• Paris Preview: GM unveils Chevrolet Cruze hatchback for Europe -

    Filed under: Concept Cars, Budget, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Chevrolet

    Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback
    Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback - Click above for high-res image gallery

    General Motors will be expanding Chevrolet of Europe's lineup by adding a five-door Cruze, and while we won't get our first look at this new hatchback for a few weeks, GM has decided to preview it early with a few pictures on the web. Sure to be one of the major draws at the Paris Motor Show in just a few weeks, the liftback ought to compete nicely with the 2012 Ford Focus five-door, but don't expect GM to offer the more functional Cruze in the United States. "Americans don't like hatchbacks," remember?

    Much like the Aveo RS and Buick Regal GS from this year's Detroit Auto Show, GM calls the Cruze hatchback a "show car," but in this case, that means that it's somewhere between the stages of concept and prototype. Don't expect the body to change, but we can easily see the front LED light bar and larger wheels being scrapped for the sake of cost-cutting.

    Chevrolet says it will begin selling the Cruze hatchback across Europe in mid-2011 and pricing will be announced closer to the model's on-sale date. Follow the jump for the full details in GM's press release. Thanks to everyone for the tips!


    Gallery: Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback


    [Source: General Motors]

    Continue reading Paris Preview: GM unveils Chevrolet Cruze hatchback for Europe

    Paris Preview: GM unveils Chevrolet Cruze hatchback for Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Sep 2010 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • Paris Preview: Hyundai ix20 MPV sketched -

    Filed under: Concept Cars, Minivan/Van, Paris Motor Show, Hyundai

    Hyundai ix20
    Hyundai ix20 Concept - Click above for high-res image

    When it comes to designing an MPV, it's difficult to move beyond the standard two-box form. That's where Hyundai's "fluidic sculpture" design language comes into play. Penned by the automaker's European R&D studio in Rüsselsheim, Germany and set to debut at Paris Motor Show at the end of the month, the ix20 attempts to add a level of style to the utilitarian MPV segment.

    There's no word on an engine or output, but Hyundai says the soiree in Paris will have a heavy focus on the brand's BlueDrive drivetrains, and joining the ix20 on stage will be a refreshed i10 city car, complete with a new 1.0-liter engine. Full details in the press blast after the break.

    Continue reading Paris Preview: Hyundai ix20 MPV sketched

    Paris Preview: Hyundai ix20 MPV sketched originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • Report: Lotus bringing a pair of front-engine hybrids to Paris Motor Show -

    Filed under: Hybrid, Paris Motor Show, Lotus

    Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid
    Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

    In addition to the pair of Evoras being introduced at this year's Paris Motor Show, Lotus will also be unveiling two front-engine hybrid vehicles, in keeping with the automaker's promise to offer more gasoline/electric sports cars. Edmunds' Green Car Advisor reports that one of these hybrid cars will be a four-door hatchback and the other will be a two-door coupe.

    Lotus debuted its hybrid concept earlier this year in the form of the Evora 414E Hybrid (pictured), but unlike the mid-engine concept, the two front-engine models will utilize a 47-horsepower 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine specifically designed to provide power to electric-drive hybrids.

    We'll have the full details direct from the Paris show later this month, so stay tuned.


    Gallery: Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid


    [Source: Green Car Advisor]

    Report: Lotus bringing a pair of front-engine hybrids to Paris Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • Event Alert: September 2010 Calendar of Automotive Events -

    Filed under: Motorsports, Classics, Auctions, Paris Motor Show, Event Alert



    September means the end of summer vacation, but the automotive festivities continue, including the Paris Motor Show at the very end of the month. We'll have a full team coverage in the City of Lights, but that's almost a month away. Between now and then there are hundreds of car-related events to keep all but the most rabid gearheads satisfied.

    While our coverage of Monterey and the Woodward Dream Cruise last month gave us a year's worth of classic and collectible car memories, September has a lot more to offer for classic car fans. Here's some highlights:
    Auburn Cord Duesenberg Festival The Great Labor Day Cruise Chico Concours d'Elegance Hillsborough Concours d'Elegance Kirkland Concours d'Elegance Coastline Car Classic & Motoring Road Rally Belmont Shore Car Show Fairfield County Concours d'Elegance Japanese Classic Car Show Salisbury Concours d'Elegance Route 66 Rendezvous Glenmoor Gathering Palos Verdes Concours d'Elegance Capitol Concours d'Elegance Cruisin' For A Cure New York Motorexpo San Diego Hi-Performance Expo If you'd like to buy your own classic, there are plenty of auctions in September as well: RM Auctions: Auburn Fall Collector Car Auction, Worldwide Auctioneers Auburn Auction, The Branson Auction, Vintage Toy Vehicle Auction, Mecum St. Charles Auction and the Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas Auction.

    Racing fans can take in Formula 1 action during the Italian and Singapore Grands Prix. NASCAR has stops at Atlanta, Richmond, New Hampshire and Dover. IndyCar heads to Kentucky and Japan in September before wrapping up the 2010 season in Miami in October. The WRC hosts the Rally Japan this month, while the ALMS heads to Georgia for the Petit Le Mans at the end of the month. Grand-Am fanciers can catch the last race of the season at Miller Motorsports Park. Two-wheel fans can see the AMA Pro Superbike Championship at New Jersey Motorsports Park.

    If none of those events appeal to you, check out our Google Calendar after the jump for even more listings, all with detailed info and links. And please don't forget to use the comments section to add or modify listings.

    Continue reading Event Alert: September 2010 Calendar of Automotive Events

    Event Alert: September 2010 Calendar of Automotive Events originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • Report: Jaguar sports car concept bound for Paris -

    Filed under: Concept Cars, Performance, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Jaguar, Rumormill, Luxury

    Jaguar logoWith the Paris Motor Show a mere month away, automakers from around the globe are unleashing a barrage of teasers and rumors that hint to what will be on display. According to Auto Express, Jaguar is the latest company to let slip what it has planned. The murky report says the Leaping Cat will pull the covers off of an XK-sized sports car inspired by the Porsche 918. While that likely means the concept will boast a fantastical hybrid drivetrain with more torque than sense, it doesn't mean that Tata is going to fast-track this car for production. Auto Express says the car is more to flex the company's styling muscles than anything else.

    While that means we likely won't be seeing another sultry two-door in the Jaguar stable any time soon, the new concept will give us some insight into what's coming down the pike in terms of Jaguar design. That may include some new, oblong grille language to replace the slinky oval of the E-Types of old. Supposedly the company's designers are having a hard time maintaining the oval grille's proportions on the company's new widebody platforms.

    [Source: Auto Express | Image: Zach Bowman / Copyright (C)2010 AOL]

    Report: Jaguar sports car concept bound for Paris originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • Paris Preview: Toyota Verso-S gets an iQ-inspired makeover -

    Filed under: Budget, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Toyota

    Toyota Verso-S
    Toyota Verso-S - Click above for high-res image gallery

    Small MPVs might not be the hottest commodities here in the United States, but these little functional wonders sell like hotcakes in other markets, especially Europe. To keep up with the growing segment, Toyota has given its Verso hatch a rather substantial makeover, and we'll see the all-new Verso-S debut at the Paris Motor Show in just a few weeks.

    Upon its launch in the UK in early 2011, the Verso-S will be the shortest B-segment MPV in Europe - the car is less than four meters (157 inches) long. It's a sharp little hatch, too, looking like the lovechild of a Honda Fit and a Toyota iQ, the latter of which supplies many of the visual cues seen here on the new Verso-S.

    Toyota is still keeping quiet about the full specifications, but expect the floodgates to open at the end of September closer to the little MPV's official debut. Read more in Toyota's press release, after the jump.


    Gallery: Toyota Verso-S


    [Source: Toyota]

    Continue reading Paris Preview: Toyota Verso-S gets an iQ-inspired makeover

    Paris Preview: Toyota Verso-S gets an iQ-inspired makeover originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 17:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • First image of 2011 Volkswagen Passat leaks out? [UPDATE] -

    Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Volkswagen, Diesel

    2011 Volkswagen Passat
    2011 Volkswagen Passat - Click above to enlarge

    A Norwegian website claims to have snagged the first official photo of the 2011 Volkswagen Passat from one of the automaker's European retailers (they didn't, see the UPDATE below), and sources suggest we could see the restyled mid-size sedan as early as the Paris Motor Show this October.

    There's still some question about what engines will be available when the new Passat arrives in Europe, but VW's ubiquitous turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four is sure to make an appearance, while a new 300-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 will be available in higher-spec trims, along with the normal assortment of diesel mills. A hybrid model has also been confirmed by VW, and soon after the sedan launches abroad, the wagon variant will debut, along with a possible R36 model. Expect the full details to be revealed before the end of the month.

    UPDATE: Looks like the Passat pic is a rendering by the artists from Autobild.

    [Source: DadBladet via WCF]

    First image of 2011 Volkswagen Passat leaks out? [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • Officially Official: Citroën DS4 blends compact size and luxury -

    Filed under: Europe, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Citroën

    Citroen DS4
    Citroën DS4 - Click above for high-res image gallery

    Citroën previewed its next-generation design language at this year's Geneva Motor Show with the DS High Rider concept, and the first production car to use these shapely new lines will be the DS4 five-door hatch, which makes its debut at the Paris Motor Show in just a few weeks.

    The DS4's two rear doors are nicely incorporated into the overall shape and a set of muscular wheel arches and sloped roofline give the high-riding hatch a sort of coupe-like profile from some angles. LED running lamps top the front foglight surrounds, and Citroen's minimal use of chrome lend the DS4 an upscale appearance. Additionally, those big arches will be nicely filled with a range of large wheels - 19-inch alloys will round off the top-end models.

    Inside, Citroën has created a cabin that is both luxurious and spacious, with a tall, raked windshield providing a large, clear view of the road ahead. The chunky-funky steering wheel, sculpted dashboard and center stack look fresh and modern, though we'll admit that the tiller's design stands out a bit in what is otherwise a sleek, modern cockpit.

    When it launches in 2011, the DS4 will be available with five powertrain options. Two diesel engines will be available, producing 110 and 160 horsepower, as well as three petrol-sippers, cranking out 120, 155 and 200 horsepower, depending on your need for speed. The three gasoline engines were co-developed with BMW, and the full range of powerplants can be mated to either six-speed manual or automatic transmissions.

    We'll be checking out the new DS4 in person in the not-too-distant future. For now, Citroën's official press release beckons after the jump and a high-res gallery of shots is below.


    Gallery: Citroen DS4


    [Source: Citroën]

    Continue reading Officially Official: Citroën DS4 blends compact size and luxury

    Officially Official: Citroën DS4 blends compact size and luxury originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Aug 2010 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • Paris Preview: Mazda debuts new Kodo design language with Shinari Concept -

    Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, Paris Motor Show, Mazda

    Mazda Shinari Concept
    Mazda Shinari Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

    With the departure of Laurens van den Acker to Renault, Mazda's loved or loathed Nagare design language has been dispatched, and in its place is a new designer (Ikuo Maeda) a new theme, a new concept and a new name: Kodo.

    Set to debut at the Paris Motor Show later this month, the Shinari concept is our first glimpse at the future of Mazda styling. The four-door design exercise evolves the Nagare theme into a more cohesive and - dare we say - production-ready form, toning down the massive grin currently found on the Mazda3 and other models, while incorporating new aluminum accents that are expected to proliferate through Mazda's future products.

    Until the Paris show, these leaked image are all we have to go on, but judging by the hit-or-miss nature of Nagare, we like what we're seeing thus far. And if you're wondering, "Kodo" translates roughly to "soul of motion."


    Gallery: Mazda Shinari Concept


    [Sources: Autoblog.it, Autoblog.nl]

    Paris Preview: Mazda debuts new Kodo design language with Shinari Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Aug 2010 10:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • Rumormill: Lotus Esprit to use LFA V10, V8 in lesser spec -

    Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Paris Motor Show, Lotus, Rumormill, Luxury

    Lexus LFA engine

    Now this is a rumor. According to the crafty crew at Inside Line, Lotus is set to release details on its planned resurrection of the long-dead Esprit at this year's Paris Motor Show. Even better? There's some indication that the top-of-the-line model may pack the same heavenly V10 found in the current Lexus LFA. Oh yes, we're excited. Inside Line spoke with someone at Lexus who's cozy with the deal who hinted that the 552-horsepower 10-pot would find its way into the car in order to help it better compete with the likes of Ferrari. That's right, kids; Lotus is movin' on up.

    There's also word that lower-rung trims will receive the same 5.0-liter V8 found in the Lexus IS-F. With 416 horsepower, that lump is no slouch. Both engine choices would seem to dovetail with the close partnership we've seen between Lotus and Lexus parent company Toyota in the past, and with new Lotus CEO Dany Bahar (formerly of Ferrari) clamoring for ever more powerful, upscale models, all of the puzzle pieces seem to be falling into place.

    Still, that's almost way too much awesome for most manufacturers to handle. Fortunately, the Paris show is just a handful of weeks away, so we should know which parts of this rumor are solid in short order.

    [Source: Inside Line]

    Rumormill: Lotus Esprit to use LFA V10, V8 in lesser spec originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Aug 2010 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • Lotus reveals Evora S and Evora IPS ahead of Paris debut -

    Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Paris Motor Show, Lotus

    lotus evora s
    Lotus Evora S and Evora IPS - Click above for high-res image gallery

    Not long after Lotus accidentally leaked its plans to unveil two new Evoras at this year's Paris Motor Show, we now have the full details weeks before the dynamic duo make their public debut. The Evora S and IPS (which stands for "Intelligent Precision Shift" or "automatic transmission" in layman's terms) will nicely fill out the Evora range, and we're aching to get our hands on the former.

    For the Evora S, Lotus has tweaked the Toyota-sourced 3.5-liter V6 to produce 345 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque - gains of 69 hp and 37 lb-ft over the standard car. The run from 0-60 happens in just 4.8 seconds and top speed has been raised to 172 miles per hour. What's more, the Evora S comes standard with a sport button that allows the driver to control the throttle response and activate an exhaust bypass valve. On top of that, pressing the magic switch increases the rev limiter and changes the stability control settings, and we imagine that the end result is more than pulse-quickening.

    On the tamer side of things, Lotus is also offering the Evora IPS with its new six-speed automatic transmission, featuring both fully automatic and manual shift modes. The two-pedal Evora uses paddle shifters to control gear selection, and buttons are housed on the center console to switch between the standard PRND drive modes. Power has not been changed for the Evora IPS, and thankfully, Lotus has managed to develop a slushbox that doesn't add any weight to the Evora. After all, lightness is key.

    We anticipate a full raft of high-resolution photos to be released closer to the official Paris show debut, but for now, scroll through the small gallery below and follow the jump to read the official release from Lotus.


    Gallery: Lotus Evora S and Evora IPS


    [Source: Lotus]

    Continue reading Lotus reveals Evora S and Evora IPS ahead of Paris debut

    Lotus reveals Evora S and Evora IPS ahead of Paris debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • GM to show Cruze hatchback at Paris Motor Show? -

    Filed under: Concept Cars, Budget, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, GM, Holden, Australia

    Holden Cruze rendering

    The internets are aflame with word that General Motors will unveil a new Cruze hatchback at this year's Paris Motor Show. According to Go Auto, the concept was worked up by none other than The General's Down Under contingent at Holden. Now, before you start hoping for a more functional version of the Chevrolet Cruze to show up in a showroom near you, know that the production version of the car will be built in Australia and sold to, you guessed it, Australians. Chances are looking slim that the long-roof Cruze will ever make it to the Land of the Free in any official capacity.

    Shucks.

    GM has made it clear that it will debut no less than four new models in Paris, including production versions of the Chevrolet Aveo and Chevrolet Orlando. While the Orlando is another piece of forbidden fruit from the General, buyers in the U.S. can look forward to getting their hands on the Ford Fiesta-fighting Aveo sometime soon. From what we've seen of the new subcompact, the car looks galaxies better than the outgoing model - of course, that's not hard...

    [Source: Go Auto]

    GM to show Cruze hatchback at Paris Motor Show? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • Report: Land Rover Evoque to get 2.0-liter EcoBoost from Ford? -

    Filed under: Paris Motor Show, Crossover, Ford, Land Rover, Luxury



    Jaguar's got a good thing going with its use of Ford engines, and even an engine shortage isn't enough to deter Land Rover from getting in on the game. A report in Autocar suggests that the Land Rover Evoque could make use of the 2.0-liter, four-cyliinder Ecoboost engine that Ford just installed as the premium engine into the 2011 Explorer.

    On the 'sceptered isle, the same Ecoboost serves in the Mondeo, but with 203 horsepower instead of the 237 that the Explorer variant outputs. Since Land Rover won't say anything about the report, probably trying to maintain the surprise until the Evoque is revealed at the Paris Motor Show, we don't know which tune the Evoque might get. But that engine and the possibility of using Ford's six-speed, dual-clutch Powershift transmission could go all the way to backing up Land Rover's assertion that the Evoque will be the most fuel-efficient vehicle it has ever produced.

    [Source: Autocar]

    Report: Land Rover Evoque to get 2.0-liter EcoBoost from Ford? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Aug 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • Chevrolet Orlando production version unveiled ahead of Paris -

    Filed under: Europe, Paris Motor Show, Crossover, Chevrolet, GM

    Chevrolet Orlando - Click above for high-res image gallery

    Chevrolet Orlando rear viewGeneral Motors has released official details on the production 2011 Chevrolet Orlando MPV, which will make its first public appearance at this year's Paris Motor Show. As we reported earlier and confirmed again today, GM has no plans to offer the Orlando in the United States - a shame, too, since this would indeed be a fitting replacement for the aging, less-attractive Chevrolet HHR.

    Inside, the Orlando offers seating for seven, though we imagine it's a bit cramped when fully loaded with people since this new MPV shares a platform with the smaller Chevrolet Cruze sedan. Nevertheless, GM says that there will be plenty of family-friendly interior amenities, including a hidden storage area behind the audio system's front fascia, first seen on the Orlando concept back in 2008.

    European customers will be able to choose from three different powertrains - a 1.8-liter gasoline four-cylinder that produces 141 horsepower, and two 2.0-liter diesel units that offer 131 and 163 horsepower. We don't have official word yet but suspect that all of these powertrains will be coupled to six-speed automatic transmissions and that power will only be delivered to the front two wheels. Speaking of wheels, customers will be able to choose from a variety of alloy options, ranging from 16 to 18 inches in diameter.

    As we've said before, it's easy to understand why GM wouldn't want to offer the Orlando in the States. The HHR is hanging in there in terms of sales, and folks looking for something larger are easily stepping up into the Chevrolet Equinox crossover. That said, neither of those vehicles are able to seat seven. You can read GM's own words about the Orlando in the press release, available after the jump.


    Gallery: Chevrolet Orlando


    [Source: Chevrolet]

    Continue reading Chevrolet Orlando production version unveiled ahead of Paris

    Chevrolet Orlando production version unveiled ahead of Paris originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Aug 2010 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • Rumormill: Porsche 911 Speedster bound for Paris Motor Show -

    Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Paris Motor Show, Porsche, Rumormill

    Porsche 911 speedster prototype cropped imageA prototype Porsche Speedster on the 997 platform has been sneaking about here and there for the last two years. According to a report by Dutch daily De Telegraf, Porsche is finally ready to bring it to the masses as a sendoff before the 2012 Porsche 911 arrives next year.

    Right now, that appears to mean an nothing more than an appearance at the Paris Motor Show. We'd guess, however, that based on audience reaction it could see limited production, à la the 911 Sport Classic. Or who knows, as with the 993 Porsche Speedster the company might show it off, build only two of them and leave us all hanging. But you wouldn't do that to us again, would you, Porsche?

    [Source: De Telegraf (translated)]

    Rumormill: Porsche 911 Speedster bound for Paris Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Aug 2010 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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