Lexus Teases the New GS F-Sport and GS 450h

We only just got our first taste of the next generation of Lexus's executive sedan with thepresentation of the 2013 GS 350 at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance show in Monterey last week, but the Japanese automaker has already moved along and is now getting ready for the world premieres of the GS F-Sport and GS 450h.

Teased in these cropped images are the new additions to the GS range. First up is the GS 450h, which as the name implies, will feature a hybrid powertrain combining a V6 gasoline unit with an electric motor.

The hybrid version of Lexus' Audi A6 challenger will receive its world premiere at the Frankfurt auto show in September with sales to follow early next year.

The GS F-Sport, which we get a sneak peek through a single photo, is a sportier version of the GS 350 featuring an aero package that includes among other parts, a redesigned front bumper and honeycomb-style grille, plus larger alloy wheels and according to Lexus, a suspension kit to improve handling.

Though we could see the GS F-Sport in Germany, there's a strong possibility that Lexus may hold back and show it at the Specialty Equipment Market Association show in November in Las Vegas.

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2012 Seat Exeo Saloon and ST

Starting from this fall, the Volkswagen Group's Spanish division Seat will offer a revamped version of its former Audi A4-based Exeo series that includes the sedan and estate (ST) models in Europe.
The subtle styling enhancements on the outside include a revised face with new bi-xenon headlights and LED daytime running lights, a honeycomb style grille insert, plus new 17 and 18-inch alloy wheel designs.
Upgrades to interior are limited to the redesigned leather steering wheel and the revised upholstery options.
From a technical standpoint, Seat said improvements made to all diesel-powered engines see CO2 emissions cut by around 7 grams per kilometer, with the 120HP and 143HP TDI saloon models fitted with manual transmission now dipping below the 130 g/km mark.
The Spanish automaker added that economy is similarly improved, too, with the Exeo saloon now being capable of returning up to 57.6 mpg UK (4.9lt/100km or 48mpg US) on the EU’s combined cycle.
These latest updates come only a year after Seat introduced some minor changes to the Exeo including revised tail lamps with LED technology, reshaped seats that improved rear passenger space and a 7-speed Multitronic transmission on the 2.0 TDI CR Diesel model.

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Alfa Romeo 4C Concept New Color

Instead of presenting the final production version of is 4C mid-engine sports coupe at the upcoming Frankfurt auto show, Alfa Romeo will once again display the concept model but with a different paint job.
The new color is named 'Fluid Metal' with Alfa claiming that it "dynamically enhances the smooth and sinuous lines of the car". We find it much better looking than the washed out matte red shown on the original Geneva Salon concept.
Other than that, the two-seater model keeps the same 200-horsepower, 1.75-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine mounted behind the passenger cabin driving the rear wheels through a twin clutch automatic transmission.
The 4 meter long concept makes liberal use of carbon fibre in its construction to keep weight at a low 850kg or 1,873 pounds for a power to weight ratio of less than 4kg per HP, with Alfa promising a sub-5.0 seconds sprint to 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) and a top speed of over 250 km/h (155 mph).
The 4C is expected to enter production next year.

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Lancia Flavia Cabrio Coming to Frankfurt Show

The Fiat Group may have exhibited both the sedan and convertible variants of the Chrysler 200 re-branded as the Lancia Flavia at the Geneva Salon in March, but at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the Italians will only bring the open top model.
Citing inside sources from the Fiat Group,Autonews reported that only the convertible version of the Flavia will make it into production as the cost of adding an essential diesel engine wiped out the business case for the sedan model in Europe.
Fiat insiders claim that while the absence of a diesel option would kill any chances of success for the saloon, the convertible can attract buyers with a gasoline-engine only.
At the Frankfurt show, the Lancia Fulvia Convertible will be displayed with a 2.4-liter gasoline engine that generates 175-horsepower and is hooked up to a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Lancia said that its version of the Chrysler 200 Convertible comes with a "wealth of standard equipment" including leather upholstery, electronic stability control (ESC) and traction, numerous airbags (front multi-stage, side and window bags), the Uconnect multimedia system complete with satellite navigation system, and a “Boston Acoustic Sound System.

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Alfa Romeo Updates Giulietta with Twin-Clutch Transmission

The…freshly painted version of the 4C sports coupe concept will be joined at Alfa Romeo's Frankfurt Motor Show stand by the updated variants of the Giulietta and Mito hatchbacks.
The Giulietta gains Alfa Romeo's new double-clutch TCT transmission that will be offered on the 1.4-liter turbocharged MultiAir gasoline engine and the 2.0-liter turbodiesel, both of which have a maximum output of 170HP.
With the TCT, average fuel consumption and CO2 emissions on the petrol model fall to 5.2 lt/100 km (45.2 mpg US) and 121g/km respectively, and on the diesel to 4.5 lt/100 km (52.3 mpg US) and 119 g/km respectively.
And that’s without sacrificing performance. In fact, the 1.4 MultiAir’s time for the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint is 7.7 seconds and its top speed reaches 218 km/h (135.4 mph). Likewise, in the 2.0 JTDM the TCT brings the Giulietta to the top of its class, with a 7.9 seconds time for the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint.
Alfa’s smallest model, the 3-door MiTo, will also show something new to visitors of the Frankfurt Motor Show: the new 0.9-liter, turbocharged two-cylinder TwinAir engine that we first saw at the Fiat 500 and which won the coveted “International Engine of the Year 2011” award. The two-cylinder unit develops 85HP and, depending on the DNA program, 110-145Nm of torque.
According to the Italians, its MultiAir technology and the auto Stop-Start system enable the new version of the MiTo to consume up to 30% less fuel than engines with comparable performance and at the same time achieve a best-in-class CO2 emissions figure of just 98 g/km.
In addition, the new MiTo MultiAir will be offered in a new “Nero Ametista” body color along with new-design alloy wheels and a two-tone black dashboard and mesh seat trim.
Last, but not least, the MiTo will soon get a new 1.3-liter JTDM turbodiesel engine with variable turbocharger technology and Start-Stop technology as standard. Like its petrol counterpart, this second generation Multijet engine has an output of 85HP and is Euro5 compliant. It emits 90 g of CO2 per km, its average consumption is only 3.5 lt/100 km (67.2 mpg US) falling to much as 2.9 lt/100 km (81.1 mpg) on the highway.

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New Alpina B6 Bi-Turbo with 507HP

For more than four decades now, German tuning house Alpina has been modifying BMWs cars. The Bavarian luxury carmaker has a tight relationship with the tuner going as far distributing the high-performance models through its official network.
Alpina's newest creation is the B6 Bi-Turbo Cabrio based on the latest 6-Series Convertible, which will make its world premiere at the rapidly approaching Frankfurt auto show on September 13.
At the heart of the Alpina B6 Bi-Turbo Cabrio is specially modified 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine capable of delivering 507-horsepower and a monstrous 700Nm (516.3 lb-ft) of peak torque delivered between 3,000 and 4,750 rpm.
Power is channeled to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic Switch Tronic transmission, with Alpina claiming 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint time of 4.8 seconds and a top speed of 311km/h (193mph) with a combined fuel consumption of 10.9lt/100km (21.6mpg US) for the Convertible model.
In comparison, the factory 650i Convertible features a 4.4-liter turbo V8 producing 407HP and 600Nm / 443 lb-ft. It completes the standard sprint in 5.0 seconds while reaching an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph), and returning an average fuel consumption of 10.7lt/100km.
Along with the powertrain modifications, the Alpina flavored 6-Series Convertible gains the tuner's trademark multispoke alloy wheels plus carbon fibre trim bits, front apron and rear spoiler as well as bespoke interior parts.
The B6 Bi-Turbo Cabrio model will soon be followed up by the coupe derivative.

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Citroën Tubik Van Concept

Figures...just as we hit the post button on our previous article regarding Citroën's Frankfurt Motor Show surprise, the French carmaker dropped off the first official photos of its new concept model named Tubik.As previously noted, the Tubik pays homage to the 1939 Tub van and its replacement, the 1948 Type H that was produced up until the beginning of the 1980s.
The Tubik serves as both a commercial van and a people carrier with the 4.8 meter long, 2.08m wide and 2.05m tall model providing comfortable space for nine passengers in three lounge-style seats, with the driver cocooned in a separated compartment.
Citroën says passengers can arrange the three rows of seats as they wish, since each seat is independent for maximum comfort. The first row of seats allows two people to sit facing either the road or the other passengers.
The middle row can seat up to three people or, alternatively, can be converted into a small table, be folded onto the last row to free up an area close to 2 square meters, or be folded out completely to create a meridienne-style seat. 
Motivation is provided from the PSA Peugeot-Citroën group's new Hybrid4 full-hybrid diesel drivetrain.
We'll have more on the Tubik soon, but for now, scroll down to check out the official photos.

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Russian Yo-Auto wants to Rock the Frankfurt Motor Show

One of the lesser known automakers from Russia, Yo-Auto, will participate at this month’s Frankfurt Motor Show with a new study, the (not so imaginatively named) Yo-Concept.
It is one of three hybrid models the Russian company is developing and has been designed in order to introduce the brand to the public and to preview its future products.
The highlights of the Yo-Concept include the rear-and-upwards sliding doors with minimal glass area and a full-length glass roof that merges with the windshield. The interior can accommodate four adults thanks to the slim front seats that maximize rear space.
The imaginatively-styled concept, which is not intended for production, is powered by a hybrid system that works in a similar fashion to the Volt, in that it pairs a battery pack and an electric motor with a range-extending conventional petrol engine. 

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