Showing posts with label cars. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cars. Show all posts

12/15/2010

Mini Cooper: Mini Mini rumored to be in the works



Post by: Automotive

Wolfgang Armbrecht, head of BMW's Mini brand recently hinted that a smaller small car may be in the works. In an interview with Germany's Financial Times Deutschland, Ampbrecht admitted that Mini may develop a small car for parent company BMW. We've actually heard these rumors before when talk sprang up about the potential for a BMW 0 Series.

If the thought of a Mini Mini crossed with BMW parts makes you excited, you're not alone. Who could say 'No' to the Ultimate Go-Karting Machine? As of yet however, there are no reports of a build timeline or potential specs, but a glimpse of what's to come is said to be earmarked for next month's Detroit Auto Show.

source: Mini Cooper Press

12/04/2010

Ultimate Aero From Shelby Super Car (SSC) To Be Launched Very Soon In India

The US-based Shelby Super Car (SSC) will launch the world’s fastest car capable to reach 400+ kmph named as Ultimate Aero.
Ultimate Aero will be out in India with a price tage of over Rs 6 Crore that will make it the costilies car sold in the country.
The company has decided to launch the car in India the first launch would be in Mumbai and in span of few month it will reach New Delhi.
The Aero, produced only in the US, costs around $654,400 (more than Rs 3 crore). Indian customers will have to pay much more for the Aero because of the country’s high import duties of up to 100%. The Mercedes-Benz Mayboach, currently the costliest car sold in India, is priced around Rs 5 crore.
“Sales of super luxury cars are on the rise in emerging economies such as China and India. These are seen as stable markets for such cars,” said an industry analyst who asked not to be named.
Luxury car sales in India beat the global downturn
A recent Merrill Lynch Capgemini report had revealed that the growth in the number of millionaires is the fastest in India. Luxury car segment – comprising top models from Mercedes, BMW, Audi and Bentley – is the fastest-growing segment in the domestic auto industry.
The Aero is fitted with a fuel-injected 6.35-litre twin-turbo charged V8 engine delivering 1,183 bhp of power and is capable of reaching 0-60 km/hour in 2.7 seconds.
Shelby expects to sell a few dozen of Aeros in India every year. The conservative estimate is due to the high price tag and the poor condition of Indian roads. Asia’s third-largest economy will take a few years to see such super cars in large numbers, as it doesn’t have the kind of highway infrastructure required for such vehicles.
Aero would be the first high-speed car sold in India. The world’s top luxury carmakers like Bentley, BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Jaguar have seen their sales zooming in the past few years in India.
The Aero – which will compete with other supercars such as Ferrari, Lamborghini
, Bugatti and Koenigsegg – comes with a host of luxury features including customised supple leather seats and suede interior, multi-speaker music system, on-board video and DVD screen, automatic back-up camera, navigational backup, power windows and mirrors.
The car is built of lightweight titanium and carbon fibre material to minimise weight. The two-seater, butterfly door (up sky-folding) car runs only on premium unleaded 91 high octane petrol, which is now available in some of India’s largest cities.
The Indian luxury car market has traditionally been a saloon and sports utility vehicles market, mostly from the BMW and Mercedes-Benz stable.
India, the world’s second-fastest growing car market, has seen the sales of luxury cars growing at a fast rate in the past one year, despite a global downturn that affected sales in developed markets such as the US and Europe. Sales of high-end cars is expected to cross the 10,000 mark by 2010.
Mercedes-Benz has launched its famed AMG series in the price range Rs 2-3 crore. BMW will launch its two-seater Z4 roadster in October with a price tag of Rs 60 lakh.
The cars in the Rs 1-4 crore bracket – Audi R8, Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Lamborgini, Mercedes-Benz – are posting robust sales in the country. Custom-made cars like Bentley and Rolls-Royce – which have a quota allotted to each market – have sold out their entire quota for India for the past three years.
The Indian market has also been witnessing the launch of an array of super bikes such as the Suzuki Hayabusa, Yamaha VMAX, Honda CBR1000R, American iconic brand  Harley Davidsons Fat Boy and Italian Ducati bikes in the price band of Rs 10-60 lakh.

12/02/2010

Brabus brings the girth with Mercedes SLS Widestar

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What's more important, speed or girth? Brabus says can have your proverbial cake and eat it too with its new Widestar kit for the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG.

Upgrading on their previous offering (and sounding like a minivan), the Widestar SLS benefits from a carbon fiber body kit with a 20mm wider rear track, encompassing Brabus Monoblock F Platinum Edition wheels available in a variety of colors and finishes and coated in either Pirelli or Yokohama low-profile rubber (275/30ZR-20 front and 295/25ZR-21 rear).

Brabus is also offering an electronically adjustable suspension with Bilstein shocks and Ride Control system, a titanium exhaust with quadruple tips that squeezes out an extra 10 horses, while the interior can be outfitted with a number of extras you can read all about in the press release


[Source: Brabus]

World Debut at the ESSEN MOTOR SHOW 2010
Custom-Tailored Designer Suit: The BRABUS WIDESTAR Wide Version for the Mercedes SLS

Lending an exclusive automobile an even more dominant presence is the domain of BRABUS. The new BRABUS WIDESTAR wide version represents a custom-tailored designer suit for the Mercedes SLS AMG. In addition to the extravagant high-tech carbon-fiber body program for the gullwing the tuner also offers ultralight forged wheels, an electronically adjustable Ride Control smooth-ride suspension, a titanium high-performance exhaust system with electronically controlled sound management and custom BRABUS interiors.

To give the SLS an even more muscular appearance the BRABUS designers have developed custom-tailored BRABUS WIDESTAR components for the rear axle. Like all other body components they are made from extremely light yet very strong carbon fibers identical to the ones used in Formula 1 racing. The add-on parts for the rear fenders and the rear fascia create an even more spectacular look and make room for special wheels that widen the rear track by 20 millimeters for even further improved driving dynamics.

The suspension engineers developed custom-tailored versions of the ultralight BRABUS Monoblock F PLATINUM EDITION forged wheels in sizes 9.5Jx20 in front and 11Jx21 on the rear axle for the wide version of the SLS. These wheels are available with a brushed-design or ceramics-polished surface and can also be painted in any desired color. The staggered wheels with 20- and 21-inch diameters on front and rear axles further emphasize the wedge-shaped look of the sports car.

Despite the wheels' bigger size they deliver a weight reduction of up to 12 percent compared to the SLS production wheels. The reduced unsprung weight further results in even more agile handling. BRABUS technology partners Pirelli and YOKOHAMA supply the optimal high-performance tires in sizes 275/30 ZR 20 and 295/25 ZR 21.

The wide version is rounded out by aerodynamic-enhancement components developed in the wind tunnel. All BRABUS aerodynamic-enhancement components are made from carbon fibers and are available with a matte or glossy clear-coated finish for a true racing look. Optionally these components can be painted in body or contrasting color.

To further reduce lift on front and rear axle BRABUS equips the SLS with a front spoiler for the production front fascia, a rear spoiler and a rear diffuser. Together these components create an even better aerodynamic balance. Two BRABUS covers for the upper air dams of the bumper and side air outlets for the rear fascia are further visual details of the BRABUS WIDESTAR version.

The work of the BRABUS designers also gives the sides of the gullwing more profile and further improved aerodynamic efficiency. The rocker panels were sculpted to optimize the airflow between front and rear axle and to create a perfect transition to the WIDESTAR components on the rear axle. Integrated entrance lights ensure safe entering and exiting of the vehicle in the dark.

The BRABUS air outlets for the front fenders add more of sporty touches. At night they draw attention with their integrated blue-illuminated BRABUS logos that are activated via the keyless fob or by pulling on a door handle.

The ride-height lowering by up to 30 millimeters (1.2 inches) also plays an important role in the striking appearance of the BRABUS-modified SLS. The BRABUS suspension is height-adjustable and was developed in cooperation with technology partner BILSTEIN. At the push of a button its integrated Ride Control function also offers a smoother ride than the production car. From the cockpit the driver can at any time - even while driving - switch between damper settings that offer a more comfortable or a sportier ride than the production car.
For sporty-minded SLS owners BRABUS offers stiffer sway bars for front and rear axle that reduce body roll for even more precise handling.

The BRABUS high-performance exhaust system with four slanted exhaust tips with diameters of 84 millimeters (3.3 inches) is somewhat atypical for traditional tuning. Its sound management, controlled by the driver and activated by a pneumatic flap, includes a 'coming home' setting that is quieter than the production exhaust. In 'sport' mode the 6.3-liter eight-cylinder engine produces an even more powerful exhaust note than with the production exhaust. The BRABUS exhaust system is manufactured from extremely lightweight titanium and weighs 12 kilograms (26 lbs.) or 40 percent less than the production exhaust. Another welcome by-product of this exhaust is an increase in power output by 10 hp / 7.4 kW.

BRABUS offers a multitude of exclusive custom interior options for the two-seater car as well. Carbon-fiber inlays in any desired color and matte anodized aluminum pedals and foot rest add sporty highlights.

The ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel is made from a combination of leather and Alcantara and provides especially good grip for further improved road feedback. The speedometer with 400-km/h scale (250 mph) already hints at the car's future performance with BRABUS engine tuning.

The BRABUS upholstery shop offers a sheer endless multitude of colors and designs for the masterfully crafted SLS interiors made from the finest leathers and Alcantara. These interiors can be custom-tailored to suit each SLS owner's personal taste down to the last detail.

Cadillac CTS-V, Jeep Grand Cherokee named 2011 Internet Car and Truck of the Year

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The Internet Car and Truck of the Year voting jury has just announced its pair of winners for 2011, and top honors go to both the Cadillac CTS-V and Jeep Grand Cherokee. For 2011, the CTS-V is offered in a trio of body styles, all of which boast a 556-horsepower supercharged V8 and seriously good driving dynamics. Likewise, the 2011 Grand Cherokee remains one of the best off-road vehicles in its class, and points the way forward for the "new Chrysler."

In addition to the vehicles picked by the Internet Car and Truck of the Year jurors, the motoring public was able to cast its vote for the "Average Joe" awards. Unlike the professional jury, the public voters named the 2011 Ford Mustang GT as Car of the Year, its new 5.0-liter V8 and reworked suspension geometry making it more of a true sports car than a stereotypical muscle car. However, both the "Internet Pros" and "Average Joes" saw eye to eye on the Truck of the Year award, with the Grand Cherokee taking the cake from both segments of voters.

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Vehicles aside, the ICTOY jury also honored recently deceased and legendary automotive journalist Jerry Flint with the 2010 Journalist of the Year award. Flint, who died on August 7th of this year, covered the automotive beat for over 50 years, and was once named one of the 100 most prominent business reporters of the 20th century.

[Source: Internet Car and Truck of the Year]

INTERNET PROS AND AVERAGE JOES PICK THEIR FAVORITE NEW CARS AND TRUCKS

Jerry Flint Posthumously Honored as Internet Automotive Journalist of the Year


Boston (Dec. 1, 2010) - The Internet Car and Truck of the Year website has announced the winners from the Internet Pros and Average Joes votes for their favorite new cars and trucks. Domestic brands swept all four categories.

The winners, announced from the New England International Auto Show today, are:

Internet Pros:
Car of the Year: 2011 Cadillac CTS-V
Truck of the Year: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Average Joes:
Car of the Year: 2011 Ford Mustang GT
Truck of the Year: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The Internet Pros are comprised of a select team of 15 online writers from some of the leading automotive Internet sites, while the Average Joes consisted of thousands of votes from the motoring public. Complete biographies of the jury members are available at www.internetcarandtruckoftheyear.com.

So while the Internet Pros and Average Joes agree on the Truck of the Year (for the second year in a row) they have slightly differing opinions when it comes to their favorite car. The Pros like their speed in the form of a luxury sports car with the Cadillac CTS-V while the Average Joes voted for classic American muscle with the Ford Mustang GT (with only a 1 percent margin of victory over the Cadillac CTS-V). However, both groups demonstrated their respect for the vastly improved Jeep Grand Cherokee by wide margins.

Internet Automotive Journalist of the Year

The Internet Automotive Journalist of the Year award was given to Jerry Flint for his long body of work in automotive journalism, most recently as a columnist for Forbes – both in print and online. It will be presented to his widow, automotive journalist Kate McLeod, at the Dec. 9 International Motor Press Association meeting in New York City.

A prolific award winner, including the Gerald Loeb Award for Distinguished Business and Financial Journalism in 2003, for his Forbes "Backseat Driver column," Flint was not afraid to point out when the Emperor was wearing no clothing. That insight, and his grasp of the automotive industry, earned accolades that included his naming by Business News Reporter as one of the 100 most prominent business reporters of the 20th Century.

The 2010 Automotive Journalist of the Year was John Neff, editor of Autoblog.

The Internet Car and Truck of the Year awards were created by Keith Griffin, the Guide to Used Cars for About.com, a writer for TorqueNews.com, and the National Hyundai Examiner for Examiner.com, as well as a print automotive journalist and vice president of the New England Motor Press Association.

2012 Buick Verano details and pricing leaked in dealer letter?

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Following the launch of the Regal, Buick will be introducing its next all-new model sometime in 2011. Set to launch as a 2012 model, the Verano compact will slot in beneath the Regal sedan, though we've been told on several occasions that it will not share a platform with General Motors' other new small car, the Chevrolet Cruze.

According to the infomongers at GM Inside News, the automaker recent sent a letter to its Buick dealers inviting them to participate in an order study in an attempt to gain knowledge about what pricing and trim levels would be most attractive to potential buyers. The details, available after the jump, reveal that the Verano will be powered by a 2.4-liter inline-four (same as the Regal) that produces 180 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, and will be initially offered in four trim levels.

If the letter is to be believed, the base Verano 1SB (the alphanumeric likely being an internal designation) is estimated to start at $20,900. From there, the 1SD model adds Bluetooth, automatic climate control and remote start, and will be priced from around $22,100. 1SG models add a power driver's seat, heated mirrors and rear park assist and should command roughly $23,300. Top-trim 1SL Veranos will have heated leather seats, premium audio, a heated steering wheel and 18-inch wheels. Expect the top-rung 1SL to retail for around $25,600, with pricing reaching as high as $26,200.

We don't expect GM to reveal official Verano specifications and pricing until closer to its launch date, with the car being officially debuting sometime in the early 2011 auto show season. Top tip, Ed!

[Source: GM Inside News]

11/21/2010

Rolls-Royce and Bijan team up for custom Phantom line




Rolls-Royce has announced a partnership with Beverly Hills-based designer Bijan Pakzad. Bijan will work closely with the super-luxury automaker to turn out a handful of special edition Phantoms, complete with the designer's own personal touches. So far, we've been left in the dark about exactly what kinds of changes to expect, though Rolls-Royce says that Bijan will lay out a host of specifications for the company's craftsmen to meet. Considering that the designer's personal car is a bright yellow Phantom Drophead Coupe, we can bet that the new Phantoms will be anything but subdued.

Rolls-Royce and Bijan made the announcement at the Bijan Boutique in Beverly Hills – nicknamed the most expensive store in the world – just before this year's Los Angeles Auto Show got underway.

[Source: Motor Authority]

11/06/2010

10 million die of the English Department mindful of those cars!

Never mind that cars are frustrated Department of English aristocracy, read out the names of the time, most people would be excited - just like shining jewels in the Emerald, although no aggressive market impact, but a symbol of exquisite technique and elegance the identity of the British Department of cars in the car never really fallen out of favor over people's minds, let alone such as the MINI is not no love, goblins, or, as the Roewe that a gentleman of the People First emerging.

Bentley and Rolls-Royce: The lure of celebrity in the name of art

never mindful of those immortal English department car!

Bentley and Rolls-Royce car standard has a pair of wings, a symbol of speed and freedom at the same time, "B" and "R" of these two identity "Bentley" and "Rolls Royce" of the letters cents no doubt become a totem of fans hearts forever.

Since the first Rolls-Royce, a Bentley and the date of birth, their names were included in the ranks of the car of the Acura. In 2003, Bentley and Rolls-Royce officially belong to Germany's Volkswagen and BMW. At the same time positioning in the market, Bentley and Rolls-Royce has also made a subdivision.

Greater emphasis on driving pleasure of the English-style luxury Bentley to focus on those of young group of young wealthy, in the same time not forgetting the luxury to maximize stress the excellent racing tradition, outstanding performance and thunderous power.

The Rolls-Royce would be even more to win back a rich man who used to sit in their hearts. It is with the perfect quality of mission is the most traditional British classic repairer process, Snob temperament and the high price of it destined to only be very few people owned.

Fortunately, there are means to spend endless luxury of the rich, and perhaps that is what we do not worry too much about Bentley and Rolls-Royce will be a day of historical reasons. Facts have proved that China's rapid economic development, so that the two British car brands have excited the Department of reasons.

Since last year, China replaced Japan as the third largest market for Rolls-Royce. Last year, Rolls-Royce in China's market rose by 60%, sales in 2002 to 2005 the total sales volume; this year's production plans have been fully booked in 2008, the amount that can be scheduled to running out.

China's huge potential market has not only to attract top fashion brands, may I ask, what better than a Bentley or a Rolls-Royce worth reflects the masters of it? Clearly, the top car brands will be more able to meet the desire of the rich, not to mention that they not only spend money to buy a car, but also works of art.

Land Rover and MINI: the original Wild VS Fashion Wizard
never mindful of those immortal English department car!

English department car's name is always connected to a legend. Even after the fate of easy to master, nor change the English department's share of cars bones persist and integrity.

As the Land Rover's green cars marked "LAND-ROVER", as it gives the impression that "staunch", was in agriculture, once-invincible military Land Rover, from the current one, it seems quite too introverted of. Land Rover only in the intense, the reality of market competition to make changes in order to move on.

However, with the bottoming and other favorable tariff policy, the import of luxury SUV in the country has shown rapid development momentum. As China's largest import SUV, Land Rover sales in the first half of the total in China for the 2539, with the increase compared to same period last year 63%.
 
If we say that Land Rover is born and made for men, then the MINI is no doubt that all women dream of their own cars. Would like to thank BMW, MINI once again to shine. Price of about 300,000 is sufficient to buy a spacious atmosphere, high-class cars. However, MINI is more than just a car? It is simply chasing a dream of many young people.

In 2006, MINI sales in mainland China is 1200, growth of 145%; the first half of this year, MINI sales in mainland China has reached 131% year on year growth, a total of 776 sold. It can be predicted, MINI popular in China, the next few years will only increase the degree.

MINI status quo by making people realize: the British Department of cars like the sea treasures, explore the event of outstanding persons, connoisseurs and businessmen, they will again become hot.

Jaguar and Roewe: patiently cultivating Chinese gentleman
never mindful of those immortal English department car!


In contrast, Jaguar had looked very awkward position, at least in 2004, years after entering the Chinese market, the Jaguar by addition to cold, or cold. In China, be able to afford this level of car people would rather buy a BMW would be.

In most Chinese people's understanding of the car are very limited circumstances, eager to admire, and by car to win the admiration of people, apparently including women and children selected for the car brand, rather than the Jaguar.

Until 2007, Jaguar was just gaining momentum in the China market. Throughout the first half, total Jaguar sales in China reached 458, and only in a single month sales in June on the breakthrough 90, compared with the same period last year jumped 84%.

The reality is cause for optimism: the Chinese people become increasingly aware that the real Famous does not depend on well-known terms. No amount of money may not be able to Zachu grade.

In more middle class people's eyes, taste is a direct correlation with money to lose. Because a brand new car through the waves out of the Department of English, it is Roewe 750.

Some people say that although the Roewe 750 has inherited the British system car style, but the price is 20 tens of thousands of British cars have always been expensive and worth inconsistent. However, the fact that - Roewe 750 with more PFP price so that more Chinese consumers to experience up close the charm of the British department vehicles. This is commendable, because the Roewe will play the one who is not being optimistic about the "gentleman card", followed by a deep understanding of the automotive customers in China to talk about "a gentleman's touch" is really very risky, and good Roewe success.

From the market now, four months, sales break million, it seems there is no reason to question that one day, "Roewe" will become China's emerging middle class population of the beloved's name, its mission is to make people buy a car at the same time, acceptance A new way of life.

See United Kingdom Department of the car every hero in the now struggling to make moves, both insist on self, or the brave ice, are enough to make us feel shock. As they marked the wings of cars, like the British system has hit the big time car, that is, only Phoenix, bathed in fire and rebirth.

11/03/2010

The Batmobile is the automobile of DC Comics superhero Batman

Not so. How about movies with cars? That fits. Cars are so ingrained into American culture that they have become a sticking point in movies as well. So much that there have cars that have debuted in recent films. What are some of the more popular cars that have appeared in movies? Or, what are the more recognizable vehicles from movies?

Flashback to the early versions of the James Bond films, when Sean Connery played Bond, and many moviegoers remember his incredible car. The Aston Martin DB 5. It was riddled with all kinds of different gadgets to help him defeat his enemies. Now, flashback again to the 1960's, when rock star Elvis Presley ruled the airwaves. Not only was he popular in the music industry, he was also a movie star. In almost all of Presley's movies his 1955 pink Cadillac Fleetwood was featured in plenty of shots. That was the only car he kept until he passed away.

Batmobile
One of the most famous vehicles in all of TV and movies was the Batmobile. Owned and driven by Batman, it is one of the most popular vehicles in cinematic history. Many kids growing up had Batmobile hot wheels, replica toys and sometimes even a homemade Batmobile out of a wagon. The Batmobile has evolved over the years from the comics to the movies and has been redesigned when new Batman movies are released. Many replicas of the Batmobile are on display at theme parks across America to market the Batman ride.

Another famous car from the movie industry was named "Bullit" from the movie "Bullit." The car was driven by Steve McQueen in one of the longest car chase scenes in movie history. The car was a Mustang Fastback and it instantly became one of the most popular makes and models in the automobile industry overnight. Fast cars were also made famous and popular in other movies from the '60s and '70s such as "Italian Job," "Gone in 60 Seconds," and "Grand Prix." Movies in the modern era that feature fast cars are "Minority Report," "The Fast and Furious," and "I, Robot." All of these movies prominently feature fast paced cars that Americans have grown to become fixated with.

The movie industry has helped the automobile industry grow throughout history. Some of the most famous scenes in film have happened in cars. Car chases have always been a popular part of the movies. They can be serious or comical, like the one in the movie "The Blues Brothers." Probably one of the most comical movie scenes involving a car is from the movie Naked Gun. Actors O.J. Simpson and Leslie Nielsen, two of the cops in the movie, get stuck in their squad car when parked at a weird angle.

10/08/2010

Paris 2010: Peugeot 508 is a glimpse of things to come

2011 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 engine with 120 horsepower and 118 pound-torque of torque to a 150-hp 2.2-liter turbo-diesel engine with a gobsmacking 331 pound-feet 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 engine in addition to whatever the electric motors add.

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

2011 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.

Paris 2010: 2011 Audi A1 1.4 TFSI

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.

Paris 2010: Range Rover Evoque shows up ready for production

2012 Land Rover 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.

Paris 2010: 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS comes on strong

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.

Paris 2010: Hyundai teams up with Brabus for sportier i20

Hyundai i20 Sport Edition

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

10/07/2010

Paris 2010: Renault 2011 Fluence Z.E. now available for pre-order

Renault Fluence Z.E.

Let the flood gates open wide and the deposits pour in, Renault is officially accepting pre-orders for it 2011 battery-powered Fluence Z.E. Yep, it's another momentous day for the Renault-Nissan Alliance and it just so happens that the automaker choose the grounds of the Paris Motor Show to announce that its electric sedan is ready to roll. Well, almost. Buyers in France, Israel and Denmark will get first crack at piloting their own Fluences by the middle of next year, but first they'll need to place a pre-order ASAP.

Customers who wish to take ownership of the Fluence Z.E. are asked to register at Renault's website and put down a €100 deposit ($137 U.S. at the current exchange rate). Priced at €21,300 ($29,279 U.S.), the Fluence Z.E. might seem like a raging value, but let's not forget that Renault has decided to lease the battery pack separate of the vehicle. Add in another €79 ($109 U.S.) in monthly battery lease fees and what was once a killer deal no longer seems like quite as much of a bargain. However, the Fluence's sticker price still does far less damage to the checkbook than its European competitors like the Nissan Leaf and Mitsubishi i-MiEV, so we'd expect the electrified Fluence won't have any trouble finding eager buyers.

Paris 2010: 2011 Toyota Verso-S is a small MPV with big features

2011 Toyota Verso-S

The mini-MPV segment is quite popular outside of the United States, and Toyota has just unveiled its newest member of that market – the 2011 Toyota Verso-S. We didn't know much about it earlier in the year, but the secrets have been spilled at the Paris Motor Show.

The Toyota Verso-S takes the stage as the shortest entrant into the B-MPV segment. However, the interior volume is on par with that of rivaling C-segment vehicles. It is the first car in this category to offer a multimedia, touchscreen system in the center stack. Down the line, an optional Navi-Box feature will be made available which boosts the multimedia capability but it also greatly enhances the navigation system features. The system can display speed camera warnings, sign posts on roadways and allows users to access numerous Google-based connected services. Points of Interest can be downloaded from the internet and entered as destinations. Also, the Navi-Box can display fuel prices, news and weather reports.

The 2011 Toyota Verso-S will go on sale in February 2011. Two engines will be made available; one diesel and one standard gasoline-burner. The diesel unit is a 1.4-liter diesel engine that produces 90 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque between 1,800 and 2,800 rpm. The 1.3-liter gasoline engine produces 99 hp and 93 lb-ft of torque. The gasoline engine is rated at nearly 43 miles per gallon while the diesel unit can hit 55 mpg. Both engines come standard with a six-speed manual transmission however the 1.3-liter can be paired with a seven-speed sequential unit and the 1.4-liter can be fitted with a six-speed automated manual.

Paris 2010: 2011 Hyundai ix20 is neat, nifty, compact

2011 Hyundai ix20

Hyundai's fluidic design language makes a little car quite handsome, and the ix20 MPV at the Paris Motor Show is the latest to benefit from the rhinoplasty. To our American eyes, it's a tiny piece of kit to be called an MPV, but the market for European B-segment people-carriers is robust.

Aimed at Continental families, the wheels pushed out to the corners provides a pleasantly roomy interior for a car with its dimensions. Four powerplants can be placed under the hood, two gas engines and two oil-burners ranging from 75 to 122 horsepower. Hyundai has also found room for plenty of safety features, with ESP, ABS, and Hill Start Assist making the list of standard kit.

Hyundai is hoping any further worries will be allayed by the five-year, unlimited mile warranty, and wants to sell 55,000 units of the ix20 annually.

10/04/2010

Paris 2010: Honda CR-Z gets Euro-cessorized

2011 Honda CR-Z with optional accessories

Honda's big introduction at this year's Paris Motor Show may have been the 2011 Jazz Hybrid, but that doesn't mean the Japanese automaker didn't bring some other automotive fodder for us to look at. Here, for example, is the new CR-Z hybrid hatch wearing some of Honda's optional visual accessories.

Honda is really trying to emphasize that the CR-Z is a sport hybrid. By adding things like larger wheels, a mesh grille, unique blue-tinged headlights, carbon fiber trim and a rear spoiler, the little hybrid's visual sportiness has indeed been improved without falling prey to the over-modded tuner look. This CR-Z may certainly look the part of a new-age hot hatch, but even the fanciest of body jewelry won't help the not-entirely-sporty and not-so-efficient hybrid powertrain under the hood.

Paris 2010: Renault Latitude ready to carry the flag for French automaker

2011 Renault Latitude


Earlier this year, the 2011 Renault Latitude was unveiled at the Moscow International Auto Show. The European version has now made its debut in front of the crowd at the Paris Motor Show. The Latitude is considered a business-class saloon and Renault is positioning it to become the automaker's flagship vehicle.

The styling of the Renault Latitude somehow evokes images of the Chyrsler Sebring, new Volkswagen Jetta and any Lexus vehicle – yet it's done in a stylish manner. When it launches in Russia, the Latitude will be available with either a 139-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a CVT or a 2.5-liter V6 mated to a six-speed automatic that's good for 177 hp. The four-cylinder unit is rated at 34 miles per gallon while the V6 gets just under 30 mpg. As the car expands into other markets, it will feature an expanding lineup of engine and gearbox choices.

Inside, the Renault Latitude is all about comfort. The power-adjustable driver's seat features a massaging function with five pneumatic rollers and four different settings. In order to keep everyone else happy, the Latitude has a climate control system with triple-zone adjustability.

The 2011 Renault Latitude hit dealer showrooms in September 2010, in Morocco and Algeria. It then starts popping up in Russia and the Ukraine before being made available throughout Africa. The European model will follow after that.

Paris 2010: 2011 Fiat Punto Evo Abarth EsseEsse is one fierce Scorpion

2011 Fiat Punto Evo Abarth EsseEsse

If you like the Fiat Punto, you'll love the Punto Evo. And if you love the Evo, the Abarth Punto Evo will make you quiver. So we're not exactly sure what this Abarth Punto Evo EsseEsse is going to do to you – you may just faint. First shown at this year's Geneva Motor Show, the Abarth-tuned version of the Punto Evo debuted, offering a bit more oomph, more aggressive styling and even better handling and braking. At the 2010 Paris Motor Show, the Scorpion brand brought us even hotter versions of both, and we're very glad it did.

Wearing a Campovolo Gray paint scheme with white accents – and carrying that EsseEsse tag – this Punto gets a slight boost in power and a variety of upgrades to match. Output is now a full 180 horsepower, which is enough for a 7.5-second dash to 62 miles per hour. Additionally, top speed rises to 134 miles per hour.

That gray color might look familiar to you if you've ever seen an Italian warplane. The color is named after the airfield across the road from the company's historic headquarters in Turin. Inside, the EsseEsse gets "Abarth Corse by Sabelt" seats in black leather and Blue&Me sat-nav. The Punto also features an array of upgrades to the suspension, brakes, rolling stock and more.
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