Mercedes is bringing the 2010 Maybach Zeppelin to Geneva Motor Show in March. Maybach first used the Zeppelin name in the 1930s, when dirigible’s name symbolized modern luxury. Now the name’s resurrection will be used to get more in touch with old-world elegance. From the outside, the luxury brand’s new top-of-the-range model can be recognised by its two-tone special paint finish - a mix of “Rocky Mountains” light brown and “Taiga” black, but customers can choose whatever they want. Other features include unique 20-inch wheels, special “California” beige leather upholstery, and a set of silver champagne flutes.

The streamlined exterior mirrors, which produce even less wind noise, are new to Maybach. They have a more angular design and are separated from the door frame by a slender arm, giving them a more expressive look. They also feature an enlarged mirror surface together with integral indicators in the shape of a horizontal “V” for even greater perceptual safety.

The curving “ZEPPELIN” lettering that appears below the distinctive double “M” emblem on the radiator grille and on the boot lid instantly gives away the elite status of the new Maybach Zeppelin.

The 6.0-liter biturbo V12 has also been upgraded 28 hp to now make 640 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque. All this extra luxury does of course come at a price: €406,000 for the Maybach 57 Zeppelin and €473,200 for the Maybach 62 Zeppelin. At today’s rates, that’s about $524,000 and $610,000 respectively. While the price alone will ensure exclusivity, Mercedes says the Zeppelin edition will be limited to 100 units.

A Maybach brochure dating from 1930 clearly sets out the firm’s stall: “To create only the very best from the very best – a car that fulfils every last wish and stands out for its supremely refined elegance and power.” At that time, Karl Maybach had developed a luxury car, the likes of which had never been seen before. Maybach derived the design of its mighty twelve-cylinder drive unit from the same engine he had developed to power the daring airships of aviation pioneer Ferdinand Graf von Zeppelin. Inspired by the Count’s visionary personality, he christened Germany’s first ever series-production twelve-cylinder car “Zeppelin”, and offered it to a highly discerning (and solvent) clientele with a displacement of either seven or eight litres (150 hp or 200 hp).

Even today, the name “Zeppelin” has an incomparable ring to it in the realm of high-end luxury cars. As the flagship model in today’s range of Maybach Saloons, the new Maybach Zeppelin does justice to its branding. The name is not merely intended to rekindle memories, after all: as in bygone times, Maybach is once again building the Maybach Zeppelin for distinguished drivers who are seeking something extra special, even in this most luxurious of automotive segments. Not only do the Maybach 57 Zeppelin and Maybach 62 Zeppelin stand out for their exquisite elegance, inventive ideas and phenomenal performance.

Press release

First introduced as a high-performance version of the Sky roadster in 2007, the Red Line turns out decent performance from an Ecotec turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that produces 260 horsepower at 5300 rpm and 260 lb.-ft. of torque at 2500 rpm. These figures give this engine the notable distinction of having the best horsepower-to-displacement ratio of any GM engine and the most powerful motor in the Ecotec family. Gasoline direct injection technology helps the engine produce more power while maintaining the lower fuel consumption of a small displacement port-injected engine. With direct injection, fuel is delivered directly to the combustion chamber to create a more complete burn of the air/fuel mixture. Less fuel is required to produce the equivalent horsepower. EPA figures for the Redline are a decent 21 and 30 for highway driving. Despite those numbers, the Redline gets to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds.

To compensate for the addition of more power, the car’s chassis has been tuned for better handling and its braking system has been upgraded for quicker stopping. Other technical highlights include a torque-sensing, limited-slip differential and StabiliTrak electronic stability control. Like all Saturn Skys, the Red Line model boasts a near 50:50 weight distribution, independent front and rear suspension, an extremely stiff body, and coil-over Bilstein monotube shocks.

Other modifications include a slightly stiffer suspension, a unique front fascia with a different foglight/grille treatment, as well as blackened headlamp surrounds and a rear bumper that has two fat rectangular exhaust tips, a single reverse lamp and a cute little "turbo" badge on its cheek. Inside, the Red Line gets leather wrapping for that still-too-big steering wheel, unique embroidery, metallic sill plates, stainless steel pedal covers and unique gauges with a digital boost gauge in the Driver Information Center.

The Red Line also features several unique interior and exterior differences compared to the base Sky roadster including dual exhaust with chrome polished outlets, 18-inch polished aluminum wheels, and a redesigned front apron with large vents and black headlamp bezels.

The base price of the Saturn Sky Redline is $30,475, which doesn’t exactly sound cheap. It is afterall still a Saturn. But all things being equal, you have to wonder if the car simply had a different badge on the hood if 30 grand would seem quite reasonable.

Expectedly, the 2010 MV Agusta F4 is based of Massimo Tamburini’s iconic design, and is updated to fit more with modern tastes, echoing the same fantastic, aggressive design ethos with a detailed reengineering down to the smallest detail, resulting in a new F4 that does the impossible by improving upon perfection. But MV has also changed the bike underneath the hood. With a 998cc motor, the new F4 makes 3hp more than the comparably displaced 2009 MV Agusta R 312.

The new 2010 MV Agusta F4 is a lighter, faster and stronger superbike. Already world-famous for a beauty surpassing all other superbikes, MV Agusta has provided a fresh look to the iconic sensual lines of the new 2010 MV Agusta F4 while still preserving its design spirit. Set to debut the all new F4 in Milan this evening, MV Agusta has also taken special care to deliver a lighter, faster, stronger motorcycle that pushes the limits of performance either out on the street or track.

Ergonomics for the new 2010 MV Agusta F4 have also been redesigned, enabling riders to achieve performance limits more safely while harnessing the brand new, more powerful F4. To improve handling, the new MV Agusta F4 features a lightened framework and chassis with revised geometry that significantly improves riding comfort. The 2010 F4 is 22 lbs. lighter than its predecessor, weighing in at a lithe 423.5 lbs. total weight.

Like the Brutale, a new engine, chassis, and swingarm have been designed for the 2010 model. These changes make the 2010 MV Agusta F4 4cm narrower, while making the chassis more rigid. Riders should find the new chassis more comfortable, and will be able to make use of the F4’s new 8-way adjustable traction control unit and twin-map ECU. Helping get the power to the ground is bike’s Other changes include:

Power supply with TSS variable length intake system

TC MK II traction control system, adjustable on 8 levels

Two injectors per cylinder

New electronic injection system with 49-mm throttle bodies

New Magneti Marelli 7 SM ECU

New 4-1 exhaust system with valve

"With the introduction of the new 2010 F4, MV Agusta has improved one of the most sought after motorcycles in the world on every level from an engineering, design, and performance aspect. And now, with the new 2010 F4 unveiled alongside our new Brutale 990R and 1090RR models, we feel our company is in a position to show the industry why MV Agusta is known for creating incomparable works of motorcycle art," says Larry Ferracci, Director of U.S. Operations for MV Agusta USA.

DUU CR&S Premium 1,916 cc V-twin Concept Bike

The DUU from CR&S is a premium motorcycle with a modular layout that amalgamates a European chassis and styling with American-made V-twin power (2.0 liter). Touting an aggressive design with stylish details, the two-seater presents a variety of styles, options and features which can be attached or removed from the motorbike to create a personalized and customized machine. Powered by a 1,916 cc V-twin engine wrapped in bodywork and frame, the motorbike promises an enthralling ride for biking enthusiasts.

The DUU extends this concept, now synonymous with the CR&S brand. In addition to technical and aesthetic options, the DUU allows different configurations. The CR&S DUU begins with a single or two-seater base module, which provides the main needs of the rider while offering countless configuration options, without affecting functionality or the aesthetic form.

An innovative motorcycle, “modular and muscular”, built from high quality, durable materials and best components, with a powerful, rugged and reliable engine.

CR&S expects to deliver the first DUU in Europe by 2011. Target price, for the base model, is € 20,000.00 on the road, with a production volume of a few dozen units per year.

The unique APRILIA SCARABEO 500ie stands out instantly from the crowd. A perfect combination of classic lines and modern details that is destined from the start to set new trends. Outstanding ergonomics and many intelligent technical solutions make life in the saddle easier, such as the height adjustable windshield and incredible load capacity with the largest helmet compartment ever seen on a high-wheeled scooter.

The Aprilia Scarabeo 500 i.e. also offers plenty of performance to satisfy the needs of users who want a protective, automatic, light motorbike capable of tackling medium to long range journeys.

Responsive, light and fast, and with superior levels of comfort worthy of a motorcycle, ease and effectiveness are two of the greatest strengths of the Scarabeo 500 i.e. Its compact size makes it perfect for beating the city traffic and fitting into cramped parking spaces, while its lusty engine makes overtaking practically instantaneous - all you need is a gentle twist of the wrist to leave the traffic far behind. The Aprilia Scarabeo 500 i.e. is the lightest vehicle of its category, a merit that combined with the excellent performance of its engine guarantees a record weight to power ratio that translates into enjoyable, easy and intuitive riding. The oversized braking system with combined front/rear braking action and with the wide tyres are results of the designer's intentions to create an inherently safe vehicle, which is one of the factors that makes Aprilia Scarabeo 500 i.e. much more than just a scooter.

Rider and passenger comfort are always a priority for Aprilia's designers. An incredible amount of care went into defining the ergonomics and equipment of the Aprilia Scarabeo 500 i.e. to make life on board as relaxed as possible. Plenty of space for both rider and passenger means that even longer journeys can be tackled in total comfort. The saddle is just 785 mm from the ground, while the footrest platform is narrowed so as not to obstruct the legs, this means that riders of all statures can easily reach the ground.

The lusty 4 stroke single-cylinder engine, which represents the state of the art for scooter engines, is amazingly efficient and characterised by four valve timing, efficient liquid-cooling and a latest generation automatic transmission. The fuel system uses an evolved electronic injection system that not only considerably cuts consumption, but makes management of power delivery optimum, so riding is a great pleasure. A dynamic balancer countershaft reduces vibration for superb comfort. With its maximum power of 29 kW (39 HP) at 7,500 rpm and 43 Nm torque at 5,500 rpm, the Scarabeo 500 i.e. offers top performance that is entirely comparable to multi-cylinder engines. Ultra-light weight gives the Aprilia SCARABEO 500 i.e. one of best power to weight ratios (6.5 kg/kW) of any scooter on the market.

Like all Aprilia vehicles, also the chassis of the Scarabeo makes the most of the enormous amount of know how built up in years of experience and racing.

Reconciling maximum comfort with maximum riding pleasure was the goal of Aprilia engineers when designing the Scarabeo 500 i.e. The result is a scooter with a weight distribution almost the same as that of a motorcycle, which made it possible to achieve exceptional riding and handling qualities while keeping intact the proverbial stability at high speeds, feature of all Aprilia products. Riding a Aprilia Scarabeo 500 i.e. is a real pleasure - not only because of its inimitable design, but also because the involving riding character typical of all Aprilia products makes the Scarabeo 500 i.e. an extraordinarily dynamic vehicle, resulting in a rewarding ride even on the daily commute.

The double cradle frame is made from high strength steel tubing and has been designed to ensure excellent torsional rigidity and outstanding strength. A rigid, efficient frame that ensures the Scarabeo 500 i.e. is truly stable at high speeds.

The telescopic hydraulic front fork with stanchions at full 40 mm in diameter ensures superb steering precision and, with its generous wheel travel, has an excellent capacity for absorbing bumps.

The engine-transmission unit also acts as a swingarm and is linked to two dual-action shock absorbers. The spring preload setting is adjustable to four different positions, for optimum damping in all load and road surface conditions.

Comfort and rideability were also achieved by adopting large diameter wheels (16" at the front and 14" at the rear) with wheel rims shod with tubeless, motorcycle-sized tyres (110/70 at the front and 150/70 at the rear) to guarantee perfect road holding. The large size of the tyres also increases utmost safety when braking.

By using the integrated braking system, the rider has at his disposal an always powerful, safe and easy to handle braking force on any kind of road surface. SCARABEO 500 i.e. is fitted with large diameter discs: the two 260 mm front discs with floating callipers are backed up by a 240 mm rear disc.

In spite of its compact size, low saddle and high wheels, the Scarabeo 500 i.e. boasts a helmet compartment worthy of a grand touring scooter able to easily house a flip up helmet and other small objects, and even an A3 size briefcase, as no part of the compartment is less than 15 cm wide. There is also a lockable oddments storage compartment behind the leg shield.

The analogue and digital instruments with a white background and classic graphics provide the rider with all the information necessary, while the small display also includes a fuel level gauge. The saddle can also be opened using a remote control button that makes opening the compartment key-free, just one more convenience in day to day use.

In keeping with the Aprilia philosophy, Scarabeo 500 i.e. comes fully equipped with everything as standard, including an electronic antitheft system with remote control.