Geneva 2011: IED Scorp-Ion design study electrifies Abarth's future

IED Abarth Scorp-Ion – Click above for high-res image gallery

Every division in the sprawling Fiat empire had something new to unveil at the Geneva Motor Show this year. Starting at the top, Ferrari presented the new FF. Maserati had the GranCabrio Sport, Alfa Romeo wowed with the 4C Concept, Lancia debuted the new Ypsilon and the Fiat brand itself presented two new variations on the 500 theme with the Gucci edition and the stunning Zagato coupe. Even its transatlantic partners in Auburn Hills were represented. The only one that was left out, really, was the Abarth sub-brand. Or was it?

The marque's own show stand showcased the existing range (plus a new junior formula racing program), but there was a new Abarth on display across the hall at the IED booth. Previously, the students at the Istituto Europeo di Design gave us the dramatic Maserati Chicane concept, and this year they teamed up with Abarth for the Scorp-Ion. Emphasizing the "ion" in the name, the design study calls for an all-electric drivetrain, decentralized to each wheel and leaving extra space for baggage and two seats. The styling, meanwhile, is pure F-Zero from our childhood Super Nintendo days.

Check it out for yourself in our gallery of live shots from the show floor below and find the full details in the press release after the jump.

How being fat and old is the newest threat to auto safety

There's no easy way to say this, America: You're getting fatter and older every year. Over a quarter of the population is obese, and the rate of obesity increases 0.5 percent each year. The amount of folks aged 65 and up currently stands at 40 million, but that number will increase to nearly 90 million by 2050. What does any of this have to do with automobiles? A lot – if you're a safety engineer.

The systems that help keep us safe during a crash will need to be redesigned to cope with our ever-increasing mass and aging bodies. Seatbelts and airbags are being developed that can work with the larger, older occupants of future vehicles. Adaptive airbags and load-limited seatbelts will better conform to the person sitting in the seat.

As we travel down the road to our Wall-E style future, it's comforting to know that today's engineers are working to protect tomorrow's driving population. The solution to our weight problem is, of course, to battle the ever-expanding waistlines found throughout our nation. That, however, is easier said than done. Let's just hope that the four-wheeled products that result don't resemble sculptor Erwin Wurm's 'fat car' series, as shown above.

Now if you'll excuse us, a 20-piece Chicken McNugget meal is calling from the kitchen. Oof, that's an awfully far walk for our aging bones, though.

Camaro coupe and convertible

The Camaro coupe and convertible are sure to get plenty of attention at Geneva. Available in V8 form when it goes on sale at selected Chevrolets dealers in September, Camaro's low-slung stance and front to rear body proportions remain true to the original concept, a design that acknowledges its legendary past without appearing retro.

Under the hood, Camaro's 432 hp, 6.2-liter V8 generates 569 Nm of torque to give the new Camaro the muscle to match its looks. With the six-speed automatic transmission, it delivers 405 hp/556 Nm and includes GM's fuel-saving Active Fuel Management system, enabling it to cruise on only four cylinders during light load conditions.

Camaro's interior is characterized by the perfect balance between heritage and modernity, while detailing, such as the large, chrome-trimmed controls, low-gloss surfaces and premium fabric.

Camaro's chassis features electronic stability control (GM's StabiliTrak system) and traction control as standard equipment while an adjustable "Sport" mode is fitted for performance driving, such as on track days. A Launch Control feature will ensure quick and safe take-offs with large, ventilated disks (355/365 mm front/rear), complete with four-piston aluminum Brembo calipers for impressive braking performance.

A comprehensive range of safety features includes dual-stage front airbags, front seat- mounted thorax side airbags and head curtain airbags for front and rear occupants.

The coupe's convertible sibling was designed from the outset to be built in both coupe and convertible form – features the latest power-folding top which takes only 20 seconds to retract. Built in partnership with the same manufacturer as the Corvette convertible, it folds into a simple "Z" pattern and latches with a single, convenient handle located at the center of the windshield header. It is made of thick, durable canvas and features acoustical headliner material that provides a quiet ride when the top is up. It also incorporates a glass rear window and rear window defogger.

Chevrolet's engineers are keen to point out that the convertible is no boulevard cruiser but can match the coupé for ride and handling, thanks to four strategic reinforcements which enhance the already stiff body structure; these include a tower-to-tower brace under the hood, transmission support reinforcement brace, underbody tunnel brace and front and rear underbody "V" braces.

LAMBORGHINI PRESENTS THE PINNACLE OF SUPER SPORTS CARS

With the Aventador LP 700-4, Automobili Lamborghini is redefining the very pinnacle of the world super sports car market – brutal power, outstanding lightweight engineering and phenomenal handling precision are combined with peerless design and the very finest equipment to deliver an unparalleled driving experience. With the Aventador, Lamborghini is taking a big step into the future – and building on the glorious history of the brand with the next automotive legend. The first customers will take delivery of the new Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 in late summer 2011.

The technology package of the Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 is utterly unique. It is based on an innovative monocoque made from carbon-fiber that combines exceptional lightweight engineering with the highest levels of stiffness and safety. The new twelve-cylinder with 6.5 liters’ displacement and 515 kW / 700 hp brings together the ultimate in high-revving pleasure with astonishing low-end torque. Thanks to a dry weight of only 1,575 kilograms (3,472 lb), which is extremely low for this class of vehicle, the weight-to-power ratio stands at only 2.25 kilograms per hp (4.96 lb/hp). Even the fantastic 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration figure of just 2.9 seconds and the top speed of 350 km/h (217 mph) do not fully describe the Aventador’s extreme performance. And yet, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are down by around 20 percent compared with its predecessor, despite the considerable increase in power (+8%).

The ISR transmission is unique among road-going vehicles, guaranteeing the fastest shifting time (only 50 milliseconds) and a highly emotional shift feel, while the lightweight chassis with pushrod suspension delivers absolute handling precision and competition-level performance. The expressively-designed interior offers hi-tech features ranging from the TFT cockpit display with Drive Select Mode system. The Aventador will be built to the very highest quality standards in an all-new production facility in Sant’Agata Bolognese.

2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 Pictures

The much awaited 2012 Mercedes Benz C63 AMG wasn't supposed to expose until the Geneva Motor Show this March, but a few photos have leaked out. The C63 gets a set of SL-inspired headlamps with ornate light-piping and LED DRLs mounted in the revised fascia. LED's make their way to the tail lamps, while redesigned 18-inch wheels fill the wheel wells and frame upgraded brakes.

It has a 6.2-liter V8 and output remains at 451 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. The Development Package will reportedly stick around for 2012, raising output to 481 hp and nixing the 155 mph limiter to allow the C63 to top out at 174 mph. After its launch in Geneva, the revised C-Class will be available for sale with the AMG-fettled version getting a very slight bump in price.

Noble M600 supercar enters production

Since 2008, we have been speaking about the Noble M600. It was officially released in 2009 and the crew at Top Gear UK got to test one before 2010. After that there was no news about it but Noble has finally announced the first M600 off the factory production line. This super car sports a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter Yamaha V8 with three power levels for road, track and race. An Adaptable Performance Control switch will vary the output between each level, letting the engine produce the horse power as needed.

Couple that with a curb weight of just 2,775 pounds, and you've a great recipe for 0-60 times around three seconds or less and an estimated top speed of 225 miles per hour. Only one's been built so far, but Noble claims it has orders for a full 50. At £200,000 a pop, the M600 should make the company a pretty penny assuming it doesn't take them a decade to deliver.

Honda CR-Z TS-1X Concept Car

Revealed at the 2011 Tokyo Auto Salon, the Honda CR-Z TS-1X hybrid concept car is an impressive beast with its stealthy matte-black paint job and extensive aerodynamics package. The automaker’s initial press release was short on details, but, luckily, a walk-around clip has surfaced on You tube, detailing some of the innovations developed by Honda.

While nothing has changed under the bonnet, the TS-1X is said to offer improved fuel efficiency and better handling car thanks to the aerodynamic enhancements which generate more down-force and reduce drag. Other improvements include a strengthened body, sport suspension and new 4-pot caliper brakes.

1963 Chevrolet Corvette Custom Coupe at Barrett-Jackson 2011

The 1963 Chevrolet Corvette, an iconic American sports car is instantly recognizable as one of the symbols of Zora Arkus-Duntov's legacy with General Motors. This car is up for auction at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale. This car has been brought to the modern era while keeping its memorable lines.

The 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Custom Coupe has a secret behind its bodywork. Its engine is located at the middle. The original engine of could be somewhere because it's replaced with a twin-turbo LS V8. Producing 1,000 horsepower and 915 pound-feet of torque, this '63 Vette runs from 0-60 miles per hour in under three seconds.

This will be the car to watch as it rolls across the stage because it's one of Speed's highlighted Fantasy Bid auctions, and you can even make an estimate on what this custom mid-engine 'Vette will finally sell for.

Volkswagen's Seven Passenger SUV

A few more details have been revealed about the addition of new SUV to the Volkswagen family. This SUV will have seating for seven and it will carry a slimmer price tag than the Touareg. The new crossover/SUV would be built in U.S most probably at the Tennessee manufacturing facility.

The German automaker wants just to carve out a larger chunk of the American auto market. This will require vehicles that caters specifically to Yankee tastes. Volkswagen is planning to sell 800,000 vehicles by 2018. Last year the company managed to sell 256,830 vehicles.

Infiniti EX30d Black Premium Edition

Nowadays buying a luxury vehicle depends more about customer experience than the actual vehicle. Infiniti has shown its aptitude in delivering that experience including its rivals particularly in Europe. Its latest release is the EX Black Premium which is built based on the diesel-powered EX30d GT Premium trim. This Black edition features black paint with graphite leather interior plus 19-inch alloys, a sunroof, aluminum roof rails and a Bose sound system.

Infiniti has thrown in a night for two with fine dining included at any of the luxury hotels associated with the Relais & Château group, as well as membership in its exclusive Club 5C. Only 500 examples of the Infiniti EX30d Black Premium edition will be offered across Europe, at about a $5,000 premium over the standard top-spec model.