Spy Shots: Refreshed 2012 Bentley Continental GT gets ready for Paris

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Paris Motor Show, Bentley, Luxury

There’s no denying the Bentley Continental line is due for an update. In the ultra competitive world of ultra luxurious automobiles, the sportiest of Bentley’s top-shelf automobiles is, shall we say, aging gracefully, and all the while new competitors are keen to take a crack at the drive-for-yourself luxury thrown.

In order to keep the Continental GT looking fresh, Bentley is readying a slightly facelifted 2012 model for the upcoming Paris Motor Show. Judging from these spy photos snagged by Auto Express, the changes will be subtle but fairly comprehensive, focusing mainly on the front and rear fascias and perhaps a bit more power from the W12 lurking underhood.

As ever, the grille is the main focal point up front, and it will now be flanked by a swankier set of quad headlamps. Bumpers are revised front and rear, and the taillamps appear to be downsized and elongated sideways. As we said before, subtle but effective. Stay tuned, we’ll be sure to bring you live shots of this and everything else that’s fit to see from the City of Light come October.

[Source: Auto Express]

Spy Shots: Refreshed 2012 Bentley Continental GT gets ready for Paris originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Jul 2010 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: New Ford Focus ST headed for Paris

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

2012 Ford Focus – Click above for high-res image gallery
As the launch of the 2012 Focus draws closer, Ford plans to roll out several variants of its C-segment people mover. And at this year’s Paris Motor Show, the Blue Oval will reportedly kick off the party with the debut of a new Focus ST which could finally make its way to America next year. The Focus ST is expected to be propelled by an uprated version of the 2.0-liter Ecoboost inline-four – the same mill fitted to the Euro-market Mondeo – but with output boosted well over the current 200 horsepower.

In ST trim the engine should produce about 250 hp and close to 260 pound-feet of torque, with all that twist coming in low in the rev range to balance high-revving fun with enhanced around-town driveability. The ST should hit 60 mph in under six seconds with combined mileage of about 29 miles per gallon (U.S.). Earlier this year, Ford acknowledged that it was developing a “global” performance version of the new Focus, but never said explicitly that it would be offered in North America. Here’s hoping that changes in Paris this September.

Gallery: 2012 Ford Focus

[Source: AutoExpress]

Report: New Ford Focus ST headed for Paris originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Jul 2010 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Smart to reveal electric scooter at Paris Motor Show

Filed under: Paris Motor Show, Smart, Motorcycle, Rumormill, Electric

When you’re already known for producing what basically amounts to the smallest vehicle currently available for public consumption, what do you do for an encore presentation? Go even smaller, of course. In the case of the Smart brand, that means cutting the total wheel count in half. That’s right, a scooter.

According to Autocar, Daimler’s littlest auto brand is planning to debut a new plug-in electric scooter at the upcoming Paris Motor Show. According to a “senior Mercedes-Benz official”:

Smart was originally established to tackle the need for improved mobility, especially in congested city environments. Up to now we have concentrated our efforts on four-wheel solutions. The next stage is to look at how to expand beyond this with other environmentally friendly vehicles.

If true, this electric scooter may be seen as a response to longtime German rival BMW’s efforts in the two-wheeled arena. In fact, BMW recently showed off an electric scooter concept of its own called the C1-E, which was based on its previous production C1 covered scooter.

Just one last question: What are the chances this electric scooter will be called the ForOne?

[Source: Autocar]

Report: Smart to reveal electric scooter at Paris Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Jul 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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