NINETY EIGHT REGENCY

Paris 2010: Opel GTC Paris Concept by Zach Bowman (RSS feed) on Sep 30th 2010 at 4:28AM If there's one thing we can count on from the Paris Motor Show, it's a slew of sexy hatches. Opel was first out of the gate with the GTC Paris Concept, which the automaker is pitching as an obtainable sports car that can still haul five people if the need arises. Under that creased hood sits a turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline engine good for 290 horsepower, though as small as the GTC Paris is, we can't imagine it would take much to get the hatch to hustle. We're digging the GTC's hunkered stance, especially in the rear, where a set of flared hips dominate the vehicle's design. If you live in the old country and your mouth is watering at the thought of this slinky German, we've got bad news for you. As of right now, Opel has no plans to bring the GTC Paris Concept to life, but we'd put money on a production version within the next year. Hit the jump for the full press release. Show full PR text The Opel GTC Paris: A Concept Car Showcasing Passionate Motion * Sculptural Artistry: Dramatic proportions and dynamic sweeping lines * German Engineering: 213 kW/290 hp 2.0 Turbo DI; FlexRide adaptive suspension * Affordable: The achievable dream car * Momentum: Concept showcases energized brand Paris/Rüsselsheim. The GTC Paris concept car embodies the passionate side of Opel: Its role is to show how Opel can "dial up" the brand's now established design direction by creating a very sporty and emotional interpretation. The GTC Paris is designed to be artistically sculpted using sweeping dynamic lines. At the same time, it is engineered with German precision and energized with technical innovation, like a 2.0 liter Turbo gasoline engine with direct injection, a new execution of the fully adaptive FlexRide suspension and an limited slip differential in the front. This three-door sporty hatch is pure but sporty, simple but expressive and at the same time bold and iconic. Keeping in line with Opel's DNA, it is an achievable dream car, conceived to showcase an energized brand. This energy is also conveyed by the vibrant and expressive Liquid Metal Red exterior color. Coming close on the heels of the new generation Astra Sports Tourer which will also debut at the Paris motor show, the GTC Paris is how Opel envisions the next logical step of a newly shaped line-up. Exterior design: Muscular lines like tendons on a sprinter At 4.46 meters, the GTC Paris is the ideal size for a compact, sporty car, which still offers room for five. In profile, the designers have maximized drama by limiting the amount of lines in the GTC Paris. Three strong lines create tension and provide a sculpted shape. The Opel signature blade is introduced in the same direction as first seen in the Insignia -- a fine, crisp line that sweeps upward from the rocker at the beginning of the front door. A second line encapsulates the door handle and sweeps to the rear, emphasizing the vehicle's dramatic stance by spreading the surfaces to a fine undercut and a broad shoulder. The third line following the silhouette of the roof is finished in finely brushed aluminum accentuating the window graphic, which guides the eye to the sharply accented integrated spoiler. The shoulder section is the most dramatic area of the Opel GTC Paris. The broadest point pulls down to a wide athletic "bulldog stance," giving the car a very purposeful road presence. The line from the C-pillar slides into the tail and curls around into the rear spoiler, which is ingeniously integrated into the continuing roof line. The clean frontal styling features Opel's typical centerline crease. It is further accented by intense, very slim eagle-eye shaped headlamps acting as parenthesis between the refined chrome emblem bar and the dramatic low trapezoidal grill which hints at its sporty character. Opel typical wing-shaped signature LED daytime running lights get a new twist with finely sculptured chrome jewels that are seen easily behind clear glass. The trapezoidal grille is recognizably Opel, but separate from the chrome bar and placed lower, for a race track feel. The wide stance is accentuated in the rear, where the proportion of the vehicle is most imposing due to the powerful shoulder design. This is further enhanced with the LED taillights and one long stretched "wing" motif, which make the new Opel vehicles distinguishable at night. The aerodynamics of the dynamic 21-inch wheels is optimized with carbon-fiber inserts which enclose the center caps. Purposeful driver's cockpit Echoing the flowing, sculpted forms of the bodywork, the hallmarks of the GTC Paris interior are sweeping lines and shapes as well as the bold use of fabric. The interior is driver-focused, with a positive/negative use of color: Whereas the driver's seat is red with black trim, all other components in the interior are outfitted in a charcoal black with red stitching. The car's inspiration, a quote from Richard Bach's novel, Jonathon Livingstone Seagull is laser-etched in calligraphy script into the seat ... "and the speed was pure beauty." Sporty, bucket front seats have been specially designed for the GTC Paris. Their aggressively shaped contours and graphics perfectly compliment the overall dynamic spirit of the car are outlined in titanium and filled in with black netting, repeating a design cue seen on the carbon fiber inserts on the wheels. The small black leather racing steering wheel features metal inserts. On the dashboard, the interior continues Opel's recurring "wing" and "blade" motifs. In this execution, the blade theme is expressed in details like the shape of the polished chrome door grab handles and the trim for gearshift molding. The wing design cue is immediately evident in the warm, inviting wraparound instrument panel that embraces front seat occupants. It arcs across the cabin into the top of the door moldings. The Opel design team used leather and micro-fibers for the seats, plush carpeting on the flooring, and a textured black instrument panel. These classic materials have a contemporary twist, not only in the choice of hues but also in the positive/negative stitching. German Engineering Packs Powerful Punch with 213 kW/290 hp 2.0 liter Turbo In line with Opel's strategy to turbo-charge for efficient performance, the GTC Paris is powered by a small displacement, twin-scroll turbo-charged four-cylinder with direct injection - a range-topping 2.0-liter Turbo equipped with a six-speed manual transmission. . This punchy engine packs 213 kW/290 hp. Double camshaft phasing and twin balance shafts provide the basis of the engine's impressive performance data. In addition, an Limited Slip Differential helps control traction without limiting the torque of this state-of-the-art turbo engine. Yet with all this performance, environmental responsibility is not forgotten: Start/Stop technology keeps emissions and noise down in the urban traffic. This keeps the GTC Paris frugal without diminishing its sporty character. Innovative technology enhances performance The best of Opel's compact car technology is brought to its sportiest level on this concept car. The chassis has a special design with an extra-wide stance for best possible performance and handling. In addition to the front limited slip differential, it has a compound crank with an Opel-exclusive Watt's Link in the rear, and a new execution of the adaptive mechatronic FlexRide suspension.. The compound crank rear axle enhanced with the cleverly positioned Watt's link enables the crisp handling and high comfort that is being celebrated on the current Astra. Keeping the advantages of size, weight and overall efficiency of the compound crank rear axle layout over a classical multi-link design, the architecture with its additional Watt's link better supports lateral forces on the suspension while cornering. It also makes the car dynamic and agile without compromising on stability and comfort. The GTC Paris also features the FlexRide adaptive suspension system, which continuously adapts to changes in driving style and cornering speed. Apart from a more rewarding driving experience, FlexRide also offers safety benefits in emergency situations as it enhances the vehicle stability in all circumstances. Together features like these allow the sporty compact GTC Paris concept to make best use of the power and energy conveyed by its design. link: http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/30/paris-2010-opel-gtc-paris-concept/

Paris 2010: Opel Astra Sports Tourer by Zach Bowman (RSS feed) on Sep 30th 2010 at 3:57AM Opel is keeping busy, and aside from moving into a handful of new markets and pulling the sheets off of a hot concept, the German manufacturer has been whittling away on its wagon interpretation of the company's Astra. The 2011 Astra Sports Tourer wears the brand's trademark nose and sculpted sheet metal, but throws in an arching roofline for good measure. Inside, buyers can look forward to a set of snappy folding seats in the rear Opel claims should help make the car appealing to both families and small businesses looking to haul goods. Power comes from either an uber-thrifty 95-horsepower engine or a more robust 180-pony lump, and a total of three transmissions are available – a five-speed manual, six-speed manual and six-speed automatic. The company says that European buyers can expect to see a start/stop system land on its 1.3-liter turbo-diesel engine in the Astra Sports Tourer as well. Hit the jump for the full press release. The Opel Astra Sports Tourer Priced at 18,000 euros * Compact Wagon is dynamic, practical – and affordable * World premiere at Paris Motor Show * New Astra Hatchback already has 200,000 orders Rüsselsheim. The Opel Astra Sports Tourer makes its debut at the Mondial de l'Automobile 2010 in Paris (October 2 – 17), but it can be ordered now. The athletic station wagon is as beautiful to look at as it is practical to use. And, it is eco-friendly and affordable to boot. The 1.4 ecoFLEX (74 kW/100 hp) starts at 18,000 euros in Germany. The compact wagon comes with a wide powertrain line-up of three diesel motors and five gasoline engines ranging from 100 to 180 hp. An efficient trunk design and premium features enhance the functionality of this dynamic, beautifully sculptured wagon which has a load space between 500 and 1550 liters. With the seatbacks down, the cargo load length is increased to 1835 mm – 28 mm more than the current Astra wagon. New in the compact segment is the FlexFold Rear Seat system, which allows each section of the 60/40 split-fold rear seatbacks to be folded forward at the press of a button located in the side walls of the cargo compartment: A spring is electrically released, automatically activating swift, remote folding of the seatbacks. The Easy Access Cover slides upward and out of the way with a simple tap. The cover retracts with a quick hand motion. Low cost of ownership is guaranteed due to the Astra Sports Tourer's favorable insurance rating by the Gesamtverband der Deutschen Versicherungswirtschaft (GDV), an umbrella organization of German insurers. The Sports Tourer received the lowest insurance rating (fully comprehensive, or, "Vollkasko neu" rating 13) of all the compact class wagons the GDV has valued. The Astra Sports Tourer incorporates exciting Opel innovations that make life more comfortable and driving safer. These include the only front ergonomic seats in the segment certified by independent back experts from the Aktion Gesunder Rűcken (AGR); the adaptive mechatronic FlexRide chassis, the AFL+ adaptive forward lighting and the Opel Eye. Launched at the 2009 IAA, the Astra five-door has been very well received, with nearly 200,000 orders collected in less than one year. link: http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/30/paris-2010-opel-astra-sports-tourer/

Paris 2010: 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS comes on strong by Jonathon Ramsey (RSS feed) on Sep 30th 2010 at 9:31AM The 2012 Mercedes CLS is the second act of the car that invented both the market segment and the grammatical quandary known as the "four-door coupe." Made dramatically more bold for this go-round, it features an upright grille that flows back into a rump that disappears in photos but holds its own in person. The new sedan is also lighter, with aluminum doors that are 52 pounds less heavy and an aluminum hood, front fenders, trunk lid and parcel shelf. Along with the design, the engines are the story. There will be four available, starting with two 3.5-liter V6 engines in Europe. One is a 265-horsepower diesel engine and the other a 306-hp gas V6 with standard stop/start. Next comes the 2.5-liter four-cylinder diesel with 204 hp, and last to arrive is the V8 CLS 550 putting out 402 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. LED High Performance Active Headlights, Direct-Steer electromechanical steering, a tweaked suspension lifted from the E-Class, and a host of interior trim options that range from carbon fiber to high gloss brown burl walnut are among the many changes on the car. There are more details in the press release after the jump, and a gallery of live high-res photos below. Show full PR text World premiere: the new Mercedes-Benz CLS Refined sportiness With its exciting, perceptible design and refined sportiness, the new edition of the CLS benefits from the fact that as the inventor of the segment Mercedes-Benz is a whole generation ahead. All of the engines in the CLS are new and help to guarantee an improvement in fuel consumption of up to 25 percent compared with the previous models. Also making a contribution to the increase in efficiency is the electromechanical Direct-Steer system fitted as standard and celebrating its world premiere in the CLS. The CLS is also the first car in the world to feature optional LED High Performance headlamps. For the first time, these combine the tried-and-tested Intelligent Light System from Mercedes models using bi-xenon headlamps with LED technology. A generation ahead: with the CLS, Mercedes-Benz created a new vehicle category in 2003 which for the first time combined the elegance and dynamism of a coupé with the comfort and functionality of a saloon. The customers were delighted, the competition astounded: for years the CLS has endured as the only four-door coupé in its class, and since October 2004 to the present date it has been the car of choice for around 170,000 buyers around the globe. "Customers all over the world benefited from our bold move to launch a completely new vehicle concept onto the market", explains a delighted Dr. Joachim Schmidt, head of Sales and Marketing for Mercedes-Benz. "And with its exciting design, the new edition of the CLS also benefits from the fact that we are a whole generation ahead of the competition with our four-door Coupé." The engines: up to 25 percent lower consumption but with higher output The ultimate in efficiency: this is the hallmark of all four engines which are used in the new CLS. Both the output and torque of all units have been increased compared with the previous models, and at the same time consumption has been significantly reduced by up to 25 percent. At the time of commercial release in Europe in January 2011, two six-cylinder models will initially be available: the CLS 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY producing 195 kW (265 hp) and the CLS 350 BlueEFFICIENCY producing 225 kW (306 hp) and fitted with the ECO start/stop function as standard. The engine range will be extended just two months later with the addition of the CLS 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY, producing 150 kW (204 hp). In the ECE consumption cycle, it consumes 5.1 litres of diesel/100 km. In April the CLS 500 BlueEFFICIENCY with V8 engine producing 300 kW (408 hp) will also join the range. These two drive variants also come fitted with the ECO start/stop function as standard. Lightweight construction and aerodynamics: making significant contributions to efficiency The intelligent lightweight construction used in the CLS makes a significant contribution towards addressing the classic conflicting goals of low weight and high strength. As a result the CLS is the first vehicle from Mercedes-Benz to be fitted with doors featuring a full aluminium construction. They consist of deep-drawn aluminium panels with extruded sections, and are around 24 kg lighter compared with conventional steel doors. In addition, the bonnet, front wings, boot lid, parcel shelf, various support sections as well as major parts of the chassis and engine are all made from aluminium too. The aerodynamics too have played a significant role in the outstanding efficiency of the new Mercedes-Benz CLS. Although the new model is wider compared with the previous model and therefore presents a larger frontal area to the wind, it has still been possible to reduce wind resistance by up ten percent. This is thanks to a 13 percent improvement in the Cd value, which now stands at 0.26. Electromechanical Direct-Steer system: a new steering sensation Supreme driving dynamics coupled with superlative ride comfort on long journeys were the terms of reference in developing the chassis for the new Coupé, whose design and functions are geared towards a stylish sportiness. To this end the chassis concept, which has already been excellently received by the trade press and the public in the new E-Class, has undergone a thorough revamp, adding a central new component: the electromechanical Direct-Steer system is making its world premiere in the new CLS. This pioneering innovation is a radical step forward in the relationship between driver, car and road. This is because for the first time engineers have the freedom to freely choose and program a wide variety of parameters which can influence steering perception. In addition, this steering technology also makes an important contribution to the overall efficiency of the CLS: the steering assist function only requires energy when steering actually takes place, cutting fuel consumption by up to 0.3 litres/7 g of CO2 in the ECE fuel consumption cycle. For the front suspension, the principle of a three-link front axle with McPherson struts - as used in the E-Class - was adopted and developed into a special enhanced design for the new CLS. The principle of the lightweight independent multilink rear suspension, fitted to a subframe, was also adopted for use in the CLS from the new E-Class on account of its unrivalled wheel location qualities. Compared with the previous model, all components have been modified to achieve higher levels of comfort and driving dynamics. LED High Performance headlamps: enhanced visibility with complete functionality The CLS is the first car in the world to feature optional dynamic LED High Performance headlamps, which combine the exciting daylight colour impression of LED technology with the performance, functionality and energy efficiency of today's bi-xenon light generation. For the first time the new light system features the Intelligent Light System which has already been tried and tested in Mercedes-Benz models with bi-xenon headlamps in combination with LED technology. With a total of 71 LED's, the headlamps have an exciting look and as a result help to highlight the distinctive appearance of the CLS. The light specialists at Mercedes-Benz were also able to combine the LED technology with the familiar and innovative Adaptive Highbeam Assist for the first time, which has resulted in a completely new level of safety when driving at night. In contrast to the first vehicles equipped with LED headlamps, no compromises are now necessary with respect to the functionality and performance of the lighting technology. There are further arguments for the LED-based lighting technology: the average operating life of an LED is around 10,000 hours, around five times longer than that of a xenon light; moreover, LED headlamps most closely approximate the colour temperature of daylight. This means that LED light is in keeping with the normal human perception patterns. Studies have shown that the closer the colour of artificial light comes to daylight, the less the strain on the eyes. With a colour temperature of 5500 Kelvin, LED light is closer to daylight (6500 K) than xenon light (4200 K). New driver assistance systems: enhanced safety More than a dozen driver assistance systems in the new CLS help prevent traffic accidents and reduce the severity of injuries. New on board are Active Blind Spot Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist. Using short-range radar sensors, Active Blind Sport Assist warns the driver if it detects the risk of a collision when changing lanes. If the driver ignores warnings and the vehicle comes dangerously close to the next lane, Active Blind Spot Assist will intervene. Applying braking force to the wheels on the opposite side of the vehicle via the Electronic Stability Program ESP® creates a yaw movement which counteracts the collision course. Active Lane Keeping Assist is now also linked to the ESP® for the first time. This system kicks into action if the Mercedes vehicle inadvertently drifts over a solid line to the right or left of a lane. In this case, Active Lane Keeping Assist uses the ESP® to brake the opposite wheels and thereby prevent the vehicle from crossing the line. A display on the instrument cluster warns the driver at the same time. If broken lane markings are crossed, the system controls an electric pulse generator in the steering wheel which generates vibrations for a short time – a discreet but highly effective cue to countersteer immediately. Before the braking system intervenes, the steering wheel always vibrates to provide a warning. Exterior: classic Coupé styling with distinctive front The new CLS builds on the pioneering role of its predecessor yet at the same time is an entirely new edition. What immediately strikes the eye is the innovative front design, which is reminiscent of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. Visually, the radiator grille is not integrated into the bonnet but is formed separately. This highlights the long, sporty bonnet even further. The grille is dominated by the large central star, which underlines the car's relationship to the other coupés of the brand and also enhances brand identity. The typical CLS outline, with its elegantly long proportions, is the dominating attribute of the new model. The effect of the dynamic, athletic form has been enhanced with a new interplay of lines and areas. The front edge of the structure, above the mudguards, slopes off towards the rear. Referred to by the designers as the dropping line, this novel design feature also represents a new interpretation of a formal design element harking back to the uniquely rich wealth of forms present in historic Mercedes sports cars. A distinctive and muscular sports car-like shoulder line above the rear axle highlights the athletic character of the new CLS. The flared wheel arches resemble the powerful thighs of a feline predator waiting to pounce. The interior: design brings quality to life The interior of the CLS is also distinguished by a timeless design which combines straightforward elegance with innovative details and handcrafted perfection. An eye-catching feature is the wrap-around effect of the cockpit: a high line sweeps from the driver's door over the instrument panel support and across to the front passenger door. The central display has also been integrated harmoniously into the upper part of the instrument panel. At the same time, the downward sweeping side line on the doors continues the dynamic dropping line of the exterior. As a design trendsetter, the CLS sets new standards in interiors with its wide variety of individualisation options. Five interior colours, five trim designs and also three qualities of leather are available to choose from. The CLS also lives up to its role as a design icon thanks to the innovative nature of the materials used. These comprise an exciting mixture of satin and high-gloss finishes used on the metal surfaces. The refined sportiness of the interior of the CLS is further reflected in the generous use of high-quality trim elements. They are located on the instrument panel support, the centre console and on parts of the door linings. Customers can choose between three exclusive types of wood: high-gloss brown burr walnut, high-gloss black ash and satin-finish light-brown poplar. The interior can be given an even more progressive look with the addition of piano lacquer or carbon fibre trim elements. link: http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/30/paris-2010-2012-mercedes-benz-cls-comes-on-strong/

Paris 2010: Facelifted 2012 Nissan GT-R by Damon Lavrinc (RSS feed) on Sep 30th 2010 at 10:40AM Well look what we found tucked away in a glass-enclosed corner of the Nissan stand. What you're looking at is the 2012 Nissan GT-R, complete with a fascia comprised of a restyled bumper, air-intakes and LED daytime running lamps. A new diffuser pulled from the SpecM is mounted out back, along with new lightweight wheels that may or may not be included in the final package. Our insider wouldn't give us any details on power increases, but they did say we should keep an eye out for an official announcement in the coming months. link: http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/30/paris-2010-facelifted-2012-nissan-gt-r/

INFINITI M35 HYBRID DEBUTS NEW TECH AT PARIS [LIVE IMAGES] OFFICIAL IMAGESOFFICIAL IMAGES By Mark Kleis After announcing its M35 Hybrid earlier this year at the Geneva Motor Show, Infiniti has released a trio of images showing the four-door luxury hybrid sedan on its test circuit in Japan. Set to go on sale in 2011 in Europe and North America, the M35 Hybrid - or M35h as it will likely be known in Europe - is the luxury marque's first gasoline-electric offering. Based on the all-new M sedan, the 2012 M35 Hybrid will couple Infiniti's 3.5-liter V6 with a compact hybrid drive system. Although Infiniti’s parent company – Nissan – has previously offered a hybrid in the form of the Altima Hybrid, the system used in the M represents Nissan’s first in-house designed hybrid drive system. Infiniti refers to its hybrid system as INFINITI DIRECT RESPONSE HYBRID. The Altima Hybrid uses technology licensed from Toyota. Infiniti says that the M35 Hybrid will use a unique one motor, twin-clutch system, allowing the gas engine to completely decouple from the driveline, thereby reducing mechanical drag. Backed by a lithium-ion battery pack, Infiniti says the M35 Hybrid can operate in complete electric mode in up to 50 percent of driving conditions. Comparatively, Toyota's hybrid system uses a two-motor, single clutch series parallel system, which Reuters points out is less efficient and weighs roughly 66 pounds more. Volkswagen utilizes a dual-clutch system, but uses nickel-metal hydride batteries, as opposed to the lithium-ion batteries in the Infiniti system which help to capture discharging energy faster. Infiniti says that its system is less complex and also less expensive to produce than Toyota's alternative, as well. "Typically, carmakers say the fuel economy improvement on their cars using a 'strong' or 'full' hybrid system is roughly 30 percent, while for 'mild' hybrids [like Honda's], it's 15 percent," Koichi Hayasaki, chief engineer of Nissan's rear-wheel-drive hybrid system told Reuters. Like the standard M sedan, the M35 Hybrid features a rear-wheel drive setup. The car’s electric motor can aid the gas engine in virtually all situations, ensuring maximum performance. Infiniti has not officially given the M35 Hybrid's expected fuel economy ratings or power numbers, but did reveal the electric motor will add 68 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque. The current Infiniti V6-powered M sedan recently replaced the 3.5-liter V6 for a 3.7-liter variant, which upped the power by 27 to 330, torque by 8 to 270 and increased fuel economy by 1 mpg for city and highway to 18 and 26, respectively. Hayasaki said, "We're aiming for an improvement of 60 to 90 percent," but failed to clarify if it was in comparison to the new M37 or the outgoing M35 V6. The new M35 Hybrid is due to hit Infiniti dealers in spring 2011 link: http://www.leftlanenews.com/infiniti-m35-hybrid.html

ECOBOOSTED 2012 FORD FOCUS ST DEBUTS IN PARIS [LIVE IMAGES, VIDEO] LIVE IMAGESOFFICIAL IMAGES By Mark Kleis Although the standard 2011 Ford Focus hasn't even hit the road yet, the automaker unveiled a range-topping Focus ST earlier today at the Paris Motor Show. Unlike its Focus ST predecessors, the new turbocharged model will actually make it to North America - but not until early 2012. The specs Ford is holding on to many of the details for the end of the month, but for now we know to expect a EcoBoosted (turbocharged) 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, good for 247 horsepower. In terms of specs, that's all Ford has for us, but they did promise "an addictive sound" and "an intoxicating cocktail of exhilarating performance and handling." This new Focus ST will replace the outgoing model which utilized a less eco-friendly, and less powerful turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine, which was also only good for 225 horsepower. We do also know that the ST shown in the images is dawning an all-new color - Tangerine Scream - exclusive to the ST Focus. Ford did not specify if the vehicle will be available in other colors as well when it actually goes on sale. Focusing on the significance of the next Focus The 2012 Focus marks the first truly global product to be developed under Ford's ONE Ford product strategy. As a result, parts commonality is at 80 percent globally, and features a platform that will underpin at least 10 vehicles and an expected two-million global units of production by 2012. The Focus ST is then of course the first high-performance model developed under its global Performance Vehicles strategy, making its success an important gauge for similarly minded future vehicles. If Americans truly want a Focus RS as badly as they say they do, the sales of the ST will likely play a key role in determining the possibility of an all-new Focus RS based on the latest platform. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWEZZ-fh-dQ&feature=player_embedded link: http://www.leftlanenews.com/ford-focus-st.html

INFINITI IPL G CONVERTIBLE CONCEPT PREVIEWS FUTURE PERFORMANCE LINE [LIVE IMAGES] LIVE IMAGESOFFICIAL IMAGES By Drew Johnson Following closely on the heels of the 2011 Infiniti Performance Line G Coupe, Nissan’t luxury division has taken the wraps off its new Infiniti Performance Line (IPL) G Convertible Concept. The IPL G Convertible Concept features unique aerodynamic styling, an IPL-tuned V6 engine, a sports exhaust system, a revised suspension and 19-inch IPL wheels. Although no performance figures were give, the IPL G Coupe boasts 348 horsepower, indicating a similar rating for the convertible. “The Infiniti Performance Line is designed to push the premium performance envelope for buyers seeking a higher level of exclusivity and driving exhilaration,” said Infiniti Vice President Ben Poore. “IPL promises unique driving attributes from other Infiniti models, without adding stratospheric prices.” Don’t be fooled by the car’s concept tag as there is no doubt the IPL G Convertible will eventually arrive at Infiniti dealerships. The IPL G Convertible Concept will make its world debut at next week’s Paris Motor Show. link: http://www.leftlanenews.com/infiniti-ipl-g-convertible.html

2010 Paris Motor Show: 2010 Jaguar C-X75 Supercar Concept By John Voelcker Senior Editor September 29th, 2010 2010 Jaguar C-X75 Concept, released at 2010 Paris Motor ShowEnlarge Photo Just last week, Jaguar turned 75, celebrating the occasion with a tour of their most historic models. That was then; this is now. Today the company unveiled perhaps its most radically futuristic design ever, the C-X75 Concept, at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. For more photos of the stunning 2010 Jaguar C-X75 Concept, see our complete photo gallery. Not only is the low, sleek supercar a striking design from a company known for its sexy, elegant automobiles, its powertrain is utterly different from any Jaguar that has come before--and virtually any vehicle even envisioned. The C-X75 coupe is a two-seat, high-performance sports car with a range-extended electric powertrain that uses a pair of microturbines to generate power and even drive the car directly through its four electric motors. 2010 Jaguar C-X75 Concept, released at 2010 Paris Motor ShowEnlarge Photo Banish any thoughts of dull electric cars, please: The C-X75 is projected to have a top speed over 200 miles per hour and acceleration from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.4 seconds, and 0 to 100 mph in a mere 5.5 seconds.That's seriously fast. Not to mention that it offers almost 70 miles of all-electric range around town and in zero-emissions city centers. In other words, it's a supercar concept with a green conscience. The C-X75 was designed around its innovative powertrain, with airflow into the gas turbines forming a major part of the air management over its shape. A movable airfoil and vents that can change the direction of the turbine exhaust gases, as well as an active grille and brake cooling vents, allow aggressive control of the car's aerodynamics. It's shorter, narrower, and lighter than today's supercars from Ferrari, Lamborghini, and other makers, despite offering equal or better performance. Its aluminum frame, in fact, which contains 50 percent recycled metal, gives it the entire car a total weight of only 2,970 pounds. The turbines are visible through the rear window, reminiscent of the Jaguar XJ-13 concept from the 1960s, and their airflow intakes form a major element of the top surface. The doors are forward hinged, and--typical of show cars--door mirrors are replaced by inside screens showing images from the rear-facing cameras. The rear of the car, complete with LED taillights, echoes the trailing edge of an airplane wing. Inside, the seats are anchored to the bulkhead that forms the front of the turbines' airbox, with a mix of traditional Jaguar leather, neoprene, and highly polished aluminum evoking spiral and turbine motifs. With the turbines at the rear, the 19.6-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack sits ahead of the passengers, between the front wheels. While the C-X75 uses four 145-kilowatt electric drive motors, they're not mounted in the wheels themselves, but inboard. Each is separately controlled, allowing for full torque vectoring for maximum traction. At low speeds, the C-X75 operates on electricity from the battery for 65 miles or more. At higher speeds or when the battery is depleted, the 70-kilowatt gas turbines (spinning at up to 80,000 rpm) switch on to generate electricity that quick recharges the battery. At its highest speed, in "Track" mode, the turbines can also directly spin the drive motors for speeds of up to 205 mph. The vented disc brakes are the same ones used on the Jaguar XF-R that logged 226 mph on the Bonneville Salt Flats last year, along with regenerative braking to feed power back to the battery pack. The polished alloy wheels are 21 inches in front, 22 inches at the rear. link: http://www.thecarconnection.com/marty-blog/1049871_2010-paris-motor-show-2010-jaguar-c-x75-supercar-concept

2010 Paris Show: 2012 Ford Focus ST, Video and Live Photos By Marty Padgett Editorial Director September 29th, 2010 Source: MotorAuthority.com Ford opened its 2010 Paris auto show festivities with a crash--of a snare drum as it gave its new Focus ST performance hatchback a rock-star introduction near the Champs-Elysees a few hours before the show opened to the media. The Focus ST will be on top of the model range, and alongside it in Paris, Ford will be showing off sedan, wagon, and hatchback versions. But it's the ST that's getting the most attention from the press gathering this year for the Paris Expo. And it's likely because of the 247 horsepower hidden underneath its bespoilered body and its bespoked wheels, and a coat of "Tangerine Scream" paint. The sky-high power comes from a turbocharged 2.0-liter "EcoBoost" engine, rated at 247 horsepower for European consumption. Another powerplant in the EcoBoost family, this version also slots into some vehicles that no longer occupy a slot on the Ford family photo wall. It's also under the hood of the Range Rover Evoque also on display in Paris, as well as upcoming Volvo products. The Focus is a global car, which means that maybe one day, the U.S. will also get the inevitable Focus RS that probably will see power level off at about 300 hp. For now, Ford's simply confirmed the ST will make its way Stateside, along with the sedan model. America won't get the small Focus wagon, but the related Grand C-Max MPV is planned for a U.S. introduction late in 2011. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vF47i3BR7ZM&feature=player_embedded#! link: http://www.thecarconnection.com/marty-blog/1049882_2010-paris-show-2012-ford-focus-st-video-and-live-photos

Paris Motor Show: Ford Confirms C-Max Hybrid And Plug-In Minivans By John Voelcker Senior Editor September 30th, 2010 Source: GreenCarReports.com Since launching the Ford Escape Hybrid in 2004, Ford has confined sales of its hybrid-electric vehicles to North America. But that's about to change. In European markets, where up to 50 percent of new cars are fitted with high-efficiency diesel engines, Ford has focused its efforts over the last decade on cars like the ultra-high-mileage Ford Fiesta ECOnetic, sold with a 1.6-liter turbodiesel that returns 63 miles per gallon on the European cycle. Today is media day at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, and last night Ford announced that it would not only sell its 2012 Ford C-Max "people carrier" (or small minivan) with its hybrid system, it would also offer a plug-in hybrid version as well. link: http://www.thecarconnection.com/marty-blog/1049916_paris-motor-show-ford-confirms-c-max-hybrid-and-plug-in-minivans

2010 Paris Auto Show: New Model and Concept Car A to Z Guide WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2010 [updated Daily] Those fortunate enough to be able to attend this year's Paris Auto Show will be in for quite a treat: according to the organizers, no less than 100 new vehicles, concept cars and updated models will be making their world premiere at the salon, which will be open for the public from Saturday 2 to Sunday 17 October at the Paris-Porte de Versailles exhibition center. This year's edition of the biannual show in the city home to the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame will see exciting new reveals from the likes of both domestic and foreign automakers including Abarth, Audi, BMW, Citroen, Kia, Lamborghini, Opel, Peugeot and Toyota - just to mention a few. Starting September 30, we'll bring you all of the latest news, photos and videos from the Paris show floor as the premieres take place, but until then, check out the click-able list of planned / rumored debuts below or see here for our constantly updated and dedicated Paris Motor Show page. link: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2010/09/2010-paris-auto-show-new-model-and.html

VIDEO: Audi's Quattro Concept in Slow Motion and with Techno WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2010 Interested in seeing vids of the new 'anniversarious' Audi quattro concept? You know you are, and we aim to please. As a brief recap, you should know that this RS5-based concept is powered by a 408-horsepower inline-five displacing 2.5 liters that spins all four wheels through a 6-speed stick. Below, you can check out some videos - one techno-backed and short, the other long, quiet, and mostly slow motion - highlighting some of the car's killer (checkered tail lights) and not so killer (the entire front end?) Details. Click on over to our earlier post for the full deets, but leave your opinions in the comments right down below. From what we've been seeing in that previous post, a lot of you readers aren't too keen on it. Now that you've seen a little more, has your opinion changed? You just know Audi's listening, so do the comment thing below. By Phil Alex link: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2010/09/video-audi-quattro-concept-in-slow.html

Paris Show: Nissan Townpod EV Concept May Hint at Future Cube THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2010 Although Nissan didn't mention the Cube in its press release on the new Townpod EV concept, it's not hard to make the connection between the two cars. However, the quirky looking sub-compact study, which made its world premiere today at the Paris Motor Show, makes use of the same zero-emission technology found within Nissan LEAF in a tall van-like body with suicide-style rear doors and split trunk doors. Inside, the concept model features a colorful but Spartan interior. All controls for ancillaries such as climate control and media playback are accessed through two centrally mounted digital screens. The monitor in the upper section of the dash serves as an instrument panel, displaying car speed, battery status and remaining range, while the lower touchscreen provides all controls for the audio and navigation system and also allows users to perform system checks on the whole car. The Townpod also features what Nissan calls Pucks, which are rubber balls, roughly the size of a squash ball with a wide groove into them. The so-called 'Pucks' can accommodate drink holders, cell-phone rests, hand-bag hooks or other items and scattered around the interior. link: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2010/09/paris-show-nissan-townpod-ev-concept.html

Automakers go green, sleek at Paris car show Colleen Barry and Greg Keller / Associated Press Paris -- Sizzling, sleek designs for a carbon-conscious world headlined today as global automakers rolled out their latest high-tech models at the Paris auto show, hoping for rebound in a struggling car market. Hybrids and other fuel-efficient, lower-emission vehicles took front seat as CEOs and other top executives strolled out onto well-lit stages to trumpet their engineering innovations and strategies to tap hot markets like China. Rebecca Lindland, an analyst at IHS Automotive, said the market looks optimistic after two "terrible years" since the last Paris show because of the global recession. Recovery is faster in some places than others, she said. "The important thing is that manufacturers prepare because once that economy really starts clicking they've got to be able to offer consumers the best and the brightest of those vehicles," she told AP Television News. The show focuses on the European market, but the continent's growth prospects are slim compared to burgeoning areas like Brazil and China, which has eclipsed the United States as the world's single-biggest car market. Highly touted innovations at the show including Renault SA's DeZir, a small, sporty concept car, and its Z.E. -- for "zero emissions" -- line, and the single-platform Ford Focus. "I feel really good about where we are and where we are going and I'm so pleased that we chose to invest during the harshest of times," Ford's CEO Alan Mulally said. Ford is making the Focus its world car, hoping to make some 2 million vehicles off the same platform by 2012 to reap economies of scale. Before, the U.S. giant had a strategy of one Focus platform for each major region. Mulally said Ford has restructured, is operating profitably despite the lower demand and "actually accelerated" the development of its new vehicles "so we are right here, right now for the consumers as we come back." But while the worst of the global recession is past, car makers are aware that their market has changed. Consumers remain cautious and environmental rules are more stringent -- and the auto industry hopes hybrids and electrics will be a big part of the way forward. Hundreds of thousands of visitors are expected at the two-week show, the oldest and one of the largest of its kind. It opens to the public Saturday, and the media were given a sneak preview today. Car makers have been flaunting technologies aimed at cutting or eliminating carbon dioxide emissions from their vehicles. But this time, more and more will be models headed for showrooms, not concept or idea cars. "New energy technologies are a major theme of this show, and we are well positioned to take advantage of that," said Peugeot-Citroen CEO Philippe Varin. In addition to the 3008 diesel hybrid, Peugeot is also to begin selling its iOn electric car. Other ready-to-roll green cars on show include Mitsubishi's i-MiEV and the Nissan Leaf. China is also a focus for Peugeot, which will make one-third of its new 508 sedans in China, with targeted sales in its first year of 200,000, Varin said. The Chinese market soared 50 percent last year, he said. Renault boss Carlos Ghosn said this show represents "the year that electric vehicles become a reality." The French carmaker relies on alliance partner Nissan for access to China, and Ghosn didn't say when Renault might take the plunge. But "Renault intends to be present everywhere in the world," he said. Global car production fell 17 percent over 2008 and 2009, dropping to 57 million vehicles last year. Scrapping schemes introduced after the crisis helped support European car makers and their suppliers, but now that they're being withdrawn growth is stalling in the region. Car sales in Europe will drop to 17.7 million this year from 18.2 million in 2009, according to J.D. Power Automotive Forecasting, which expects sales to stagnate around that level next year as well. Production will rebound to its pre-crisis level of 69 million vehicles this year, PricewaterhouseCooper's Autofacts consultancy predicts, but nearly all that growth will come from China and North America. By 2020, electric vehicle production is likely to hit only 1.5 million units, Autofacts said, as the infrastructure to recharge the cars' batteries, as well as the batteries' costs and limits to their autonomy hold back wider adoption of the cars by consumers. Hybrid technologies range from full hybrids, which alternate between gasoline and electric engines to achieve improved fuel economy, to so-called partial hybrids, or cars with such features as start-stop technology, which automatically shuts down and restarts an engine when stopped to reduce idling and reduce carbon emissions. From The Detroit News: http://detnews.com/article/20100930/AUTO01/9300447/1148/AUTO01/Automakers-go-green--sleek-at-Paris-car-show#ixzz111DrMCT1

Paris Motor Show a key test for Detroit's Big 3 Detroit automakers hope to gain bigger share in Europe while testing brands for U.S. Scott Burgess / The Detroit News Detroit's carmakers hope what plays in Paris, France, also sells in Paris, Texas. As the Paris Motor Show kicks off today with a media preview, Ford Motor Co., General Motors Co. and Chrysler Group LLC will roll out a variety of vehicles, including some that will play important roles back home in North America. Europe has become a land of opportunity for some carmakers and a proving ground for others. Detroit's Big Three want to sell more vehicles in Europe to boost revenue and their bottom lines, but Ford and GM also have an eye on bringing models to the United States that have been successful in Europe. "As we see Americans look at smaller cars and more fuel-efficient vehicles, we're going to see more vehicles coming from there," said Aaron Bragman, an automotive analyst for Southfield-based HIS Automotive. "Paris has never been more important for American consumers." Ford took the wraps off its all-new 2012 Focus lineup Wednesday, including sedan, hatchback, wagon and performance ST models. The sedan and hatchback will arrive in the U.S. next year, with the ST, also a hatchback, due in Europe and the U.S. in 2012. The wagon will not come to the States. The Focus follows the 2011 Ford Fiesta, which hit the U.S. market in July. The Fiesta was designed for Europe and adapted to fit American tastes. The Focus is Ford's first truly global vehicle, developed as part of CEO Alan Mulally's "One Ford" strategy. Although the automaker took some inspiration from the previous-generation European Focus, the 2012 models were designed from the start to be sold in markets around the world. Ford plans to combine features from its European Mondeo model with attributes of the Fusion sold here on the next generation of both vehicles, which will be Ford's global midsize car. The Dearborn automaker also will display an array of environmentally friendly vehicles and technologies. European customers can look forward to a start-stop system, dubbed Econetic, featured on a refreshed Ford Mondeo at the show, and the extra small Ford Ka. The system, with other new powertrains, including a 1.6-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine and a diesel engine, will help Ford reduce carbon dioxide emissions. With Washington considering new fuel economy standards and consumers likely demanding more eco-friendly vehicles in the future, U.S. carmakers need to weigh their overseas offerings against the models they sell in North America, Bragman said. "Europe has had a long slow movement toward more eco-friendly cars," he said. "It only makes sense for Detroit to use those vehicles in the U.S." Aveo, others from GM GM will unveil its all-new subcompact Chevrolet Aveo and three other vehicles in Paris. Only the Aveo is headed to America as GM goes for a bigger share of the U.S. small car market. Vehicles sold overseas under the Chevrolet badge are making their way to America: The Cruze arrived last summer and the micro Spark will arrive soon. Other global vehicles, such as the Buick Regal, also sold as the Opel Insignia, were developed in Europe before coming to America. The European market is equally important to GM and the automaker will push to establish the Chevy brand in Europe, said Beate Stumpe, Chevrolet's global brand director. "We have been working on this for quite some time," she said. "We are selling our product in 130 countries globally." Still, Chevrolet has its work cut out for it, said James Bell, an automotive analyst for Kelley Blue Book. Chevy not only competes with GM's more established Opel brand in Europe, but its reputation may have been hurt by Chevy's initial imports of South Korean-made Daewoo vehicles. "They have a real challenge there," Bell said. "But I think doing a big show globally resonates well for the U.S. consumer. It helps to establish them." Chevy should see greater opportunities in Eastern Europe because Western European consumers are more brand conscious, Bell said. "The European buyer is more connected with lineage." Chryslers as Lancias Chrysler hopes to cash in on Jeep's American tough reputation and will introduce a handful of new models aimed at expanding the brand's reach. The Auburn Hills automaker also will show for the first time Chrysler models rebranded to be sold under Italian partner Fiat's Lancia brand. Jeep will showcase new diesel powertrains in the Grand Cherokee, Compass and Wrangler that will be available only in Europe, said spokesman Ariel Gavilan. The iconic brand will also debut a start-stop system for the Wrangler diesel. The system shuts off the engine when the vehicle is stopped, improving mileage by more than 10 percent. "Jeep is truly our global brand," Gavilan said. "But we will also have some Chrysler vehicles on the Lancia stand for the first time in Paris." While the diesel powertrains are exclusive for Europe, the Jeep products sold there will be made in North America and some of the fuel-saving technology, such as the start-stop system, will make its way to American vehicles by 2014. Although the success of the American vehicles shown in Paris will depend on their acceptance in the U.S. market, Europe also is an important market in its own right. According to ACEA, the European carmakers' trade association, European auto sales outpace demand in the U.S. Through August, carmakers sold 8.3 million units in the European Union, compared to 7.6 million in America during the same time period. The U.S. sales figures are from Autodata Corp. "The Paris Motor show is the heart and center of the European markets," Stumpe said. And being in that market has never been more important. "Carmakers must work on a global scale today," Bell said. "For vehicles like the Aveo and others, this is the first chance to check them out." From The Detroit News: http://detnews.com/article/20100930/AUTO04/9300420/1148/auto01/Paris-Motor-Show-a-key-test-for-Detroit-s-Big-3#ixzz111A8rJxe

Lamborghini supercar smokes out Paris show 05:24 AM Never mind how wicked it looks. What Italian automaker Lamborghini wants you to know is that the Sesto Elemento sports car weighs very little. Only about 2,200 lbs. (999 kilograms, Lambo says), even though it has all-wheel drive, a heavy features. It's made from very light CFRP -- carbon-fiber reinforced plastics. Carbon is the sixth element in the periodic table, spawning the car's name (sesto is "sixth"). Weighs so little, in fact, that the 570-hp V-10 yanks it from standstill to 100 kph (62 mph) in an astonishing 2.5 seconds, the maker claims. Normally you'd consider a car quick if it made that sprint in five or six seconds. Lamborghini is 100% owned by Volkswagen Group's Audi brand. Audi is famous for its quattro all-wheel drive systems and its extensive use of aluminum to lighten its cars. Lamborghini calls Sesto Elemento a "technology demonstrator" that proves Lambo has expertise in the design, development and manufacture of very light materials. More than exotic nonsense, such weigh-little materials will become a grail as automakers work to hit tough fuel-economy targets set by governments. A light car needs only a small engine to give it satisfactory performance. Such a machine can use small and lightweight tires, brakes and suspension components. Carbon-fiber (used in fishing rods, for example) is still too expensive for economy cars but it is creeping into mainstream use for panels and parts in pricer automobiles. Over time, as use increases, its cont could drop. link: http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2010/09/ultralight-lamborghini-smokes-em-at-paris-auto-show/1

What's ahead among European vehicles Opel designs, new BMW coupe among the plans Buick And Opel General Motors' German Opel brand is traditionally among Europe's best sellers. It's now providing the design and engineering for much of Buick's vehicle line, including a compact sedan called the Verano that should go into production at the Orion Township assembly plant north of Detroit in about a year. The Verano will share key design elements with Opel's Astra compact and Astra Sports Tourer station wagon. The Astra Sports Tourer wagon is a key model for Opel in Europe, where station wagons are big sellers. There's no current plan to sell the wagon in the U.S. However, it would be relatively simple to add the nifty family hauler to Orion or another U.S. GM plant if demand for the car develops. BMW 6-Series And X3 BMW calls the gorgeous 6-series coupe a concept car, but its elegant lines are nearly identical to the upcoming production model. The new 6 has classic BMW coupe touches like a long hood and short front overhang. The elegant roof flows down into a short rear deck, while a dynamic crease runs the length of the car from front wheelwells to taillights. The concept adds modern features like LED headlights, a head-up display and 10.2-inch screen for BMW's iDrive control system. The new X3 is larger and better equipped than the SUV it replaces. BMW will build it alongside the company's X5 and X6 SUVs in Spartanburg, S.C. It's the first time the X3 will be produced in America, or at a plant BMW owns. It outsourced production of the first-generation X3 to an Austrian plant owned by Canadian supplier Magna. Mercedes-Benz CLS Mercedes hinted at the glorious new CLS luxury sedan with a show car at the North American International Auto Show in January. The production model is even better, with a long elegant nose, sculpted flanks and a flowing roofline. The new CLS premieres a new design theme Mercedes plans to use on all its cars. It goes on sale in the U.S. in 2011. Among other features, the CLS has 17 LEDs for all its exterior lighting. The interior offers a choice of two woods, carbon-fiber or piano-black trim and leather wrappings so extensive that it takes about four cowhides to upholster a single CLS. Land Rover Evoque The new Evoque luxury SUV is Land Rover's smallest vehicle and a key to the brand's plan to boost its fuel efficiency. It shares its platform with the larger LR3 model, but has just two doors and a modern, coupe-like appearance. The Evoque closely resembles a concept vehicle Land Rover debuted at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit several years ago. The design features short overhangs and generous ground clearance for off-road capability. Magnetically controlled shock absorbers will adjust to differing terrain and driving conditions, while an electric steering system helps save fuel. A 240-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with turbocharging and direct fuel injection will power Evoques sold in the U.S. Prices for the Evoque will start at around $45,000 when it goes on sale in fall 2011. Mini Electric Scooter Mini gets even smaller with three battery-powered electric scooters. It's calling them concepts, but don't be surprised if Mini builds them. The brand is already testing electrically powered versions of its little two-door car. The Mini Scooter E borrows key design elements from Mini cars, including round headlights and multicolored paint schemes. The scooters' electric motor is packaged in the rear wheel. They can be charged from any outlet, but Mini won't say how long it takes or what their battery range is. Mini has never built a two-wheeled vehicle. Read more: What's ahead among European vehicles | freep.com | Detroit Free Press http://www.freep.com/article/20100930/BUSINESS01/9300443/1210/business01/Whats-ahead-among-European-vehicles#ixzz1115cQsQb

4 new Chevrolet models for Paris auto show BY MARK PHELAN FREE PRESS AUTO CRITIC PARIS -- General Motors' plan to transform Chevrolet into a global powerhouse brand like Toyota, Honda, Volkswagen and Ford gets a major injection of fresh sheet metal as Chevy introduces four key models at the Paris auto show this week. The globalization of Chevrolet is one of GM's few unqualified successes in the last several years. The brand has become a major player in fast-growing markets around the world. It has spearheaded GM's growth in Russia and central Europe. The new models will include the Aveo subcompact, an aggressively styled little car intended to be a major player in developing markets around the world. The Aveo is also destined to become the only subcompact car built in the U.S. GM's Orion Township assembly plant in Oakland County will produce it alongside a new compact from Buick. In addition to the Aveo, Chevrolet will show a slick hatchback version of the Cruze compact. The Cruze should become one of GM's best-selling cars around the world. The hatchback promises to boost sales in Europe, where the stylish and practical body style is very popular. Chevrolet just began building the Cruze sedan in Lordstown, Ohio. The car is also destined for production at several plants in Europe and Asia. There's no plan to build the Cruze hatchback in the U.S. Chevrolet will also show new versions of its Captiva small SUV and Orlando compact minivan. Chevrolet initially planned to sell the Orlando in the U.S. It canceled that plan, but the space-efficient little seven-seater still plays a major role in the badge's plan for Europe and other parts of the world. The four vehicles just about complete Chevrolet's evolution from a hodgepodge of designs and vehicles borrowed from GM operations around the world to a global brand with a model line with consistent styling and characteristics in all markets. Chrysler's Italian partner Fiat will pull the wraps off a powerful and fuel-efficient engine equipped with a technology destined for production at Chrysler's engine plant in Dundee, just west of Monroe. The 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine uses Fiat's Multiair system, an innovative system that boosts the power and fuel efficiency of small engines. Fiat's Multiair technology will be a key to the company's goal to produce a fleet of fuel-efficient small cars and crossovers. Fiat's Alfa Romeo brand will also show a new transmission Chrysler plans to produce in the U.S. Called TCT, for twin-clutch transmission, it uses the system also known as dual-clutch to improve fuel economy while providing more of the control drivers like about manual transmissions. Ford introduced a dual-clutch as the automatic transmission in its Fiesta subcompact. The TCT dual-clutch transmission should eventually be offered in everything from the new subcompacts Chrysler plans to produce to its midsize sedans and crossovers. In addition, several key Chrysler models will share Fiat's Lancia luxury brand's stand. Fiat plans to combine Chrysler and Lancia into a single worldwide luxury brand. The vehicles will be called Chryslers everywhere but Italy, where the Lancia name carries on. The Chrysler 300C and Town & Country minivan -- called the Grand Voyager in Europe -- are prominent in the Lancia display. link: http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100930/COL14/9300441/1210/business01/4-new-Chevrolet-models-for-Paris-auto-show&template=fullarticle

GM, Chrysler show what's coming at Paris auto show BY MARK PHELAN FREE PRESS AUTO CRITIC PARIS -- Cars and technology shown at the auto show today could be critical to the future for General Motors and Chrysler, which are still rebuilding after their bankruptcies last year. GM's European Opel brand will show a couple of sporty compacts that hint at the upscale small car Buick will build at the Orion assembly plant in suburban Detroit. Chevrolet will unveil four vehicles developed to power its growing sales in Europe, Asia and Latin America -- including the Aveo subcompact, also slated for production in Orion. "This is tremendously important for GM's brands," said Rebecca Lindland, analyst with IHS Automotive. "The Aveo is one of the most important vehicles for Chevrolet globally, particularly in developing markets like India and China. GM needs to rebuild Opel's brand image with strong new models, and Buick has an opportunity to establish itself as a modern performance brand." Chrysler's Italian partner Fiat will pull the wraps off advanced new engine and transmission technologies vital to plans for a more fuel-efficient family of Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicles. Chrysler plans to produce those engines and transmission at factories in Michigan and Indiana. Ford, meanwhile, will show the performance ST version of its new Focus compact. Read more: Mark Phelan: GM, Chrysler show what's coming at Paris auto show | freep.com | Detroit Free Press http://www.freep.com/article/20100930/COL14/9300440/1331/BUSINESS01/GM-Chrysler-show-whats-coming-at-Paris-auto-show#ixzz1110lPRgX

Dura Star

Japanese Auto Makers Drive Ahead With Fuel-Cell Vehicle Programs By Roger Schreffler and Mack Chrysler WardsAuto.com, Sep 29, 2010 9:00 AM TOKYO – Fuel-cell-powered vehicles may join the industry mainstream sooner than anyone thinks due to developments taking place in Asia. “Hydrogen energy and fuel-cell technologies have achieved greater acceptance and are likely to be phased in earlier in Asia, especially in Japan and South Korea, than anywhere else in the world,” writes Peter Hoffmann, publisher and editor of the Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Letter. Hoffmann particularly is upbeat about efforts by Toyota Motor Corp. and Honda Motor Co. Ltd. “Both auto makers have indicated they will begin retail sales in 2015 and expect to go into mass production by 2025,” he says. “The big bottleneck remains a hydrogen-refueling infrastructure, but these guys are doing all the right things.” To quicken the pace, 13 Japanese energy companies, including market-leaders Nippon Oil Corp. and Tokyo Gas Co. Ltd., joined forces last year to develop a hydrogen-supply infrastructure for fuel-cell vehicles in Japan. The Hydrogen Supply and Utilization Technology Research Assn., based in Tokyo, hopes to have a network of fueling stations in place by 2015. Honda began leasing its FCX Clarity fuel-cell-powered car in November 2008 and to date has leased 25 units in the U.S. and Japan. The target is 200 units by 2011. Prior to the Clarity’s launch, Honda leased 35 earlier-generation FCX models. The Clarity, a 4-door sedan, features a dedicated platform for the auto maker’s proprietary V-Flow stack. While the car currently has a range of 240 miles (386 km), analysts believe the Clarity could nearly double that if Honda replaces its 35 MPa hydrogen fuel tank with a 70 MPa unit. Honda Clarity FCX 4-door sedan features dedicated platform for proprietary V-Flow stack. In June 2008, Toyota tested a pair of fuel-cell-powered FCHV-advs (a fuel-cell version of the Highlander SUV) on a 310-mile (500-km) run between Osaka and Tokyo. Both completed the touring with enough fuel left for an additional 188-mile (300-km) trip, for a net range of 500 miles (800 km). Toyota began leasing the FCHV-adv in September 2008. To date, 38 units have been put into operation, including 24 in the U.S. and 14 in Japan. Management eventually plans to deploy more than 100 units, mostly to government, corporate and university fleets. Toyota believes FCVs have the greatest medium-term potential for long-haul trucks and buses, where stack and other core component costs are comparatively lower in relation to total vehicle cost than for cars. Both Toyota and Honda plan to begin non-lease FCV retail sales in 2015, although they warn the speed of introduction will depend on how quickly a hydrogen-fueling network is put in place. System cost likely will be less of a problem. For instance, Toyota believes it can lower stack costs to ¥1 million ($11,740) by 2020. If that target is reached, senior researchers believe the cross-over point between EVs and fuel-cell vehicles will fall to a range of 90 miles (140 km). Hyundai fuel-cell models undergoing testing in U.S., South Korea. Assuming lithium-ion battery costs can be cut to the government’s ¥20,000 ($235)/kWh target, everything below that range will be EVs and everything above will be FCVs. “The key is how quickly and cheaply a hydrogen-fueling infrastructure can be put in place,” says Hiroyuki Watanabe, chairman of ITS Japan and former technology advisor to Toyota. Still, he believes when Toyota launches its first FCV in 2015, sales will begin at similar levels as the first-generation Prius – about 1,000 units per month. Watanabe also says extended range could be the deciding factor in which technology, fuel cells or Li-ion batteries, dominates in the future. Honda several years ago set a 2020 price target of ¥4 million ($46,000) for its FCV, roughly the same as a fully loaded, up-trim Accord. At that price, management predicted FCVs would account for 5% of the auto maker’s North American sales. However, Honda declines to reconfirm that price. Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. CEO Carlos Ghosn, the strongest proponent of EV technology, is on record saying FCVs will come after EVs. This is one reason why the auto maker has leased only two X-Trail FCVs to date, one in the U.S. to the Coca-Cola Bottling Co. and the other to an unnamed customer in Japan. Nissan joined with United Technologies Corp. in 2003 to develop a fuel-cell stack for future FCVs. The auto maker’s current-generation X-Trail FCV can run nearly 375 miles (600 km) on a single charge. In addition to its November 2009 launch of the new X-Trail FCV, Nissan developed a next-generation fuel-cell stack that is 25% smaller than the existing model and less-expensive to build. Earlier that same year, Nissan North America Inc. opened a new Fuel Cell Laboratory at the Nissan Technical Center in Farmington Hills, MI., to support the auto maker’s other global research centers , as well as work with suppliers and universities on various related fuel-cell projects. South Korea’s Hyundai Motor Co. Ltd. told Ward’s in 2007 it hoped to begin producing fuel-cell vehicles in small volumes, about 10,000 units annually, by 2010, with mass production to begin by 2015. However, a spokesman told Ward’s last week Hyundai currently is assembling 100 FCVs for a Korean government demonstration project in Seoul and Ulsan metro area and plans to make 2,000 FCVs available for lease in global markets between 2012 and 2014. It also will deploy up to 400 units in the U.S. in the 2012-2014 timeframe, which will be dependent on market factors, including government support and hydrogen infrastructure. “I wouldn’t bet against them,” Hoffmann, of the Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Letter, says of Hyundai. “They’re trying very hard to be a global leader in hydrogen and fuel-cell technology.” link: http://wardsauto.com/ar/japanese_fuel-cell_programs_100929/

Mahindra brushes back Global Vehicles, "rejects any attempt to order" pickups by Jeff Glucker (RSS feed) on Sep 28th 2010 at 6:20PM The automotive soap opera that is Mahindra keeps on turning. Today, the Indian automaker issued a statement regarding the claims put forth by Global Vehicles. Mahindra accuses GV of "engaging in PR theatrics while pursuing an unnecessary lawsuit." It states that the contract with Global Vehicles expired and Mahindra is free to pursue other means of bringing its Pik-Up to its network of waiting U.S. dealers. It has effectively rejected Global Vehicles' $35 million order. Mahindra further claims that Global Vehicles is working hard to damage its reputation while disrupting its attempts to bring the vehicle stateside. Honestly, we would love to see this little truck land in dealer lots here, but we don't know how this drama will play out. Both sides are pointing fingers and we expect name calling to soon follow. Either way, this doesn't appear to a very productive way of expediting vehicles to showrooms, now does it? Read the full statement after the jump. Gallery:Mahindra Pik-Up [source: Mahindra] Show full PR text Mahindra rejects any attempt by Global Vehicles to order Mahindra vehicles as it is invalid Mumbai, September 27, 2010 Mahindra announced that it had received and was rejecting an invalid order for pick-up trucks from former distributor Global Vehicles USA, Inc. Mahindra views this order as another example of Global Vehicles' policy of engaging in PR theatrics while pursuing an unnecessary lawsuit. This is Global Vehicles' continued attempt to manipulate the press to damage Mahindra's reputation. Mahindra also believes that this is an attempt by Global Vehicles to distract Mahindra from pursuing other plans to bring its vehicle to the US market. As stated in Mahindra's September 24 statement, the contract with Global Vehicles has expired. In light of this fact, Mahindra will be contacting U.S. dealers to make other arrangements for distribution. Mr. P N Shah, Chief Executive, International division, Automotive & Farm Equipment sector said, "Mahindra's goal remains to bring its vehicles to the US market, satisfying the desires of US consumers and dealers alike." link: http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/28/mahindra-brushes-back-global-vehicles-rejects-any-attempt-to-o/

Japanese automakers expected to increase overseas production Christine Tierney / The Detroit News Japanese automakers, grappling with a strong currency and flagging demand in their home market, are likely to boost production abroad, adding the equivalent of four assembly plants in North America by 2017, according to new forecast. Toyota Motor Corp., Nissan Motor Co., Honda Motor Co. and other Japanese automakers now have the combined capacity to produce 5.36 million cars and light trucks in North America. By the end of 2016, they're expected to add capacity totaling just over 800,000 vehicles, Masatoshi Nishimoto, a forecaster at IHS Automotive, said at a news briefing Monday. During the same period, Japan's automakers are expected to boost capacity even more in India and other south Asian countries, Nishimoto said. By contrast, Japanese output is expected to level off at about 9 million vehicles after peaking in recent years above 10 million. Japan's automakers have established extensive manufacturing operations abroad over the years, tracking the growth in their overseas sales. They are now accelerating the shift offshore after a three-year rise in the yen, to 82-83 yen to the dollar -- a level that makes it hard for Japanese automakers to earn money exporting vehicles. "It's getting very severe now," Nishimoto said of the yen's rise. Toyota views currency fluctuations "as a cost of doing business globally," said company spokesman Jim Wiseman. About 65 percent of the vehicles it now sells in the United States are built in North America. "That's one way we minimize our exposure," Wiseman said. Toyota recently resumed construction of a plant in Blue Springs, Miss., where it plans to build Corolla compacts. Honda produces an even greater proportion of its U.S. vehicle sales in the region; Nissan plants will build the electric Leaf in Smyrna, Tenn., starting in 2012. The leveling of the Japanese automakers' domestic output also reflects the gloomy demographics of their home market, which peaked in 1990. Japan's population is shrinking and its economy is recovering at a halting pace. "The fundamentals are pretty poor," said Nigel Griffiths, chief automotive economist at HIS, which provides automotive analysis and forecasting. Moreover, young people in Japan don't seem as interested in vehicles as previous generations. "If you look at younger Japanese, they're not even taking driving tests five and 10 years after reaching driving age. This is an indicator," he said. "It's a very urbanized society and they've got a lot of options," including top-notch public transportation, he said. "Japan will be the first country where we'll see a long-term reduction in the numbers of cars on the road." For years, auto executives and analysts have said they didn't expect other countries to follow in Japan's footsteps. But they're no longer ruling out that prospect. "Japan is an outlier," Griffiths said, "but Europe's next on the list because of its aging population and its transportation infrastructure." From The Detroit News: http://www.detnews.com/article/20100928/AUTO01/9280320/1148/auto01/Japanese-automakers-expected-to-increase-overseas-production#ixzz10pQ319ki

I am so sorry about your accident. I just this thread. I am so sorry. The most important thing is that you are okay. I read that and was like wow! It hurts when you work so hard for something and this happens. Please keep everyone updated on your status as well as your situation.

Congrats to Roger!! I know you appreciate the honor.