NINETY EIGHT REGENCY

BMW, Mercedes plan smaller vehicles for U.S. Diana T. Kurylko Automotive News Europe -- October 4, 2010 06:01 CET PARIS -- BMW and Mercedes-Benz will bring to the United States several vehicles based on platforms smaller than what they currently sell there. BMW will bring a new front-wheel-drive family of cars in a class known as UKL, a German abbreviation for lower-compact-class cars. "It will be a relatively big segment because we have several body styles," Ian Robertson, BMW AG board member for sales and marketing, told Automotive News last week at the Paris auto show. He didn't disclose what body styles BMW is developing but confirmed that the vehicles will have a four-cylinder engine in the United States at launch. The new family of small cars is expected to be introduced in the next few years, before the launch of BMW's Megacity electric car due in 2013, Robertson said. European media reports say BMW is planning at least three variants. Mercedes-Benz will ship three compact fwd vehicles to the United States starting in 2012, including one with an alternative drivetrain. Either a compact SUV or a coupe derived from the B-class platform will go on sale first. Neither will wear a B-class badge. Joachim Schmidt, executive vice president for sales, did not disclose the planned vehicles' names. The United States won't get the smaller hatchback that goes on sale in Europe at the end of next year as an A-class model. Schmidt said Mercedes later will add a compact van featuring its electric drivetrains. Mercedes is considering a fuel cell model or an electric with a range-extending gasoline engine. Details and timing are still being worked out. The van will have a second floor to house a battery. This approach won't use up precious interior room, Schmidt said. The fuel cell van also will help Mercedes meet strict U.S. fuel economy standards for the 2016 model year. "I don't know when this will come. We are working very hard on this alternative drivetrain," Schmidt said. "It is important for us at Mercedes-Benz to be the leader, not the follower." Read more: http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20101004/COPY/310049955/1193#ixzz11OxQiQEf

I post the news daily and I can tell you some changes that are needed off the top of my head because of where I have had to put news SAAB needs to be taken out of GM and moved to other guys and housed as SAAB and Spyker Volvo needs to be taken out of Ford and moved to Other Guys Ford Australia needs to be created Ford Global needs to be created which would cover China, Brazil etc. Current GM brands need to be moved to the top while missed defunct brands to the lower GM family. Land Rover and Jaguar need a forum. Suzuki needs to be moved to Japanese makes or to Volkswagen as Volkswagen owns part of them Fiat and Chrysler need to be housed together A Shanghai or GM China needs to be created I hope this helps.

GLOBAL CHEVROLET CAPTIVA SHOWS NEW FACE IN PARIS [LIVE IMAGES] LIVE IMAGESOFFICIAL IMAGES By Andrew Ganz The European-market Chevrolet Captiva, engineered by GM-Daewoo in South Korea, will receive a new front fascia, as well as a pair of new powertrains for the 2011 model year. Having been launched for the 2006 model year, the Captiva was growing a little long in the tooth. To keep things fresh, the crossover gains a new front end inspired by the Chevrolet Cruze. Nearly everything is new from the A-pillars forward, including the larger grille, redesigned headlamps, domed hood and door-mounted mirrors with integrated LED turn signals. A handful of other detail changes update the rest of the Captiva's exterior. New finishes and textures round out the major interior changes. A new audio system includes aux-in, USB and Bluetooth capabilities, while a touch screen navigation and a rear view camera are also available. GM says that it has reduced road noise by improving sound deadening. Some of the biggest changes come under the Captiva's new hood, however. A new direct-injected 3.0-liter V6 producing 258 horsepower is now on the options list. Lifted from the Captiva's North American long-wheelbase platform-mate Chevrolet Equinox, the engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmision. A 2.4-liter four-cylinder (also used in the Equinox) boasting variable valve timing and 171 horsepower will come as standard. A new 2.2-liter turbodiesel is poised to take over as the volume Captiva powertrain, however. Available in two configurations - 163 and 184 horsepower. The common rail diesel engines are mated to a standard six-speed manual transmission in most markets. The V6 comes only with all-wheel-drive, while the Captiva's other engines are available with standard front-wheel-drive or optional all-wheel-drive. If the Captiva looks familiar to you, it's because it is: You might remember the Captiva (or at least parts of it) as the short-lived second-generation Saturn Vue. Last year, GM canned the Saturn brand, although it briefly contemplated rebranding the Vue as a small Buick crossover. Both the Captiva and the Vue rode on versions of GM's Theta platform, which also underpins the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain. link: http://www.leftlanenews.com/chevrolet-captiva.html

OPEL ASTRA GTC CONCEPT TAKES TO THE PARIS STAGE LIVE IMAGESOFFICIAL IMAGES By Drew Johnson General Motors' German Opel brand has fully revealed its upcoming Astra GTC model at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. The GTC model on hand at the Paris show is still in concept form, but the production version expected to bow early next year at the Geneva Motor Show. Opel says that "And the speed was pure beauty," a line from the novel Jonathan Livingston Seagull, inspired the Astra GTC Paris. Opel’s Vice President of Design Mark Adams also helped the project move along, asking the design team to show him "the most emotional side of Opel’s new design language, ‘sculptural artistry meets German precision’.” The GTC features a more aggressive "bulldog stance", putting Volkswagen's Scirocco -- rather than its GTI hot hatch -- directly in its cross-hairs. The Astra will bridge the gap between the two by offering more usable proportions than the Scirocco -- including seating for five -- but a lower and sportier roofline than the GTI. The Opel GTC Paris will use an up-rated version of GM's turbocharged and direct-injected 2.0L four-cylinder, developing a robust 290 horsepower. Power will be sent through a six-speed manual transmission, eventually hitting the ground via 21-inch wheels. The Astra GTC could come to North America as a Buick model, but nothing has been confirmed as of yet. Buick will launch a compact sedan based on the Astra by 2012, leaving the door open for a performance model. link: http://www.leftlanenews.com/opel-astra-gtc-paris-concept.html

2012 CHEVROLET AVEO HATCHBACK GROWS, MOVES UPSCALE [LIVE IMAGES] LIVE IMAGESOFFICIAL IMAGES By Andrew Ganz With the Chevrolet Spark set to take over as the bowtie brand's entry-level model, Chevrolet has taken the wraps off of a larger and more upwardly mobile 2012 Aveo hatchback. Making its official debut this week at the Paris Motor Show, the 2012 Aveo will go on sale next year in North America. The Aveo hatchback is aimed primarily at European and Asian markets, although it will go on sale in North America. A United States and Canada-oriented Aveo sedan will debut at a North American auto show later this season. Based heavily on the Aveo RS concept that debuted back in January at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the production Aveo hatchback eschews the outgoing car's humble style for a more aggressive front fascia and a notably more angular side profile. Chevrolet hasn't released any interior photos, but the automaker says that the car boasts a "motorcycle-inspired instrument cluster" and extensive blue backlighting. "High quality materials" are apparently on offer, as well as Bluetooth, a USB hook up and an auxiliary input jack. The automaker also hasn't detailed North American-specification Aveos yet, but it did say that European models receive electronic power steering, stability control and ABS all as standard equipment. Several four-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines will be offered over the pond, starting with two 1.2-liter variants (70 and 86 horsepower), a 1.4-liter (100 horsepower) and a 1.6-liter (115 horsepower). Two 1.3-liter diesels (75 and 95 horsepower) will be equipped with fuel-saving start/stop technology. Five and six-speed manual transmissions will be standard, while many markets will receive optional six-speed automatics on 1.4 and 1.6-liter gasoline engines. A higher-performance model based on the Aveo RS show car is still likely to debut in the future. link: http://www.leftlanenews.com/chevrolet-aveo-hatchback.html

LIVING LARGE: AUDI A7 ARRIVES IN PARIS [LIVE IMAGES] LIVE IMAGESOFFICIAL IMAGES By Michael Taylor Although it made its formal debut back in July at a private event in Munich, Audi's A7 didn't show up at a major international auto show until this week's Paris Salon. A size larger than its existing A5 Sportback and aimed squarely at the Mercedes-Benz CLS and BMW 5-Series GT, the A7 will hit dealerships in late September. A touch less than five meters long, the A7 has remained faithful to Audi’s original concept car from the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, with its sporty-looking rear end seamlessly integrating into an instantly identifiable Audi character at the front. Riding on 18- to 20-inch wheels, the A7 will be just 55 inches high, in spite of its limo-challenging 75-inch width, giving it the sporty on-road stance Audi promised with its concept car. The designers have also utilized its enormous 115 inch wheelbase to bulk up the rear seat leg room and to give the car its stretched proportions and slippery aerodynamics (it boasts a 0.28 coefficient of drag). Initially offered with a choice of four V6 engines, the A7 base will have a 201 horsepower diesel model for the European market, while the range-topper is a 295 pony supercharged V6 gas unit that can hurl the car to 62 mph in 5.6 seconds. All four engines use thermal engine management, which stops coolant from circulating until the engines and transmissions are at the right temperature, start-stop technology, regenerative braking and Audi’s new electro-mechanical power steering system, which it insists is good for a slight fuel savings. The front-drive 3.0-litre TDI, with a combination of aluminum and steel body construction, weighs just 3,737 lbs - a comparative featherweight for a car this size. The interior, too, is spacious and flexible, with more than 18.9 cubic feet of luggage space that can increase to 49 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded flat. Like the recent A8 (and Jaguar’s new XJ), the A7’s interior also gets the wrap-around “horizon line,” which skirts the cabin’s outskirts to give it a more definite visual edge. Also like the A8, the A7’s cabin can boast up to 15 Bang and Olufsen speakers, the finger-touch pad to control the MMI operating system, a pop-up screen and even an optional head-up display. It also works with Google, connecting the car to the internet via your phone’s Bluetooth system to give the satellite navigation Google Earth’s picture database to make finding tricky locations even easier. It also gets the full weight of Audi’s safety systems, including infra-red night vision to identify people and animals on the roadside at up to 300 meters (985 feet), the pre-sense system which can brake the car to avoid collisions and a lane-assistance system to warn you if the next lane is already full. It also combines its electronic brains with its engine, gearbox, active cruise control and steering systems to provide both an automatic parallel parking system and to do all the tiresome stop-start accelerating and braking for you in heavy traffic, allowing you just to steer. It also uses an automatic headlight control to gradually step its high-beam light cone back towards itself and out of the eyes of the oncoming traffic in order to maximize its driver’s vision. The initial lack of V8 engines also gives the A7 room to move inside the Audi range, staying out of the way of the freshly-launched A8 limousine on power and stepping clear of the A5 Sportwagon and the A6 sedan and wagon on sheer size. It will be offered as both a front-wheel drive, with the power sent through the Multitronic (constantly-variable) transmission unit or to all four wheels in the Quattro models, which have also upgraded to the new crown-gear system which recently debuted in the hard-hitting RS5. While the front-drive models are still the most frugal, the crown-gear system for the center differential can switch the drive between the front and rear axles very quickly and can swing between sending 70 percent of the torque to the front axle and 85 percent to the rear. And every point in between. The entry point will be the front-drive, 3.0-liter TDI which manages to average 44.4 mpg in the European cycle despite producing 201 horsepower. The entry-level gas motor will be the 2.8-liter, direct-injection V6, also with 201 horsepower, peaking at 5,250 rpm, and 206 lb-ft. of torque in a plateau from 3,000 to 5,000 rpm. Coupled with the S-Tronic (double-clutch) seven-speed gearbox and Quattro all-wheel drive, the 2.8 moves the big A7 to 62 mph in 8.3 seconds. If that doesn’t sound as fast as the A7 looks, that’s because the entry-level gas engine’s forte is economy, and it travels 29.4 miles on a gallon of fuel. Yet, for all of that, the range-topping supercharged V6 3.0-liter TFSI is only fractionally worse off in fuel consumption, but punches to 62 mph 5.6 seconds, which is more like it. The engine, which debuted just a week ago in the A8 long wheelbase limousine, holds its 295 horsepower peak between 5,250 rpm and 6,500 rpm, plus punches in the mid-range with 324 lb-ft. between 2,900 and 4,500 rpm. It is only mated with the seven-speed S-Tronic gearbox and only comes with Quattro all-wheel drive. Besides the U.S. and Middle East-friendly gas engines, there are two versions of the much-revised 3.0-liter turbodiesel. The most powerful of the two is the 241 horsepower version which, with 369 lb-ft., has the most torque in the entire A7 family. It’s a Quattro-only machine and it sprints to 62 mph in 6.5 seconds – helped enormously by its torque peak arriving at a very lowly 1,400 rpm. Even with all this crunching mid-range performance, which will make it an autobahn terror in its native Germany, it averages 39.2 mpg, which isn’t much worse than its 201 horsepower, front-drive turbodiesel sibling. A curious case, this, because it is listed as having 295 lb-ft. of torque in front-drive form, but 332 lb-ft. if you order it with all-wheel drive, when it will run to 62 mph in 8.1 seconds. It runs all this with a strut-style front suspension and a sophisticated multi-link rear end, though Audi can drop the ride height by 10mm if you ask nicely and it can also fit the car with constantly adjustable air suspension on all four corners. link: http://www.leftlanenews.com/audi-a7.html

2012 CHEVROLET ORLANDO OFFICIAL IMAGESLIVE IMAGES By Andrew Ganz Chevrolet's upcoming Orlando - its first-ever European-style MPV - finally made its production debut this week at the Paris Motor Show. Not bound for the United States, but headed to Europe, Asia and even Canada, the Orlando is a three-row MPV that had initially been slated to replace the automaker's aging HHR. Instead, Chevrolet will rely on the popular Equinox for its domestic consumers. Although the concept car's blue lighting is gone, the overall shape of the vehicle remains very much intact. Although the Orlando will be Chevy's first-ever vehicle in the European MPV segment, the automaker is confident it will be a hit when it is fully revealed at the Paris Motor Show in late September. The Orlando is based on Chevrolet's global Chevrolet Cruze sedan that is soon destined for U.S. consumption, although the Orlando will not be joining the Cruze state-side. Under the hood there will be a choice of three of Chevrolet's latest fuel efficient engines: one gasoline engine will be available, a 1.8-liter with power output of 141 horsepower, as well as two diesel units. The diesel engine can be had in two power outputs, 131 horsepower, or 163 horsepower, but both will be just 2.0-liters in displacement. Original reports suggested that the production Orlando would employ five-speed transmissions, but we fully expect to see six-speed units in manual and automatic configurations based on recent tips. The Orlando's low swept roof line is complemented by wheel-arches that house wheels ranging from 16 all the way to 18-inches. With a 2,760 mm wheelbase (108.7 inches), the Orlando can accommodate up to three rows of seats. The interior appears to be quite similar to the Chevy Cruze's interior, with a waterfall center stack and switchgear out of GM's current models. Although the Orlando will initially be offered exclusively with front-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive model will join the lineup later on. Customers will also be able to choose from three trim levels with standard equipment on all cars including electronic stability control, six air-bags, air conditioning and power mirrors. link: http://www.leftlanenews.com/chevrolet-orlando.html

JLR Debuts New Jaguar Concept in Paris By Ward’s Staff WardsAuto.com, Sep 30, 2010 1:59 PM Special Coverage Paris Auto Show Tata Motors Ltd.’s Jaguar Land Rover today at the Paris auto show unveils the Jaguar C-X75 and confirms a 5-door version of the upcoming Range Rover Evoque. The C-X75 concept, an extended-range electric super car concept capable of reaching 62 mph (100 km/h) in a scant 3.5 seconds, “hints at an exciting evolution of Jaguar’s design language while paying homage to some of its most admired cars of years gone by,” the auto maker says. Inspiration for the concept came from iconic Jaguars such as the 1950s C-Type and D-Type race cars, as well as the ’66 XJ13 Le Mans prototype. The C-X75 is capable of running in pure-electric mode for 68 miles (109 km) on a single charge. Once the charge is depleted, “lightweight micro gas-turbines” recharge the lithium-ion batteries, providing a theoretical range of 560 miles (900 km), the auto maker says. The unique turbines, developed in a partnership with U.K.-based Bladon Jets Ltd., weigh just 77 lbs. (35 kg) each and produce 94 hp at a constant 80,000 rpm. Energy created by the turbines is stored in the Li-ion batteries and transferred to the road via four independent electric motors at each wheel. Each motor produces 195 hp and, combined, a total torque output of 1,180 lb.-ft. (1,600 Nm). Jaguar C-X75 concept features extended-range electric powertrain. The aluminum-bodied concept boasts “active aerodynamics,” the auto maker says, noting the front grille and brake-cooling vents open only when necessary. Additionally, vertical control surfaces in the rear automatically engage at high speeds to direct airflow aft of the rear wheels for increased stability and efficiency. A carbon-fiber rear diffuser is lowered automatically as speeds increase, guiding airflow under the car and creating down force. While it’s unlikely the C-X75 will ever enter production, it will serve as a “test bed for the technologies of tomorrow” and also “ensures that our reputation for engineering excellence will continue,” Jaguar Managing Director Mike O’Driscoll says in a statement. Jaguar Land Rover confirms 5-door Range Rover Evoque will enter production. Meanwhile, Land Rover announces it will offer a 5-door version of the Range Rover Evoque small SUV. The auto maker earlier this year confirmed the 2-door Evoque, based on the critically acclaimed LRX concept, would launch next year. Both 2- and 5-door versions of the Evoque will come available in either front- or all-wheel drive configurations. Power for the U.S. version comes from a 237-hp 2.0L turbocharged gas engine, while international markets also will get two versions of a 2.0L diesel, one producing 148 hp and the other 187 hp. The 5-door Evoque will be unveiled at the L.A. auto show in November. Pricing has yet to be announced. link: http://wardsauto.com/home/jlr_jaguar_paris_100930/

Asians Go Green in Paris By Christie Schweinsberg WardsAuto.com, Sep 30, 2010 4:52 PM Asian auto makers’ Paris debuts have a decidedly green hue. Almost all Japanese or Korean manufacturers are rolling out hybrid- or battery-electric vehicles at the Paris auto show, which opened to the media today. The eco-friendly models include the production Toyota Auris HEV, Honda Jazz HEV, European-spec Mitsubishi i-MiEV electric vehicle and the concept Kia Pop and Nissan Townpod EVs. While not electrified, several other small, fuel-efficient cars also are taking their public bows, including the Hyundai ix20 multipurpose vehicle, Suzuki Swift subcompact and Toyota Verso-S, a small van built on the Yaris platform. The C-segment Auris, officially dubbed Auris HSD for Toyota Motor Corp.’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system, is being billed as the first full hybrid in its class in Europe. It mates a 1.8L gas engine with dual variable valve timing to an electric motor. Fuel economy is 62 mpg (3.8 L/100 km), Toyota says. Toyota’s Verso-S, less than 157 ins. (399 cm) long, is the shortest B-size MPV in Europe but is designed to maximize interior space, the auto maker says. Inside is a new 6.1-in. (15.5-cm) multimedia touch screen, housing audio system controls and displaying the rearward view supplied by the vehicle’s backup camera. An optional Navi-Box, which Toyota calls a “multimedia booster,” will be offered sometime after the MPV’s February arrival. It allows viewing of images from USB-connected devices, as well as “enhanced” satellite navigation features. The Verso-S offers the choice of a 1.3L gasoline engine with dual variable valve timing with intelligence or a 1.4L common-rail intercooled turbodiesel. Toyota also is showing its FT-Ch compact hybrid concept, as well as the plug-in Prius, now available as part of a European lease program and set to go on sale globally in 2012. One third of the 600 leased Prius PHEVs on the road in the world are in Europe, Toyota says. Honda Motor Co. Ltd. calls its Jazz HEV, on sale in parts of Europe early next year, the industry’s first B-segment parallel hybrid. The hybrid version of the Jazz, known as the Fit in other markets, will feature the same 1.3L 4-cyl. i-VTEC engine as Honda’s Insight and CR-Z hybrids. The Jazz HEV will achieve comparable fuel economy to the Insight, despite its tall profile, the auto maker says. Honda also notes it was able to retain the Jazz/Fit’s convertible, second-row Magic Seat, by placing the HEV’s battery below the rear cargo area. Visual differences inside and out, including a lime-green metallic paint, distinguish it from the non-hybrid Jazz. Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. says the Townpod concept EV, based on the Leaf’s platform, promises to herald “a new era of flexible, stylish vehicles that will bring electric-vehicle mobility to the masses.” Reminiscent of both Nissan’s Cube compact car and its light-commercial vans, the Townpod has a low, flat floor and interior space that can be configured to fit the owner’s lifestyle, Nissan says. Toyota’s Verso-S MPV on the same platform as Yaris. Nissan promotes the use of proprietary or third-party accessories for the Townpod, which also has two digital screens in its interior: one showing vehicle information and the other with navigation and audio functions. The Puck, a rubber ball with a slit, can hold drinks, cell phones or other gadgets. Also on Nissan’s Paris stand are the Leaf, the next-generation Micra subcompact, refreshed X-Trail SUV and all new Juke B-segment cross/utility vehicle – which Nissan says has 20,000 pre-orders in Europe. Hyundai Motor Co. Ltd. unveils the new ix20 B-segment MPV. Designed in Germany and built in Czech Republic, it continues the brand’s new “fluidic sculpture” design language. Hyundai expects to sell 55,000 ix20s annually in Europe. Two gasoline and two diesel engines – most mated to stop/start technology – will be offered. Sibling Kia Motor Corp.’s Pop 3-seat EV is notable mostly for its huge expanse of glass from roof to rear and its small size. It measures just 9.8 ft. (3 m) long and offers only one, bench-style seat. Mitsubishi Motors Corp.’s i-MiEV for Europe goes on sale in December in the U.K., France and 12 other nations. Pricing for the car will range €33,000-€35,000 ($44,919-$47,642) but may start below €30,000 ($40,8356) if buyers qualify for government incentives. For Europe, Mitsubishi says it has upgraded the i-MiEV’s bumpers, changed the center stack and increased interior comfort. Mitsubishi also displays its latest diesel-powered models, including the new ASX small CUV, Lancer Sportback and Outlander midsize CUV. Suzuki Motors Corp. says its new Swift boasts a sportier, “more elegant” design and now features stop/start technology, revised front and rear suspensions and a new 1.2L gasoline engine. Suzuki also pulls the covers off its sport-grade Kizashi, boasting a lowered ride height and exterior and interior design tweaks. link: http://wardsauto.com/home/asian_green_paris_100930/

Paris Show: Toyota Targets Honda Jazz / Fit with New Verso-S MPV THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2010 Toyota is re-entering the European small MPV segment with a new model called the Verso-S, which made its debut at the Paris Motor Show today. Set to go on sale across Europe from February 2011, the Verso-S is a spiritual successor to the Yaris Verso and targets cars like the Honda Jazz / Fit and Kia Venga. The five-seater Verso-S is less than 4 meters long (3,990 mm). However, it compensates with a relatively long, 2,550 mm wheelbase. In addition, Toyota claims that careful attention to detail has maximized spaciousness and as a result, the Verso-S offers "front seat headroom, rear seat roominess and luggage capacity to rival that of C-segment cars." In the practicality category, the Verso-S gets numerous cup holders and pockets as well as a three-level, dashboard storage compartment and 60:40 split rear seats featuring a center armrest and a one-touch, fold-flat mechanism. The 760 mm long boot floor incorporates a lightweight, two-stage cargo deck board that can be positioned either at bumper level for a 336 liter cargo volume, or lowered to increase the loadspace depth by 95 mm and the cargo volume to 393 liters. With the rear seats folded flat, the total load-space volume increases to a maximum of 1,388 litres. Another highlight of the interior is a new, 6.1 inch, full color, Touch Screen Multimedia system incorporating an AM/FM radio, a CD/MP3 player, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity, a USB port for the connection of portable music players and the facility to display iPod album cover art, and a rear parking camera. The Verso-S will be available with a choice of two engines, a 1.33-liter gasoline unit or a 1.4-liter D-4D turbo diesel, both mated, as standard, to 6-speed manual gearboxes. The 1. petrol engine may also be equipped with an optional, Multidrive S, continuously variable transmission which features a 7-speed, sequential paddle shift mode. According to Toyota, the petrol model delivers a combined fuel economy of 5.5 lt/100 km [42.8 mpg US] and CO2 emissions of 127 g/km, and the diesel model, 4.3 lt/100 km [54.7 mpg US] and 113 g/km respectively. link: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2010/09/paris-show-toyota-targets-honda-jazz.html

Paris 2010: Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale is not an Italian DJ, but is an upgraded super coupe by Jeff Glucker (RSS feed) on Sep 30th 2010 at 7:02PM 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. link: http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/30/paris-2010-maserati-granturismo-mc-stradale-is-not-an-italian-d/

Paris Show: Mazda2 Facelift Makes Euro Debut THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2010 The subtly updated Mazda2 was given its European premiere in Paris today. The Fiesta's brethren enters the 2011 model year with a new face featuring a revised front grille and a re-sculptured front bumper. A fresh choice of exterior colors and alloy wheel designs complete the look. On the inside, Mazda claims to have improved quality and feel with new materials, seat fabrics and colours, plus some other upgrades such as a new meter design with black background and a closed-type glove compartment. Underneath the sheetmetal, the Japanese automaker has made changes to the chassis and suspension to provide a more comfortable and smooth ride. Completing the facelift package is the engine line-up that has been updated to comply with Euro 5 regulations. There are three petrol engines including two 1.3-litre derivatives producing 75 PS and 84 PS, and a 1.5-litre with 102 PS, plus a revised 1.6-litre turbo diesel engine with 95 PS (+5 PS over the previous engine) and 205 Nm. Aside from being more powerful, the diesel unit is also more fuel efficient using 4.2 litres of fuel per 100 km (56 mpg US), while producing 110 grams of CO2per 100 km combined. link: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2010/09/paris-show-mazda2-facelift-makes-euro.html

Paris Show: Jaguar C-X75 Concept in the Flesh Plus First Videos THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2010 We've already played 'show and tell' with Jaguar's C-X75 Concept (read full details here), but now we've got real live photos from the pre-show media event as well as from the British firm's Paris Motor Show stand, plus a trio of videos including one from last night's presentation. As a refresher, the concept model is powered by four 195HP-strong electric motors, one for each wheel producing a total of 780-horsepower and a mind-blowing 1600Nm (1180lb ft) of peak torque. The car also gets two micro gas-turbines spinning at 80,000 rpm, with Jaguar claiming they can generate enough electricity to extend the driving range to a 560 miles. The C-X75 can accelerate from standstill to 100km/h (62mph) in just 3,4 seconds and is capable of reaching a top speed of 330km/h (205mph). Although Jaguar says the C-X75 is a pure design study created to celebrate 75 years of the marque and provide a glimpse into the design future of the firm, insiders claims there's a strong possibility we may see the car inspiring a production model. link: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2010/09/paris-show-jaguar-c-x75-concept-in.html

Paris Show: Lotus Unveils New Esprit, Elan, Elise, Eterne Sports Sedan and Concept City Car THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2010 Possibly one of the biggest surprises of the 2010 Paris Motor Show, was the unveiling of six new models from Lotus. Aside from the Elite GT (see here) that we've already told you about, the British sports car maker revealed not one, not two but five more new models and concepts! We'll bring you more details and pictures of each car separately, but here are the key highlights: 2015 Lotus Eterne: Following in the footsteps of other sports car makers, Lotus is getting ready to enter the luxury sports sedan segment with the Eterne. Scheduled for a possible release in 2015, the Eterne will rival the likes of Aston Martin's Rapide. Like all future Lotus models, the four-door sedan will make use of a Toyota/Lexus sourced engine, in this case, a 5.0-liter V8 unit supercharged to deliver around 620-horsepower. _______________________________________________________________________ 2013 Lotus Esprit: The firm's flagship sports car will make a return in 213 and will be powered by Lexus-source 5.0-liter V8 producing 550-horsepower in standard form and 620-horsepower in 'R' guise. ___________________________________________________________________ 2013 Lotus Elan: A new mid-engined sportscar that will be available as a two-seater or optionally, as a 2+2. Aimed at Audi's R8, it will feature a 4.0-liter version of the Evora's Toyota-sourced V6 with output ranging from 400 to 470 horsepower, depending on the version. ____________________________________________________________________________ 2015 Lotus Elise: Set to replace the current Elise in 2015, Lotus' new lightweight and compact-sized sports car will benefit from a Toyota-sourced 2.0-liter four banger helped by a turbocharged to deliver somewhere around 320-horsepower. _________________________________________________________________________ Lotus City Car Concept: Alongside its sport coupes and sedan, Lotus also showed a concept for a small city car based on Giugiaro's Proton EMAS study shown in Geneva earlier this year. There are no current plans to introduce a production version of this car - at least not yet... link: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2010/09/paris-show-lotus-unveils-new-esprit.html

Paris Show: Audi e-tron Spyder Concept puts Porsche's Boxster on Notice THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2010 In order to keep its e-high rolling, Audi has created yet another pretty and efficient vehicle for Paris: the e-tron Spyder. Audi's latest plug-in no-top is powered by a 300-horse 3.0-liter V6 TDI outfitted with two turbochargers and two 88-horsepower / 64 kW electric motors; the results are impressive, to say the least. The e-tron system in this car will help it hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.4 seconds on its way to a limited 250 km/h (155 mph), provide an all-electric range of 31 miles, return a combined 128.4 mpg, and only pollute your air with 59 g of CO2 per kilometer. Total range is 621 miles for the 1,450-kg car. Underneath, Audi has installed an "e-quattro" torque-vectoring system that helps put its 1,002 Nm (650 Nm from the TDI and 352 Nm from the motors, aka 739 lb ft) to the ground properly should you give it the beans. Dimensions for the little electric torque monster are 4.06 meters long, 1.81 m wide, and 1.11 m tall, all with a wheelbase of 2.43 meters. Like other Audi concepts, all the lights are LED and likely will be should a production version of this ever appear. Audi says the four rings on the nose "disappear beneath the front hatch" to reveal a charging plug and a display showing the vehicle's charge. Inside, there'a bunch of technical wizardry feeding the display in the driver-centric layout, but nothing really worth writing home about. Check out the pics below and let us know what you think. Hopefully, the reaction to the e-tron Spyder will be a wee bit more positive than the 'quattro concept' (which should have stolen the show). link: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2010/09/paris-show-audi-e-tron-spyder-concept.html

Paris Show: Citroën Updates C5 with LEDs and New Engines THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2010 Citroën chose the Paris Motor Show today to roll out its updated C5 sedan and estate (Tourer) models. The French firm's VW Passat rival has been refreshed for the 2011 model year with some modest styling changes and technology upgrades. Since the C5 has only been out since early 2008, the cosmetic updates were kept to a minimum and concern the front headlamps that gain a strip of LEDs and the revised tail lamps that receive a new "Dark Crystal" treatment with clear glass in the central section. There are more important changes under the hood with the introduction of a new e-HDi engine and a new generation 2.2-liter turbo diesel unit. The e-HDi marries a 110HP four-cylinder diesel to Citroën's 'micro hybrid technology' featuring a stop-start system and a smart alternator able to recover energy during braking. This model also gets an EGS6 electronic gearbox system with steering-wheel paddles and low rolling resistance tires. According to the French automaker, the C5 e-HDi returns a combined fuel economy figure of 4.6 lt/100km (51.2 mpg US) and emits 120 g/km of CO2. The second new engine in the range is a 2.2-liter turbo diesel producing 200-horsepower and a maximum torque of 450 Nm. Mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox, this engine offers the C5 a top speed of 230 km/h (225 km/h for the Tourer), a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 8.3 seconds (Tourer: 8.6) and a combined cycle fuel consumption of 5.9 lt/100 km or 39.9 mpg US (Tourer: 6.1lt/100km). The saloon emits 155 g/km of CO2 and the Tourer 159 g/km. Citroën said the new C5 model range will go on sale across Europe in the fourth quarter of the year. link: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2010/09/paris-show-citroen-updates-c5-with-leds.html

Paris Show: Ford Previews New Fiesta RS WRC Prior to 2011 Race Debut THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2010 Not one to let Mini's announcement of the new Countryman WRC to go unanswered, Ford has revealed its new soon-to-be-airborne Fiesta RS rally car. Co-developed by Ford of Europe and M-Sport (with a little help from the French Pipo Moteur), the Fiesta RS gets a 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine which, like the Mini, has direct injection. Testing of the Focus RS WRC replacement, which was initially done in Britain and France using the outgoing Fiesta's engine and a prototype of the new one, will continue next week in Spain using Ford WRC drivers Mikko Hirvonen and Jari-Matti Latvala (as well as their co-drivers Jarmo Lehtinen and Miikka Anttila). That means we should have some videos soon. Ford of Europe's Motorsport manager Mike Norton says, "The introduction of Ford's latest engine technology to its rally programme reinforces further our commitment to motorsport. It also demonstrates our continued support for affordable competition by using an off-the-shelf production engine on which to base our WRC power plant." We'll have a chance to see it live and hopefully bringing the damage in Round 1 of the World Rally Championship in Sweden next year. By Phil Alex link: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2010/09/paris-show-ford-previews-new-fiesta-rs.html

Paris 2010: 2011 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS is the middle child we can live with by Steven J. Ewing (RSS feed) on Sep 30th 2010 at 2:19PM 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. LINK: http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/30/paris-2010-2011-porsche-911-carrera-gts-is-the-middle-child-we/

Paris 2010: Lotus shows off its new Grand Tourer, the Elite [w/video] by Jeff Glucker (RSS feed) on Sep 30th 2010 at 3:00PM 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. 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. LINK: http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/30/paris-2010-lotus-shows-off-its-new-grand-tourer-the-elite-w-v/

Paris 2010: Lotus Elise Concept evolves the sports car [w/video] by Jeremy Korzeniewski (RSS feed) on Sep 30th 2010 at 11:49AM 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. link: http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/30/lotus-elise-concept-paris-2010/

Paris 2010: Peugeot HR1 Concept by Zach Bowman (RSS feed) on Sep 30th 2010 at 12:59PM 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. link: http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/30/paris-2010-peugeot-hr1-concept/

Paris 2010: Lotus Elan Concept stuns the crowds [w/video] by Jeremy Korzeniewski (RSS feed) on Sep 30th 2010 at 12:41PM 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. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iB8ssodcVi0&feature=player_embedded link: http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/30/paris-2010-lotus-elan-concept-stuns-the-crowds/

Paris 2010: Lotus debuts Eterne hybrid sedan concept [w/video] by Steven J. Ewing (RSS feed) on Sep 30th 2010 at 11:54AM 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. link: http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/30/paris-2010-lotus-debuts-eterne-hybrid-sedan-concept/

Paris 2010: BMW Concept 6 Series Coupé looks low, flat and mean by Chris Paukert (RSS feed) on Sep 30th 2010 at 5:57AM 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. [source: BMW] Show full PR text World premiere: the BMW Concept 6 Series Coupé. The 2010 Paris Motor Show is the setting for the world premiere of the BMW Concept 6 Series Coupé. This design study for a premium-class 2+2-seater is the embodiment of a passion for aesthetics and dynamics. Flowing lines and aesthetically sculpted surfaces define the design of the BMW Concept 6 Series Coupé, in which classic BMW coupé styling cues are given a modern rendition. Among the innovative details featured in this concept study are full LED headlights and a newly designed, freestanding Control Display for the iDrive operating system. link: http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/30/paris-2010-bmw-concept-6-series-coupe-looks-low-flat-and-mean/

Paris 2010: Peugeot 508 is a glimpse of things to come by Zach Bowman (RSS feed) on Sep 30th 2010 at 5:32AM 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. link: http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/30/paris-2010-peugeot-508-is-a-glimpse-of-things-to-come/