Report: Volvo to launch new performance line with production C30 PCP

If you ever looked at those old Volvo ads that suggested their station wagons were the next logical step up from a Lotus, well, you can stop snickering. Sure, it may still be a long shot, but Volvo appears to be getting serious about offering performance-oriented automobiles.

A couple of weeks ago, we brought you a report that indicated Volvo was forging a closer relationship with Polestar, the racing outfit that fields the company's entries in the Scandinavian and World Touring Car Championships. Volvo, it seemed, had already turned to Polestar to squeeze a bit of extra juice from its S60 and XC60 R-Design models, and according to the report, was prepared to utilize Polestar's talents even more in the future.

A clearer picture of that that partnership is now emerging, and so far, it looks promising. Their first collaborative project is tipped to be a production version of the baby-blue, 400-horsepower, all-wheel drive C30 hatchback unveiled last year. If given the go-ahead, we could be looking at a limited run of 500 cars priced around £50,000 in the UK – about the same as a BMW M3.

Like the concept, the production Volvo/Polestar C30 would be the first to carry the PCP badge – referring not to the chemical narcotic, but standing, somewhat repetitively, for Performance Concept Prototype. Similar high-performance versions of Volvo's other products would follow and wear the same nameplate, creating a subdivision for Volvo that would be equivalent to what Mercedes-Benz has in AMG and what BMW does with its M division.
[Source: What Car?]

2011 Audi Sport Cars A1 Clubsport quattro Concept

 2011 Audi Sport Cars A1 Clubsport quattro Concept

This year the automaker is set to stun show goers once again with yet another sultry A1 sports car concept, last year Audi showed off no less than seven concept cars based on its A1 compact at Austria’s annual Wörthersee Tour GTI meet. The latest is called the 2011 Audi Sport Cars A1 Clubsport quattro Concept and it’s essentially a preview of new adhesive film decals set to be released in an upcoming accessories program for the A1 family of hatchbacks.

2011 Audi Sport Cars A1 Clubsport quattro Concept

The new 2011 Audi Sport Cars A1 Clubsport quattro Concept is a sports car built to the limits of technology for breathtaking dynamics. 2011 Audi A1 Clubsport Quattro Concept with turbocharging and direct fuel injection. It gives the impression of having just emerged from the shop, freshly painted, on its way to the first rollout on the race track. The 2011 Audi Sport Cars A1 Clubsport quattro Concept is a one-off vehicle built to the limits of technology for breathtaking dynamics. Audi is presenting the showcar in Reifnitz, in the Austrian state of Kärnten, at the Wörtherseetour 2011. The 30th edition of this major meeting for Audi, Seat, Skoda and VW fans takes place from June 1 - 4, 2011.

2011 Audi Sport Cars A1 Clubsport quattro Concept

The engine of the 2011 Audi Sport Cars A1 Clubsport quattro Concept  is a conventional gasoline engine – a  five-cylinder unit displacing 2.5-liter with direct fuel injection and turbocharging. Compared to the version used in the Audi TT, RS, and RS3 Sportback, which it is based, has production in the TFSI has significantly increased to 370 kW (503 hp) and 660 Nm (486.79 pounds ft) of torque. The maximum power is available between 2,500 and 5,300 rpm. With the six-speed manual transmission and Quattro permanent all-wheel drive, both taken from the TT RS and enhanced, deliver the power to all four wheels.

2011 Audi Sport Cars A1 Clubsport quattro Concept

The turbocharger, intercooler, admission tract and the exhaust line have been systematically tuned for high performance, and just like on Audi’s DTM race cars, the tailpipe is located on the left flank, just in front of the rear wheel. The 2011 Audi Sport Cars A1 Clubsport quattro Concept with its total weight of just 1,390 kg (3,064 pounds). The powerful engine propels the car from 0 to 100 km / h (62.14 mph) in 3.7 seconds. 0 to 200 km / h (124.27 mph) takes just 10.9 seconds while the car goes from 80 to 120 km / h (49.71 to 74.56 mph) in fourth gear in just 2, 4 seconds. A gearbox six-speed manual and four-wheel drive, Top speed the 2011 Audi Sport Cars A1 Clubsport quattro Concept is governed to 250 km / h (155.34 mph).

2011 Audi Sport Cars A1 Clubsport quattro Concept

Some special elements include a carbon fiber roof, a black honeycomb designed grille, widened fenders, a double blade rear wing and a huge rear diffuser. The interior has also been stripped out, with many of the standard pieces being replaced with either carbon fiber or aluminum. Three custom instruments indicate the oil pressure, boost pressure and electrical system voltage, and red four-point belts secure the driver and passenger.

The 2011 Audi Sport Cars A1 Clubsport quattro Concept showcar rolls on 255/30 low-profile tires mounted on 19-inch alloy wheels with a unique turbine design. Sitting behind the wheels are large, internally ventilated disc brakes. Up front, six-piston calipers grab perforated carbon fiber-ceramic discs. Large steel discs are mounted on the rear axle. The coilover suspension of the Audi A1 clubsport quattro features adjustable compression and rebound damping.

2011 Audi Sport Cars A1 Clubsport quattro Concept

The interior of the 2011 Audi Sport Cars A1 Clubsport quattro Concept is a study in dark gray. Large areas are covered with exposed, matt-finished CFRP, including the walls in the rear section of the car. The CFRP material used on the open-spoked sport steering wheel is covered with leather. Rocker switches on the center console replace switches on the control stalk and in the door panels. Three additional instruments indicate the oil pressure, boost pressure and electrical system voltage.

2011 Audi Sport Cars A1 Clubsport quattro Concept

Many of the features of the 2011 Audi Sport Cars A1 Clubsport quattro Concept will soon show up in the accessories program for the A1 family, which Audi is steadily expanding. Adhesive film decals in the contrasting colors Amalfi White, Ice Silver, metallic and Daytona Gray, pearl effect for the vehicles' shoulders are available immediately. Another option is the union square lifestyle kit. It comprises exterior decals and design elements for the interior, both with a diamond pattern. Audi is presenting both this and the A1 aerodynamics competition kit at the Wörtherseetour. The customer can order this add-on kit painted either in the body color or in a contrasting color. The same applies to the Audi A1 roof spoiler competition kit.

2011 Audi Sports Cars Racing R18 TDI

2011 Audi Sports Cars Racing R18 TDI

With the new R18 Audi Sports Cars is aiming for its tenth Le Mans success in 2011: Since its debut in 1999, the brand with the Four Rings has won the world’s most important endurance race as many as nine times with the R8, R10 TDI with muscular torque delivery and outstanding efficiency: TDI. Today, TDI engines are sporty, smooth and economical. The international endurance sports car racing for the last decade, there’s really just one name that has defined the discipline during that timeframe: Audi. The German nameplate that cleaned house in rallying and sedan racing before making the quantum leap to sports prototypes in 1999 has made success at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and other races around the globe look like a piece of strudel.

2011 Audi Sports Cars Racing R18 TDI

The R18's headlights, which are the first to completely consist of LEDs with optimized amount of light, are a technical highlight. The new generation of headlights was developed in close cooperation between Audi Sport Cars and the Technical Development (TE) division of AÚDI AG and by using at Le Mans, will be prepared for future use in production vehicles. Audi's light designers had the chance to make their mark on the development as well: The LEDs of the daytime light form the shape of a '1' which is intended to inspire associations with Audi's historic brand logo.

2011 Audi Sports Cars Racing R18 TDI he has made is configured as electrification continuous tense, the Audi Sport plans for pushing forward step by step. ”Only the efficiency of all of the time factor is very important to us,” says Dr Wolfgang Ullrich.” No matter who is the recovery of energy we can choose a key aspect for the Audi – in motorsport as well as on the production side of the house – is that it gives a real advantage.”

2011 Audi Sports Cars Racing R18 TDI

Significantly smaller engines than those used before will be prescribed at Le Mans in 2011 as the rule makers aim to achieve a substantial reduction of engine power. By opting for a 3.7-liter V6 TDI unit, Audi retains the diesel concept that saw its first victorious fielding in 2006. ‘From our point of view, the TDI continues to be the most efficient technology,’ says Úlrich Baretzky, Head of Engine Development at Audi Sport Cars. ‘There are good reasons why the share of TDI units among Audi’s production models is as high as it is.’

Through the innovative V6 TDI engine for the Le Mans 24 Hours, motorsport is yet again performing pioneering work for the production arm at Audi where there is a growing trend towards smaller, more economical but yet powerful engines. Another new development is the six-speed transmission in the R18 which has been specifically modified for use with the smaller engine. Development of new Audi R18 began in mid-2009. V6 TDI engine has been running on dynamometers since the summer of 2010. The 2011 Audi Sports Cars Racing R18 TDI, with Allan McNish at the wheel, has achieved the first essay on horse racing at the end of November.

The racing debut of the Audi R18 racing planned for Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium) 6 hours on 8 May 2011. Before the show, fresh bequeath prototype consists of a round-bodied fray first on the race track at Le Mans for the official test day on April 24, and collect important data for the race on June 11 and 12 2011.

2011 Audi Sports Cars Racing R18 TDI

Audi plans to field three cars at Le Mans the 2011 Audi Sports Cars Racing R18 TDI, which will be entered by Audi Sport Team Joest, the most successful Le Mans team of all time. In addition, Audi Sport Team Joest will contest the Le Mans World Cup (ILMC), owned by seven airstreams absolute survival in three continents (recognizes the Le Mans 24 Hours) with two cars.In the opening race at Sebring on March 19, the team will use two “R15 plus plus” car.”Send the R18 into the race at such a starting point for prospective difficulties in logistics and conditions by placing with our development program,” said Head of Audi Motorsport Dr Wolfgang Ullrich.

Saab Sports Cars Sedan Concept By Youngho Jong Design For 2025

Saab Sports Sedan Concept By Youngho Jong Design For 2025

Very clever, The Korean design student Youngho Jong is looking towards Saab’s future with his 2025 Advanced Warning System Vehicle concept, a rakish, four-door sport saloon, sport sedan with sport car coupe-like styling.

Saab Sports Cars Sedan Concept By Youngho Jong Design For 2025

Jong’s goal was to design a vehicle that would warn other drivers of impending danger. With his research showing that 50% of vehicles accidents are caused by carelessness, excessive speed and tailgating, Jong wanted to create a car that would warn other drivers to back off and drive with care.

Jong has put together a design for a 2025 Saab Concept that combines the elements of nature and human psychology fit to warn other vehicles of any impending danger. The 2025 Advanced Warning System Vehicle concept is a four door saloon that comes with various warning signals to alert other drivers when he vehicle is getting too close or is driving recklessly. The same amber slips are found on the front and sides of the vehicle. Jong took his inspiration from nature’s Fire Salamander, which uses its bright, menacing colours to ward off potential predators.

Saab Sports Cars Sedan Concept By Youngho Jong Design For 2025

Jong also mentions that the coolest part of this Saab Sport Sedan Concept is the body that is made of a soft, impact absorbing material that reduces pedestrian injuries and vehicle damage in collisions. He incorporate sharp edges and the colours red and yellow to further emphasises the possible danger.

All of this, it’s a very clever, if far-fetched solution to a very real problem we face in the world today. The technology Saab Sports Cars Sedan Concept By Youngho Jong Design For 2025 isn’t quite there yet, but it’s not too hard to believe that cars twenty years hence will use a system like this.

Saab Sports Cars Sedan Concept By Youngho Jong Design For 2025

Detroit 2011: 2012 BMW 1 Series M Coupe revs its beating heart

BMW's latest introduction to the U.S. market bowed today at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show, and it's a machine that's meant to light the true enthusiast's heart aflutter: the 2012 1 Series M Coupe. We must say, it looks rather striking in the metallic orange hue you see in our live photo gallery below.

Even more importantly, the 340 horsepower put out by its 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine is said to "capture the soul of the original M3." Or so they say... BMW claims this new sportster was inspired by the 1988 M3, and the German automaker's intention is reportedly to "illustrate its ability to build race car performance into a small car, capable of everyday use."

Expect to see the new 1 Series M Coupe hit dealership lots in the spring of 2011 for $47,010, in limited quantities according to BMW.

Detroit 2011: 2012 BMW 650i Convertible goes topless in the Motor City

In addition to the scorched orange 1 Series M Coupe at the BMW booth in Detroit was the new 2012 BMW 650i Convertible. Under the sharply creased (and rather long) hood lies a 400-horsepower, twin-turbocharged, direct injected V8 that manages to shove out 450 pound-feet of torque between 1,750 and 4,500 rpm. All that grunt will be sent to the rear wheels through either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission.

BMW claims the new 6 Series Convertible can drop its flying-buttress-equipped fabric top in exactly 19 seconds an there's also a 10.2-inch screen to control the standard iDrive technology package. Not bad, but such niceties are to be expected when you are asked to pay a wallet-busting $91,375 for the privilege of owning one, which you'll be able to do sometime in the spring of 2011.

Detroit 2011: 2012 Buick Verano is quietly powerful

If you were wondering how General Motors was planning to differentiate the 2012 Buick Verano from its Chevy Cruze counterpart, wonder no more. According to Buick, its newest addition will offer the quietest ride in its segment thanks to heaps of laminated glass, triple door seals and a host of other muting technologies. Buick calls the cabin "library quiet," though there's no word as to whether the interior smells of old books. They've also made sure to throw in the same levels of refinement as found in the likes of the Lacrosse, and drivers can expect to find the same high-quality leather and a host of tech goodies as the bigger four-door.

That's all fine and good, but we're more excited about what Buick has thrown under the hood of the 2012 Verano. Buyers who opt for the base car will be met with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine capable of 177 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. Mated to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission, Buick is shooting for around 31 mpg highway. The really juicy news is that the Verano will also be available with the same turbo 2.0-liter four cylinder found in the Regal Turbo, and again with your choice of six-speed manual or automatic! That means this significantly smaller, lighter four-door will be available with a full 220 horsepower.

Detroit 2011: Audi A6 Hybrid is Teutonic efficiency

While we have already met the 2012 Audi A6, we weren't clear on what the A6 Hybrid would look like. As it turns out, we had a pretty solid idea, as Audi officials say they have gone out of their way to keep it aesthetically true to the conventional gas-powered model.

The new A6 hybrid is a front-wheel drive affair that offers Audi's 2.0-liter TFSI four-cylinder with a 45-horsepower/155 pound-feet of torque electric motor sitting ahead of the eight-speed Tiptronic gearbox. A modest 1.3 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack is resident in the trunk to generate 39 kW. Audi quotes an estimated combined fuel economy rating of 38 miles per gallon, noting that the A6 Hybrid can be coaxed up to 62 mph strictly on electricity, and it has a pure-electric range of three kilometers (1.86 miles).

Audi isn't confirming when this new model will go on sale, but it is widely understood that the gas-electric model was conceived with the U.S. in mind, so we wouldn't be surprised to see it roll into American dealerships before it hits the rest of the globe.

Detroit 2011: 2012 Audi A6 is predictably handsome

Audi has unveiled its mid-range 2012 A6 sedan, and as we learned from advanced photos, it follows closely in the mold of its big brother, the A8. As the range-topping sedan is a pretty piece, that's not a bad thing, but Audi seems to be channeling BMW's old "One sausage, three sizes" design mantra of decades ago. In this case, that means a massive single-frame grille, available LED headlamps (as shown), and a relatively simple and unadorned profile that lends the A6 a premium look that will likely wear well over the years.

The new A6 will be available globally with two gas engines and three TDI diesel powerplants, as well as a front-wheel drive-only hybrid model. The most powerful gasoline-fed model will be the 3.0-liter TFSI Quattro, packing 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, routed through a seven-speed S tronic automatic.

Lamborghini Indomable Sports Cars Concept

Lamborghini Indomable Sports Cars Concept

Lamborghini Indomable Concept was developed by Daniel Ochoa and Alberto Fernandez de Chinchilla Scuola Politecnica di Design Master Albilares collaboration with Lamborghini, under the control of Filipo Périne, head of the Centro Stile and designer Alessandro SALVAGNINI.

Lamborghini Indomable Sports Cars Concept

Unlike other concepts, this one has the validity and go ahead from it's parent company that the design language thesis is borrowed from. The entire project was conducted under the supervision of the head of the Centro Stile, Filipo Perini and designer Alessandro Salvagnin.

The Lamborghini Indomable is a study of a production sportscar based on the Gallardo and with a design inspired by modern jetfighters, this has got to be one of the most contemporary designs to come out of Sant’Agata Bolognese in years, so let’s just hope they build it. The Lamborghini Indomable Concept was inspired by the exterior is a new generation of stealth fighter jets like the F22 Raptor. It is of course not the first car drove the design was inspired by Jet.

Lamborghini Indomable Sports Cars Concept

The front end is a futuristic take on the Lamborghini brand design, with the radiators located in the middle and the two angular intakes are designed to feed cool air to the brakes. The engine cover is inspired by the functional system of the F22 which features invisible weapons bay doors and the typical zig zag assembly pattern. The “Y” shape at the center leaves the V10 engine visible through a glass surface.

The designer of the Lamborghini Indomable Sports Cars Concept, Daniel Chinchilla Ochoa, has been working in transport design for the last 4 years, developing urban buses, OEM accessories and special editions for VW, GM, Ford, Peugeot and Seat in Mexico. Today, he fulfills the role of freelance Transport and Product designer.

When he speaks about his work, the designer of the Lamborghini Indomable Concept, Daniel Chinchilla Ochoa said: “Soft transitions between the surfaces with hard cuts are the main design cues. These create the functional elements of the car. Side view shows a composite wing of abstraction, giving the impression that the car waiting to act as a jet since the start of the carrier.”

Lamborghini Indomable Sports Cars Concept

2011 Dagger GT Super Sport Cars TranStar Racing

 2011 Dagger GT Super Sport Cars TranStar Racing

The Super Sport Cars "Extreme" is back! The American creation. The 2000 hp, 300 mph Dagger GT's design objectives are to be the best-looking, fastest Supercar in the world. This  Super Sport Cars is being specially designed, very deliberately and explicitly, to break all world records and to bring back the most popular class of race car: the unlimited class which has been regulated, restricted and compromised into extinction.

 2011 Dagger GT Super Sport Cars TranStar Racing

”Dagger” meaning in English, dagger, it is clear that the Americans from TranStart Racing have high ambitions. The supercars world is enriched with an American creation: TranStar Racing Dagger GT. Dagger GT concept car is based on the middle of this incredible machine, Cheetah Corvette, made by a brilliant industrial designer, Ivan Luccion. Our lead designer consultation is Phil Frank, the designer of the world record for the Saleen S7 super recently won the 24 hours of LeMans.

 2011 Dagger GT Super Sport Cars TranStar Racing

While the new Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport Cars has just entered the Guinness Book of Records with an average top speed of 267 mph, a new 2000hp 2011 Dagger GT Super Sport Cars TranStar Racing supercar is about to become the fastest supercar in the world. Tom Nelson, from Nelson Racing Engines is an integral part of the “dream team” his company is the top “big horsepower” engine builder in the U.S., 2011 Dagger GT Super Sport Cars TranStar Racing has selected Tom’s multi-fuel (petrol/methanol/hydrogen/ethanol), aluminum 572 Twin Turbo as their preferred engine for its combination of streetability and extreme horsepower – 2000 hp on racing fuel.

Expected performance figures are equally astounding: 0-60 mph in 1.5 seconds, quarter mile in less than 6.7 seconds and a top speed of over 483 km/h (300mph). The outer body is made from carbon fibre, while a high-strength 4130 Chromoly Steel chassis forms the inner structure.

From a technical standpoint, the car have under the hood of a General Motors V8 engine in the “big thing” style: 9.4-liters and attention, 2000 HP! There is no mistake, the Americans announced a power worthy of Gargantua. In addition, the engine will be capable of a peak torque of no less than 2000 lb-ft of torque! Again, is not a typing mistake.

2011 Dagger GT Super Sport Cars TranStar Racing

Dagger GT’s will be made available in three different ’Race’ models:

    * Dagger GT-R will be their road racing model, with a dynamic, computer-managed split rear wing.

    * Dagger GT-LS will be their land-speed model with 500 mph – rated M/T land-speed tires.

    * Dagger GT-D will be their drag racing model with Goodyear Pro Stock Slicks.

All race models will be convertible to street-legal if desired by owners. 2011 Dagger GT Super Sport Cars TranStar Racing will also continue to offer Sport and Luxury street-legal models:

    * Dagger GT-S will be their “Sport” model, a street-legal version of the GT-R model.

    * Dagger GT-X will be their luxury model with all the interior, exterior and ride-quality luxuries imaginable and specified by the owner.

2011 Dagger GT Super Sport Cars TranStar Racing

Each model will be hand-made and custom-crafted to the owner’s specifications. Custom interiors and paint will be provided by award-winning After FX Customs. Only five will be made in 2011 and two of them have already been booked. Sales will begin during the first half of 2011 and 10 units will be delivered in 2012. Each car is priced at a minimum of US$450,000.

2010 Hamann Super Sports Cars Victory II

2010 Hamann Super Sports Cars Victory II

German tuning house Hamann, Hamann Victory is presented based on the super sports cars Lamborghini Gallardo first, and its latest projected, dubbed the Victory II, is a prime example.

Based off the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4, the 2010 Hamann Super Sports Cars Victory II features a completely new look thanks to all new body panels, functional roof inlet, rear wing and 20-inch Hamann wheels. The car body becomes broader and the engine performance as well as the amount of carbon parts is significantly increased.

2010 Hamann Super Sports Cars Victory II

Hamann car equips the Victory II with 20 inch Edition Race rims with a special varnish in order to emphasize the new dynamic look. At the same time, the reduced unsprung masses improve the handling and the acceleration and braking response. The recommended wheel/tyre combination is 9.5Jx20 inches with 235/30ZR20 tyres at the front and 13Jx20 rims with 325/25ZR20 tyres at the back.

The back of the car is enhanced by a diffuser and a newly designed rear wing which pushes the car onto the road at high speeds. Hamann offers the rear wing either in fibre glass or the ultra light and persistent carbon. On top of that, a carbon layer can be applied to the bonnet.

With the LP560-4 already producing 552 bhp and 398 lb-ft torque, Hamann decided to do only minor modifications to the 5.2L V10. New engine programming results in 20 more horsepower and an additional 26 lb-ft, resulting in a new top speed of 204 mph. Therefore, the 2010 Hamann Super Sports Cars Victory II reaches an impressive 328 km/h top speed. The impressive V10-Sound turns even more remarkable by applying an end muffler to the serial end pipes.

2010 Hamann Super Sports Cars Victory II

The interior of the 2010 Hamann Super Sports Cars Victory II is enhanced by a 14-part carbon set which includes decorative blends, the steering wheel and the door openers. The Hamann-sports seats with the carbon back render a perfect seating position.

2010 Hamann Super Sports Cars Victory II