Using the same nomenclature as the Saab 9X 'Air', the new car is an open top variant of the i MiEV Sport design study first unveiled at the 2007 Tokyo Auto Show.

Like its hardtop counterpart, the two-door concept has a bold, wheels-at-each-corner stance and accentuated fenders, while chiseled body lines guide airflow to cool the rear-mounted electric motor. Above the cabin, a 'clear cutaway' roof (with integrated solar panels) is said to enable the driver to 'enjoy the exhilaration of fresh-air motoring while also highlighting its eco-friendly qualities', according to the Japanese automaker.

Claimed to emphasize exhilarating driving pleasure by providing a balance between environmental and dynamic performance, the car has a lithium-ion battery pack mounted in the floor for a lower center of gravity. It measures 3450mm long and has a 2550mm-long wheelbase.

The 5.4m-long four-door is likely to utilise the latest BMW 7 Series platform and will be powered by what the company describes as a ‘new V12’. The innovative forward-opening rear doors of the Phantom are carried over to the smaller (by 435mm in length, although only a touch narrower) car.

Rolls-Royce has traditionally used the ‘EX’ suffix to signify experimental models. Since its incorporation into the BMW empire, the now Goodwood-based company has launched EX models at shows that were, in effect, production-ready advanced prototypes. 100EX debuted at Geneva in 2004 and was then officially launched in Detroit in January 2007 as the Phantom Drophead Coupé.

Like all Goodwood Rolls, it does look impressive. The famous radiator has become less ‘Parthenon’ and is now seamlessly morphed into the bonnet and front of the car. 200EX will carry a silver satin finish applied to the bonnet and A-pillar, similar to the brushed aluminium of the Coupé and Drophead Coupé. The paint on this experimental model is Darkest Tungsten – a classic colour that contrasts nicely with not only the satin silver bonnet, but also the natural grain Crème Light leather interior. Cornsilk carpets complete the luxurious effect.

One of the best aspects of the car is the rear. If you tend to consider Rolls-Royce as a manufacturer of luxurious, superbly appointed and finished limousines - you may have to reconsider. Like the two-door Phantoms, the 200EX has a sporting intent and looks aggressive, with broad haunches covering 285/40 R 20in rear wheels and tyres.

The dashboard is clear and simple, with the trademark thin-rimmed steering wheel. The cabin will be airy for the occupants yet, as in the Phantom, allowing a degree of privacy not found in similar cars.

No price has been mentioned, but most commentators would estimate a UK price of in the region of £170,000 – 180,000.

The engine uses carbon fiber pieces in the intake system and pieces like a lighter crankshaft to reduce the volume of material used for engine manufacturing. As well, combustion chambers and airflow systems have been redesigned to increase redline to 9,000 rpm. And also like the Aston, power levels are quoted at 700 hp or thereabouts.

Though the coachbuilder has not provided much information on the two-seat concept, the gaping oval grille and large air intakes above the sill and below the shoulderline indicate the car is powered by a large front-mounted conventional powerplant. Large vertical headlamps flank the hood, which features still more mesh-covered air outlets for dissipating heat. In profile, the concave fender morphs through the door to become a pronounced rear haunch. The grille's shape is also repeated at the rear on a broader scale, as is the headlamp design, with smaller circular lamps encased within the taillamp housing. The concept's double bubble roof, flowing from the steeply raked windscreen through to the backlight, is also a definitive Zagato design element.

The DS Inside is the preview of the forthcoming DS3 model likely to be revealed at Frankfurt Show in September, a Mini Clubman-sized two-door wagon, based on the C3/Peugeot 207 platform.

The MiTo GTA Concept relies largely on weight reduction to produce the best possible power-to-weight ratio – which is all in the best traditions of ‘GTA’, or ‘Gran Turismo Alleggerito’ branding (alleggerito is Italian for lightened).

There’s also been much work done to lower the car’s centre of gravity. Hence the tailgate spoiler, as well as the roof and mirror fairings, are in carbonfibre, while aluminium is used extensively in the braking system, suspension and some parts of the chassis.

Under the bonnet, the compact new petrol engine exploits Alfa’s experience in developing its Twin Spark and V6 road and race engines, with direct injection, dual variable valve timing, state-of-the-art turbocharging and advanced electronic management systems. The combined effect of these technologies is a highly impressive 240bhp from just 1742cc. In this way, Alfa is following the current trend towards high power and efficiency from a smaller, lighter power unit.

The MiTo GTA Concept is 20mm lower than the standard MiTo, with new geometry for the front suspension, while the revised chassis has an ‘active’ suspension system to counteract weight transfer under acceleration, stiffening the rear and maximising traction. Meanwhile, a ‘Sky-Hook’ function aims to give high levels of passenger comfort, despite the sporting aspirations of this desirable Italian hot-hatch.

The announcement of the much-lauded nameplate's revival is also joined by a new three-dimensional logo design and an invigorated development plan, which marks the company's 90th Anniversary and the birth date of its founder, Andre Citroën.

The French automaker's new product line takes inspiration from its historic design DNA to strengthen its positioning. Called the DS3, DS4 and DS5, the three new cars will occupy the small, medium and large car segments and be launched successively from 2010. The Inside concept (pictured), which will make its debut at the forthcoming Geneva Motor Show, will likely spawn the upcoming smaller derivation, the DS3.

Aiming to satisfy the needs of customers who are seeking fundamental mobility, prestige, thrills and refinement, Citroën wants to broaden its product portfolio to appeal to those looking to downsize but who still desire intelligent and appealing products. The company claims the 'accessible objects of desire' will stand apart through their creativity, intelligent design and build quality, embodying the 'different spirit' of their ancestor.

The new DBS Volante is Aston Martin’s 16th convertible in the company’s long history and is a 2+2 with the occasional rear seats intended for young people or extra luggage. Although the DBS was originally conceived as a two-seater sports GT, Aston Martin states that a possible Volante version was always in mind.

The all-alloy 6.0-litre V12 engine produces 510bhp and 570Nm (420lb ft) of torque, giving a top speed of 191mph and 0-62mph in 4.3 seconds. In standard form, the DBS has a rear-mounted six-speed manual gearbox, while an automatic six-speed ‘Touchtronic’ option is also available. As with the coupé, the Volante is offered with carbon ceramic brakes as standard, providing exceptional stopping power. The bonnet, front wings and boot lid are made from carbonfibre materials derived from the motorsport and aerospace industries.

The DBS Volante will be built at Aston Martin’s headquarters at Gaydon, Warwickshire, with the first customer deliveries expected to start in the third quarter of this year. Prices will be announced at the Geneva Auto Salon.

Technically it's interesting, featuring a hybrid electric drivetrain comprising an 814cc rear transverse rotary petrol engine coupled with electric motors installed on the front and rear suspensions - developing an overall power of 362bhp - yet has very low emissions of 60g/km of CO2.

FlexFuel means that the 621bhp stripped-out GT will run on either petrol or E85 biofuel (or any combination of the two) and is the first in Bentley’s range to do so, with all cars to be compatible with renewable fuels by 2012. North American Bentleys will be offered with this capability by the summer of 2010, following regulatory approval.

The company states that, "E85 biofuel can offer a reduction of up to 70 per cent in CO2 emissions on a ‘well-to-wheel’ basis". ‘Well-to-wheel’ is "a measurement of a fuel’s net CO2 contribution to the atmosphere, not just tailpipe emissions... a way of quantifying how much CO2 a fuel emits from its growth or extraction (well) to its combustion or deployment (wheel). It includes refinement, distillation and transport of the fuel".


Compared to the already mightily fast, standard GT Speed, power is up by 3.5% and torque - now 800Nm, or 590lb ft - by 6.7%. The ZF six-speed automatic gearbox has been uprated to a ‘Quickshift’ version, reducing gearchange times by a half and allowing the 'box to go down two gears at a time. Various software changes allow throttle ‘blipping’ to match road speed, as well as cutting revs much faster on upchanges.

The suspension broadly f ollows GT Speed practice, although various improvements have been made for the latest Bentley. It will have an electronic stability programme unique to the car.

With its reduced weight, increased power and speedier gearbox, the new car will sprint to 62 mph in just 3.7 seconds. Even more impressive, 0-100m ph is achieved in only 8.9 seconds. Maximum speed is 204mph.

If the interior, with its carbonfibre, Alcantara and new, ‘Soft Touch’ leather is of an altogether more sporting Bentley, the exterior has been only subtly modified.