Thinking outside of the Boxer: First look at Yamaha's XT1200Z Super Tenere

by Devon Brozek (RSS feed) on Feb 26th, 2010 at 4:31PM

Yamaha Super Tenere – Click above for high-res photo gallery

We first spotted Yamaha's Super Tenere Concept in October of 2009 at the Tokyo Motor Show. Back then, it was shrouded in fabric and far too polished to be anywhere close to our garage. Fast forward – it's a new year and the Tuning Fork Company has revealed that this concept has bridged the gap to reality. A good move, considering the continued growth of the adventure and dual sport motorcycle markets. But is the Super Tenere really all that super?

One look at the styling cues of Japan's plus-size model, which tips the scales at 575 pounds wet, and we know what lies in her cross-hairs. For anyone who needs a hint, it starts with a B and ends with an MW. That may not be a bad thing, though. BMW's GS lineup has been parked squarely on prime real estate in the big-boned adventure market for some time now.

The production Super T looks to have made good use of the 6.07 gallon fuel tank covers that should double as wind deflectors. A no-frills upper fairing holds a factory guarded headlight and what could be an adjustable windscreen. What may be most interesting feature is the use of an upright 1199cc parallel twin producing 108 pulsing ponies and 84 pound-feet of torque. Yamaha is using a version of their "Pulsing Power" concept as well as traction control borrowed from the development team in charge of the YZF-R1. To reach terra firma, power will be dolled out through six gears and sent down a shaft drive system.

Upon closer inspection, we noticed center-reinforced tubeless spoke wheels as well as a fully adjustable set of suspenders front and rear. A two-piece seat, which should make loading cargo convenient, will require 33 to 34 inches of clearance depending on adjustment. The guessing game will have to suffice regarding pricing at the moment, however even with the optional ABS system and some other goodies, we expect a lower price category than anything sporting a Roundel. We'll do our best to find out if a boat full of XT1200Z Super Teneres are up for the adventure of the U.S. market.

Geneva Leakage: Ferrari 599 Hybrid caught on stage

by Damon Lavrinc (RSS feed) on Feb 26th, 2010 at 5:21PM

Ferrari 599 Hybrid – Click above for image gallery

With just a few days separating us from the Geneva Motor Show, the list of surprises continues to dwindle. The latest victim is the much-anticipated Ferrari 599 Hybrid which the automaker has confirmed will appear in Switzerland next week.

The shots appear to have been taken from the show stand, so there's no hard information to go off of yet. What we do know is that Ferrari will employ a version of its Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) that originally debuted during the 2009 Formula 1 season on the 599. The system captures energy normally lost to the flywheel under braking, sending a boost of energy to the wheels when the driver hits a steering wheel-mounted button. Judging by the size of the battery pack, it's doubtful that the 599 will be able to operate on electric power alone. We'll find out soon enough, but until then, check out Ferrari's green beastie in the gallery below. Top tip John.

Video: Valentino Balboni drives his self-titled Lamborghini

by Damon Lavrinc (RSS feed) on Feb 26th, 2010 at 7:22PM

Click above to view the video after the jump

We've seen Valentino Balboni drive the tires off his namesake and even managed to spend a few hours with the man while stuck in LA's notoriously hellish traffic. Now, Danish magazine Bil Magasinet gets some quality time with the famed test driver as he flogs his Lamborghini LP550-2 across the frozen countryside.

Balboni's warm, Italian charm stands in stark contrast to the surrounding snow as he offers up several choice quotes about Lamborghinis past and present, his time with the automaker and the development of the LP550-2, among others. Speaking about the lack of all-wheel drive, Balboni says simply, "You need to control the car, the car doesn't control you." And with that he pulls off yet another perfect powerslide and goes about his day. It's like you're sitting in the passenger seat yourself. Hit the jump to see what we mean.