Meet Ferrari's new baby! But don't call Maranello's latest an "entry-level" Ferrari. Actually, this front-engine rear-drive 2-seater is the Italian automaker's response to increasing concerns about the automobile's impact on the environment. Instead of pursuing more displacement and maximum power, the new philosophy concentrates on delivering a high power-to-weight ratio. As a result, this first front-engine V-8 road car in the company's history will take its place alongside the F430 in the lineup, perhaps priced marginally less.
While it shares some similarities with the larger V-12-powered 612 Scaglietti and 599 GTB, the shorter wheelbase and lighter weight of the car promise outstanding performance. Codenamed F149, the car also boasts a retractable hardtop. Contrary to speculation that the car would be marketed as a Dino, a Ferrari spokesman insists that this new model is a full-fledged member of the company's lineup. "It is a true Ferrari and will perform like one," the executive stressed. Expect the engine to displace 4.3 liters and produce something on the order of 450 bhp.
2012 Maserati Sports Car
It's a clear hint of a more dynamic Maser, competing not only with Aston's V8 Vantage, but also with Porsche's 911.
Maserati has been through some tough times. But after years of loss, the Italian sports-car maker finally returned to profit in 2007. The comeback was possible because of new models like the Quattroporte Automatic and the brand-new GranTurismo luxury coupe. Demand for Maseratis has been growing, pushing production to an all-time high of about 9000 cars. Maserati CEO Roberto Ronchi talks of increasing output "to 20,000 cars after 2012."
Clearly a third model line is essential for this ambitious plan, and a sporty coupe (or spyder) for younger customers looks to be the likely choice. A Geneva study by IED (Istituto Europeo di Design) has been a good test of the public's reaction. Ronchi says the show car "has the right proportions, but still needs some detail work." It's a clear hint of a more dynamic Maser, competing not only with Aston's V8 Vantage, but also with Porsche's 911. The car should be on the road by 2011 or 2012.
Tech-wise, Maserati will benefit from R&D at Alfa Romeo, Ferrari and Fiat. Additionally, there is still the Sigma platform developed in cooperation with GM. Denied in the past, it could still be used in the next Alfa Romeo 169 in 2009 (offering both rear- and all-wheel drive).
2012 Jaguar F-Type
Jaguar could very easily end up with the coolest sports car of the 21st century.
Ratan Tata, the soft-spoken urbane boss of the Indian giant conglomerate that has acquired Jaguar and Land Rover for $2.3 billion, was understandably very coy about his plans for the two iconic British brands at the Geneva show, as the deal still had to be confirmed.
That was finally done in late March — so what does the future hold for one of Britain's premier marques? One new car that seems a betting certainty is a successor to the fabled E-Type, to be dubbed the F-Type.
In 2000 Jaguar unveiled an F-Type concept at that year's Detroit show to much acclaim. Its swoopy curves and retro machine-turned fascia drew a lot of admiration, but it was ditched in favor of more mainstream products.
2011 Mazda RX-7
Mazda's aim is to bring it in under $30,000.
An anonymous source at Mazda revealed to one of our spies in Japan that there will be another rotary-engine car coming from the Hiroshima-based company. It's still early, but a team is being assembled to produce such a car. The basis for the future car — we have yet to confirm if it will be called the RX-7 — is the 16X rotary engine, unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show last year. The 16X is an all-new Wankel — an evolution of the Renesis 13B powerplant in the RX-8 — with a revised eccentric shaft designed to produce more low -end torque. While Mazda hasn't published horsepower figures yet, we hear it's in the neighborhood of 200–250 bhp.
2010 Suzuki Concept Kizashi 3
An accessible alternative to the near-luxury segment.
The Concept Kizashi 3 is the third and last of the Kizashi concepts, the previous two seen at the 2007 Frankfurt and Tokyo shows. Besides the fact that the Concept Kizashi 3 is the best-looking of the trio, it's also the most important because Suzuki says it will produce a sports sedan based on this design to go on sale in North America by 2010. Kizashi, by the way, is Japanese for "preview."
The Concept Kizashi 3's power comes from a 3.6-liter dohc V-6 with 300 bhp. The engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters and the car rides on 21-in. wheels. Its overall length of 183.0 in. means it is just a bit larger than a BMW 3 Series. Suzuki says the goal for the new car will be to "provide an accessible alternative to the near- luxury segment."
2010 Lotus Eagle
Codenamed "Eagle," Lotus' new sports car will be unveiled at the London Motor Show.
Lotus is gearing up for its most important product launch since the Elise bowed 13 years ago at the 1995 Frankfurt show. Codenamed "Eagle," Lotus' new sports car will be unveiled at the London Motor Show in late July. It will feature a unique aluminum chassis with a bonded one-piece carbon-fiber roof — including the "A" posts and cantrails — that has a torsional rigidity of 26,000 Nm per degree. "That's slightly more than a Lamborghini Gallardo," said a Lotus insider.
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