Cars Tuning: June 2009

New Fiat Palio 2008 Photos

Fiat Palio 2008

Fiat Palio 2008 Pictures

New Fiat Palio 2008 Photos

New Koenigsegg CC Pictures

Koenigsegg CC

Koenigsegg CC Photos

2009 Edo Bentley Continental GT Speed

Edo Auto Car: 2009 Edo Bentley Continental GT Speed

2009 Edo Lamborghini Murcielago LP710 Audigier

Edo Auto Car: 2009 Edo Lamborghini Murcielago LP710 Audigier

Tiny concept cars at the Frankfurt auto show

The Citroen Revolte features suicide doors and a lounge-style rear seat.

Small is clearly in, as these concepts show. And since concept cars are a bellwether for upcoming automotive trends, expect downsizing to be commonplace among new cars. Most of these concepts are lightweight city cars, easily maneuverable and economical. Mini's entrants add a sporty flavor, while Citroen and Hyundai go for the futuristic. Mazda showed off a stripped-down version of its MX-5, more weekend racer than everyday driver.

Europeans get into the hybrid act

Japanese automakers pioneered hybrid cars, but German companies have been slow to join in. At the Frankfurt auto show, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche showed off their latest efforts, a mix of research and production vehicles. Most of these cars don't stint on the power, merely using hybrid systems to boost efficiency without shooting for stellar fuel economy.

Volkswagen also comes in with a hybrid concept in its quest to build a car that will only burn one liter of fuel over 100 kilometers. And Lexus shows off a luxury compact concept with a full hybrid power train as a way of testing the waters in the European market.

Lotus' Evora Latest Can Race, too

When Lotus launched its Evora last year, it seemed the company gave in to the need for a mass-market car. Unlike the Elise, the Evora has four seats. The cabin isn't stripped bare, but sports modern electronics. And the engine is a big--a Toyota-sourced 3.5-liter V-6. But lest we think this extra tonnage makes the Evora any less sporty than the Elise, Lotus intends to take a race-equipped Evora to the Nürburgring 24-hour endurance race.

Lotus had its Evora endurance racer on display at the Frankfurt auto show. Externally, the car shows few modifications from a standard Evora, although its big carbon fiber wing stands out. Other aerodynamic components include a diffuser and splitter. For endurance racing, the Evora also gets a 31.7-gallon fuel tank, roll cage, and fire suppression system. But even with this extra equipment, Lotus engineers managed to shave 441 pounds off it versus a standard Evora, for a total weight of 2,646 pounds.

The Evora endurance racer retains the 3.5-liter V-6, although in this application it has been tuned up to 395 horsepower, which likely means a supercharger. The standard transmission has been replaced with a sequential six-speed paddle-shifted gearbox.

With its power-to-weight ratio, good aerodynamics, and Lotus-engineered handling, the Evora should prove itself a contender. But the tough nature of endurance racing will reveal any faults Lotus engineers might have overlooked.

Lotus Evora
Lotus' Evora Latest Can Race, too

2009 Edo Porsche Cayenne GTS

Edo Auto Car: 2009 Edo Porsche Cayenne GTS

2009 Edo Ferrari California

HQ Edo Auto Car : 2009 Edo Ferrari California

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