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

Filed under: Performance, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Fiat

Arbath Punto Evo esseesse

2011 Fiat Punto Evo Abarth EsseEsse – Click above for high-res image gallery

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

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

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

Gallery: Paris 2010: Arbath Punto Evo esseesse

Paris 2010: Arbath Punto Evo esseesseParis 2010: Arbath Punto Evo esseesseParis 2010: Arbath Punto Evo esseesseParis 2010: Arbath Punto Evo esseesseParis 2010: Arbath Punto Evo esseesse

Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

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Paris 2010: 2011 Fiat Punto Evo Abarth EsseEsse is one fierce Scorpion originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Oct 2010 20:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

Filed under: Budget, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Hyundai, Diesel

2011 Hyundai ix20

2011 Hyundai ix20 – Click above for high-res image gallery

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

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

Hyundai is hoping any further worries will be allayed by the five-year, unlimited mile warranty, and wants to sell 55,000 units of the ix20 annually. There’s a press release on Hyundai’s European charge after the jump, and a high-res gallery of photos below.

Gallery: Paris 2010: Hyundai ix20

Photos copyright (C)2010 Jonathon Ramsey / AOL

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Paris 2010: 2011 Hyundai ix20 is neat, nifty, compact originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Oct 2010 18:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Paris Motor Show, Toyota

Toyota Verso-S

2011 Toyota Verso-S – Click above for high-res image gallery

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

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

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

Gallery: Paris 2010: Toyota Verso-S

Paris 2010: Toyota Verso-SParis 2010: Toyota Verso-SParis 2010: Toyota Verso-SParis 2010: Toyota Verso-SParis 2010: Toyota Verso-S

Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

Paris 2010: 2011 Toyota Verso-S is a small MPV with big features originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Oct 2010 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris 2010: 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG mixes Wall Street and Miami Vice

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Paris Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

2011 Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG

2011 Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG – Click above for high-res image gallery

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

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

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

Gallery: Paris 2010: 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG

Photos copyright (C)2010 Jonathon Ramsey / AOL

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Paris 2010: 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG mixes Wall Street and Miami Vice originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Oct 2010 17:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris 2010: 2011 Citroën DS4 continues the automaker’s design revolution

Filed under: Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Citroën

2011 Citroën DS4

2011 Citroën DS4 – Click above for high-res image gallery

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

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

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

Gallery: Paris 2010: Citroen DS4

Paris 2010: Citron DS4Paris 2010: Citron DS4Paris 2010: Citron DS4Paris 2010: Citron DS4Paris 2010: Citron DS4

Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

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Paris 2010: 2011 Citroën DS4 continues the automaker’s design revolution originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Oct 2010 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris 2010: 2011 Fiat 500C Abarth EsseEsse packs quite a punch

Filed under: Performance, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Fiat

2011 Arbath 500C esseesse

2011 Fiat 500 Abarth EsseEsse – Click above for high-res image gallery

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

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

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

Gallery: Paris 2010: Arbath 500C esseesse

Paris 2010: Arbath 500C esseesseParis 2010: Arbath 500C esseesseParis 2010: Arbath 500C esseesseParis 2010: Arbath 500C esseesseParis 2010: Arbath 500C esseesse

Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

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Paris 2010: 2011 Fiat 500C Abarth EsseEsse packs quite a punch originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Oct 2010 16:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris 2010: 2011 BMW 5 Series Touring is an excellent vehicle you’ll never drive

Filed under: Wagon, Paris Motor Show, BMW, Luxury

2011 BMW 5 Series Touring

2011 BMW 5 Series Touring – Click above for high-res image gallery

Take a good, hard look at this vehicle, which is currently on display at the Paris Motor Show. Seems like it would be the perfect alternative for someone who wants a luxury SUV but doesn’t need a vehicle that large. It also appears to be the perfect car for a person who wants cargo room yet despises luxury crossovers. This is the 2011 BMW 5 Series Touring – and we can’t have it.

Wagons are, quite unfortunately, going the way of the dodo in this country. A vehicle that makes too much sense won’t sell in a country where sense is tossed into the wind. The problem is, that’s part of what makes this country great – the idea that we can go and buy a V10-powered Ford Excursion even if we just use it to drive the kids to soccer. Yet, that vehicle only makes sense for a small number of people, and those people are buying better tools for their job anyway.

The 2011 BMW 5 Series Touring, assuming of course that you are looking for a luxury car, makes far more sense to far more people. It fits just as many people as the high-riding crossover alternative, while also providing just as much cargo space. It’s arguably better looking than any crossover or sport utility vehicle. More importantly, it has loads of useful space while at the same time being a blast to drive. The only area it would fall in a comparison would be in regards to towing.

You can view the stats for the 2011 BMW 5 Series Touring in the press release after the jump, but it doesn’t matter in the grand scheme of things. We won’t get to enjoy the 306 horsepower 535i Touring, or any other variant of this wonderful wagon. And before it’s even left in the ‘comments’, yes, we know all about the BMW 5 Series GT.

Gallery: Paris 2010: BMW 5 Series Touring

Paris 2010: BMW 5 Series TouringParis 2010: BMW 5 Series TouringParis 2010: BMW 5 Series TouringParis 2010: BMW 5 Series TouringParis 2010: BMW 5 Series Touring

Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

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Paris 2010: 2011 BMW 5 Series Touring is an excellent vehicle you’ll never drive originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Oct 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Roush 5XR Mustang: Now with more ROUSH

Filed under: Coupe, Ford, Specialty

2011 Roush 5XR Mustang – Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2011 Ford Mustang already packs a plentiful 412 horsepower under it’s well-contoured hood, but for some enthusiasts there is no such thing as enough power. And what makes owning a Mustang so great is that there are countless ways to upgrade your ride. Roush has done it’s fair share of Mustang modifying, and that trend continues for 2011. The new 5XR is Jack and the gang’s latest stab at ‘Stang perfection, with a R2300 ROUSHcharger mated to Ford’s already potent 5.0-liter V8 to produce a hearty 525 ponies and 465 pound-feet of torque.

When Roush upgrades a Mustang, obviously it starts with a more powerful engine, but the fun usually doesn’t end there. The 5XR will also feature a bevy of upgraded components, including a suspension kit with new front shocks and rear springs and front and rear stabilizer bars. Power will be transferred to the road via 20-inch chrome wheels wrapped with high-performance Cooper RS3 tires.

On the outside, Roush provides plenty of cues to alert even the novice that the 5XR is no run-of-the-mill pony car. Upgrades include a new front fascia with splitter, side rocker splitters, rear valance and three-piece deck lid spoiler. And if that isn’t enough to clue you in, the 5XR also comes standard with a copious amount of badging.

The 5XR is limited to a production run of 150 units, but prospective owners will first have to purchase their own 2011 Mustang. Roush-certified Ford dealers will install the $15,390 worth of goodies. Other available upgrades are up-rated vented brakes, custom leather seating surfaces and a vent pod gauge. Hit the jump to pour over the Roush press release.

Gallery: 2011 Roush Mustang 5XR

[Source: Roush]

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2011 Roush 5XR Mustang: Now with more ROUSH originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Oct 2010 15:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris 2010: 2011 Infiniti G37 Convertible gets the IPL workup

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Paris Motor Show, Infiniti

2011 Infiniti IPL G Convertible – Click above for high-res image gallery

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

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

Gallery: Paris 2010: 2011 Infiniti IPL G Convertible

Paris 2010: 2011 Infiniti IPL G ConvertibleParis 2010: 2011 Infiniti IPL G ConvertibleParis 2010: 2011 Infiniti IPL G ConvertibleParis 2010: 2011 Infiniti IPL G ConvertibleParis 2010: 2011 Infiniti IPL G Convertible

Photos copyright (C)2010 Chris Paukert / AOL

Paris 2010: 2011 Infiniti G37 Convertible gets the IPL workup originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Sep 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

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

Porsche 911 Carrera GTS

2011 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS – Click above for high-res image gallery

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.

Gallery: Paris 2010: Porsche 911 Carrera GTS

Porsche 911 Carrera GTSPorsche 911 Carrera GTSPorsche 911 Carrera GTSPorsche 911 Carrera GTSPorsche 911 Carrera GTS

Gallery: Paris 2010: Porsche 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet

2011 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet2011 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet2011 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet2011 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet2011 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet

Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

Paris 2010: 2011 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS is the middle child we can live with originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Sep 2010 14:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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