Last month, we told you about Volvo’s plans to reveal an almost production-ready diesel-electric hybrid version of the V60 at the Geneva Salon in March. Today, the Swedish automaker released a full set of photos and additional information on its Plug-in Hybrid, which will be launched in the market in 2012.

Pegged as the world’s first diesel plug-in hybrid, the eco-friendly V60 is the result of close co-operation between Volvo Cars and Swedish energy supplier Vattenfall, and it promises to offer low fuel consumption and CO2 levels, combined with long range and high performance.

The V60 Plug-in Hybrid’s powertrain consists of a five-cylinder 2.4-litre D5 turbo diesel with 215 horsepower and maximum torque of 440 Nm that drives the front wheels, and a 70HP-strong electric motor that receives its juice from a 12 kWh lithium-ion battery pack and motivates the rear wheels. The car also features a six-speed automatic transmission.

The car’s battery package can be recharged via a regular power socket (230V/6A, 10A or 16A), with the charging time depending on the level of the current. A full 10A charge takes 4.5 hours. The time is shortened to 3 hours with 16A, while a charge in a 6A socket takes 7.5 hours.

The driver can choose from three different modes via a set of push buttons on the center console: Pure, Hybrid and Power.

In Pure, the car runs only on its electric motor as much as possible, with the maximum driving range being up to 32 miles or 51 kilometers with zero emissions of carbon dioxide.

The Hybrid mode, which is the default setting whenever the car is started, makes use of both the diesel engine and electric motor. In this mode, V60 Plug-in Hybrid returns a fuel economy of up to 125 mpg US (equal to 150 mpg UK and 1.9 lt/100km) with CO2 emissions of just 49 g/km, and a total driving range of up to 746 miles or 1,200 kilometers.

Finally, in Power mode, the system is optimized to give the car the best possible performance, with the diesel engine and electric motor producing a combined power output of 215 + 70 horsepower and maximum torque of 440 + 200 Nm. According to Volvo, the station wagon model completes the 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) sprint in just 6.9 seconds.

In addition to the three driving modes, there’s also an AWD button in the centre stack that activates electric four-wheel drive. In this case, the central control unit manages torque distribution to the diesel-driven front wheels and the electrically powered rear axle.

There are some subtle styling differences over the standard V60 such as the modified instrument panel that offers information about diesel and electricity consumption, battery charge level and remaining range, the restyled bumpers and the lightweight alloy wheels wrapped around in low rolling resistance Pirelli tires.

“The second-generation hybrid is the perfect choice for the uncompromising buyer who wants a superbly carbon dioxide-lean car packed with driving pleasure. To get drivers to think green, we have offered both, in one traditional genuine sports wagon” said Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO of Volvo Cars.

“The technology is still undergoing development and testing, however, the car already points very clearly to what our customers can expect when the plug-in hybrid enters showrooms next year. What we’ve done is to spice it up with spearhead technology that allows the driver to choose: zero emissions, high-efficiency hybrid or full-on performance. Just select the mode that suits best,” he added.

Volvo said that the added cost of the battery pack and the electric motor system means the plug-in hybrid will be more expensive to buy than a regular V60, but added that fuel costs are expected to be one-third of a conventional combustion engined V60. Pricing and market availability will be announced nearer the 2012 launch date.

[View with PicLens]

12►

It’s been a year-and-a-half since Maserati lifted the wraps off a drop-top version of its GranTurismo coupe at the Frankfurt Motor Show in late 2009, and now the Italians are getting ready to expand the range of the GranCabrio with the presentation of a sportier variant at the upcoming Geneva Auto Show.

The new GranCabrio Sport follows in the footsteps of its hardtop sibling offering an improved chassis, more horse power and optimized gearshift response. The convertible is motivated by a more potent and fuel-efficient version of the firm’s all-alloy 4.7-litre naturally-aspirated V8 churning out 450HP and 510 Nm or 376.2 lb-ft of peak torque, an increase of 10HP and 20Nm respectively over the standard GranCabrio. The top speed of the GranCabrio Sport is 285km/h or 177mph.

The company said the engine benefits from what it describes as “Maserati’s Friction Reduction Program”, without providing any specific details, but claims a 6% reduction in fuel consumption.

The V8 is coupled to an upgraded ZF six-speed automatic transmission equipped with the MC Auto Shift software from the Quattroporte Sport GT S, which promises faster shift times. Maserati’s engineers also revised the car’s Skyhook active-suspension system and added grooved and drilled dual-cast brake discs.

On the outside, the GranCabrio Sport receives some mild tweaks in the form of a black grille, smoked headlamps with white sidemarks, new front corner splitters and redesigned side skirts. There’s also a new shade of red called Rosso Trionfale, said to have been inspired by the red Italian national colors used on 1950s racing Maseratis.

Sales of the GranCabrio Sport will start from summer 2011.

[View with PicLens]

It’s been rumored for a while now that Audi was exploring the possibility of adding a four-door sedan body style to its A3 range, but today, the German firm officially confirmed the news with the release of the first official sketches of the A3 Concept ahead of its world premiere at the 81st International Geneva Motor Show in early March.

Its main purpose is to preview both the saloon variant and the styling direction of the next A3, which is scheduled for a rollout in 2012 and will also include the successors to today’s three-door hatchback, five-door Sportback and the two-door convertible models.

“The four-seater notchback sedan offers a glimpse of the future expansion of the A3 family,” Audi said in a statement.

The A3 concept measures 4.44 meters (14.57 feet) long, 1.84 meters (6.04 feet) wide and just 1.39 meters (4.56 feet) high, meaning it’s slightly smaller than the new Volkswagen Jetta (4.64 m long).

The sedan study embodies Audi’s latest design language as seen on the recent A8, A6 and A7 Sportback models featuring a single-frame grille with tapered upper corners, angular headlights with LED technology and taut body lines.

The show car is fitted with an upgraded version of the 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbocharged engine found under the bonnet of the current RS3 and TT RS models, producing a peak output of 408-horses. The five-pot distributes power to all four wheels through a seven-speed S tronic transmission and permanent all-wheel drive.

We’ll have more details on the A3 Concept from the Geneva Motor Show in March.

[View with PicLens]

It was learned that Mini will lift the covers off a brand new concept model at the Geneva Motor Show in the beginning of March. The three-door design study is said to hark back to the classic Mini in terms of its exterior dimensions while keeping up with the times in terms of safety requirements and occupant space.

The concept will measure a little over 3.4 meters in length, essentially splitting the difference between the current three-door hatchback (3,723 mm) and the original 1959 Mini (3,050 mm).

We also learned that Mini’s study will sport a 3+1 seat configuration similar to that of the Toyota iQ and that its design and tech features, including a variety of weight saving tricks and components, will be applied to the next generation of Mini models.

It remains to be seen if the BMW Group bosses give the green light for a production version of the small city car concept from Mini.

[View with PicLens]

Tuning firms Hamman and H&R have joined forces to create a monster out of the Fiat 500 Abarth with an insane power boost to 275-horsepower.

Beginning with the engine bay, Hamann’s engineers used forged pistons, enhanced connection rods, new camshafts and a modified turbocharger to increase the 1.4-liter petrol unit’s peak output to an impressive 275 hp and 380 Nm (280 lb-ft) of torque. That’s 196.4 hp/liter, more than double of what is considered to be an excellent ratio.

All that oomph is sent to the front wheels through a 5-speed manual transmission with a race clutch, as the factory version would be torn apart. There’s also a limited-slip differential (LSD) to improve traction.

It’s clear that this Abarth must be very fast, so adequate stopping power is a must. The German tuner offers a choice of sport brakes, with four-piston calipers and discs ranging from 264 to 305 mm in diameter.

It would a shame if this much grunt wouldn’t be accompanied by proper looks. Fortunately, Hamann didn’t disappoint as it fitted the 500 Abarth with an aggressive two-tone bodykit, featuring modified bumpers, extra-wide wheel arches, lowered side skirts and two- or four-pipe exhaust system, plus a large diffuser.

Oversized 18-inch alloys wrapped around in 215/35 or 225/35 high-performance tires complete the package.

With Hamann’s work done, H&R took center stage developing a new coil-over suspension and widening the car’s tracks with wheel spacers. According to the company, these changes also made the steering more accurate as the firmer suspension reduces pitching and swerving movements to a minimum.

The H&R Hamann FIAT 500 Abarth will be on display at the Essen Motor Show, starting Saturday, November 27. More information on pricing and availability should follow soon.

[View with PicLens]

In: Carscoop

An extremely well kept example of Lamborghini’s made-to-order Murcielago LP640 Roadster VERSACE with only 1,211 miles (1,949 km) on the odometer, has surfaced on eBay for an asking price of $635,777 or approximately €467,758 at today’s exchange rates. That’s far less than the car’s original one million dollar price tag.

The Roadster version of the Murcielago Versace Edition came to life in the summer of 2008, two years after the introduction of the coupe model in 2006. The Murcielago LP640 Roadster VERSACE was an “ad personam” project, meaning that Lamborghini was ready to meet any special desires that clients might have had.

Powered by the same 6.5-liter V12 engine as the stock LP640, the VERSACE edition features a transparent engine hood and bespoke interior. The seats are clad in black and white leather, while the instrument panel, doors and central console are wrapped in full grain nappa leather, hand-embroidered with the Versace Greek fret motif.

The Italian supercar also comes with a host of accessories, such as the Versace luggage set, crafted in black matte calf skin.

There’s no word about the luggage set in the ad, but it does say that the car has Versace-stitched Nero Porseus leather seats and carbon fiber-trimmed interior, the latter being an optional feature. Furthermore, the first client opted for the E-gear transmission instead of the standard six-speed manual, a premium infotainment system and ceramic brakes.

[View with PicLens]

12►

In: Carscoop

The American tuning firm Misha Designs has recently released a widebody package for the Mercedes SL. Including several new aero parts, the package consists of a new front bumper, carbon fiber lower lip spoiler, cf diffuser, and trunk spoiler. These improved the aerodynamics, while the guys at Misha decided to make the car wider to look more like the Mercedes-Benz AMG Black Series. This was accomplished with new fenders and widening the quarter panels to merge with the wheel arches. Also, a new bonnet is used in this kit along with carbon fiber vents found in the hood and rear bumper.

In: Fancy Tuning

There have been several releases so far for the SEMA Show starting this week, but this particular tuning project caught my eye and is based on the Hyundai Equus. This DUB Edition Hyundai looks like a luxury car that could be worth hundreds of thousands, however under all the customizations it is still an affordable Hyundai Equus. It sports a stunning exterior, interior, and even audio modifications from the well-known and exclusive DUB Magazine. The president and co-founder, Myles Kovacs said, “We know that SEMA show-goers look forward to seeing the cool new cars like Equus and the unique ways we customize them. With this car we tried to give tuners an idea of what modifications can be done within the luxury segment.”

Improvements to the Hyundai Equus include the all-new Trex DUB Design mesh grille, DUB Design custom body kit, tinted windows, tail lights, and a sleek dual-tone gloss black and matte charcoal paint job. Another unique highlight are the large 24-inch TIS modular style 10 alloy rims wrapped in Pirelli P-Zero Nero tires. Inside the Hyundai you will find a Lexicon stock audio system with a trunk fitted with Infiniti Kappa components. These include the Infiniti Kappa Series speakers, KAPPA ONE mono and KAPPA FOUR four-channel amplifiers. Additionally the clean leather and suede upholstery along with the DUB Design illuminated headliner and custom bucket seats will add even more value to the Hyundai Equus.

In: Fancy Tuning

Next year we should see the birth of the Gillet Vertigo .5 Spirit, a supercar with amazing styling and Belgian roots. The looks will not be changed much, and the best mod can be found under the hood. The current Alfa Romeo V6 engine will be swapped out with a 4.2-liter V8 from Maserati. Resulting in 420 bhp through the six-speed sequential gearbox to the rear wheels. Now that may not sound like a lot of power, but when you match it up to the Gillet Vertigo that only weighs 990 kg with its carbon fiber design, you have a power to weight ratio matching some of the best exotics out there. However, this is still the factory Maserati engine, and extra tuning can be performed if needed.

In: Fancy Tuning

Making its debut at this week’s SEMA aftermarket show is Kia’s Forte Koup Type R Concept model, which is said to be inspired by its racing siblings that take part in the GRAND-AM Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge.

The concept was developed by Kia’s racing partner, Kinetic Motorsports, who built and campaigns the Forte Koup race cars. Performance upgrades are limited to a set of BBS RG 18-inch forged aluminum alloy wheels, race-inspired tires and suspension components, a short throw gaearshift and dampened composite fiber disc clutch.

On the styling front, the Koup Type R is finished in a dramatic looking gray color and comes with a widened body kit that includes front fenders, rocker panels and rear quarter panels.

Inside, the designers modified the interior with custom dressed seats and door panels, a new gear shift knob and carbon inlays.

[View with PicLens]

In: Carscoop