Honda Small Hybrid Sport Concept
Compared to Toyota's Hybrid X Concept also shown here at Geneva, Honda's own hybrid concept looked like a first-year design student project.
Odd proportions, limited detailing and strange aesthetics made the SHSC look like a very rushed job. From a winning company like Honda, very disappointing, and frankly, surprising.
KTM X-Bow
The first car from Europe's second-biggest motorbike maker, the X-Bow like a cross between an Ariel Atom, a T-Rex and an F1 car, the Austrian-made KTM X-Bow just went to the top of my track day car wish list.
The six-speed manual version will weigh 700 kg, but an optional Audi DSG gearbox will add 20 kg more. With a 225 h.p. 2.0L Audi four, KTM says the X-Bow scorches from zero to 100 kph in just 3.9 seconds.
Originally, the X-Bow was to be a joint venture with Audi. However, Audi insisted that if it were to wear the four-ringed logo the car would have to come with all the normal safety equipment, including airbags. Thankfully, KTM elected to continue the project on its own.
smart fortwo Brabus
I've have already driven the new 71 h.p. smart fortwo that's coming here this fall. But I can't tell you how much better it drives compared to the existing car.
Let's just say that I hope Mercedes-Benz Canada rewards the Canadian market for making the original ForTwo so successful here by importing this new ForTwo Brabus.
With its 98 h.p.103 ft-lbs. of torque 1.0-litre turbo three-cylinder gas engine, lowered sport suspension, larger set of "Monoblock VI" wheels within wider fender flares and sport exhaust the Brabus would shed the notion that the Smart is a cute city car faster than its under 10 second zero to 100 kmh time.
Compared to Toyota's Hybrid X Concept also shown here at Geneva, Honda's own hybrid concept looked like a first-year design student project.
Odd proportions, limited detailing and strange aesthetics made the SHSC look like a very rushed job. From a winning company like Honda, very disappointing, and frankly, surprising.
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| KTM X-Bow |
KTM X-Bow
The first car from Europe's second-biggest motorbike maker, the X-Bow like a cross between an Ariel Atom, a T-Rex and an F1 car, the Austrian-made KTM X-Bow just went to the top of my track day car wish list.
The six-speed manual version will weigh 700 kg, but an optional Audi DSG gearbox will add 20 kg more. With a 225 h.p. 2.0L Audi four, KTM says the X-Bow scorches from zero to 100 kph in just 3.9 seconds.
Originally, the X-Bow was to be a joint venture with Audi. However, Audi insisted that if it were to wear the four-ringed logo the car would have to come with all the normal safety equipment, including airbags. Thankfully, KTM elected to continue the project on its own.
smart fortwo Brabus
I've have already driven the new 71 h.p. smart fortwo that's coming here this fall. But I can't tell you how much better it drives compared to the existing car.
Let's just say that I hope Mercedes-Benz Canada rewards the Canadian market for making the original ForTwo so successful here by importing this new ForTwo Brabus.
With its 98 h.p.103 ft-lbs. of torque 1.0-litre turbo three-cylinder gas engine, lowered sport suspension, larger set of "Monoblock VI" wheels within wider fender flares and sport exhaust the Brabus would shed the notion that the Smart is a cute city car faster than its under 10 second zero to 100 kmh time.
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| smart fortwo Brabus |