Geneva 2011: RUF Presents 730HP and 370+km/h Rt 12 R based on the Porsche 911 Turbo [with Video]

The 2011 Geneva International Motorshow plays host to the world premiere of the RUF Rt 12 R. The latest supercar from the Porsche tuning specialist is based on the 911 Turbo having received a bevy of modifications including a engine kit that pushes the output of the 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged flat six from 500HP and 650Nm (700Nm with the overboost function) to 730HP and 940Nm (693.3 lb-ft) of peak torque for a top speed in excess of 370km/h (230+ mph). A six-speed manual gearbox transfers power to the all-wheel drive system

Other upgrades include ceramic brakes, 19-inch forged alloy wheels wrapped in 245/35 tires at the front and 325/30 at the back, an aero kit and an adjustable suspension. RUF also reduced the weight of the 911 Turbo through the use of exotic materials such as the carbon fiber wings, front luggage cover and bucker seats. The price of the Rt 12 R is set at €279,000 or about US$386,400 at today's exchange rates.

Technical details:

Coupé form
Carbon-Fibre rear spoiler
Lightweight front with carbon fibre wings
Carbon fibre front luggage cover
Optional carbon roof
Aluminium doors with lightweight interior fittings
Synthetic side and rear windows
Carbon bucket seats
Rollcage and crossbar integrated into the interior paneling (IRC), disc diameter 380 mm front, 350 mm rear
Forged aluminium wheels with central locking nut, 9J x 19 front, 12J x 19 rear
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tyres, 245/35 ZR 19 front, 325/30 ZR 19 rear
6 cylinder bi-turbo boxer engine
Displacement 3.8 l
Maximum power 537 kW (730 bhp) at 7,000 rpm
Maximum torque 940 Nm at 3,500 rpm
6 speed manual gearbox
4WD standard, rear while drive only available as option
Top speed over 370 km/h
Dry weight (DIN) 1,495 kg
Price: 279,000.00 Euro (excl. VAT)

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VIDEO: BMW Releases Second Teaser of 2012 M5 Sedan

Turns out BMW's statement "We're all looking forward to Friday" was referring to yet another teaser video of the upcoming M5 sports saloon. This time, the Bavarian automaker showed the car testing in Northern Europe, albeit partially wrapped in the firm's traditional swirly camouflage. The official clip also hosts Dr. Kay Segler, president of BMW M GmbH, who describes the new M5 as "a bold business car, but with the push of a button, you have a sports car".

As you probably already know by now, the next M5 will come with a twin-turbocharged V8 engine, most likely based on the same unit found on the X5M and X6M crossovers. The official presentation of the M5 F10 is expected to take place at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show in September. Video follows after the break.

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VIDEO: Eminem Meets Italian Opera at Lancia's Presentations of the 2012 Thema and Flavia Concepts

The 81st Geneva International Salon marked Lancia's biggest but also, most controversial motor show appearance in recent years. Biggest because Lancia rolled out a total of six new vehicles and concept models, most controversial because four of those cars including the Thema flagship, the Flavia sedan and convertible concepts, and the Grand Voyager MPV are nothing more than rebadged Chryslers.

Lancia and Chrysler CEO Oliver Francois presented the Chrysler 300-based Thema under the sounds of an odd music mix. "Introducing this car of two continents in Geneva became a very personal affair, therefore I personally worked out a little piece of music, a blend of two musical cultures, Eminem's typical Detroit beat with a touch of Italian opera," said Francois just before the 2012 Thema saloon entered the stage.

Francois also took a stab at rival German premium carmakers saying that "there is a large pool of customers out there looking for an alternative to the German monochrome". However, the Italian firm's CEO quickly noted that "many have burned their fingers [in trying to compete with the Germans] in the past including Lancia", but also added that "according to the American press", the new 300 rivals the best Japanese and German premium models including the Lexus LS and the BMW 7 Series. Remember, we didn't say it, Francois did.

The American-Italian tune was continued with the presentation of the other three rebadged Chryslers, the Town & Country-based Lancia Grand Voyager minivan and the Chrysler 200-based Lancia Flavia concept cars, which Francois said rival the Rolls Royce Ghost- could enter production in less than six months from now.

Scroll down to watch Lancia's Geneva Motor Show presentations and have your say in the comments below.

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Photos and Video of the Ladies at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show

Shiny new cars and delightful young ladies go hand-in-hand at auto shows and thankfully, there were plenty of both on the floors of this week's 81st Geneva International Motor Show. So, if you've had enough of new cars and concept studies, then all you have to do is follow the break to enjoy a photo gallery and a video of the...other models of the show.

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