Tag: preview

Paris Preview: Mini’s electric scooter comes into view *Update

Filed under: Concept Cars, Paris Motor Show, Mini, Motorcycle, Electric

Mini Scooter E Concept – Click above for a high-res image

Mini’s given us an almost true-to-life view of its Scooter E Concept, and while there’s a little too much going on up front, the overall design stands to look quite all right in person. There’s some serious action going on around the wheels, so as its “E” designation would suggest, motivation will be provided by two electric motors. We’ll get up close with it at next week’s Paris show, and since there’s nothing a mod in overalls and flight boots won’t help, we’ll expect to see her there, too. Hat tip to Rob

Update: Full high-res image gallery added.

Gallery: MINI Scooter E concept

[Source: Miniforum]

Paris Preview: Mini’s electric scooter comes into view *Update originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Sep 2010 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris Preview: Land Rover reveals the Evoque

Filed under: SUV, Paris Motor Show, Land Rover, Luxury

2012 Land Rove Evoque – Click above for high-res image gallery

Here’s the production 2012 Range Rover Evoque in all its glory, and the LRX-inspired CUV is lighter, meaner and greener than anything to come from the Range Rover arsenal.

Buyers can opt for three exterior design themes: Pure, a minimalistic take with 19-inch wheels and natural colors complemented by brushed metal trim adorning the insides; Prestige, a “bespoke exterior” treatment with exclusive 19-inch wheels paired “an indulgent interior;” or Dynamic, with 19- or 20-inch wheels a reworked bodykit, and a sportier cabin complete with perforated leather seats and a bit more bling.

Inside, the interior is influenced not only by the Range Rover Sport, but by Jaguar as well. Seriously bolstered seats straddle a center tunnel where a rotary gear transmission selector rises to hand. The four-setting Terrain Response System dial has been replaced with buttons attending an illuminated menu and controls are mainly managed through an eight-inch touchscreen. Aural enjoyment is provided by the 825-watt, 17-speaker Meridian sound system with additional inputs for other peripherals.

Underneath the Evoque’s hood is a 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine that, naturally, is not called EcoBoost. Referred to as the Si4, it’s been developed for North American audiences and produces 240 horsepower that runs through a six-speed automatic transmission. Electric power steering is standard, a regenerative electrical system captures energy when things get hauled down and everything is kept on an even keel thanks to a MagneRide adaptive dynamics suspension.

Sales of the LRX start in the fall of 2011, and all the info you could want can be found in the press release after the jump, while dessert is in the gallery of high-res photos below. We’ll be getting even closer to it in a week’s time at the Paris Motor Show.

Gallery: 2012 Land Rover Evoque

[Source: Land Rover]

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Paris Preview: Land Rover reveals the Evoque originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Sep 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris Preview: Peugeot celebrates bicentennial with EX1 electric roadster

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Performance, Paris Motor Show, Peugeot, Electric

Peugeot EX1 concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

Automotive history is riddled with examples of crossovers between cars and motorcycles. Some are made by automakers, others by motorcycle manufacturers. But if you’re going to make a go of it, it probably helps to have a company that makes both. A company like Honda, Suzuki or BMW. Or Peugeot.

Gearing up for its home expo, the 2010 Paris Motor Show, the French automaker has unveiled a unique take on the formula called the Peugeot EX1. Of course, what you’re looking at is a show car, a concept for how the company’s two core competences can be melded together in one vehicle.

The EX1 celebrates the marque’s 200th anniversary in the form of a lightweight, all-electric two-seat roadster which Peugeot claims “has already broken several world records for acceleration from a standing start.” To that end, the equivalent of 340 horsepower is channeled from a pair of electric motors to all four wheels, mounted at the rear as if on a trike, but with enough track to maintain the stability of a conventional car.

It’s an intriguing concept that reminds us of the nearly produced Volkswagen GX3 trike concept of 2006. While you’re waiting to get our firsthand snapshots and commentary from the Port de Versailles show floor, you can check out the massive high-res image gallery below and the full details in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Peugeot EX1 concept

[Source: Peugeot]

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Paris Preview: Peugeot celebrates bicentennial with EX1 electric roadster originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Sep 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris Preview: Citroën puts un peu d’air sur terre with Lacoste concept

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Paris Motor Show, Crossover, Citroën

Citroen Lacoste concept

Citroën Lacoste concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

French couture, as is widely known, is at the very height of fashion. French cars, well…less so. But Citroën is hard at work to fix that and capitalize on potential synergies within its own homeland. Its new DS line of premium vehicles is doing much to bridge that gap, as are concepts like the Metropolis and the GQbyCitroën. Now the French automaker has teamed up with a sportswear powerhouse to develop a new show car set to debut on its home turf in Paris next week.

The product of collaboration with tennis-wear giant Lacoste, Citroën’s latest concept takes the alligator brand’s slogan “un peu d’air sur terre” (“a little air on the ground”) to heart with an open buggy-like design ready to, according to Citroën, transports its “passengers to a lighter, fresher world.” And what does that entail, exactly? No roof, no doors and a collapsible windshield, apparently, taking cues from classic Jeeps, but in a more, how you say, avant garde form.

Powering those jumbo golf-ball wheels is a compact three-cylinder gasoline engine that Citroen figures should be plenty to propel the compact vehicle along in joie de vivre bliss. Beyond that, we’ll let the French designers’ work speak for itself, so take a stroll through the Louvre-like gallery of high-resolution images below for a closer look, or follow the jump for the full press release.

Gallery: Citroen Lacoste concept

[Source: Citroën]

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Paris Preview: Citroën puts un peu d’air sur terre with Lacoste concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Sep 2010 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris Preview: BMW unwraps 6 Series Coupe Concept

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Paris Motor Show, BMW

BMW 6 Series Concept

BMW 6 Series Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

Like so many “concepts” from BMW, the 6 Series Coupe bound for the Paris Motor Show is a concept in name alone. What you’re looking at is BMW’s next GT, and even a cursory glance proves that the Bangleization of BMW is officially over.

Set to be based on the 5 Series’ underpinnings and taking several cues from the Grand Coupe concept shown in Beijing, the next BMW 6 Series takes the brand’s new upright grille, frames it with a set of full-LED headlamps and than caps things off with a more contoured rump. We’re not going to pass judgement on the design until we see it in person, but like the last 6er, this new GT appears to be a love it or loathe it affair.

On the contrary, the interior is an airy, organic environment, complete with an asymmetrical center console tilted towards the driver, a new navigation display and a host of aluminum and leather accents that are several steps beyond what’s currently on offer from BMW. We’re particularly digging the redesigned steering wheel and the waterfall of material that connects the dash to the transmission tunnel.

BMW isn’t giving up specifics on dimensions or engines – this is a “concept” after all – but expect the 2012 BMW 6 Series to be slightly lower and marginally wider than the current model. Power will be supplied by BMW’s current array of naturally aspirated and turbocharged inline sixes, with the next M6 outputting over 550 horsepower from its twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8. The standard 6 should be in showroom early next year, with the M6 to arriving in late 2012 and the soft-top due out in late 2011.

Gallery: BMW 6 Series Concept

Source: BMW

Paris Preview: BMW unwraps 6 Series Coupe Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 18 Sep 2010 20:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris Preview: Fisker will show off first “factory-built” Karma plug-in hybrid

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

Fisker Karma Plug-in Hybrid – Click above for high-res image gallery

Fisker Automotive is taking it slow, but the upstart automaker hopes that an attractive lady or two will take your mind off of the production delays until the Paris Motor Show starts later this month. Why Paris? Because that’s where the first “factory-built Karma” will be displayed in public for the first time. Also in Paris, Fisker representatives will give details, “about the expansion of its prestigious global importer network” that will help the company reach its target of 100,000 vehicles a year.

CEO Henrik Fisker said in a statement that:

We had a chance to change the premium vehicle segment with a new kind of vehicle and a new brand that appeal to consumers who are passionate about the environment, and who wish to drive a beautiful car that reflects their desire to lead a lifestyle of responsible luxury. We are very excited to be introducing the first factory-built Karma luxury plug-in hybrid in Paris, a city known for inspiring its own passions.

Here’s one more interesting tidbit from the release: “The Fisker Karma … can achieve an annual average economy of 2.4L/100 km (100 mpg) and emissions of just 83g/km.” An annual miles per gallon rating seems like an odd addition, but considering the venue, it might be necessary to stoke the flames of consumer interest.

Gallery: Fisker Karma Plug-in Hybrid

[Source: Fisker]

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Paris Preview: Fisker will show off first “factory-built” Karma plug-in hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Sep 2010 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris Preview: 2011 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS

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

2011 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS

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

If you’re in the market for a new 911, but don’t want the same Carrera S as your neighbor and the GT3 is just a wee bit too hardcore for your tastes, we don’t understand you. Thankfully, Porsche does and the answer to your prayers is coming to Paris. Meet the 2011 Porsche Carrera 911 GTS, the new middle-child of the ass-engined family.

If the body work looks familiar, that’s because it’s cribbed from the all-wheel drive Carrera 4 – a trick Porsche has pulled off several times in the past. Nestled between that 44mm wider track is an upgraded 3.8-liter flat-six putting out 408 horsepower (23 more than the standard S, 27 less than the GT3) and 310 pound-feet of torque, now peaking at 4,200 rpm – 200 rpm earlier than in the S.

Power is sent exclusively to the rear wheels (and as it should be), with a manual six-speed transmission coming standard and a seven-speed PDK as an option. Select the Sport Chrono package along with the dual-clutch ‘box, and Porsche claims you’ll be cracking off four-second 0-60 runs all day long.

Aside from the widened haunches, the GTS is set apart by its 19-inch center-hub RS Spyder wheels, SportDesign front and rear fascias, black Alcantara trim and assorted body and interior bits.

After the GTS debuts in Paris, sales of both the coupe and cabriolet versions will begin early next year, with a starting price of $103,100 and $112,900, respectively. Full details in the press blast after the break.

Gallery: 2011 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS

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Paris Preview: 2011 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Sep 2010 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris Preview: 247-hp 2012 Ford Focus ST set to go global

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

2012 Ford Focus ST

2012 Ford Focus ST – Click above for high-res image gallery

Earlier this year, Ford promised us a hotter version of the all-new Focus, and at this month’s Paris Motor Show, the Blue Oval is sticking to its word.

The 2012 Ford Focus ST will be the brand’s first high-performance model developed under the watchful eye of its global performance vehicle team, and while the hatch you see here is being billed as a “design study,” make no mistake – this will form the basis of the ST coming to market in early 2012.

Power is provided by an EcoBoost 2.0-liter inline four churning out 247 turbocharged horsepower, and Ford promises that the ST’s handling and aural delights will live up to the marque’s performance heritage. FoMoCo also makes it clear that the ST is bound for “all global markets from early 2012” so those of us in the States should finally get a crack at what’s traditionally been a Euro-only affair.

Joining the Focus ST in Paris will be the new Mondeo and C-Max, both powered by Ford’s new range of fuel-efficient gasoline and diesel-powered drivetrains. Make the jump for the full details.

Gallery: 2012 Ford Focus ST

[Source: Ford]

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Paris Preview: 247-hp 2012 Ford Focus ST set to go global originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Sep 2010 00:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris Preview: Abarth launches EsseEsse versions of 500C and Punto Evo

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

Abarth 500C and Punto Evo EsseEsse – Click above for high-res image gallery

Following the introduction of Abarth-tuned versions of both the Fiat 500C and Punto Evo at the Geneva Motor Show, the Scorpion brand is preparing to roll into Paris with even hotter versions of both.

Carrying the EsseEsse moniker, both models get a substantial boost in output and a variety of upgrades to match. In the case of the 500C – the semi-convertible version of the popular retro hatch – we’re looking at 160 horsepower (up from 138 in the “base” Abarth 500C) for a 7.6-second sprint to 62 mph. The Abarth Punto Evo EsseEsse, by comparison, is tuned to 180 horsepower, resulting in a run of 7.5 seconds.

Both feature an array of upgrades to the suspension, brakes, rolling stock and more, plus Blue&Me connectivity and Record Monza exhaust (for the 500C) and Sabelt racing buckets (for the Punto). Full details can be found in the press release after the jump, but we’ll have more for you from Versailles at the end of the month.

Gallery: Abarth 500C and Punto Evo EsseEsse

[Source: Abarth]

Continue reading Paris Preview: Abarth launches EsseEsse versions of 500C and Punto Evo

Paris Preview: Abarth launches EsseEsse versions of 500C and Punto Evo originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Sep 2010 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris Preview: Mini electric concept drives on two wheels

Filed under: Concept Cars, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Mini, Motorcycle

Mini Scooter E concept- Click above for high-res image gallery

Mini has shared plans with its Facebook fans (all 370,702 of them, making the automaker even more popular than David Hasselhoff) to bring its latest electric concept to the Paris Motor Show. Sporting the colors and insignia of the all-electric Mini E, a trio of drawings reveal a scooter with a Vespa-esque rear end following up a somewhat less successful fascia. The Mini-style mirrors are a nice touch while the turn signals remind of the BMW Isetta, which almost saves the design from its bland headlight, but its departure still seems significantly superior to its arrival. Perhaps it will look better when we see it in the metal. Maybe even better than its Smart competition.

More interesting than its aesthetics are hints at the mechanicals. It looks like – and feel free to correct us in the comments if you think differently – that both the front and rear wheels contain motors. This arrangement could also foretell some regenerative braking, though the extra engineering might add too significantly to the price tag should the scooter ever make it to a retail outlet near you (we said outlet, get it?). Also of interest is that little box that would be located between your shins if you were astride the little beastie facing what we hope is a Mini-style speedometer. Radio? GPS? Pedestrian warning system? We’ll let you know in a few weeks.

Gallery: MINI Scooter E concept

[Source: Mini via Motorcycle.com]

Paris Preview: Mini electric concept drives on two wheels originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Sep 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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