SsangYong Believes Actyon Sports is Popular Enough to Spawn a Successor, Concept Model Coming to Geneva

SsangYong, the ailing South Korean automaker that will soon pass into the control of India's Mahindra & Mahindra, will present a new concept model of its Actyon Sports at the Geneva Motor Show in early March. To be precise, SsangYong said in a statement that it will show "a stylish new concept of its popular Actyon Sports" called the SUT 1. You can see a selection of pictures of the current "popular" Actyon Sports as well as its precursor, the unforgettable Musso SUT after the jump.

The SUT 1 previews a production model that will go on sale across Europe and other markets from early 2012. As with both of its predecessors, the concept study is a hybrid of an SUV and a pickup truck - something like Subaru's Baja. The Geneva Show concept model is said to be similar in size to the current Actyon Sports measuring 4,985mm long, 1,910mm wide, 1,755mm high, and with a 3,060mm wheelbase.

It is powered by a new Euro 5 compliant 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine delivering 155-horses and a maximum torque of 360 Nm or 266 lb-ft. The production model will offer buyers the choice of a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission in either 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive configurations.

Geneva Preshow: Infiniti Outlines New Concept for Entry-Level Model

A pair of black and white sketches outlining the shape of what appears to be a hatchback model and a statement from Infiniti's Vice President, Andy Palmer, in 2010 saying that the brand is exploring the development of a new entry-level vehicle, is all we get about the Japanese luxury brand's new concept car that will debut at the Geneva Motor Show in the beginning of March.

However, we'll remind you during the September 2010 announcement, Mr. Palmer had shown a more revealing teaser rendering of an all-electric model capable of seating up to five passengers, which he said would enter production in 2013.

There have been unconfirmed reports that Infiniti will show a new hatchback model powered by Mercedes-Benz four-cylinder engines as part of the Daimler and Renault-Nissan deal signed in April 2010, but given the reference to Mr. Palmer's statement at the opening of the Infiniti Centre Piccadilly in London, an EV hatchback concept sounds more likely.

On a side note, even though Infiniti did not give us a name for the Geneva Salon concept, the images were saved as "Eftheria", which could be the name of the study.

We will follow the story and bring you any new information as soon as we get it.

Infiniti Press Release:

“Infiniti is currently examining concepts for a luxury performance car that will fit below the current G Line. Like every Infiniti, it will be completely different to anything currently offered by our rivals.” So said Andy Palmer, Senior Vice President for Infiniti, at the opening of the Infiniti Centre Piccadilly in London during September 2010.

Fast forward to the 81st Geneva International Motor Show where at 12:15 CET on March 1, 2011, Infiniti will present its next Inspired Performance: a concept car that will take the Japanese performance brand down a new road, to a new future.

Ardalan Farboud’s Pagani Sei Concept: Better than the Huayra?

You may be surprised to learn that the Pagani Huayra isn’t my cup of tea (that’s Anglo-speak for “ I don’t like it”). Conversely, I have a great amount of affection for the Zonda and its limited-run sister, the Zonda F. The Huayra seems more Spyker-lookalike than Enzo-killer, which many would agree was the first generation Z’s raison d’être.

I also like Ardalan Farboud’s Pagani Sei design study. It has the sort of unfussy slickness that the Zonda had and the Huayra lacks, while staying true to the brand’s tenets of being lithe, fast and using gratuitous amounts of carbon fibre. Farboud, a recent graduate from Coventry University’s Master of Design course, produced the Sei as part of his final year project.

Let’s take a moment to ignore the irrationality of studying the vital statistics of a car that does not nor will ever exist and dive right into it.

The Sei features two stainless steel subframes fore and aft of a carbon fibre tub, the former housing the axles and engine whilst the latter holds the interior and fuel storage. An aluminium alloy, AMG-sourced twin turbo 4.8 L V8 is good for a theoretical 1,200 hp (895 kW) coupled to a 6-speed semi-automatic gearbox. With up-shifts accomplished in an favorable fast 80 miliseconds, the Sei can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in a quick 2.9 seconds.

The car’s 1100 kg (2646 lb) kerb weight is supported by an F1-inspired carbon fibre, stainless steel and aluminium double wishbone suspension setup. The rear suspension is adjustable. 19 x 9.5 inch front and 20 x 12.5 inch rear carbon fibre wheels are wrapped in 265/35ZR19 front and 335/30ZR20 rear rubber.

Add to that a ceramic powder coated stainless steel exhaust, carbon ceramic disk brakes and E85 compatibility and you have one impressive (if completely imaginary) hypercar. There’s even a video that you can check out along with our comprehensive image gallery. Feel free to voice your opinion in the comments section below.