Paris 2010

[Mr.B]

BMW X3

BMW has whisked the sheets off of its 2011 X3, and the second-generation crossover looks suspiciously like its predecessor. Beyond a seemingly endless parade of spy shots over the last couple of years, that's predictable, as the Spartanburg built X3 has been a considerable sales success for the German automaker.

While the sheetmetal stays largely the same, the lineup receives new engines and an eight-speed automatic gearbox that's set to spread like kudzu throughout the automaker's offerings. The X3 also becomes the first model in BMW's growing X franchise to adopt electric power steering (the automaker's controversial variable sports steering rack is optional), as well as optional Damper Control and Dynamic Drive Control (as seen on its range of sedans and sports cars).

In addition to the new sheetmetal, BMW promises added rear seat room, addressing one of the vehicle's key shortcomings for the North American market.

Power will come from BMW's Twinpower Turbo (Bimmerese for twin-scroll turbo) inline six-cylinder that gives the XDrive35i model 306 brake horsepower at 5,800 rpm with max torque of 295 pound-feet of torque at just 1,300 rpm. That's good enough for a 0-62 mph time of just 5.7 seconds and a top whack of 152 mph, though it's not clear if that figure will be governed when it reaches us Yanks. An entry-level xDrive28i model will also receive I-6 power, with 240 hp and 230 pound-feet of torque. Naturally, diesel mills will also be available in other areas of the globe, but as of yet, BMW officials haven't committed to bringing an oil burner to the States. The petrol model, however, should be in showrooms before year's end.

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/30/paris-2...w-yet-familiar/



Opel GTC Paris Concept

If there's one thing we can count on from the Paris Motor Show, it's a slew of sexy hatches. Opel was first out of the gate with the GTC Concept which the automaker is pitching as an obtainable sports car that can still haul five people if the need arose. Under that creased hood sits a turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline engine good for an undisclosed amount of pep (we're hearing 240+ horsepower), though as small as the GTC is, we can't imagine it would take much to get the hatch to hustle.

We're digging the GTC's hunkered stance, especially in the rear, where a set of flared hips dominate the vehicle's design. If you live in the old country and your mouth is watering at the thought of this slinky German, we've got bad news for you. As of right now, Opel has no plans to bring the GTC Concept to life, but we'd put money on a production version within the next year. Hit the jump for the full press release.

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/30/paris-2...-paris-concept/



Opel Astra Sports Tourer

Opel is keeping busy, and aside from moving into a handful of new markets and pulling the sheets off of a hot concept, the German manufacturer has been whittling away on its long-roof interpretation of the company's Astra. The 2011 Astra Sports Tourer wears the brand's trademark nose and sculpted sheet metal, but throws in an arching roofline for good measure. Inside, buyers can look forward to a set of snappy folding seats in the rear Opel claims should help make the car appealing to both families and small businesses looking to haul goods.

Power comes from either an uber-thrifty 95-horsepower mill or a more robust 180-pony lump, and a total of three transmissions are available – a five-speed manual, six-speed manual and six-speed automatic. The company says that European buyers can expect to see a start/stop system land on its 1.3-liter turbo-diesel engine in the Astra Sports Tourer as well

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/30/paris-2...-sports-tourer/



Lamborghini Sesto Elemento Concept

Surely, one of the most hotly anticipated releases at the 2010 Paris Motor Show would be the Lamborghini Sesto Elemento Concept. After all, no automaker has teased the masses these last few weeks more than Lamborghini, and perhaps no single vehicle manufacturer is as beloved by the teenage boys lurking inside each one of us.

That said, any new Lambo is going to have big shoes to fill, with such classics as the Miura, Countach, Diablo and Murcielago, Gallardo and Reventon each holding its well-earned place in the annals of supercardom. Will the Sesto Elemento turn out to be yet another masterpiece from Italy? Too early to say, but we can still drool a bit over the live shots in our high-res image gallery below. Enjoy!

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/29/paris-2...hts-up-the-sta/



2012 Ford Focus ST

To say that American enthusiasts have been anxiously awaiting a properly hotted up version of Ford's European hatchback would be a gross understatement. And while we're still waiting for a proper Focus RS to hit our shores, we're certainly happy to see its little brother, the Focus ST, hit the showroom floor with promises of coming Stateside in 2012 ringing in our ears.

Here's why our interest is piqued: a turbocharged 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine with 247 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque; a six-speed manual transmission and Ford's new torque-vectoring power control system. Throw in a Tangerine Scream paint job and some 19-inch alloys in the Blue Oval's signature Y-spoke ST pattern and we're tickled pink.

Sure, we're still waiting on an official price tag, but that won't stop us from poring over these live photos from Paris, now will it?

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/29/paris-2...-hatches-early/

[Mr.B]

2011 Porsche 911 Speedster

Another day, another new iteration of the Porsche 911. Not that we're complaining. This time around we got to feast our lucky eyes on the limited-edition 2011 Porsche 911 Speedster while it makes its world debut at the 2010 Paris Motor Show.

The 911 Speedster is designed to pay homage to the original Porsche 356. Combine the French Racing Blue paint job, 408 horsepower flat-six engine and a low run of 356 models, and we expect the 911 Speedster to be sold out by the time you are done looking through the high-res image gallery below.

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/29/paris-2...gs-a-blue-note/




2011 Bentley Continental GT

Here is your first glimpse at the redesigned 2011 Bentley Continental GT as it makes its world debut at the Paris Motor Show. Earlier, we mentioned that it will receive a nearly four percent price hike over the previous model, which is nothing compared to the overall improvements the new car has received.

Like any car, it has good and bad angles (obviously, the exception to this rule is the Maserati GranTurisumo which looks beautiful from every angle...) – we'll hold off final judgment until we can see it outside in natural light, not surrounded by a mob of flash bulbs and clamoring journalists. See for yourself in our high-res gallery of live images below.

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/29/2011-be...esh-from-paris/



2011 Volkswagen Passat

Volkswagen was so eager to unveil its new Passat that it revealed the car a day before the Paris Motor Show actually begins. It's received the Jetta treatment to some degree, but the softer looks may actually work better on the Passat than for its smaller brother.

The all-new Passat is intended for an older demographic and the styling seems to reflect that. We look forward to seeing it on our shores. Speaking of which, the 2011 goes on sale in the United Kingdom this October and VW plans to announce North American availability in the very near future

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/29/paris-2...ello-in-person/



Audi Quattro Concept

Here they are folks, the first live images we've managed to snap of the Audi Quattro Concept that's currently being debuted at the Paris Motor Show. We expect to get much more closely acquainted with the machine over the next couple of days, but until then, take a gander at the machine that Audi crafted to celebrate 30 years of Quattro performance.

Keep in mind that this sucker is packing 408 horsepower from its turbocharged five-cylinder engine and routing all those ponies through a six-speed manual gearbox to all four wheels, making for a power-to-weight ratio on par with that of the Audi R8 5.2 FSI. See the rest of the details here. A fitting tribute, if we do say so ourselves.

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/29/paris-2...rs-of-performa/



Peugeot 508

Peugeot is celebrating its 200th birthday (as a company) and to mark the occasion, the French automaker is planning an all-out product offensive. Chief among them is the mighty 508 – a sedan that benefits from reduced weight and increased interior room compared to the old 407. In a word: Progress.

Initially, the company says that the 508 will be available with everything from a 1.6-liter four-cylinder with 120 horsepower and 118 pound-torque of torque to a 150-hp 2.2-liter turbo-diesel mill with 331 lb-ft of torque. Available gearboxes vary from a six-speed automatic to both five- and six-speed manuals. Peugeot also plans to roll out a hybrid version of the big sedan, though the company says that European buyers can expect to wait a little while on that one. Interestingly, Pug officials say when the 508 does get its batteries, the hybrid will pack a 200 hp diesel in addtion to whatever the electric motors add.

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/30/paris-2...things-to-come/

[Mr.B]

Ferrari SA APERTA

Sergio and Andrea Pininfarina would be proud. The Ferrari SA APERTA has made its global entrance, so stare at it while you can because you might never see one in person. Just 80 sans-roof examples of the front-engined V12 hot-rod will be built. That number serves to honor the 80th anniversary of Pininfarina, just as the letters S and A honor Sergio and Andrea Pininfarina.

It's not entirely topless, though. It does come with a lightweight soft-top which can be installed if the rain begins to fall. We imagine the procedure for putting that top on is surprisingly difficult and it would be smarter to just drive faster and evade the weather. It would be a shame to muffle the open-air song from that 6.0-liter 12-cylinder engine, even just a little bit.

The Ferrari SA APERTA (aperta is Italian for "open") is a wonderful way to pay tribute to two men and a company that have played an important role for Enzo's company.

Paris 2010: Ferrari SA APERTA is a limited-edition homage to Pininfarina — Autoblog




Lotus Elite

Lotus continues its march towards global sportscar domination with the 2010 Paris Motor Show unveiling of the Lotus Elite. The Elite represents a step away from "lighter is better" because it is a hefty, four-passenger grand tourer – it weighs in at 3,600 pounds. One of the reasons it's so heavy? It has a retractable, folding hardtop. Don't let the weight throw you off though, this is a good looking, aggressively styled powerhouse. Under the hood sits a modified version of the 5.0-liter V8 out of a Lexus IS-F. The unit is then massaged to produce 611 horsepower which propels the car to a sub-four-second 0-60 time and a top speed of 195 miles per hour. The Elite will also be fitted with KERS for a quick boost of recovered energy.

The front mid-engine layout should help balance the Lotus Elite and make for an exciting driving experience. We expect this car to represent a slightly softer side for the automaker, but that's like saying we expect a bomb to hurt less than a missile. The entire Lotus lineup is poised in attack position, the Elite just happens to wear clothes from the Big and Tall store.

Lotus is aiming to bring this sporty road warrior to market sometime in the year 2014. If you invest your money wisely now, you just might be able to save the estimated $180,000 you'll need to put one in your driveway. Check out the Elite in action with a video clip after the jump.

Paris 2010: Lotus shows off its new Grand Tourer, the Elite [w/video] — Autoblog



2011 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS

Nestled in between Porsche's perennial favorite 911 Carrera S and audacious 911 GT3 is the automaker's latest creation – the 911 Carrera GTS. It features the slightly wider body of the all-wheel-drive Carrera 4 models, but only delivers its power to the rear wheels. Speaking of power, Porsche has upgraded the 3.8-liter flat-six to crank out 408 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, and with added visual bits like 19-inch RS Spyder wheels and SportDesign front and rear fascias, this is indeed the middle child 911 that we'd be happy to live with.

The 911 Carrera GTS is making its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show, and we've snagged some live shots of both the coupe and cabriolet under the auto show lights. Have a click through our high-res image galleries below to see the latest hotness.

Paris 2010: 2011 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS is the middle child we can live with — Autoblog



Exagon Motors Furtive eGT

Exagon Motors hasn't often appeared in these pages – the company built some electric ice racers last year – and so yesterday's announcement of the Furtive e-GT extended-range/all-electric sports car caught us by surprise. We recovered from our shock long enough to check it out in person at the Paris Motor Show today, and the metal does the sleek shape more favors than a camera lens. Still, with a 0-60 time of 3.5 seconds (take that, Tesla Roadster) and some range guarantees (!), we'll take one no matter how it looks.

Specifically, Exagon guarantees that the Furtive-eGT will be able to go – when "calculated according to European standards and energy use cycles" – the following distances before the range extender kicks in:

At a constant speed of 50 km/h : 402 km (31 miles per hour : 250 miles)
At a constant speed of 90 km/h : 288 km (56 mph : 179 miles)
At a constant speed of 110 km/h : 241 km (68 mph : 150 miles)
At a constant speed of 130 km/h : 197 km (81 mph : 122 miles)

Another interesting thing about the Furtive-eGT is that the range extender is an option, which is certainly a welcome change from the one-type-fits-all powertrains we see in the Tesla, Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Volt. Check out more views of the Furtive-eGT in the gallery below and be sure to click past the jump to watch the video.

Paris 2010: Exagon Motors Furtive eGT range-extended EV looks better in person [w/video] — Autoblog




Peugeot HR1 Concept

In addition to pulling the sheets back on its new 508, Peugeot unveiled its newest concept at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. Called the HR1 Concept, the car is what we would assume would happen if a Prius knocked boots with the SEMA world. Behind the only-a-mother-could-love face, the HR1 benefits from a turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine in front and a 37-horsepower electric motor positioned in the rear of the vehicle. This is a through-the-road hybrid, which means the two powertrains operate independantly and are only connected, well, through the road. Both are bolted to a six-speed automatic transmission, and all told, the company says that the drivetrain is good for a combined "potential power" of 147 hp. Even better, fuel consumption is kept down to 3.5 liters per 100 kilometers, or around 67 mpg US.

In marketing speak, the HR1 boasts an "alternative door structure" as part of its effort to combine as many vehicle body structures as possible. Peugeot says its designers baked elements from the city car, coupe and SUV philosophies into the final look of this hybrid. Surprisingly enough, there are no current plans to bring the HR1 to life.

Paris 2010: Peugeot HR1 Concept — Autoblog




Lotus Elan Concept

We didn't see this one coming. Lotus' five-car concept explosion at the Paris Motor Show is one of the most welcome surprises sprung on us in recent memory... and the biggest surprise of all may be this Elan. Lotus says its new Elan is slated for a debut in 2013, which makes us wonder what the future may have in store for the current Evora. Pricing for the 2013 Elan is set at $118,500 (£75,000).

In any case, the Elan is powered by a 450-horsepower supercharged 4.0-liter V6 engine with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox from Toyota, which offers enough gumption to scoot to 62 miles per hour in just 3.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 193 mph. Lotus also promises that a hybrid will be available using a Kinetic Energy Recovery System similar to those seen in Formula One a season ago.

Take a good look at the awesome cockpit of the 2013 Elan. Plenty of carbon fiber, plenty of high-tech goodies, even including a digital race track readout for track days. And could anything be better than that awesome flat-bottom and flat-top steering wheel? No, we didn't think so.

Weight comes in at 2,849 pounds and there is room for a driver and a passenger, but Lotus will also optionally deliver the Elan with two itty-bitty perches out back. Are we sensing that Lotus has the Porsche 911 in its sights? You betcha'. Check out the 2013 Lotus Elan in our high-res image gallery below.

Paris 2010: Lotus Elan Concept stuns the crowds [w/video] — Autoblog

[Mr.B]

Lotus Eterne Concept

When we think of Lotus, the words "hybrid" and "sedan" aren't exactly the first words that come to mind. Now, though, Lotus is changing all that with the introduction of its Eterne concept, a four-door sedan with an optional hybrid powertrain. This may be a big step in a different direction for Lotus, but it's nothing new. The Eterne takes the same shape as the Porsche Panamera, Aston Martin Rapide and Audi A7 Sportback.

Like the new Esprit concept, the Eterne is powered by a 620-horsepower, 5.0-liter V8 sourced from Toyota. The optional hybrid drivetrain uses a Formula 1-style KERS energy recuperation system, and the Lotus sedan will be available in both rear- and all-wheel drive. Of course, this is still a Lotus, so good performance numbers are an absolute must, and we're told that the Eterne will run to 60 miles per hour in just 4.0 seconds on its way to a top speed of 196 mph.

While merely a concept at this point, Lotus says that the Eterne is slated for production in 2015 and that the sedan will cost around $190,000. We'll have live photos direct from the Paris Motor Show floor soon, so stay tuned.

Paris 2010: Lotus debuts Eterne hybrid sedan concept [w/video] — Autoblog




Lotus Elise Concept

There's no denying that Lotus had lost its way prior to the release of the much-loved Elise. The company that Colin built had strayed from its roots of lightweight sports cars and drifted towards the exotic realm... and it had drastic effects on the company's bottom line. Thankfully, the Elise and its hard-core cousin, the Exige, set the company back on the straight and narrow.

All of this begs the question, though: How do you update a modern classic like the Elise? Lotus' answer is currently being shown off at the Paris Motor Show. Here are the basics: 320 horsepower from a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine procured from Toyota, a six-speed manual and optional paddle-shifted automatic transmission, and a 2,409-pound curb weight. This supercharged model can hit 62 in 4.3 seconds. Price? $55,000.

For those keeping track of such things, which is to say nearly all of you, that is indeed heavier and more expensive than the current Elise... and that's not good. Fortunately, Lotus promises that there will be less expensive versions of the 2015 Elise available, presumably without the benefit of forced induction. There will also be both hard-and soft-top models on offer.

What all Elises will offer, though, is a more luxurious cabin and easier entry and exit. We're loving the look of the interior, with its pod-like binnacle of instruments, steering wheel with F1-style progressive shift lights and its digital rendering of race circuits for those venturing out the the track. As for the exterior, well, let's just say we're not quite on board yet with what Lotus designers have planned for the brand's future. Fortunately they have plenty of time to change our minds.

Paris 2010: Lotus Elise Concept evolves the sports car [w/video] — Autoblog



Lotus Esprit Concept

Lotus is ready to make a big impact at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. It brought five concept vehicles to the show (more on the other four in short order), and one in particular has us salivating. Lotus plans to revive the much-loved Esprit for the 2013 model year. Before we see a production version of that car, the automaker is showcasing its Lotus Esprit Concept.

Taking cues from the old Esprit, the Esprit Concept plunks its engine amidship, though instead of honoring the turbocharged four-cylinders that powered the originals, the concept makes do with a meaty supercharged 5.0-liter V8. That V8 will look familiar to fans of the Lexus IS-F. The two-seater will produce 620 horsepower, accelerate from 0-60 in under 3.5 seconds and then blast onward to a 205-mile-per-hour top speed. The plan is to bring the production version to market in the spring of 2013 with a price tag around $175,000.

In addition to the massive, and massively exciting ,V8 power, the Lotus Esprit will also be offered with KERS as an option. KERS, or Kinetic Energy Recovery System, is a system used by Formula 1 cars to recover heat energy generated during braking. The energy is stored until the driver wants a powerful boost and with a push of a button propels the car with more force than two bottles of NOS... the big ones.

Stay tuned as we'll update this post with more official images as well as live shots from the show floor soon.

Paris 2010: Lotus Esprit Concept previews upcoming revival of a legend [w/video] — Autoblog




Mini Countryman WRC

When Mini first announced it was taking the Countryman to tango with the rest of the brawlers in the World Rally Championship, we had our doubts about the crossover's ability to keep the pace. But judging by the look of the Prodrive-prepped machine, the Countryman WRC should have no problem locking horns with the big boys on the world stage. Mini gave the rally racer an official unveil at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, but the company is keeping the drivetrain details to itself for now.

Not too long ago, the internets enjoyed a rash of videos showing a Countryman WRC prototype busting through the hills of Portugal, so we have some notion of the car's capabilities off tarmac. Will Prodrive's expertise be enough to help Mini keep its head above water in the WRC? Something tells us that all depends on who they stick in the cockpit. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Paris 2010: Mini Countryman WRC looks the part — Autoblog




Nissan Townpod EV

Nissan has revealed its Townpod EV concept, a sort of larger, more amorphous take on the Cube and Leaf. Singularly Japanese in feel, the Townpod is intended to bridge the world of private and commercial vehicles. According to the splendiforously indulgent press release (sample: "The innovative position of the headlights also allows a coupe-esque bonnet line, not dissimilar to Nissan Z, which feeds in to a visor-like wraparound, blue tinted glass house, reminiscent of Nissan Cube, while the galls to body proportions hark back to the rat-rods of the fifties."), the Townpod targets everyone from young entrepreneurs to first-time home builders and retirees looking to turn their hobby into a paycheck.

The barn-doored concept has a bizarrely characterful and friendly looking animated marshmallow-like face, with headlamps that feature blue 'petals' that change position depending on whether they are being used as marker units or headlights. The interior is a flexible space that's designed to accept third-party storage accessories and such, and it's complete with a display that according to Nissan is designed to coordinate with the owner's PDA (who uses a PDA anymore?).

Nissan says that the Townpod has been designed as an EV, though interestingly, it actually doesn't explain the motivational technology underneath the vehicle's sheetmetal. Its mystery powerplant is seemingly appropriate for such a blank-canvas concept, of course. After all, François Bancon, Nissan's general manager of its Exploratory and Advance Planning Department notes that the same blank-slate mindset is true of the car's intended audience: "What is more revealing is that Nissan Townpod users do not appreciate stereotypes or status symbols. For them, the ultimate status is to have no status." Uh-huh.

Check out our high-res galleries below and be sure to hop the jump for more sage thoughts from Nissan.

Paris 2010: Townpod EV concept continues Nissan's obsession with car as appliance — Autoblog




2012 Nissan GT-R

Well look what we found tucked away in a glass-enclosed corner of the Nissan stand. What you're looking at is the 2012 Nissan GT-R, complete with a fascia comprised of a restyled bumper, air-intakes and LED daytime running lamps. A new diffuser pulled from the SpecM is mounted out back, along with new lightweight wheels that may or may not be included in the final package. Our insider wouldn't give us any details on power increases, but they did say we should keep an eye out for an official announcement in the coming months.

Paris 2010: Facelifted 2012 Nissan GT-R — Autoblog

[Mr.B]

2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS

The 2012 Mercedes CLS is the second act of the car that invented both the market segment and the grammatical quandary known as the "four-door coupe." Made dramatically more bold for this go-round, it features an upright grille that flows back into a rump that disappears in photos but holds its own in person. The new sedan is also lighter, with aluminum doors that are 52 pounds less heavy and an aluminum hood, front fenders, trunk lid and parcel shelf.

Along with the design, the engines are the story. There will be four available, starting with two 3.5-liter V6 engines in Europe. One is a 265-horsepower diesel engine and the other a 306-hp gas V6 with standard stop/start. Next comes the 2.5-liter four-cylinder diesel with 204 hp, and last to arrive is the V8 CLS 550 putting out 402 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque.

LED High Performance Active Headlights, Direct-Steer electromechanical steering, a tweaked suspension lifted from the E-Class, and a host of interior trim options that range from carbon fiber to high gloss brown burl walnut are among the many changes on the car. There are more details in the press release after the jump, and a gallery of live high-res photos below.

Paris 2010: 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS comes on strong — Autoblog




Jaguar C-X75 Concept

Yesterday's big surprise at the Paris Motor Show was the range-extended electric supercar from Jaguar, the C-X75 Concept. Built to celebrate the marque's 75th anniversary, the concept looks forward to the future while honoring Jaguar's heritage and design. Featuring four electric motors producing 195 horsepower at each wheel, along with two micro-gas turbines that – in theory – charge the batteries, the C-X75 can top 205 mph and has a projected combined range of 560 miles. Jaguar says it has no plans to produce the car, although it would be more than a worthy successor to the notorious XJ220.

From our vantage point, we're split on the looks. While most of us think it's stunning – especially in person – there's a vocal minority that doesn't think it looks "Jaguar" enough. Truth be told, it doesn't necessarily look like any Jaguar road car ever built, but it's easy to see that inspiration was taken from the 1966 Jaguar XJ13 race car.

You can see all of our photos from the live debut in the gallery below, or for full details on the car hit the jump for the press release.

Range Rover Evoque

Land Rover's critical new Range Rover Evoque debuted today at the Paris Motor Show, ushering in a brave new world for the British off-roader brand. The debut continues the company's march toward the softroader segment, a movement first started with the LR2/Freelander and now resulting in the handsome new three-door seen here.

Slated to be joined shortly by a five-door version, the compact Evoque fits right into the Land Rover mold design-wise, albeit with a surprising amount of surface jewelry for such a sleek two-box shape. From the protruding fog lamps to the horizontal matte chrome-trimmed hood intakes to the unique divots atop the wheel lip moldings and the somewhat fiddly taillamp lenses, there's quite a bit to draw one's eye. The overall impression one gets of the vehicle on the show floor is one of imposing width, a feeling that's magnified when you realize that an individual of average height can see over the vehicle when standing next to it.

The drivetrain is no less revolutionary for the brand, with a 2.0-liter turbo four pushing out 240 horsepower through a new permanent all-wheel-drive system. Key options for the Evoque include Adaptive Dynamics and Magneride adaptive damping and a massive panoramic roof which makes the interior feel like a greenhouse even on the Paris show floor. While the littlest Rover lacks the full-on four-wheel-drive weaponry of its bigger siblings, it does feature the latest distillation of the company's Terrain Response Control, and with good arrival and departure angles, it should still be better than most crossovers when it comes to tackling off-pavement activities.

The Evoque won't go on sale globally until next Fall, so for now you can try to make heads or tails out of the low-slung Landie by perusing our galleries below and reading the official press verbiage after the jump.

Paris 2010: Range Rover Evoque shows up ready for production — Autoblog




Ford Fiesta RS WRC

The FIA World Rally Championship is shaping up to be particularly interesting in 2011, and the new-for-2011 Ford Fiesta RS is a big reason why. The Blue Oval's latest dirt-spitting racer will contest its first race at Rally Sweden in mid-February, but the Fiesta S2000-based rally car made its debut this morning at the Paris Motor Show.

In typical WRC fashion, the blue and gray Fiesta RS is all gaping intakes, massive flares and skyscraping wings, and needless to say, it looks The Business. Motivated by an EcoBoost-branded 1.6-liter turbocharged four of undisclosed output, the four-wheel-drive RS will get a shakedown run on Spain's gravel roads next week, though Ford says it's already conducted about 3,000 kilometers worth of testing with various engines.

The new car, which supplants the Blue Oval's prior Focus-based WRC car, will be driven by Mikko Hirvonen and Jarmo Lehtinen, along with Jari-Matti Latvala and Miikka Anttila. Check out our spanking-new galleries below and pop past the jump for the official press release.

Paris 2010: Ford Fiesta RS WRC ready to hit the dirt running — Autoblog




Audi e-tron Spyder

Audi keeps on growing its e-tron family. The automaker pulled a fast one by unveiling yet another electrified monster at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, only this time, the low-slung hybrid came sans-top. The concept is powered by two electric motors and a 300-horsepower twin-turbo TDI V6 that comes to the fight with 479 pound-feet of torque. Audi says that despite the hefty 9.1 kilowatt-hour battery mounted up front, it managed to keep the weight low and distribute the pounds evenly across the chassis. As a result, this e-tron should be plenty flingable if it ever makes it off of the stage and onto a public road.

Audi says the e-tron Spyder hits the scales at 3,196 pounds and that the drivetrain can be driver-controlled to operate on electric power only at speeds up to 37 mph for a total of 31 miles. The manufacturer says that in city driving, the capability is more than enough to hang with traffic. If not, there's always that juicy diesel V6 to play with. Hit the jump for the full press blast.

Paris 2010: Audi e-tron Spyder is what topless hybrid dreams are made of — Autoblog



2011 Audi A1 1.4 TFSI

Despite the success of the Mini Cooper and America's newfound love of hatchbacks, Audi continues to deny us the all-new A1. There are a variety of reasons for excluding the pint-sized hatch from the U.S. market (marketing, brand image, average transaction price, etc.), but the introduction of the twin-charged A1 here at the Paris Motor Show has us questioning all of them.

Packing a 1.4-liter TFSI (read: both turbo and supercharged) inline four-cylinder engine, the A1 puts out 185 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque, sends it to the front wheels through a seven-speed S tronic gearbox and can sprint to 60 in 6.9 seconds on its way to a top speed of 141 mph. Think of it as the luxury alternative to the Ford Fiesta, with a price tag to match: €24,250 or just over $30k at current exchange rates. Get all the details in the press release after the jump.

Paris 2010: 2011 Audi A1 1.4 TFSI — Autoblog

[Mr.B]

Volvo V60 and S60 R-Design

We recently drove the 2011 Volvo S60 in the wilds of Oregon and came away rather impressed with both its performance and in-person aesthetics. That said, we generally don't begrudge a bit more visual aggression, and to that end, Volvo has obliged with a pair of new R-Design models here at the Paris Motor Show that includes the S60 sedan and its not-for-North-America V60, a wagon so attractive that we couldn't help but lead off our live coverage with it.

In either case, the well-integrated R-Design package consists of a distinct front fascia, rear bumper cutout with diffuser and bespoke 18-inch alloys in a fetching smoked finish. While there isn't any more power under the hood, the 300-horsepower 3.0-liter inline turbo six should fit the bill rather nicely, especially with its generous 325 pound-feet of torque. No word on any shift-map changes for the six-speed automatic gearbox, but what we'd really like to see for this sportier S60 is a set of paddle shifters.

That aside, R-Design models ought to handle a bit better than their more common brethren, as they hug the ground a bit more closely thanks to shorter, stiffer coils and monotube shocks. The rest of the suspension gets beefed up, too, with firmer bushings and a front strut-tower brace. Check out our from-the-floor images below and the official press release after the jump.

Paris 2010: Volvo V60 and S60 R-Design models look a good bit naughtier — Autoblog





BMW Concept 6 Series Coupé

BMW's press conference at the Paris Motor Show won't take place until later today, but the boys from Bavaria left their Concept 6 Series Coupé hanging around on the display's massive curved plinth.

While we couldn't finagle our way inside to take a gander at the interior (at least not yet), the crisply styled GT clearly foreshadows the nearly-here 6 Series production model. The attractive and surprisingly large coupe borrows bits from Beijing's Grand Coupe concept as well as the new 5 Series, particularly in the nose.

When it arrives next year, the serial 6'er will likely be powered by BMW's range of turbocharged and naturally aspirated six-cylinder engines, with eight-cylinder motivation reserved for the next M6

Paris 2010: BMW Concept 6 Series Coupé looks low, flat and mean — Autoblog

[julian_s13]

Isnt Mr B. A unit of measurement slightly smaller than a mm As in metre centimetre millimetre Mr B . ???

[maca]

Isnt Mr B. A unit of measurement slightly smaller than a mm As in metre centimetre millimetre Mr B . ???

Where the cock do you come up with such randomness?

LOVE the Lotus sedan, and the V60

[gareth_oau]

very unusual spoiler on the back of the mini!

and no news on an Audi RS3?

[Mr.B]

very unusual spoiler on the back of the mini!

and no news on an Audi RS3?

Negative.

Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale

Maserati can produce some gorgeous automobiles. The Maserati GranTurismo is no exception, in fact we'd place it in the give-up-your-first-born-to-own-one category of beautiful. In addition to its looks, the GranTurismo is a powerful and luxurious grand touring machine that causes both eyes and ears to strain for more as it goes by. The 430-horsepower GranTurismo S was the king of the trident-wearing coupes, until today. Taking the stage at the 2010 Paris Motor Show is the all-new Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale.

The GranTurismo MC Stradale ratchets up the excitement by pushing power output to 450 horsepower. The chassis has been tweaked and the body slightly updated for increased aerodynamics. The MC Stradale manages to increase the levels of downforce without causing a noticeable increase in drag. The result is an elegant two-door that's begging for track time. Have a look at our high-res gallery of the drool-worthy Maserati, below.

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/30/paris-2...t-an-italian-d/




2011 Infiniti G37 Convertible

Infiniti continues to roll out its new Infiniti Performance Line, IPL, and naturally the next vehicle to get the sporty kit is the G37 Convertible. The 2011 Infiniti IPL G Convertible lines up next to the already-revealed IPL G Coupe and shares the same aggressive body kit and stylish 19-inch, seven-spoke graphite wheels.

We suspect power will be slightly down compared to the IPL G Coupe, much like how the standard G coupe is slightly more powerful than its respective convertible counterpart. Pricing has yet to be announced as this is technically a concept, but with the IPL G Coupe trickling up to the $50K mark we expect the convertible to cross that threshold. Have a look at Infiniti's more aggressive droptop G in the gallery below.

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/30/paris-2...the-ipl-workup/




Hyundai teams up with Brabus for sportier i20

After a 2008 introduction, the Hyundai i20 is back at the Paris Motor Show but this time it's got a bit of an attitude. Hyundai has teamed up with Brabus to create the i20 Sport Edition. So far the only details released involve the appearance changes. The front skirt and wheel arches take on an angrier appearance while Yokohama rubber gets wrapped around a set of 17-inch Brabus alloy wheels. The black mesh looks good next to the black bezel around the headlights, as well as the added LED daytime running strips.

While the outside sports that subtly-cool hot-hatch look, the inside looks it was "designed" by the Great Pumpkin after a night spent throwing one too many back. Though the orange-black paint scheme is a little much, the sporty Recaro seats, leather-lined surfaces and seven-inch touchscreen are welcome additions.

We're still waiting to hear what is powering the Hyundai i20 Sport Edition, but with Brabus involved we can only hope for the best. The car will enter production during the first half of 2011, and it will be released as a limited-edition model, available in both three and five-door versions. Follow the jump for Hyundai's press blast.

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/30/paris-2...r-sportier-i20/




2011 Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG

Making the swap from a naturally aspirated 6.3- 6.2-liter V8 to a direct injection, twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8 hasn't at all reduced the Mercedes CL63 AMG's brawny beauty. The standard version gets 544 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. Opt for the AMG Performance Package and you boost that to 571 hp and 664 lb-ft. All that power doesn't come with a bigger fuel price, either: at 22 combined miles per gallon with the help of stop/start and the AMG Speedshift MCT seven-speed sport transmission, the new car posts a 25 percent increase in fuel economy over the 6.2-liter beast.

The AMG Performance Package that throws in all that extra gumption also comes with double-spoke wheels in titanium gray, extra carbon fiber trim under the hood and in the cabin, as well as a leather and Alcantara steering wheel. With it you get a 4.4-second 0-60 time, without you'll have to make do with 4.5 seconds.

Helping you keep things composed while on the move are crosswind stabilization added to the Active Body Control, Direct Steer and Torque Vectoring Braking, which brakes the inside wheel when necessary to maintain crispness when things go curvy. If you're looking for a bit of green, you'll find it in the regenerative braking. The rest better be in your wallet. All the details are in the press release after the jump and the high-res gallery of images below.

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/01/paris-2...es-wall-street/



2011 Citroën DS4

Citroën continues to expand its DS lineup of cars. The first model-launched with the DS styling was the DS3, and here at the Paris Motor Show we have just gotten our first look at the all-new Citroën DS4.

The five-door hatchback shows off the new direction of Citroën styling and pushes the automaker into a new era. The DS4 will be available with a slew of engine choices that can be paired up with either a six-speed automatic or manual transmission. For diesel fans, there are 110- and 160-horsepower units, however the ever-important torque figures are not yet available. Petrolheads can choose from either 120-, 155- or 200-hp gasoline-drinking variants. Word on the virtual street is that a sportier DS4 Racing model is also in the works.

We love seeing automakers push for new design styles that help refine the brand. It's even better when they create a car that looks damn good in the process. Hop the jump to learn more about the all-new Citroën DS4.

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/01/paris-2...kers-design-re/



2011 Fiat 500C Abarth EsseEsse

At this year's Geneva Motor Show, Abarth-tuned versions of the Fiat 500C and Punto Evo debuted, adding some cajones to the cute-as-a-bug Fiat 500C and the no-less-lovable Punto. Now, at the Paris Motor Show, the mark of the Scorpion brought us even hotter versions of both, and our reaction was that the difference between 500C, Abarth 500C and Abarth 500C EsseEsse is much more than just shades of gray.

Wearing a gray-on-gray paint job and carrying the EsseEsse postscript – Italian for "SS" – the Abarth 500C gets a substantial boost in output and a variety of upgrades to match. In the case of the 500C, it picks up 22 tiny ponies under its curved bonnet to bring the total to 160 horsepower. That's good for a 7.6-second sprint to 62 miles per hour. Perhaps not record-breaking, but just look at it; cute as a button and pretty darn quick.

The EsseEsse also features an array of upgrades to the suspension, brakes, rolling stock and more, plus Blue&Me connectivity and Record Monza exhaust. Full details can be found in the press release after the jump.

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/01/paris-2...-quite-a-punch/