This…the world’s saddest looking car.

But apart from that, it’s the Toyota FT-Bh (short for “Future Toyota B-segment hybrid”) concept which made its debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.

It’s not a car, it’s an extremely efficient means of conveyance.

In fact, it’s the distillation of everything Toyota knows about small cars and hybrid power…which is a lot.

The FT-Bh is powered by a 1.0-litre two-cylinder petrol engine linked to an electric motor which is aided and abetted by a lithium-ion battery.

The end result is fuel consumption of 135 mpg and CO2 emissions of just 49 g/km.

That’s half the emissions and twice the fuel economy of the similarly-sized Yaris.

But that’s just the start. Linked to a compressed natural gas (CNG) hybrid version, CO2 falls to just 38 g/km, while a plug-in hybrid version takes the figure to a barely believable 19 g/km.

And it’s all due to weight (or rather lack of it) and exceptional aerodynamics.

Thanks to thin pillars, lightweight components and high tensile strength steel, the weight drops to just 786 kg – 200 kg lighter than the Yaris. And without the use of expensive carbon fibre.

Next, Toyota’s obsessive streamlining has reduced drag from 0.29 cd on most superminis to just 0.235.

That means it cuts through the air more efficiently than the Porsche 918.

So How Did They Manage That?

Well, first there’s the rather strange shape.

The door mirrors have been replaced with cameras to cut drag and the door handles are now flat latches.

Next, special air intakes and exits manage air flow through the car.

And finally, there are special streamlined alloys and that shapely rear.

Anything Else?

Oh yes! They’ve also spent time cutting the car’s energy consumption in half with special LED headlamps and unique glazing to achieve maximum thermal efficiency to reduce the use of the air-con/heater.

Even the matte paint has been specially selected for maximum heat insulation. And there was us thinking it was just because it looked cool.

And finally, the party is rounded off with skinny 145/55R18 low-rolling resistance tyres to reduce friction and drag without sacrificing grip.

Although the FT-Bh is clearly a concept, we’re told it is production-viable already due to the clever use of cheap, everyday materials and production techniques.

Make no mistake, that slicked-back shape could be sitting on your drive by the end of the decade.

But meanwhile, expect to see most of the fuel-saving techniques in production cars within the next two or three years.

So what do you think about the future of efficient motoring? Do you approve?

Toyota FT-Bh Concept – Ultra Green was created and published by MotoringSpy.co.uk

It boasts an electric motor in each rear wheel for a total power output of 402bhp, 60 mph in 4.0 seconds, an EV range of 30 miles rising to 300 miles using the range extender engine generator and CO2 emissions of just 55 g/km.

It was also engineered in Britain and runs a Lotus engine.

And, is if that’s not enough, it could even reach production.

So What’s The Story?

Nissan’s luxury brand Infiniti is struggling in Europe, so the Japanese brand commissioned a mid-engined hybrid supercar to get some attention.

The story then moves to Nissan’s studio in San Diego where the initial car was sketched and then on to Paddington, London where the car was finished and modeled.

The prototype was then built at Nissan’s European engineering base in Bedfordshire.

In turn, the British Government’s Technology Strategy Board got involved and brought in Lotus’s 47bhp 1.2-litre three-cylinder range extender engine and a range of other British parts suppliers.

The end result is the slinky, mid-engined stunner you see before you.

Bigger than a Porsche Cayman but smaller than a McLaren, the 1,600 kg green supercar has a restricted top speed of 130 mph.

So, in addition to the lack of engine cooling required, the designers didn’t have to bother with the high speed aero either.

That allowed them much greater scope with the styling. And while it has all the Infiniti styling cues including the double arch grille and the distinctive window line behind the doors, it presents a less aggressive, more sophisticated look than most supercars.

So Will It Reach Production?

That’s the big question, but it looks promising.

Over the next few years, Infiniti will gradually extend downmarket to include smaller cars with four-cylinder engines.

There’s also a 1-Series rival based on the Mercedes A-Class platform due for 2015.

And once they get these mainstream models to market, the aim is to launch a flagship Infiniti to balance the range.

The Emerg-E has emerged (sorry, couldn’t resist) as one of the leading candidates.

A less hardcore, luxury version of the Nissan GTR is also a remote possibility.

It has also reached our attention that the GTR’s V6 and transmission would fit in lieu of the Emerg-E’s battery, motors and range-extender. Please.

At present, the main challenge will be the cost of the motors (100 kWh+ motors are rather scarce) and the need to outsource the car’s carbon fibre body, possibly to Pininfarina or Lotus.

According to Infiniti’s product planning boss, Francois Bancon;

“The world market for two-seat, $150,000 cars is about 50,000 to 60,000 units per year, so it is not a huge market. If we were to produce this car, I wouldn’t target more than three or four thousand sales a year. Of course you have to make money with a low-volume car. It doesn’t mean it couldn’t be profitable, however”.

So, if it reaches UK showrooms, expect to pay around £95,000 for the privilege.

Bancon continued “This is what Infiniti should be; a mix of aggressive performance together with some additional value through zero emissions. That’s probably the future of not only Infiniti, but all the luxury makes”.

Do you agree? And does the Infiniti Emerg-E interest you?

Geneva 2012 – Infiniti Emerg-E Concept was created and published by MotoringSpy.co.uk

However, the Phantom is no ordinary car. While most cars are updated after four years and replaced after seven, the Phantom has just received its first major update aged nine.

And unlike most manufacturers, they’ve kept the styling updates extremely subtle to avoid alienating existing clients.

They have, however, called it the Phantom Series II, the bounders.

So What’s Different?

Apart from the subtle exterior changes the Phantom gets new LED lights, an improved drivetrain and more advanced in-car technology.

Styling Series II

At the front, the bumper has been given a mild overhaul. But it’s the new headlights which attract the most attention.

According to head designer at RR, Ian Cameron, it’s “a familiar theme, lit in a different way”.

With that in mind, they get a new rectangular shape which is echoed in the front air vents.

The new Phantom is also the first production car to feature full LED headlights as standard.

Apart from offering a brighter, whiter beam, the adaptive headlights are rather clever.

First, the shape of the beam automatically changes according to the speed of the car.

Second, the headlights also respond to the steering input to help light up more of the road while cornering.

It won’t help your chauffeur to see round corners…yet, but it’s the next best thing.

Drivetrain Series II

The old six-speed automatic transmission has been replaced by a more advanced eight-speed unit and a rear differential.

Linked to the same 453bhp 6.7-litre V12 engine the same effortless urge remains while fuel economy improves by 10% and CO2 emissions fall from 388 g/km to 347 g/km.

Despite the improvement it’s still in the top VED tax band, not that that should bother potential buyers.

In-Car Technology Series II

Inside the luxurious cabin everything remains the same apart from the technology.

The dashboard gets a larger 8.8-inch screen with improved 3D maps and points of interest.

It also displays views from the front, top and rear cameras to help your chauffeur avoid any parking mishaps.

And finally, the multi-media controls have been redesigned to provide a more intuitive user experience.

The Series II changes which have been adopted across the full Phantom range (saloon, extended-wheelbase saloon, coupe and drophead) will appear from June 2012.

Prices are expected to rise by 5% over the old model, which pushes the starting price above £300,000. Ouch.

But having said that, Sir Henry Royce, who encouraged his employees to strive for perfection was fond of saying “take the best that exists and make it better”.

They have.

Geneva 2012 – Rolls Royce Phantom Series II was created and published by MotoringSpy.co.uk

First, the 2012 Geneva Motor Show welcomed the Range Rover Evoque convertible concept and now this, the Ssangyong XIV-2 concept.

Following on from the XIV-1 concept, the XIV-2 (eXciting User Interface Vehicle 2) gets a catchy name to match Ssangyong’s emphasis on fun.

It’s half SUV, half crossover, half convertible. Or, according to Ssangyong, a premium convertible CUV (Crossover Utility Vehicle).

Designed to appeal to fashion-conscious twenty somethings, Ssangyong is confident their latest futuristic crossover concept will become reality.

They’ve even got four body styles planned for their strategic global model – three door, five door, coupe and extended version.

Underneath, the B-segment car and budding Nissan Duke rival is an SUV. But up top it’s a roll-top convertible as per the 2CV.

But unlike the old Citroen, the folding fabric roof is electronically operated.

So it’s perfect for that wind in the hair experience, whether on-road or off-road.

Robust Aesthetics Realisation

Welcome to the Korean manufacturer’s new design philosophy, which will influence “all future concept vehicles” and production cars.

That means flowing lines and a dramatic silhouette. The practicality of a SUV and the grace of a coupe.

Inside, the modern dynamic design continues with red dial highlights along with aluminium and carbon fibre trim.

And from all accounts, Ssangyong is rather pleased about the all-in-one control panel linked to the central dashboard screen.

Four independent bucket seats provide plenty of space for occupants while the special user interface should make smartphone integration easy.

Engine

The environment is also high up the list of priorities thanks to a choice of two 1.6-litre Euro VI emissions compliant engines; a 123bhp petrol and a 128bhp diesel.

Both four-cylinder engines can be linked to a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox.

And thanks to features such as Idle Stop and Go (ISG) they emit CO2 gasses at the rate of 127 g/km and 112 g/km respectively.

We’re still waiting for news about the production green light and potential timetable, but we’ll bring it to you as soon as it drops.

So what’s it to be, this or the Nissan Duke?

Geneva 2012 – Ssangyong XIV-2 Concept was created and published by MotoringSpy.co.uk

Created by Italian design house ItalDesign, the stunning GT Coupe has gullwing doors and is unlikely to reach production…ever.

And if we’re not mistaken, Brivido is the Italian word for thrill.

So I suppose you could call it an aimless thrill.

On the outside, the designers have made copious use of both glass and carbon fibre.

Styling features include 21 inch alloys and bonnet-mounted LED strips.

But the most striking feature is the lack of wing mirrors which have been replaced by cameras.

Despite the photos, the Brivido coupe is larger than it looks. As a result it can seat four adults in comfort.

And while they’re there, two of them will be able to play with the obligatory ipad which is built into the dashboard.

ItalDesign Giugiaro is owned by the Volkswagen group, so it doesn’t take much imagination to guess the colour of its underwear.

The Volkswagen chassis is accompanied by a 355bhp V6 petrol engine and an electric motor.

As a result it’s rather rapid without blowing another hole in the ozone layer.

With CO2 emissions of just 154 g/km 62 mph is dispatched in a mere 5.8 seconds. Impressive on both counts.

But having said that, don’t expect to see the Brivido at your local Audi, Skoda, Seat or Volkswagen dealership.

It’s just classic motorshow porn, created to give the designers and engineers a chance to flex their pencils and spanners.

So let’s hear your thoughts on the Brivido coupe, does it make a shiver run down your spine?

Geneva 2012 – Giugiaro Brivido Concept was created and published by MotoringSpy.co.uk

It previews the possible design language for the Nissan Crossover portfolio.

And we all know that Nissan rarely does a concept just for fun. So you could be looking at the new Juke, Qashqai, Murano or even the next-generation X-Trail SUV.

The people at Nissan were keen to remind us during their Geneva press conference that they “own” the crossover market.

Oh do they!

Perhaps someone had better inform the people at Range Rover.

Sorry Mr Evoque, there’s no room for you, messrs Juke, Qashqai and Murano were here first.

And they’re waiting for Mr X-Trail to join them.

So What Does The Hi-Cross Have To Offer?

Well, as the name suggests, it is “Hi”, so expect high-style, high-riding and hi-tech.

High Style

The seven-seater Hi-Cross concept disguises its size well, thanks to the smooth styling.

At the front, the V-shaped grille blends into the headlights.

Further back, the lines of the bonnet and wheel arches provide curves and muscularity in equal measure.

The end result is a cohesive looking crossover with hints of the Infiniti FX (arched bonnet), Evoque (triangular headlights) and Mazda CX-5.

High Riding

Under the bonnet, the highlight is a hybrid powertrain which has taken tips from Mr Leaf.

According to Nissan, adding a lithium-ion battery with regenerative braking to the 2.0-litre direct injection petrol engine gives it the power of a 2.5-litre engine with the fuel economy and emissions of a much smaller unit.

The Hi-Cross also features the latest version of Nissan’s XTRONIC CVT gearbox which sends power to all four wheels.

Hi-Tech

Inside, the Hi-Cross cabin is dominated by a large centre-mounted touchscreen control pad.

Further details about the future of the Hi-Cross concept will be announced later in the year.

But for now, what do you think about the Hi-Cross? Do you like Nissan’s new crossover design language?

Geneva 2012 – Nissan Hi-Cross Concept was created and published by MotoringSpy.co.uk

It looks like a coupe, but it’s not. It looks like it should be able to shift quickly, but doesn’t.

They went to the trouble of making a quirky yet good-looking coupe-hatch and then ruined it with a weedy little diesel.

But they’ve been busy over the winter…with a turbocharger.

And the end result has just been revealed at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.

Say helloa to the Hyundai Veloster Turbo.

Thanks to a twin-scroll turbocharger, power from the 1.6-litre GDI engine leaps (from 138bhp) to 184bhp and 199 torques.

And while that might not sound much these days, bear in mind that the little Veloster weighs just 1,200 kg.

As a result 0-62 mph in 9.7 seconds becomes 8.4 seconds.

And although details on fuel consumption and CO2 emissions have still to be released, the extra poke shouldn’t affect them significantly.

But that’s just the start…

They’ve also addressed a few of the complaints about the original Veloster.

The Veloster Turbo gets a quicker steering track and a suspension specially tuned for the roads of Europe.

They’ve also fitted a larger exhaust to provide a “more robust sound”.

And although the normal six-speed manual transmission remains, the gear ratios have been spread out to cope with the extra oomph from the engine.

On the styling front, the Veloster Turbo looks more muscular thanks to new bumpers front and rear, a new grille and a new rear spoiler.

New headlights with LED daytime running lights, unique LED taillights and 18 inch alloys with chrome inserts complete the ensemble.

Expect the Veloster Turbo to arrive in UK showrooms before the end of 2012 with prices to be announced nearer the time.

So what’s it to be Motoring Spyists, Turbo or non-turbo? Veloster or something else?

Geneva 2012 – Hyundai Veloster Turbo Power was created and published by MotoringSpy.co.uk

It’s a small four-seat electric city car and the follow up to the Pixel concept from last year.

Unveiled at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, the range-extended EV is capable of up to 282 mpg (in theory) and CO2 emissions as low as 22 g/km.

The Power

While the Pixel used a normal three-cylinder turbodiesel, the Megapixel takes a rather different path.

An electric motor in each wheel is powered by a 13kwh lithium-ion phosphate battery pack.

This allows the dinky little conveyance to reach 68 mph and travel up to 54 miles on electric power.

Once you’ve used all the juice from the batteries, a tiny 30bhp 325cc single cylinder petrol engine fires up to act as a generator. This increases the range to over 559 miles.

And when it comes to recharging just park it over your induction pad, assuming you have one.

The Turning Circle

Thanks to front wheels which can pivot at an acute angle and independent motors which can drive the wheels in opposite directions at the same time, the Tata Megapixel has a rather impressive turning circle of just 5.6 metres.

In comparison, the Fiat 500 which is slightly larger has a turning circle of 9.3 metres.

So the Megapixel should be rather good at parking and negotiating the might of the urban high street.

The Cabin

Getting into the car should be just as easy thanks to double sliding doors on each side.

It also does without a B-pillar which provides even better access and visibility – Take that Mr Ford B-Max.

Inside, the four-seat cabin is light thanks to a panoramic roof. It also provides extra storage space under the seats which are suspended from the centre tunnel.

On the technology front, a large central touchscreen allows you to control all the car’s faculties including temperature, ventilation, performance and driving modes.

You can also integrate your smartphone into the Megapixel.

Production?

There’s no word on production or price yet, but don’t be surprised if you see a variant of the Megapixel or the technology it contains to appear on sale in Europe.

Tata is a massive corporate beast which recently consumed Jaguar Land Rover. So it has the financial muscle to make this new technology a reality.

Their products are also becoming increasingly sophisticated, so don’t expect to wait long until Tata arrives in the UK.

And given their track record of producing low price cars, they might even manage to produce an electric vehicle which can compete on price with the best fossil-fuelled alternatives.

So what do you think of the Tata Megapixel concept? If they produced it for the same price at the Fiat 500, would you consider it?

Geneva 2012 – Tata Megapixel Concept was created and published by MotoringSpy.co.uk

With looks straight from the past and the future the luxury sports saloon-coupe takes inspiration from the 1957 Lancia Florida II.

It’s also electric, so that should please the world’s polar bears…and Al Gore.

And then there’s the layout.

It adopts the asymmetrical nonsense from the Hyundai Veloster, which means one door on the driver’s side and two doors on the other.

But unlike the Veloster, there’s no B-pillar on the passenger side, which means there’s plenty space to access the luxurious four-seat interior.

Pininfarina Design

The Italian styling house has worked for the World’s most passionate automotive brands including Alfa Romeo, Maserati and, er…Volvo.

But it’s most well-known for its association with Ferrari. Pininfarina is responsible for both the 458 Italia and the 599 GTB (which has just been replaced by the F12 Berlinetta in Geneva).

However, last year Pininfarina closed its coachbuilding business to focus on what it does best, design cars.

And on the face of it, that decision to focus on design was inspired.

Many, many organisations around the world can club cars into shape, but few can pen exquisite designs such as the Cambiano.

Design features include a solid glass roof, flared wheel arches and LED headlights built into the front grille.

The end result is a car which could easily step back into the 80′s or forward into the 2030′s without looking out of place.

Inside, the premium four-seat cabin features leather seats, illuminated accents and a flat wood floor.

Yes, your car valet won’t need a portable vacuum cleaner so much as a scrubbing brush.

And the balance between the past and the future continues with a digital instrument cluster, infotainment system and a wristwatch inspired analog clock.

Pininfarina Power

Thanks to an 80bhp motor in each wheel, the 1,700 kg Rembrandt can crack 62 mph in just 4.2 seconds and go on to 186 mph.

A full charge will take you up to 125 miles before a small diesel generator kicks in to extend the range.

It’s like the Chevrolet Volt, innit, minus the flames, hopefully.

Production plans and pricing have still to be announced, but don’t hold your breath.

Instead, drop your opinions about the Cambiano’s styling into the box below. What is the best looking concept at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show?

Geneva 2012 – Pininfarina Cambiano was created and published by MotoringSpy.co.uk

It’s also the second most powerful Polo you can buy.

With 138bhp from the turbocharged 1.4-litre petrol engine the warm hatch slots into the range between the 104bhp 1.2 TSI Polo and the 178bhp Polo GTI.

But thanks to technology such as cylinder deactivation, direct injection and energy recovery, it’s also one of the cleanest cars in the Polo range.

So let’s get straight down to the numbers.

The Polo BlueGT will do 0-62mph in 7.9 seconds and reach 131mph. That’s just 1.0 second and 11 mph shy of the Polo GTI.

Linked to a six-speed manual the dinky EcoGT has a combined fuel economy of 60mpg with CO2 emissions of just 108 g/km.

Upgrade to the seven-speed dual clutch gearbox and that improves to 62.8 mpg and 105 g/km.

In comparison the 104bhp 1.2-litre TSI Polo returns 53.3 mpg and 124 g/km with the manual gearbox.

And while the BlueGT won’t get anywhere near 60 mpg in the real world, even 50 mpg is pretty impressive for a petrol-powered Polo with this level of poke.

Near-GTI petrol performance with diesel-like economy. Sporty yet frugal.

The Polo BlueGT’s powerplant is the first of a new family of engines which will appear with the new MQB platform, so expect to see it feature in other areas of the VW Group.

Perhaps the Up GT?

Cylinder Deactivation Explained

We’ve already seen cylinder deactivation on other cars from the VW Group including Audi and Bentley, but the Polo BlueGT is the first Volkswagen to get the technology.

Who would have thought it, cylinder deactivation on a Bentley before a VW Ecobox.

Thanks to a clever camshaft, cylinders two and three shut down when you don’t need them.

There’s even a little light in the instrument binnacle to let you know when you’re in 2CV mode.

Provided the engine speed is 1,250-4,000 rpm and torque output is between 18 and 74lb ft half of the engine will go to sleep until required.

According to VW, these requirements are met 70% of the time on the NEDC fuel consumption cycle.

But as soon as you press the accelerator, the idle cylinders spring into action within 36 milliseconds – rather like the teacher turning round.

However, the system will also measure other factors such as throttle position to make sure deactivation doesn’t happen when driving in traffic or in a sporty manner.

Putting On The Style

As you would expect, the BlueGT gets a collection of EcoSporty styling cues to distinguish it from the rest of the pack.

• 17 Inch Alloys
• GT Badging
• R-Line Bumper Vents
• Dual Tailpipes
• Black Painted Front Grille
• Black Door Mirror Caps

The Polo BlueGT has been lowered by 15mm to improve aerodynamics, although it shouldn’t do the handling any harm either.

It also gets styling influences from both the GTI and BlueMotion models.

In the GTI corner additional styling highlights include;

• Rear Spoiler
• Rear Bumper With Diffuser
• Front Bumper With Fog Lights And Integrated LED Daytime Running Lights

And in the BlueMotion corner, visual highlights include;

• Side sills
• Front Windscreen Rain Channels

The end result is a mature looking hatch with a hint of mischief.

Inside, the BlueGT is distinctly GTI. It gets a black roof liner and a sporty instrument panel as per the hotter hatch.

Occupants up front sit on leather-trimmed sports seats while the driver gets to hold a leather-trimmed steering wheel.

The Polo BlueGT goes on sale in mainland Europe from July.

And although the UK version has still to be confirmed expect it to appear in showrooms by the end of the year.

But will you be waiting in the queue, that’s the crucial question. And what other cars within the VW group would you like to see this engine grace?

Geneva 2012 – Volkswagen Polo BlueGT was created and published by MotoringSpy.co.uk