Autoblog

Toyota considering Indian plant for small car production

Chris Shunk — 2008-04-29T08:56:00+00:00

Filed under: Economy, Geneva Motor Show, Toyota, India

Click above for more high-res images of the Toyota iQ

Toyota has been working on an affordable small car that will be cost-competitive in emerging markets, and Autocar is reporting that India is being considered as a destination for production. India makes sense due to its low-cost labor, and with competitors like the Tata Nano going for as little as $2,500, the world's biggest automaker will need to cut cost everywhere it can. There is no word as to exactly what vehicle would be produced in India, but one option is Toyota's production iQ from Geneva, which is scheduled to begin production later in 2008. Toyota is looking for initial sales of the iQ to crest 100,000 units.

Gallery: 2009 Toyota iQ

[Source: Autocar via Winding Road]

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Officially Official: Peugeot production of 308 RC Z Coupe

Jeremy Korzeniewski — 2008-04-24T13:29:00+00:00

Filed under: Frankfurt Auto Show, Coupes, Geneva Motor Show, Misc. Auto Shows, Peugeot

Click above for high-res gallery of the Peugeot 308 RC Z Coupe Concept

Originally expected to be announced a while back at the Geneva Motor Show, Peugeot has finally officially announced today at the Lisbon Motor Show that the attractive RC Z concept will go into production. Using styling cues from the Audi TT and the classic Karmann Ghia, we think that Peugeot could have a winner on its hands with its new sporty coupe. While Peugeot has not yet announced details on what will be offered underhood of the production machine, the concept used a version of the Mini's 1.6 liter turbo four. We'll be getting all of the details within time, as the official production version will be unveiled in 2009 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. European buyers will have first crack at the RC Z when it goes on sale in the sprint of 2010.

Gallery: Peugeot 308 RC Z

[Source: Peugeot]

Continue reading Officially Official: Peugeot production of 308 RC Z Coupe

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BMW and Mercedes talk to Magna about Mila

Jonathon Ramsey — 2008-04-12T18:51:00+00:00

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrids/Alternative, Geneva Motor Show, Green, BMW, Mercedes Benz

The Magna MILA Alpin concept car shown in Geneva has gotten the attention of both Mercedes and BMW. The button-cute 4-wheeler rode on a flexible platform, could utilize a variety of fuel sources, climb 45-degree angles, and get up to 120 mph. Those capabilities, and the ability to be easily rebodied and cost-effectively manufactured, have the two premium brands looking at ways to bolster their lineups and enviro-credentials.

Mercedes is known to be working on developing a 4-wheel-drive A-Class sedan. While the sandwich floors in the A-Class and B-Class cars were specifically created to allow flexible drivetrains, it is open to exploring options with BMW. Those other Bavarians in blue and white appear to be even more serious, having engaged Magna to discuss strategy and market demand. The MILA could provide a sound platform for BMW's electric car rumblings, as well as cost-effective, outsourced manufacturing.

[Source: Auto Motor und Sport via TTAC]

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Wiesmann set to introduce MF4 and MF5 Roadsters in Geneva next year

Drew Phillips — 2008-04-04T07:57:00+00:00

Filed under: Convertibles, Geneva Motor Show

Wiesmann, the German manufacturers of the love-em-or-hate-em GT and Roadster, has plans to add V8 and V10 versions of its drop-top model that will be introduced at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show. The current Roadster lineup includes only the MF3, which is powered by BMW's 3.2-liter flat-six found in the last generation M3. The new MF4 and MF5 Roadsters will be powered by BMW's 4.8-liter V8 and 5.0-liter V10 already found in the current Wiesmann Coupe models. Unfortunately, Wiesmann still has no plans to bring either the GT or the Roadster to the United States.

Gallery: Wiesmann GT MF5: Pre-preview

[Source: GTSpirit.com]

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VIDEO: BMW ConnectDrive mobile internet in action

Chris Shunk — 2008-03-27T09:28:00+00:00

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Tech, Videos, BMW

The Internet is everywhere, and later this year BMW is joining other digitally connected automakers with its own mobile web service. We gave you details on the ConnectDrive mobile Internet while we were in Geneva, and BMW TV is following up with video of how the technology works. After the jump is a short promotional video that shows what the BMW interface looks like from the cabin of a new X6. If you've got an iPhone or any other mobile device that uses the EDGE network for access to the web, try not to choke when ConnectDrive Internet boss Daniel Wittwer calls the surfing experience "fast and pleasant." Yeah, right. Regardless of the speed, the technology won't be available in the US any time soon, but it'll be available in Europe later this year.

[Source: YouTube via: eGMCarTech]

Continue reading VIDEO: BMW ConnectDrive mobile internet in action

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REPORT: Land Rover to build the LRX

Noah Joseph — 2008-03-19T09:27:00+00:00

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, SUVs, Geneva Motor Show, Land Rover

Click above for high-res gallery of the Land Rover LRX from Geneva

We've big fans of the Land Rover LRX concept's styling, which looked as good in black (unveiled in Geneva) as it did in the original white (unveiled in Detroit). So we're suitably pleased by reports that Land Rover is preparing to build the vehicle, which could get the nameplate Freelander Sport in keeping with the nomenclature already set in place by the Range Rover Sport.

The production LRX would target the likes of the upcoming BMW X1 and Audi Q5 (and potentially the Porsche Roxster), while offering a range of eco-friendly engine options that help Land Rover reduce its overall environmental impact. Such powertrain possibilities could include a 2.2-liter diesel and 3.2-liter gasoline inline-six with the potential for start-stop technology and even a hybrid system. Although the Freelander Sport would be oriented towards on-road driving dynamics, we wouldn't expect it to compromise the brand's legendary off-road prowess as much as recent offerings from Jeep. Reports place the production LRX on the road as early as 2010, and we hope much of the show car's dramatic styling would remain in place as the Land Rover rides the rocky road from concept to production.

Gallery: Land Rover LRX Concept - Black & Silver

Gallery: Land Rover LRX Concept - White

[Source: Auto Express]

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Flughafen find of the Day: Sauber F1 auction at Zurich airport

Noah Joseph — 2008-03-18T17:31:00+00:00

Filed under: Motorsports, Geneva Motor Show, Auction Action, Euro

Raikkonen's Sauber C20: click to view in high resolution

Considering that modern Formula One race cars share as much in common with aircraft as they do with actual road-going automobiles, selling retired F1 cars at the airport suddenly seems to make sense. Last month we brought you initial news about the auction of former Sauber racers at the Zurich airport that include seven Sauber single-seaters ranging from the 1993 Sauber-Mercedes C12 (the team's first F1 car, driven by JJ Lehto) to the 2004 Sauber-Petronas C23 (driven by Giancarlo Fisichella under Ferrari power). All are being auctioned off - without their engines - each with a starting bid of Є200k.

On our way back from Switzerland following the recently-concluded Geneva Motor Show, we had a chance to see and photograph the four cars on display at the Airside Center in Zurich's Terminal A where they'll reside until the auction ends on March 25. What we saw includes the first and penultimate Saubers mentioned above, along with Jean Alesi's 1998 C17, Kimi Raikkonen's 2001 C20 (pictured above) and several individual components that would make awesome paperweights. The rare opportunity to see these technically-advanced racing machines up close and parked was a nice break from the overpriced boutiques and duty-free shops while transferring flights, and the experience in person illustrated just how intricately crafted these cars really are. See for yourself in our high-resolution image gallery by clicking the thumbnails below; more details are available at saubercars.ch.

Gallery: Sauber F1 auction at Zurich Airport

[Source: saubercars.ch]

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Bertone BAT 11 images surface as commissioners present their report

Noah Joseph — 2008-03-18T15:31:00+00:00

Filed under: Concept Cars, Sports/GTs, Geneva Motor Show, Supercars, AMG

Click above to see more of the Bertone BAT 11 concept

Bertone's future continues to hang in the balance as three court-appointed bankruptcy commissioners move forward with trying to secure a new owner for the 96-year-old design house and coachbuilder. The commissioners have just presented a 132-page initial report to the court outlining their findings, but while sources suggest that as many as seven potential buyers have stepped forward, the commissioners have thus far only met with the lawyers and bankers representing those companies.

While the courts try to determine the carrozzeria's fate, a selection of crude images have surfaced of the BAT 11 design study that Bertone unveiled in Geneva at a location away from the motor show. Check them out in the gallery below.

Gallery: Bertone BAT 11 concept

[Source: Italiaspeed]

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Audi R8 V12 TDI has a "50/50" shot at production, gets driven

Damon Lavrinc — 2008-03-14T20:04:00+00:00

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Hybrids/Alternative, Geneva Motor Show, Supercars, Audi

Autoweek and Fourtitude were able to enjoy some seat time in the Audi R8 V12 TDI LeMans concept before its official unveiling in Geneva last week. Their drive was short (about an hour with a 50 mph speed limit imposed by Audi's boffins), but their time at the airport adjacent to Sebring International Raceway has made an impression.

The crimson beast we saw in Geneva was the same concept that was displayed in Detroit, simply sporting a new paint job, but spending quality time with the R8 V12 TDI revealed a few interesting tidbits about the concept. First, the firewall behind the driver and passenger had to be extended by some six-inches to accommodate the oilburner and although claimed torque output is somewhere in the 737 lb.-ft. range, the few journos asked to take part only got to experience 442 lb.-ft. of twist - a good thing considering that the transmission mated to the engine is an A4 case with modified internals.

While the performance was impressive, the short gearing and shorter redline (not disclosed) seemed to make all that grunt superfluous in first and second, but Audi is expecting the R8 V12 TDI to return around 24 mpg and meet the 2014 Euro 6 emissions standards if, and when, it goes on sale.

While the Autoweek piece only provided the "50/50" quote in the title, the Fourtitude article is far more entertaining and informative -- well worth a read.

Gallery: Audi R8 TDI Le Mans

Gallery: Audi R8 V12 TDI Concept

[Sources: Autoweek, Fourtitude]

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Autoblog Podcast #89

Dan Roth — 2008-03-13T17:48:00+00:00

Filed under: Concept Cars, New York Auto Show, Podcasts, Geneva Motor Show, Euro

It's time for Autoblog Podcast #89. Of course we run over what's been in the garage lately - you'll know what reviews to anticipate. Our big item this week is recapping what we saw in Geneva and what might actually wind up in the US. Talk of Geneva moves us to anticipatory chatter about New York, mere days away. Thanks for your 49 minutes!

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Rolls on a roll: Phantom Coupe sold out already

Chris Shunk — 2008-03-10T07:31:00+00:00

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Geneva Motor Show, Rolls-Royce

Click for more high-res images of the Phantom Coupe

Rolls Royce has been on a roll of late, with a 25-percent increase in global production in 2007, and the gorgeous new Phantom Coupe ready to add to last year's record totals. Since the official announcement of the ultra-luxury two-door, 200 orders have already been taken, which represents all production for 2008. Even more impressive is the fact that two-thirds of the orders come from customers who have never before owned a Rolls. It doesn't hurt that the Phantom Coupe's Drophead sibling is sold out through summer 2009, which means the fixed-top Phantom has little short-term competition on the show floor.

It's hard to blame the filthy rich for sopping up Phantom Coupes so quickly. The luxury-liner's incredible contours, stunning materials, and mind-blowing suicide doors make us lie awake at night thinking of ways to become wealthy enough to one day own one. So far all we've thought of is more blogging, which means we'll have to settle for something a bit less well-heeled.

[Source: Auto News (subs. req'd)]

Gallery: Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe

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Geneva 2008: Ferrari One-to-One personalization program

Noah Joseph — 2008-03-09T19:37:00+00:00

Filed under: Sports/GTs, Geneva Motor Show, Supercars, Ferrari

Click above to view in high resolution

Show-stopping new production cars and concepts were not lacking in Geneva this year. There were so many, in fact, that we struggled to take it all in. Yet while Ferrari didn't have any new models to show us, somehow we couldn't help but slow down in front of its booth as we rushed from press conference to press conference. Maybe it was the classic Daytona sitting next to the 612 Scaglietti bathed in soft light, or maybe the pair of lookers standing next to them. Guess we'll never know, but you can feast your eyes on all the sexy models in the gallery below.

What Ferrari did unveil at the Swiss show, however, was a new customization program. Called One-to-One, the program takes the catalog of options under the existing Carrozzeria Scaglietti Programme a step further. A customization studio is being built at the factory in Maranello where clients can hand-pick a wide variety of options from leather swatches to brake calipers and everything in between. The program is being launched on the 612 Scaglietti, but will assuredly be broadened to the entire range in due course. For the 612, Ferrari also announced the availability of the SuperFast robotic gearbox and a new electrochromatic glass roof that can tint and lighten at the push of a button like the folding hardtop on the limited edition Superamerica. More on the latest from Maranello is available in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Ferrari at Geneva 2008

Continue reading Geneva 2008: Ferrari One-to-One personalization program

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Geneva 2008: Audi unveils new A4 DTM race car

Noah Joseph — 2008-03-09T18:03:00+00:00

Filed under: Motorsports, Sedans/Saloons, Geneva Motor Show, Euro, Audi

Click the images to view the new Audi A4 DTM in hi-res

The Audi RS4 is a pretty badass car any way you look at it, but put it next to the A4 DTM and it looks remarkably pedestrian. With torquey turbodiesel versions of the R8 supercar, TT range and Q7 sport-ute all making their debuts at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show, Ingolstadt chose the most extreme racing version of its A4 to highlight at its press conference.

Unveiled by Dr. Martin Mühlmeier, Head of Audi Sport Technology; Audi Motorsport chief Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich; and reigning champion driver Mattias Ekström; the "project R14" A4 DTM represents over a year of development. The racing formula governing the DTM German touring car championship precludes Audi from showcasing any of its trademark technologies - like FSI direct-injection, TDI diesels or quattro all-wheel-drive - but that didn't stop Audi's racing engineers from working their magic, focusing on the car's aerodynamics. That much became immediately evident as soon as the veil was lifted off the new racer, decked out in more wings and fins than the San Diego Zoo and Sea World combined. See for yourselves in our high-res gallery, and read more in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2008 Audi A4 DTM

Continue reading Geneva 2008: Audi unveils new A4 DTM race car

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Geneva 2008: updated Alfa Romeo 159

Noah Joseph — 2008-03-09T16:33:00+00:00

Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Wagons/Estates, Geneva Motor Show, Euro, Alfa Romeo

Click above to view the updated Alfa Romeo 159 in hi-res

We had plenty of reason to frequent the Alfa Romeo pavilion at this year's Geneva show. After the unveiling of the production 8C Spider along with the updated Brera and Spider came the revisions to the 159 sedan and Sportwagon.

Like its two-door counterparts, the changes to the 159 consist of a few small updates that don't interfere with the model's stunning lines. Better ergonomics and new electronics update the interior, while weight reduction where the car meets the road should help the car's driving dynamics slightly. Most importantly, however, the tweaks which Alfa Romeo announced for the 159 range gave us and our cameras another reason, as if we needed one, to get reacquainted with one of our favorite European sports sedans and wagons. To see the product of our emotional reunion, click on the thumbnails below and jump to our high-resolution image gallery.

Gallery: Geneva 2008: Alfa Romeo 159 & 159 Sportwagon

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Geneva 2008: 1967 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale

Noah Joseph — 2008-03-09T12:34:00+00:00

Filed under: Time Warp, Geneva Motor Show, Supercars, Alfa Romeo

Click to view the 1967 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale in hi-res

As if Alfa Romeo didn't come to Geneva with enough eye candy, sitting at the back of its booth at the Palexpo, behind the new 8C Spider and updated Brera, Spider and 159, sat a rare classic supercar, bathed in more red lights and surrounded by more mirrors than an Amsterdam window.

The 1967 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale was, for all intents and purposes, the Bugatti Veyron of its day. It was the most expensive road car available to the public. Only 18 were ever made. Its 2-liter V8 was pulled directly from Alfa's racing cars, bearing no relation to the production units of the time, and featured such advanced systems as fuel injection and dry-sump lubrication. It sported butterfly doors long before they appeared on the likes of the Ferrari Enzo and McLaren F1. And it was and remains unspeakably gorgeous, like a true Alfa supercar should be. We had fun photographing this stunning beauty, and bring you the results in the gallery below.

Gallery: Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale

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Geneva 2008: production Ford Kuga

Noah Joseph — 2008-03-09T11:03:00+00:00

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Euro, Crossovers/CUVs, Ford

Click above to view the Ford Kuga in hi-res

Kinetic design has been swallowing Ford of Europe's product range whole, and took a big bite at this year's Geneva Motor Show. Alongside the new Fiesta, Ford showed off the production version of the all-new Kuga crossover. Previewed by the concept unveiled at the last Frankfurt show and drawing on styling cues from the Iosis X show car, the Kuga is based on the same platform as the slicker Focus they get overseas.

Although the Kuga is admittedly one more European model that Ford won't offer in its home market, we're not short of Ford crossovers to choose from over here, so we'll let the Europeans have this one. (Just give us the Focus RS and we'll be happy.) But to see what we're missing, check out our gallery of images from the Geneva show floor by clicking on the thumbnails below. Unfortunately, although we're sure the Kuga rolled off its turntable at night after we were gone and duked it out with the Renault Koleos for market share, we couldn't prove it.

Gallery: 2008 Ford Kuga - Production

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Geneva 2008: Japanese ambition, the K07 Spyder

Damon Lavrinc — 2008-03-07T20:04:00+00:00

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertibles, Geneva Motor Show, Japan

Click above for a gallery of the K.O. 7 and 8.

When we make the trek to Switzerland each year, there always seems to be one particular car that stands out. It's generally something unexpected from an independent automaker far removed from the spotlight. This year, tucked away in a corner cubicle of the Geneva Motor Show's basement, was the K.O. 7 Spider, a concept hailing from Japan that attempts to strike a balance between bespoke supercar and track-day terror.

There were actually two vehicles on display at the Ken Okuyama Design booth: the K.0. 8 coupe, an E.V. that's decidedly less attractive and strictly a design exercise, and the K.O. 7, a production model that will be on sale sometime in 2008.

Hit the jump for all the details.

Gallery: K.O. 7 and K.O. 8

Continue reading Geneva 2008: Japanese ambition, the K07 Spyder

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Skoda's Twindoor: An innovative all-in-one trunk and liftback

Michael Harley — 2008-03-07T17:58:00+00:00

Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Geneva Motor Show, Euro

Click image for a gallery of the new Superb's Twindoor system

Czech automaker Skoda unveiled its new 2009 Skoda Superb (based on parent company VW's Passat) at the Geneva Auto Show this week. It's a great-looking car that represents an excellent execution of the platform, but that's not what makes it so eye-catching. We were more intrigued by that trunk... or is it a liftback?

The Superb features an innovative combo trunk/tailgate system that Skoda calls the "Twindoor." Its design allows the hatch to be opened like a conventional trunk, or like a rear hatch. The clever 'lift-trunk' sports not one, but two small releases in the same general spot that a single trunk release would normally be found. Press the button in the center, and it opens as a conventional trunk with spring assist. Press the button on the right, and it opens as a rear hatch with strut assist. Opened wide as a hatch and with the seats folded, the Skoda Superb has 565 liters of cargo space (our math says that's about 20 cubic feet).

The Skoda Twindoor deserves merit. It is a brilliant idea that we hope catches on with other manufacturers, hopefully on this side of the Atlantic. However, it does leave us wondering if we are witnessing the first signs that sedans are also evolving into that abyss of vehicles classified as the CUV. Thanks for the tip, Johanes!

Gallery: Skoda Superb Twindoor System

[Source:Skoda]

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Aston Martin Rapide production goes to Austria

Sam Abuelsamid — 2008-03-07T16:55:00+00:00

Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Geneva Motor Show, Plants/Manufacturing, Aston Martin

Click above for high-res gallery of the Aston Martin Rapide

One of the first decisions that David Richards and his partners made after buying Aston Martin from Ford last year was to produce the four-door Rapide. The platform architecture of the DB9 was designed to be easily stretched in both length and width, making derivatives like the Rapide and the DBS a possibility without much fuss and expense. There was, however, one annoying little detail to address with the Rapide. Aston Martin's UK manufacturing facilities are already running full-tilt building the DB9, DBS and V8 Vantage.. Aston had to find somewhere else to build the new car, and Magna Steyr stepped into the breach. Magna will set up a new manufacturing facility dedicated to Rapide production at its factory in Graz, Austria. The Aston Martin Rapide Plant will be patterned after the processes at the Gaydon plant in the UK where other Astons are built, and production of some 2,000 Rapides a year will begin late next year in Graz.

Gallery: Aston Martin Rapide

[Source: Aston Martin]

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Geneva 2008: Renault Megane Coupe Concept - more details, more pics, more slick

Noah Joseph — 2008-03-07T08:59:00+00:00

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Geneva Motor Show, Euro, Hatchbacks, Renault

Click above to view high-res gallery of the Renault Megane Concept

Renault is known for doing hatchbacks, and it does them well, but that's about it. Seeking to increase its market share, Renault's range is rapidly expanding to include a more diversified line-up. Unveiled alongside the new Laguna GT and the Koleos crossover - both also divergent models from the company's small hatch mainstream - the Megane Coupe Concept aims to show the way forward for Renault.

Although what you see here is not what will hit the road when the new Megane arrives, Renault insists that its "dynamic voluptuousness" is a direct indicator of the more fluid form its upcoming Golf-fighter will take. While everyone else was scrambling to come up with new ways to reinvent the ~~wheel~~ internal combustion engine, Renault's new concept is powered by a regular old 2-liter turbocharged four with 200 horsepower, which frankly doesn't seem that impressive considering that the Clio Renaultsport's naturally-aspirated 2.0 produces just three negligible horsepower less. Fine, so notwithstanding its F1 cars, big impressive engines aren't Renault's thing. Meanwhile, the big gullwing doors are the most obvious element to get axed along the next Megane's road to production, but if the road car bears even a passing resemblance to what could easily be labeled as Renault's most engaging show car in years, European customers will have reason to celebrate and we'll have one more entry on our list of cars we wish we could get Stateside.

Right up until its unveiling, Renault was highly secretive on the Megane Coupe Concept, revealing only that there would be a fourth model premiering in Geneva alongside the Koleos and Laguna GT. Now that the veil has been lifted, however, we've garnered all the details in the press release after the jump and Renault's images, which join our own in the gallery below. Check 'em out to learn more about Renault's vision for the future of the automobile.

Gallery: Renault Megane Coupe Concept

Continue reading Geneva 2008: Renault Megane Coupe Concept - more details, more pics, more slick

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