Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid detailed ahead of Geneva debut

While hypermilers debate the various advantages and drawbacks of diesels versus hybrids, Volvo is here to ask, "Why not have both?" As promised, the Swedish automaker is rolling into Geneva with what it's calling "the world's first diesel plug-in hybrid".

Packaged into the svelte V60 wagon, the diesel hybrid packs two distinct drivetrains that can operate separately or in conjunction with one another. Up front is a 2.4-liter five-cylinder turbodiesel with 215 horsepower and 324 pound-feet of torque, while a 70-horsepower electric motor with a 12-kWh lithium-ion battery pack twists the Electric Rear Axle Drive (ERAD).

At the touch of a button, the V60 hybrid can operate in Pure mode as an EV with a 32-mile range on electric power alone. In Hybrid mode, it emits less than 50 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer with a 746-mile range, and in Power mode, the powerplant acts as a boosted torque monster with a combined output at 472 lb-ft of twist for a 6.9-second sprint to 62 miles per hour. That may not seem too quick, but for a diesel wagon schlepping around that much Duracell, it's relatively rapid.

The V60 Plug-In Hybrid is set to debut at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show, but if you want to see a brief video and delve further into the specs now, feel free to check out the full press brief after the jump.

[Source: Volvo] 

Jeep has announced plans to offer a new 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel engine for European Grand Cherokees

While it has the same displacement as the previous Mercedes-sourced oil burner, the new engine is built by VM Motori and features MultiJet II technology. Two versions will be offered and the entry-level variant produces 190 PS (140 kW / 188 hp) and 440 Nm (324 lb-ft) of torque.

If you want something more powerful, the high-output version cranks out 241 PS (177 kW / 237 hp) and 550 Nm (406 lb-ft) of torque. It also has a combined fuel economy rating of 8.3 L/100km (28.3 mpg US) and CO2 emissions of 218 g/km.

In other news, Jeep will use the Geneva Motor Show to introduce the 70th Anniversary Edition Wrangler, Wrangler Unlimited and Compass. Both Wranglers have a unique exterior with brushed aluminum sill plates, special badging, and 18-inch aluminum wheels. Inside, the cabin is outfitted with Dark Olive seats (with perforated leather inserts), satin-chrome trim, and Berber floor mats.

Likewise, the Patriot has Dark Slate seats (with perforated leather inserts), a premium infotainment system (with GPS navigation), Berber floor mats, and 18-inch aluminum wheels.

Source: Jeep

Maserati GranCabrio Sport heads to Geneva

Maserati will be premiering the new GranCabrio Sport at the Geneva auto show on March 1st.

The GranCabrio Sport comes with a newly configured variant of the all-alloy 4.7 liter V8 power plant of the standard GranCabrio model. The new output level reaches 331 kW (450 PS / 444 bhp) and 510 Nm (376 lb-ft) of torque over the standard 440 PS (324 kW / 434 hp) while featuring a 6 percent reduction in fuel-economy. Transmission is a six-speed ZF automatic with the same MC Auto Shift software as in the Quattroporte Sport GT S and top speed is 285 km/h (177 mph).

Upgraded for the Sport edition, the Skyhook active-suspension system now gets a sportier tuning and brakes are beefed up by means of grooved and drilled dual-cast discs.

For a distinguishing look, the GranCabrio Sport gets a new black grille, front corner splitters, side skirts and a Trident with red accents. Headlights are revised for more black on white contrast.

The GranCabrio Sport gets a new color too - Rosso Trionfale (Triumphant Red).

The model goes on sale starting in the summer.

Source: Maserati