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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

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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 DS4

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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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By the Numbers – Sept. 2010: Couldn’t Wait Until After Paris Edition

Filed under: By the Numbers

C4C Aftermath Makes September Sales Look Great

Jeez, automakers. We’re busy enough covering your wares at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. Couldn’t you wait until Monday to release sales figures for the month of September? Such is life.

We wouldn’t blame you for thinking that September 2010 was a rockin’ month of sales for the entire U.S. auto industry based on the table below. Look at all that green! Fact is, all those positive percentages are based on comparing last month to September 2009, which was the first full month of sales after the government’s Cash for Clunkers program ended. At that time the buying public was full from binging on federally discounted cars and inventory levels across the nation were low.

Chrysler Group brands also reported off-the-charts improvements, though again, their sales were hardly helped at all by C4C last year, yet each felt the aftermath just the same.

Overall, sales for the entire industry appear inflated, but one thing we can see is that Ford Motor Company will likely end 2010 with a significant gain in market share versus 2009. The company was about 11,000 units short of beating General Motors in September, and keep in mind sales of the Ford brand in September were 90 percent of the three-brand automaker’s sales as a whole, while Chevrolet and its 121,479 units made up 70 percent of GM’s four brands. Translation: Ford is on a nice tear.

Brand	Vol. %	Sept. 2010	Sept. 2009	DSR %*	Sept. 2010	Sept. 2009
Saab	116.12	1,046	484	116.12	42	19
Chrysler	91.78	17,348	9,046	91.78	694	362
Dodge	70.97	36,272	21,215	70.97	1,451	849
Jeep	65.46	28,603	17,287	65.46	1,144	691
Ram	50.92	54,126	35,864	50.92	2,165	1,435
Ford	49.27	147,057	98,516	49.27	5,882	3,941
Hyundai	47.75	46,556	31,511	47.75	1,862	1,260
Acura	47.68	10,720	7,259	47.68	429	290
Subaru	46.86	21,432	14,593	46.86	857	584
GMC	41.59	25,995	18,359	41.59	1,040	734
Kia	39.07	30,071	21,623	39.07	1,203	865
Buick	36.17	12,875	9,455	36.17	515	378
Nissan	35.09	65,900	48,783	35.09	2,636	1,951
Mazda	30.53	18,580	14,234	30.53	743	569
Infiniti	25.64	8,305	6,610	25.64	332	264
Lincoln	25.59	7,510	5,980	25.59	300	239
Porsche	24.67	1,971	1,581	24.67	79	63
Honda	23.83	86,641	69,970	23.83	3,466	2,799
Mercedes	21.67	20,666	16,985	21.67	827	679
BMW	21.14	18,228	15,047	21.14	729	602
Toyota	20.48	130,214	108,076	20.48	5,209	4,323
Chevrolet	18.47	121,479	102,538	18.47	4,859	4,102
Mini	18.31	4,884	4,128	18.31	195	165
Mercury	15.86	6,306	5,443	15.86	252	218
Volkswagen	14.89	19,943	17,358	14.89	798	694
Audi	13.07	8,151	7,209	13.07	326	288
Land Rover	11.81	2,489	2,226	11.81	100	89
Cadillac	11.30	12,620	11,339	11.30	505	454
Jaguar	9.89	967	880	9.89	39	35
Mitsubishi	5.28	4,961	4,712	5.28	198	188
Lexus	-5.52	16,948	17,939	-5.52	678	718
Suzuki	-11.68	1,641	1,858	-11.68	66	74
Volvo	-11.96	4,152	4,716	-11.96	166	189
Smart	-48.16	422	814	-48.16	17	33
(Hummer)	-61.74	163	426	-61.74	7	17
(Saturn)	-99.50	15	2,993	-99.50	1	120
(Pontiac)	-99.93	8	11,079	-99.93	0	443
TOTAL	29.57	995,265	768,136	—	—	—
COMPANIES
Chrysler Group	60.90	100,077	62,197	60.90	4,003	2,488
Ford Motor Company	46.33	160,873	109,939	46.33	6,435	4,398
Nissan NA	33.96	74,205	55,393	33.96	2,968	2,216
American Honda	26.07	97,361	77,229	26.07	3,894	3,089
GM (Core)	22.07	172,969	141,691	22.07	6,919	5,668
BMW Group	20.53	23,112	19,175	20.53	924	767
Toyota Mo Co	16.78	147,162	126,015	16.78	5,886	5,041
Jaguar Land Rover NA	11.27	3,456	3,106	11.27	138	124
General Motors	10.52	173,155	156,673	10.52	6,926	6,267

*Brands and companies are displayed in descending order according to their percentage change in volume sales. There were 25 selling days in September 2010 and September 2009, so the change in monthly sales volume is the same as the change in average daily sales rate (DSR) for each brand/company.

By the Numbers – Sept. 2010: Couldn’t Wait Until After Paris Edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Oct 2010 16:41:00 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 esseesse

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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 Touring

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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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Paris 2010: First factory-built Fisker Karma hits the stage

Filed under: Hybrid, Paris Motor Show, Fisker, Electric, Luxury

First Factory-Built Fisker Karma

First Factory-Built Fisker Karma – Click above for high-res image gallery

Staying true to its concept form, the factory-built Fisker Karma plug-in hybrid that hit the stage at the Paris Motor Show retains the concept’s massive 22-inch wheels (Fisker says it’ll be the first production car equipped with standard 22s), sensuous styling, 403-plus horsepower rating and the company’s promise of achieving 100-plus miles per gallon in regular use. So, what’s exactly different about the factory-built version? Well, the most notable exterior modification is the addition of a (blacked-out) B-pillar, which was apparently required to increase the vehicle’s structural rigidity.

Aside from the added pillar, we can’t really pick out any differences between the gorgeous concept that we laid eyes on a few years ago and this production-ready version that hit the stage in Paris. Fisker still lists a base price of $88,000 and anticipates that deliveries will begin early next year, or so it says. We hope to get up close and personal with the Karma at the upcoming LA Auto Show, but for now, hit up that high-res gallery of live shots that just came in from Paris and hop the jump for more info from Fisker.

Gallery: Paris 2010: First Factory-Built Fisker Karma

Paris 2010: First Factory-Built Fisker Karma

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Paris 2010: First factory-built Fisker Karma hits the stage originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Oct 2010 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lotus shocks Paris Motor Show with five concept debuts

Filed under: Concept Cars, Performance, Paris Motor Show, Lotus

Lotus Esprit Concept

Lotus Esprit Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

It’s been a while since something took us by surprise at an auto show. Usually we’ve seen the pictures and read the press releases a few days ahead of time, so there’s nothing new revealed we weren’t already expecting. Until today. We were expecting Lotus to reveal a pair of new Evora models, a new front-engined GT called the Elite, and if we were lucky, maybe the new Esprit. What we got was something much, much better.

As we arrived at the Lotus booth here at the Paris Motor Show, we spotted a total of five cars under cover. Perhaps a concept and some new versions of existing cars? What proceeded to happen was something entirely unexpected. Lotus CEO Dany Bahar addressed the crowd, announcing that Lotus would be entering a new era. In a matter of minutes, the wraps were pulled off the Esprit, Elan, Elite, Elise and Eterne concept cars, each time with a gasp from the crowd as the next concept’s name was announced. This wasn’t just the introduction of a few concept cars. We were witnessing the complete and utter revitalization, rebranding and rebirth of a legendary car company.

Lotus Elise and Elan concepts – Click above for high-res image galleries

With this new lineup of cars, it’s easy to see that Lotus wants to play with the big boys – Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati and Aston Martin. Bahar had announced last year that this was the direction the company would take, but we didn’t expect it to happen so soon or all at once.

One question still has to be asked, though. Is this direction the right one for Lotus? We can appreciate all forms of performance cars, but is there enough room for Lotus to edge its way into each of these target markets? Can the Esprit conquer the McLaren MP4-12C or the Ferrari 458 Italia? Will buyers go for a Lotus Elite over the Ferrari 599 GTB or the Aston Martin DBS?

Lotus Elite and Eterne concepts – Click above for high-res image galleries

Lotus has long been the master of lightweight, nimble sports cars, and many will undoubtedly say that the company should stick to the same cars it’s been building for the last decade. After all, what would Colin Chapman say about a Lotus coupe that weighs over 3,600 pounds? And a grown up Elise? Then there’s the styling. As usual, we’re split down the middle here at Autoblog. Half of us love the styling, while the other 50 percent thinks it looks too generic. In the end, only time will tell whether Lotus fans will like the direction the company is headed.

There’s quite a bit of information on each vehicle, so click the links below to learn more about them.

Lotus Elite Concept
Lotus Esprit Concept
Lotus Elise Concept
Lotus Eterne Hybrid Sedan Concept
Lotus Elan Concept

You can also browse through our live galleries of each concept:

Gallery: Paris 2010: Lotus Esprit Concept

Gallery: Paris 2010: Lotus Eterne Concept

Gallery: Paris 2010: Lotus Elite Concept

Lotus Elite

Gallery: Paris 2010: Lotus Elise Concept

Gallery: Paris 2010: Lotus Elan Concept

Lotus shocks Paris Motor Show with five concept debuts originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Sep 2010 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris 2010: Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale is not an Italian DJ, but is an upgraded super coupe

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Paris Motor Show, Maserati, Luxury

Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale

Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale – Click above for high-res image gallery

Maserati can produce some gorgeous automobiles. The Maserati GranTurismo is no exception, in fact we’d place it in the give-up-your-first-born-to-own-one category of beautiful. In addition to its looks, the GranTurismo is a powerful and luxurious grand touring machine that causes both eyes and ears to strain for more as it goes by. The 430-horsepower GranTurismo S was the king of the trident-wearing coupes, until today. Taking the stage at the 2010 Paris Motor Show is the all-new Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale.

The GranTurismo MC Stradale ratchets up the excitement by pushing power output to 450 horsepower. The chassis has been tweaked and the body slightly updated for increased aerodynamics. The MC Stradale manages to increase the levels of downforce without causing a noticeable increase in drag. The result is an elegant two-door that’s begging for track time. Have a look at our high-res gallery of the drool-worthy Maserati, below.

Gallery: Paris 2010: Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale

Paris 2010: Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale is not an Italian DJ, but is an upgraded super coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Sep 2010 19:02:00 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 Convertible

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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Range Rover Evoque art installations pop up across Paris

Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Paris Motor Show, Crossover, Land Rover, Design/Style, Luxury, Off-Road

Land Rover Range Rover Evoque art

Range Rover Evoque Art Installations – Click above for high-res image gallery

Land Rover is very happy to show off its new Evoque. In fact, the automaker just commissioned an artist to create wire-frame versions of the little luxury crossover. The pieces, of which there are four, have been placed as art installations throughout Paris. The whole concept is designed to highlight the model during its world debut at the 2010 Paris Motor Show.

Four artists were chosen to create the pieces; André (a.k.a. “Monsieur A”), JCDC, Surface To Air and Yorgo Touplas. The unique units can be seen now through the end of September.

We’re big fans of wire-frame artwork because it presents a very unique perspective on an everyday object. It’s a smart way for Land Rover to get the Parisian locals and visitors talking about their newest model, especially since the city is currently filled with automotive journalists attending the Paris Motor Show and fashionistas in town for Paris Fashion Week.

Gallery: Land Rover Evoque Wire-Frame Art

Land Rover Evoque Wire-Frame Art

[Source: Land Rover]

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Range Rover Evoque art installations pop up across Paris originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Sep 2010 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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