Geneva Preview: Lamborghini Murcielago LP650-4 Roadster Limited Edition

A set of scanned images that appear to have come from an official presentation sheet depicting a limited edition version of the Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster, have been leaked into the web. Dubbed Murcielago LP650-4 Roadster, the limited run model features a special two-tone paint job as well as a series of exterior and interior changes including alcantara trim, a transparent bonnet and blacked out alloy wheels.

If Lamborghini's naming system is anything to go by, the Murcielago LP650-4 Roadster's V12 engine should produce an output of 650-horsepower. Power will be channeled to all-four wheels through a six-speed robotized manual transmission with Lamborghini's e.gear remote shift paddles mounted behind the steering wheel. For more detailed information we'll have to wait for the opening of the Geneva Motor Show on March 3.

Source: Kldconcept , Via: Jalopnik

Melbourne Show: GM's Holden Debuts Cruze Sedan in Australia

Unless Holden is readying another small car, the Cruze is the compact model that GM's Australian subsidiary announced at the end of 2008. If that's the case, then the Cruze has nothing in common with the teaser sketch released at the time of the announcement. Instead, the only differences between the Chevy and Holden Cruze concern the badges and the front grille.

When it goes on sale in Australia in the second quarter of 2009, the right-hand drive Cruze will be offered with a 1.8-litre 4-cylinder ECOTEC petrol engine and a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged common rail diesel engine. Power will be transferred to the front-wheels through a five speed manual transmission or optionally, a six speed automatic transmission with Active Select.

Alpina B7: First Photo of Bi-Turbocharged BMW 7-Series

The first official picture of the all-new Alpina B7 Bi-Turbo has made its way into the internet prior to the sport saloon's world premiere in Geneva next week. Alpina's latest proposal is based on the new 7-Series and it uses a modified version of BMW's factory 4.4-liter twin-turbochargedV87 engine developed to produce 507-horsepower and 700Nm of torque.

The result is a zero to 100 km/h (62mph) acceleration time of 4,7 seconds while the car's top speed is electronically limited to 280 km/h or 174mph. Alpina has not issued any details yet, but we gather that the B7 Bi-Turbo will also feature upgrades to the suspension and braking system.

Visually, the B7 has been enhanced with Alpina's signature front lip spoiler, a boot spoiler and a set of multispoke alloy wheels.

Via: Autoblog.it

Geneva Preview: Porsche Cayenne Diesel gets the TechArt Treatment

For some reason, Porsche tuner TechArt has decided to release an exclusive aerokit for the recently introduced Cayenne Diesel that's powered by an Audi-derived, 240-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 TDI. Though less extreme than the firm's other tuning packages, the accessorized Cayenne Diesel definitely stands out. TechaArt's aero kit includes a front spoiler with additional lights, side skirts, roof spoiler, a rear apron with an integrated diffuser and headlight / tail light trims. All components are made from high quality polyurethane RIM.

The package is complemented by a set of 21-inch alloy wheels shod in 295/35 Continental tires, but buyers can also opt for 22-inch alloys. If your pocket can handle it, TechArt also offers a variety of upgrades for the interior including a new steering wheel, alloy pedals and a full leather treatment.

Melbourne Show: Chevy Volt Rebadged as a Holden

Following the announcement on the Opel Ampera, GM has released details on the third variant of its Chevrolet Volt extended range electric vehicle, this time adorned with the Holden badge. Unlike the subtly restyled Ampera, the Holden Volt that was revealed in right-hand drive form at the Melbourne Auto Show today, does not differ in any way from its Chevy counterpart. The Volt, which can travel up to 64 kilometres on electricity before using petrol or producing exhaust pipe emissions, will be launched in Australia in 2012.

"We think Volt has the potential to change the game in Australian motoring," said GM Holden Chairman and Managing Director Mark Reuss. "Since we announced our plans to introduce Volt to Australia, we have been overwhelmed by public interest in the car and the technology that makes it work. At Holden, we believe Volt will play an incredibly important role in our efforts to make motoring better for the environment," he said.

According to GM's estimates, when compared to similar sized petrol-powered vehicles, the Volt will save motorists up to 1892 litres of fuel a year. This calculation is based on US research that identifies 75 percent of commuters travel an average daily distance of less than 40 miles or 64 kilometres.