Tag: paris

Paris Preview: GM unveils Chevrolet Cruze hatchback for Europe

Filed under: Concept Cars, Budget, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Chevrolet

Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback

Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback – Click above for high-res image gallery

General Motors will be expanding Chevrolet of Europe’s lineup by adding a five-door Cruze, and while we won’t get our first look at this new hatchback for a few weeks, GM has decided to preview it early with a few pictures on the web. Sure to be one of the major draws at the Paris Motor Show in just a few weeks, the liftback ought to compete nicely with the 2012 Ford Focus five-door, but don’t expect GM to offer the more functional Cruze in the United States. “Americans don’t like hatchbacks,” remember?

Much like the Aveo RS and Buick Regal GS from this year’s Detroit Auto Show, GM calls the Cruze hatchback a “show car,” but in this case, that means that it’s somewhere between the stages of concept and prototype. Don’t expect the body to change, but we can easily see the front LED light bar and larger wheels being scrapped for the sake of cost-cutting.

Chevrolet says it will begin selling the Cruze hatchback across Europe in mid-2011 and pricing will be announced closer to the model’s on-sale date. Follow the jump for the full details in GM’s press release. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

Gallery: Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Paris Preview: GM unveils Chevrolet Cruze hatchback for Europe

Paris Preview: GM unveils Chevrolet Cruze hatchback for Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Sep 2010 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris Preview: Hyundai ix20 MPV sketched

Filed under: Concept Cars, Minivan/Van, Paris Motor Show, Hyundai

Hyundai ix20

Hyundai ix20 Concept – Click above for high-res image

When it comes to designing an MPV, it’s difficult to move beyond the standard two-box form. That’s where Hyundai’s “fluidic sculpture” design language comes into play. Penned by the automaker’s European R&D studio in Rüsselsheim, Germany and set to debut at Paris Motor Show at the end of the month, the ix20 attempts to add a level of style to the utilitarian MPV segment.

There’s no word on an engine or output, but Hyundai says the soiree in Paris will have a heavy focus on the brand’s BlueDrive drivetrains, and joining the ix20 on stage will be a refreshed i10 city car, complete with a new 1.0-liter engine. Full details in the press blast after the break.

Continue reading Paris Preview: Hyundai ix20 MPV sketched

Paris Preview: Hyundai ix20 MPV sketched originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Lotus bringing a pair of front-engine hybrids to Paris Motor Show

Filed under: Hybrid, Paris Motor Show, Lotus

Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid

Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid – Click above for high-res image gallery

In addition to the pair of Evoras being introduced at this year’s Paris Motor Show, Lotus will also be unveiling two front-engine hybrid vehicles, in keeping with the automaker’s promise to offer more gasoline/electric sports cars. Edmunds’ Green Car Advisor reports that one of these hybrid cars will be a four-door hatchback and the other will be a two-door coupe.

Lotus debuted its hybrid concept earlier this year in the form of the Evora 414E Hybrid (pictured), but unlike the mid-engine concept, the two front-engine models will utilize a 47-horsepower 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine specifically designed to provide power to electric-drive hybrids.

We’ll have the full details direct from the Paris show later this month, so stay tuned.

Gallery: Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid

[Source: Green Car Advisor]

Report: Lotus bringing a pair of front-engine hybrids to Paris Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris Preview: Toyota Verso-S gets an iQ-inspired makeover

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Toyota

Toyota Verso-S

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

Small MPVs might not be the hottest commodities here in the United States, but these little functional wonders sell like hotcakes in other markets, especially Europe. To keep up with the growing segment, Toyota has given its Verso hatch a rather substantial makeover, and we’ll see the all-new Verso-S debut at the Paris Motor Show in just a few weeks.

Upon its launch in the UK in early 2011, the Verso-S will be the shortest B-segment MPV in Europe – the car is less than four meters (157 inches) long. It’s a sharp little hatch, too, looking like the lovechild of a Honda Fit and a Toyota iQ, the latter of which supplies many of the visual cues seen here on the new Verso-S.

Toyota is still keeping quiet about the full specifications, but expect the floodgates to open at the end of September closer to the little MPV’s official debut. Read more in Toyota’s press release, after the jump.

Gallery: Toyota Verso-S

[Source: Toyota]

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Paris Preview: Toyota Verso-S gets an iQ-inspired makeover originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 17:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lotus reveals Evora S and Evora IPS ahead of Paris debut

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Paris Motor Show, Lotus

lotus evora s

Lotus Evora S and Evora IPS – Click above for high-res image gallery

Not long after Lotus accidentally leaked its plans to unveil two new Evoras at this year’s Paris Motor Show, we now have the full details weeks before the dynamic duo make their public debut. The Evora S and IPS (which stands for “Intelligent Precision Shift” or “automatic transmission” in layman’s terms) will nicely fill out the Evora range, and we’re aching to get our hands on the former.

For the Evora S, Lotus has tweaked the Toyota-sourced 3.5-liter V6 to produce 345 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque – gains of 69 hp and 37 lb-ft over the standard car. The run from 0-60 happens in just 4.8 seconds and top speed has been raised to 172 miles per hour. What’s more, the Evora S comes standard with a sport button that allows the driver to control the throttle response and activate an exhaust bypass valve. On top of that, pressing the magic switch increases the rev limiter and changes the stability control settings, and we imagine that the end result is more than pulse-quickening.

On the tamer side of things, Lotus is also offering the Evora IPS with its new six-speed automatic transmission, featuring both fully automatic and manual shift modes. The two-pedal Evora uses paddle shifters to control gear selection, and buttons are housed on the center console to switch between the standard PRND drive modes. Power has not been changed for the Evora IPS, and thankfully, Lotus has managed to develop a slushbox that doesn’t add any weight to the Evora. After all, lightness is key.

We anticipate a full raft of high-resolution photos to be released closer to the official Paris show debut, but for now, scroll through the small gallery below and follow the jump to read the official release from Lotus.

Gallery: Lotus Evora S and Evora IPS

[Source: Lotus]

Continue reading Lotus reveals Evora S and Evora IPS ahead of Paris debut

Lotus reveals Evora S and Evora IPS ahead of Paris debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM to show Cruze hatchback at Paris Motor Show?

Filed under: Concept Cars, Budget, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, GM, Holden, Australia

Holden Cruze rendering
The internets are aflame with word that General Motors will unveil a new Cruze hatchback at this year’s Paris Motor Show. According to Go Auto, the concept was worked up by none other than The General’s Down Under contingent at Holden. Now, before you start hoping for a more functional version of the Chevrolet Cruze to show up in a showroom near you, know that the production version of the car will be built in Australia and sold to, you guessed it, Australians. Chances are looking slim that the long-roof Cruze will ever make it to the Land of the Free in any official capacity.

Shucks.

GM has made it clear that it will debut no less than four new models in Paris, including production versions of the Chevrolet Aveo and Chevrolet Orlando. While the Orlando is another piece of forbidden fruit from the General, buyers in the U.S. can look forward to getting their hands on the Ford Fiesta-fighting Aveo sometime soon. From what we’ve seen of the new subcompact, the car looks galaxies better than the outgoing model – of course, that’s not hard…

[Source: Go Auto]

GM to show Cruze hatchback at Paris Motor Show? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevrolet Orlando production version unveiled ahead of Paris

Filed under: Europe, Paris Motor Show, Crossover, Chevrolet, GM

Chevrolet Orlando – Click above for high-res image gallery

Chevrolet Orlando rear viewGeneral Motors has released official details on the production 2011 Chevrolet Orlando MPV, which will make its first public appearance at this year’s Paris Motor Show. As we reported earlier and confirmed again today, GM has no plans to offer the Orlando in the United States – a shame, too, since this would indeed be a fitting replacement for the aging, less-attractive Chevrolet HHR.

Inside, the Orlando offers seating for seven, though we imagine it’s a bit cramped when fully loaded with people since this new MPV shares a platform with the smaller Chevrolet Cruze sedan. Nevertheless, GM says that there will be plenty of family-friendly interior amenities, including a hidden storage area behind the audio system’s front fascia, first seen on the Orlando concept back in 2008.

European customers will be able to choose from three different powertrains – a 1.8-liter gasoline four-cylinder that produces 141 horsepower, and two 2.0-liter diesel units that offer 131 and 163 horsepower. We don’t have official word yet but suspect that all of these powertrains will be coupled to six-speed automatic transmissions and that power will only be delivered to the front two wheels. Speaking of wheels, customers will be able to choose from a variety of alloy options, ranging from 16 to 18 inches in diameter.

As we’ve said before, it’s easy to understand why GM wouldn’t want to offer the Orlando in the States. The HHR is hanging in there in terms of sales, and folks looking for something larger are easily stepping up into the Chevrolet Equinox crossover. That said, neither of those vehicles are able to seat seven. You can read GM’s own words about the Orlando in the press release, available after the jump.

Gallery: Chevrolet Orlando

[Source: Chevrolet]

Continue reading Chevrolet Orlando production version unveiled ahead of Paris

Chevrolet Orlando production version unveiled ahead of Paris originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Aug 2010 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS revealed before Paris debut

Filed under: Sedan, Paris Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS – Click above for high-res image gallery

It seems like every automaker wants to have a “four-door coupe” in its lineup these days. Hyundai has its rakish new Sonata, Volkswagen has the stylish CC and BMW has reportedly given its Gran Coupe concept the go-ahead for production. This is certainly one of the hottest automotive design trends of recent memory, but we must remember that it all started with the Mercedes-Benz CLS back in 2004. The folks from Stuttgart told us that coupes can have more than two doors (though we’re still not 100 percent behind that idea), and the CLS quickly became one of the most stylish four-door vehicles on the market. Even today, the original CLS bodystyle still looks fresh, modern and sexy.

Recently, we came across some leaked shots of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS, showing the stylish new design that will be unveiled at this year’s Paris Motor Show. Now we have the official images direct from the manufacturer, and this car is even more beautiful in full high-res glory. The new headlight design is quite striking, and the CLS uses a full-LED setup, with a total of 71 bulbs making up the main headlamps, running lamps, turn signals and side lamps. We’re really anxious to see what this looks like in person with the sun below the horizon.

Even today, the original CLS still looks fresh, modern and sexy.

Inside, a new three-spoke sport steering wheel is on hand, and the CLS now uses a column-mounted gear selector similar to that in the higher-end CL and S-Class cars. The rest of the interior mixes luxurious appointments with modern style, and the end result is something that not only looks sporty and elegant, but immensely comfortable and cozy.

We don’t have official word about powertrains, but expect the CLS to be offered with two different gas engines when it goes on sale in North America in mid-2011. An all-new direct-injected 3.5-liter V6 is anticipated to be the base engine in the CLS350, while CLS550 models will reportedly receive a twin-turbo 4.6-liter V8 good for around 430 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. Of course, a CLS AMG will come shortly thereafter, packing lordly amounts of power.

We’ll have the official specs closer to the car’s scheduled unveiling in Paris, but for now, you can read what Mercedes-Benz has to say about the CLS in the press release after the jump and scroll through the gallery below for a few high-res shots of the svelte new Benz.

Gallery: 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Officially Official: 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS revealed before Paris debut

Officially Official: 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS revealed before Paris debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 22 Aug 2010 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lotus accidentally confirms Evora automatic and S variants for Paris through email snafu

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Paris Motor Show, Lotus

2010 Lotus Evora – Click above for high-res image gallery

Lotus seems to have quite a hit on its hands in the form of the Evora. We were quite taken with it ourselves when given the chance to put the car through its paces in Southern California, and we’ve yet to hear a nasty word uttered in its general direction. But that doesn’t mean Lotus can’t find a way to improve the breed yet further.

Apparently, a couple of those improvements are headed to the Paris Motor Show later this year. Buried within the automaker’s stand will be both a hotted-up S version of the Evora and one bestowed with an automatic transmission. How do we know? Well, an errant email recently went out to everyone on Lotus’ media list (ourselves included) that promised the two machines along with the other “new car(s) not yet announced.”

As if the thought of a Lotus Evora S (forced induction?) and an automatic for the clutch averse among you wasn’t enough, it seems the British specialists have plenty more up their well-tailored sleeves. There’s been plenty of postulation regarding what else we may see – most notably the rumored return of the Esprit – but we’re content to just take a wait-and-see attitude on this one. Paris just can’t come soon enough.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Lotus Evora

Photos by Michael Harley / Copyright (C)2010 AOL

[Source: Lotus via iCars Singapore]

Lotus accidentally confirms Evora automatic and S variants for Paris through email snafu originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Aug 2010 13:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Volvo crowns Paris ‘naughtiest’ city in Europe as part of experiments tied to bizarre S60 launch

Filed under: Sedan, Europe, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Volvo, Luxury

Vovlo tests the world’s naughtiness – Click above to watch video after the jump

Some habits die hard. Swedish manufacturer Volvo has always been one for extensive research. The company’s reputation for safety is based largely on its understanding of the mechanics of a collision thanks to impossibly thorough field studies. So it should come as no surprise that when we all thought Volvo was putting down the clipboard in favor of a cocktail glass by throwing a slew of parties in some of the world’s most iconic cities, the carmaker was actually studying human behavior. Go figure. Why? The move was part of the quest to unearth the Naughty Capitol of Europe as part of the S60 marketing campaign.

Each of the company’s parties included a few clandestine experiments designed to test participants’ naughtiness, including seeing how many people would try to talk their way into a fake VIP room, hit on an actress who was pretending to be married or sprint through a well-manicured flower bed. Volvo held the same experiments in Berlin, London, Milan, Paris and Madrid. Not surprisingly, the City of Light took the crown by a wide, wide margin. Hit the jump for a look at a video of Swedish sins.

[Source: Volvo]

Continue reading Video: Volvo crowns Paris ‘naughtiest’ city in Europe as part of experiments tied to bizarre S60 launch

Video: Volvo crowns Paris ‘naughtiest’ city in Europe as part of experiments tied to bizarre S60 launch originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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