The 600cc four-cylinder powered FZ6R looks to be a nice way for novice, or nearly novice, riders to break into sport bikes, with user friendly features like lower seat and handlebar height as well as improved wind protection from the full fairing. Yamaha has also tuned the engine and transmission to be responsive, while still being easier to modulate for newer riders. But perhaps the biggest attraction of the FZ6R for the uninitiated is the price, starting just below $7000 the new Yamaha should be a good candidate for affordable thrills to a wide swath of the population.

[Source: Yamaha]

KTM is celebrating the first anniversary of its X-BOW range at the 2009 Geneva Auto Show with the unveiling of an entire array of new vehicles and technologies. The year old X-Bow range will debut at the show no less than than five different models: X-BOW Street, X-BOW Clubsport, X-BOW GT4, X-BOW Superlight and X-BOW ROC.

KTM has recognized the high demand for the X-Bow in the United States and has officially announced of its planning to make the U.S.-spec X-Bow street legal. Thanks to the car’s light weight and the 177 kW (240 hp) Audi 2.0 TFSI engine, the KTM X-BOW sets new performance standards and outstrips even far more powerful sportscars. Weighing in at around 790 kilograms, it accelerates from a standing start to 100 km/h in only 3.9 seconds. At the same time, low fuel consumption (7.9 litres/100 km) and exhaust emissions (187.23 g/km) rival those of powerful compact cars.

[Source: KTM]

The new Impreza WRX STI A-Line uses a 300-horsepower 2.5-litre turbocharged Boxer engine with a five-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifts, with steering wheel mounted shift paddles to keep the driver’s hands on the wheel. A downshift blipping control system has been included which interacts with the engine management system to match engine revs instantly when changing down gears.

There is in an effort to make the WRX STI more comfortable, with eight-way power adjustable front seats and a new ‘Satin Pearl White’ body colour now available on all STI variants, as well as optional heated leather front seats.

[Source: Subaru]

GM's Voltec plug-in hybrid technology continued its world tour in Geneva Motor Show 2009, where it was announced this week that the right-hand drive Vauxhall Ampera will be on sale in 2012 for the UK market.

Unlike most current hybrids, the Voltec hybrid system that powers the Ampera uses electricity to drive the wheels full-time. A 16 kW/h lithium ion battery provides power, and the gasoline engine serves only as an on-board generator. This arrangement allows the Ampera to cruise completely gasoline-free for up to 40 miles at all speeds. With the engine on hand to charge the batteries, an extended range of over 300 miles is expected. When it's not on the road, the Ampera can be charged using any standard 240-volt electric outlet.

[Source: Vauxhall]

Celebrating one year of production, motorbike manufacturer KTM took the wraps off of the latest X-Bow ROC edition in Geneva Motor Show 2009. Expected to race in the legendary ‘Race of Champions’ event, the lightweight vehicle packs a 2.0-liter TFSI four-cylinder engine from Audi under a carbon fiber monocoque shell in white and black.

With an adjustable sports suspension, a removable multi-function steering wheel, some sleek painted alloy wheels and a sporty exhaust. In dedication to the Race of Champions, KTM created its X-Bow ROC that will be made in a limited production of 30 units.

[Source: KTM]

The British sports car maker introduced an updated version of its popular Exige S for the 2010 model year at the Geneva Motor Show 2009. The 2010 Lotus Exige S has 257 HP, making it the most powerful Exige ever.

The 2010 model year also sees the introduction of a few key changes to the Exige’s exterior to enhance the aesthetics and improve aerodynamic performance. Highlights include a restyled front end and a new, larger, rear wing that not only reduces drag, but also gives a more muscular stance. The restyled front end includes a larger, more angular air intake mouth to help funnel more air through the radiator.

[Source: Lotus]

Bugatti unveiled yet another special edition of their legendary Veyron supercar ahead of its official debut at the Geneva Motor Show. The new version is called the Bugatti Veyron Bleu Centenaire and it celebrates the brand's 100th anniversary. (Bleu Centenaire translates into "Blue Centennial")

The power of the most expensive car will continue to be provided by the standard car’s 16 cylinder quad turbocharged 8.0-liter engine which produces 1001 hp and 1250 Nm of torque. The car is painted in “sprintblue matte” and “sprintblue gloss” to create a unique visual effect. The roof-trim-stripes and the exterior rearview mirrors are of polished, anodized aluminum. A special wheel design is standard, enhanced by bright red brake calipers. The front grille and the side air intakes have a “mirror shine” finish.

The interior of the Centenaire is fitted in a special “snowbeige” leather with quilting on the seats. The central console is covered in the same leather. New LED lights, Park Distance Control and a rearview camera have become part of the standard equipment for all Bugatti Veyrons from this year onward.

[Source: Bugatti]

Ford’s 2010 Escape, the small SUV with the best crash test ratings of any vehicle in its class, is increasing its technology leadership with the addition of five new features that improve safety, reduce driver distractions and aid drivers by automatically parallel parking their vehicle.

The new Escape will add MyKey™ teen-safety technology, Integrated Spotter Mirrors – both offered standard (MyKey on XLT and above models) – optional Rear View Camera System and SYNC with real-time Traffic, Directions and Information. The new technologies build on Escape’s unsurpassed crash ratings – a “Top Safety Pick” award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and 5-star government ratings in all crash tests.

[Source: Ford]

Ford previewed the latest iteration of its new global design language with the debut of the iosis MAX concept at the Geneva Motor Show today. The front-end styling of the concept is said to be a direct preview of the next-generation Focus range, while the rear portion of the car foreshadows the next C-Max.

One production-intent feature of iosis MAX is its new 1.6-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost motor, which delivers 180 horsepower with 20 percent better fuel economy than conventional motors with similar power. The engines feature turbocharging and direct injection technology to achieve this goal. The 1.6-litre EcoBoost unit in the iosis MAX is further optimised through the use of a new Ford Auto-Start-Stop system, intelligent alternator and six-speed Ford PowerShift double-clutch automated manual gearbox.

[Source: Ford]

Mercedes-Benz unveiled at Geneva the SLK 2LOOK Edition which is basically an SLK with the two contrasting colours of black and white. Exterior is offered in either black or white and some detailing separates the 2LOOK Edition from other SLKs on the road. For instance the headlamps come with black surrounds, and 18-inch alloy wheels are fitted.

The wheels can be ordered either in a titanium silver colour or a dark "shadow" hue. Emblems certifying this SLK as a 2LOOK Edition appear discretely on the wings. The interior is also in contrasting black and white where the seats are covered in nappa leather. In the centre the seats are coloured in white but the contoured bolsters are painted black. Even the doors and the centre armrest are covered in these two colours.

[Source: Mercedes]

Maserati recently announced its new Quattroporte Centurion special series that pays tribute to American Express Centurion Black Card holders. The vehicle was unveiled to an exclusive group of AmEx cardholders at the Forbes House in London.

Two trim levels are being offered: 4.2 and 4.7. The Centurion 4.2 is powered by a 4.2-liter V8 that makes 400 horsepower and sprints to 60 mph in less than 5.6 seconds. The 4.7 features the larger 4.7-liter engine seen in the Quattroporte S that makes 430 hp and tops out at 174 mph. Its 0-60-mph time is less than 5.4 seconds. The 4.7 also features dual-cast brake discs.

[Source: Maserati]

Spyker Cars introduced its prototype C8 Aileron sports car last year and has fine-tuned the vehicle up to production trim just in time for the 2009 Geneva Motor Show.

Under the hood is an Audi 4.2-liter V8 with 400 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, allowing for a 4.5-second 0-60-mph time and a top speed of 187 mph. The engine can be mated to either a six-speed Getrag manual or a ZF automatic transmission. AP Racing supplies the brakes, and a front and rear independent double-wishbone suspension system made of mostly forged aluminum is standard on the Aileron.

[Source: Spyker]

Aston Martin announced the revival of its Lagonda brand at the Geneva Motor Show Wednesday morning. Along with the announcement comes a vehicle simply known as the Lagonda Concept — a bulky, retro-styled all-wheel-drive four-seat luxury sedan geared toward high-performance and exclusivity.

The Lagonda is the luxury car of the future, a combination of total usability, a new form and innovative new technology and materials.

[Source: Aston-Martin]

The new Lexus IS 250C, which will go on sale this summer, combines the sharp styling of the IS saloon range with open-top engineering ingenuity. The result is top-down driving pleasure with uncompromised dynamic performance.

True to Lexus’s legendary quality and attention detail, the new IS 250C has been engineered to achieve excellent aerodynamics, torsional rigidity, NVH levels and safety performance in both coupe and convertible configurations.

The IS 250C shares its 204bhp (208 DIN hp) 2.5-litre V6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission with the IS 250 saloon. It is styled to minimise wind turbulence when driving with the roof stowed, while extensive revisions to the body structure and suspension provide a high level of torsional rigidity.

[Source: Lexus]

The essence of the Infinit brand distilled into one car and then taken to the extremes to satisfy the world's most demanding car enthusiasts ... this is the Infiniti Essence. Presented as a concept at the 79th International Motor Show of Geneva, Essence is a celebration of Infiniti and its 20 years history as a creator of performance cars. But equally it is an inspiring exploration into the brand's future.

The dramatic design, technology and performance statement is a 600PS, petrol/electric hybrid coupe with rear-wheel drive. What Essence is not is merely an indulgent birthday present from Infiniti to itself.

[Source: Infiniti]

The era of epic supercars is certainly not over at Aston Martin, with the carmaker confirming the development of a brand new flagship model late last year. A life-size mock up was then put on display at the 2008 Paris Motor Show to tease the public and start building interest for the car, which is estimated to cost a cool £1.2 million. The latest turn of events will see a technical showcase for the new One-77 supercar presented at this week’s Geneva Motor Show.

Aston Martin will essentially be presenting the bare chassis of the first production version of the One-77 in an attempt to showcase the engineering and design expertise behind the bespoke supercar. After all, the One-77 is being built not just as a halo car, but as an ultra-halo car, a sort of rekindling of the legacy of Aston Martin, plus a projection of the brand into the future. It's designed to be the most quintessential Aston Martin ever, and the most perfectly personalized car available.

[Source: Aston-Martin]

Volkswagen revealed the all-new Polo concept, expected to come to the US market in the next couple of years. This new B-segment car comes in three- and five-door hatchback flavors with a range of gas and diesel engines, but the leader of the pack is the BlueMotion model with 96 g/km of CO2 emissions. More importantly, VW showed a concept for the next-gen. BlueMotion model that will launch in 2010.

The BlueMotion concept uses an updated 1.2L three cylinder TDI diesel, with 74 hp. Combined with 15-inch low rolling resistance tires, a blanked off grille, extended rocker panels for lower drag, automatic start stop, and brake energy regeneration. The bottom line is 71.3 mpg (US) and 87 g/km of CO2 emissions. That makes the new BlueMotion the most efficient five passenger internal combustion car on the road.

[Source: Volkswagen]

Nissan debuted its newest concept vehicle, the Qazana, today at the Geneva Motor Show. The small crossover was inspired by dune buggies and four-wheelers, and is meant to challenge design tradition while being an intelligent, fun car to drive.

If the exterior styling, complete with boomerang tail lights, daylight running strips, and rear suicide doors, doesn’t satisfy one’s urge to depart from convention, the interior design should do the trick. Motorcycles were the inspiration for the inside of the Qazana, as is especially apparent in the center console. The large, central touch screen display almost appears to be growing from the red dash. The seats are cantilevered from the center of the vehicle to create a sense of openness.

[Source: Nissan]

Compact, attractive and with a fresh attitude, the new Škoda Yeti will be introduced at the Geneva Motor Show extending the brand’s model range to five.

The 4.2 metre long, five-door vehicle bears the well-known and distinctive features of the brand. An impressive front end with a ribbed grille and stylish headlamps confidently demonstrate Yeti’s relationship with the Škoda family. It has a robust and solid look on 17-inch wheels, whilst its fresh styling and high seating position enable the Yeti to exude lightness rather than looking bulky.

The carefully balanced running gear and agile handling, combined with turbocharged and frugal engines, makes the Yeti fun and dynamic to drive. Two petrol and three diesel engines are on offer. The entry engine is a front-wheel drive, petrol engine with four cylinders and 1.2 litre capacity, which delivers an impressive 105bhp (77kW).

[Source: Skoda]

Lamborghini LP 670-4 SuperVeloce — the fastest and most powerful model the company has ever made, and lightest Murcielago to date. Power comes from a 6.5 liter V12 delivering a whopping 670 horsepower. With a weight reduction of 220 lbs over the standard car, the LP 670-4 has a weight-to-power ratio of 5.1 pounds per horsepower. All of this means a zero to 62 mph time of 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 212 mph.

[Source: Lamborghini]