight (kg): 1400
Drive: 4WD
Front suspensions: “Push-rod” type with overlapped triangular wishbones and central mono-shock-absorber
Rear suspensions: Push-rod” type with overlapped triangular wishbones and two shock-absorbers

Values and driving performance

Displacement (cm3): V6 3311
Max. power (kW/rpm): 155/5600
System total power (kW): 200
Max. torque (Nm/rpm): 288/4400
Top speed (km/h): 250 (limited)
0 – 100 km/h (sec.): 4.05
Consumption (l/100 km, combined cycle): 7,1
CO2 emissions (g/km, combined cycle): 180

After we presented you the XKR Portfolio, today we bring in front of you another Jaguar model for the Geneva Motor Show – the XJ Portfolio. The XJ features lightweight aluminum body, a supercharged V8 engine, Computer Active Technology Technology Suspension (CATS), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), 20-inch spoke Selena wheels and the interior is very luxurious but we will let you find out more in the press release below.The XJ Portfolio is availabe and it’s waiting its customers with multiple and various options which could please even to most fastidious person.

Follow the press release that I’ve been talking about and check out the gallery below.

PRESS RELEASE

JAGUAR XJ PORTFOLIO SPECIAL EDITION

Built in limited numbers to offer new levels of luxury, craftsmanship and exclusivity, the XJ Portfolio is characterized by premium quality materials and exquisite attention to detail.

• Portfolio is a name that defines a series of highly luxurious special edition vehicles from Jaguar. The 2009 MY XJ Portfolio – shown for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show in march 2008 – goes on sale in selected markets from Summer 2008

• Lightweight advanced aluminum construction and an acclaimed supercharged V8 engine offer driver-focused dynamic performance

• All XJ Portfolio models come with Computer Active Technology Suspension (CATS), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and a self-leveling air suspension to ensure impeccable control and ride

• The unique exterior styling includes Celestial Black or Astral Gold paint colors, bespoke 20-inch Selena alloy wheels with red Jaguar ‘Heritage’ badge, milled aluminum side power vents, chrome mirror caps and Portfolio trunk lid signature badge

• Inside, the XJ Portfolio comprises a sumptuous blend of luxury and sporting cues with two exclusive interior trim options – Navy with Champagne piping and Navy carpets or Ivory with Navy piping and Navy carpets.

• Other Portfolio interior touches include a cabin trimmed in Rich Oak veneer with Portfolio motif on passenger airbag lid; Navy leather and alloy gearshift with alloy surround; luxury carpet mats with contrast leather edges and Jaguar ‘Leaper’ logo; embossed Jaguar ‘Leaper’ logo on headrests; stitched leather door casings; Alston luxury headliner; unique front treadplates with Portfolio script.

• Premium specification includes individually heated and cooled front seats; 7-inch Touch-screen, Jaguar premium sound system and dual-zone climate control systems; Bluetooth® connectivity for up to five separate telephones; JaguarVoiceTM, Adaptive Cruise Control and rear multimedia system with DVD player and twin display screens (depending on market).

Jaguar’s commitment to creating beautiful, fast cars continues with the introduction of the new XJ Portfolio – first revealed on the Super V8 Portfolio special edition in 2005.

Already renowned for its all-aluminum body construction, state-of-the-art technologies and outstanding craftsmanship and build quality, the new XJ Portfolio is now even more desirable thanks to its unique exterior and interior styling cues.

Luxury, elegance and dynamic performance are XJ signatures. The XJ Portfolio adds a host of bespoke design cues and styling features that set it apart. The exterior is painted in either Celestial Black or Astral Gold, with contrasting side power vents in milled aluminum. A distinctive profile is completed by new 20″ Selena alloy wheels featuring red Jaguar ‘Heritage’ center badges.

XJ Portfolio’s dynamic excellence is underpinned by XJ’s all-aluminum monocoque body construction and highly advanced chassis and suspension. Lightness with strength and exceptional rigidity provide a platform for remarkable agility and performance, as well as safety, improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions. Computer Active Technology Suspension (CATS), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and a self-leveling air suspension ensure impeccable control and a ride that is involving yet composed and refined.

In the U.S., the 2009MY XJ Portfolio is available with Jaguar’s highly acclaimed 4.2-liter V8 supercharged (400bhp SAE) or the naturally aspirated V8 engine. In either derivative, the XJ Portfolio offers effortless performance and exceptional refinement.

XJ Portfolio’s individuality is further reflected in a luxurious interior characterized by premium quality materials and exquisite attention to detail. The hand-crafted Rich Oak veneer is new to XJ Portfolio, and there is the choice of two unique interior themes – Navy or Ivory. Each features contrast piping to the softgrain leather upholstery, special twin-stitched door casings and headrests embossed with the Jaguar ‘Leaper’ design. The alloy gear selector, with aluminum gearshift surround, is also trimmed with Navy leather, and there are ‘Portfolio’ branded treadplates and special leather-edged carpet mats.

And XJ Portfolio’s premium specification includes individually heated and cooled front seats; 7-inch Touch-screen operation of the satellite navigation, Jaguar premium sound and dual-zone climate control systems; Bluetooth® connectivity for up to five separate telephones; JaguarVoiceTM, Adaptive Cruise Control, and rear multimedia system with DVD player and twin display screens (depending on market).

The Jaguar XJ Portfolio is available to order now.

The Geneva Motor Show is coming and every automaker is trying to establish itself as a leader in the world of the cars, but they use different techniques to draw the attention of the public. The majority of them are releasing many informations about what are going to unveil and the rest…are giving only teaser photos or nothing.

One of the automakers that doesn’t want to give us many details is Saab, but they announced their presence for the auto show and released a teaser photo of the so-called 9-1X concept. The shot looks cool and I can’t wait to see the final product at the Geneva Motor Show. I guess I’ll have to wait, only a few days left until the opening.