Autoblog

Opel Insignia Sport Tourer lands at a Czech dealer. Do want.

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Wagons/Estates, Paris Motor Show, Saturn, Opel, Vauxhall

2009 Opel Sports Tourer - Click above for a high-res image gallery

The Opel Insignia Sports Tourer landed at a dealer in the Czech Republic, and it is nothing but tasty: a six-speed diesel with seating for five that holds from 540 or 1,530 cubic liters with the seats down (from 19 to 54 cubic feet) and the handsome hauler gets and 50 mpg (US) from its 160 horsepower 2.0 CTDI. What's more, the rear cargo area has a beautifully flat entry, and a hidden compartment underneath the load floor.

It also has a host of convenience technology such as the Adaptive Forward Lighting with nine (count em!) different settings and the Opel Eye, which memorizes street signs and displays them in the dash. Sounds a bit like the Eye of Mordor, but it could come in handy when on unfamiliar turf. For the consortium looking for new Saturn models to import, please start here. Thanks for the tip, Evzen!

Gallery: Vauxhall/Opel Insignia Sports Tourer

[Source: Autorevue (translated)]

Opel Insignia Sport Tourer lands at a Czech dealer. Do want. originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Apr 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: If this is it, the Mazda1 looks nothing like Kiyora concept

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 09:26:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Auto Show, Spy Photos, Economy, Euro, Green, Paris Motor Show, Hatchbacks, Mazda

UPDATE: This is not a prototype for the Mazda1, it is a Chinese-market Haima subcompact based on the Mazda2. Thanks to everyone who sent in the correction

When we were told that the Mazda Kiyora concept unveiled at last year's Paris Motor Show would influence Mazda's coming city car, it looks like we overestimated the word "influence." At least, that's the case if the little Mazda caught in Evo's spy shots is actually the Mazda1.

Evo makes a compelling case for the car actually being the Mazda1 - not merely a revised Mazda2. Save for the ascending shoulder line (now moved to shoulder height, way above the rocker panels as on the Kiyora) the prototype has almost nothing in common with the design of the swoopy Paris beastlet. At the very least, we hope this car comes with the concept car's tech, but we won't know for certain until the car's expected launch at September's Frankfurt Auto Show.

[Source: Evo]

Spy Shots: If this is it, the Mazda1 looks nothing like Kiyora concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Mar 2009 09:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Seoul Preview: SsangYong to show C200 Eco crossover concept in Korea

Chris Paukert — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, China, Paris Motor Show, Crossovers/CUVs, Misc. Auto Shows

SsangYong first unveiled its C200 concept crossover at the Paris Motor Show last autumn, and it will release a toned-down version that's nearly production-ready at next month's Seoul Motor Show. The financially battered Korean automaker says its less aggressively-styled C200 is similar in size to the Honda CRV and Toyota RAV4, a class of vehicle that's growing quickly in SsangYong's home market.

The ItalDesign-penned CUV concept is powered by a new 175-horsepower, 2.0-liter diesel engine (torque figures have not yet been released), and four-wheel drive is expected to be available when the C200 reaches showrooms later this year.

SsangYong also expects to show off a new diesel-hybrid version of its oddly styled Kyron, which it says will result in at least 30% better fuel efficiency and at least 50% fewer emissions. Details remain scarce on the powertrain, but SsangYong says the system will involve a direct-injection diesel engine along with a proprietary Torque Split Device that governs use of the electric motor, as well as the usual tricks like regenerative braking and start-stop technology. Official press release available after the jump, gallery of the original 2008 C200 concept below.

Gallery: París 2008: SsangYong C200

Continue reading Seoul Preview: SsangYong to show C200 Eco crossover concept in Korea

Seoul Preview: SsangYong to show C200 Eco crossover concept in Korea originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Mar 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: BMW X1 varies little from concept

John Neff — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Paris Motor Show, Crossovers/CUVs, BMW

BMW X1 spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW unveiled the X1 Concept at the 2008 Paris Motor Show to our bewildered eyes, and spy photographers have just surfaced with photos of the production version that do little to address our concerns for this littlest of soft roaders from Munich. As you can see, the production version will hardly differ at all from the concept, which means the swollen nose from the new 7 Series remains, along with all the surface pinching and odd details that we were so not fond of in Paris.

Styling aside, we question whether there's a market for another BMW sport or crossover utility vehicle, considering that the brand is already loaded with the X6, X5 and X3. The X1 also appears just plain redundant being so similar in size to the X3. That said, it will be built on the same platform as the 3 Series and offer a heaping helping of BMW gas and diesel engines, so it should be the Ultimate Driving Honda CR-V.

[Source: KGP Photography]

Spy Shots: BMW X1 varies little from concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Mar 2009 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Peugeot delaying launch of plug-in hybrid?

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 18:40:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Tech, Paris Motor Show, Crossovers/CUVs, Peugeot, Citroen

Peugeot plans to offer its 3008 CUV with a diesel-electric hybrid by 2011. The step after that is to add plug-in capability, but those plans have been pushed back "a year or two" because of the economy. With R&D budgets pinched by slim sales, the investment in the technology simply can't be justified right now, especially in light of Peugeot's assertion that such cars will sell in "in the tens of thousands, not millions."

As exhibits of Peugeot's intention to employ the diesel-hybrid drivetrain, PSA/Peugeot-Citroen showed three concepts at last year's Paris Motor Show that employed the technology: the Peugeot Prologue HYmotion4, the Peugeot RC HYmotion4, and the Citroen Hypnos. Nevertheless, the head of Peugeot's hybrid innovations unit said plug-in hybrid production - and we would guess the actual date of any PSA hybrid production at all - would "depend on battery costs."

[Source: Automotive News, sub req'd]

Peugeot delaying launch of plug-in hybrid? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Feb 2009 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Citroen GT in motion... in Polish

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 07:29:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Videos, Paris Motor Show, Supercars, Citroen

Click above to see the GTbyCitroen in action

The GTby Citroen has had a short, busy life: from teaser renderings to its Paris Motor Show debut to rumors that Citroen might make the coupe - and then quickly to a denial. Now it is evidently running on European tarmac with a distinct high-powered wail. The commentary is entirely in Polish, but you don't need to understand the language to know that this is where the car looks its best: hugging the road at high speed. Follow the jump to check out the video. Thanks for the tip, Luzik!

Gallery: Paris 2008: GTbyCitroen Live

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Citroen GT in motion... in Polish

VIDEO: Citroen GT in motion... in Polish originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 28 Dec 2008 07:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Peugeot 3008

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Paris Motor Show, Crossovers/CUVs, Peugeot

The 2010 Peugeot 3008 has been spotted in France wearing a scant amount of camouflage, and unless Peugeot is deceiving us, it looks just like the Prologue HyMotion4 Concept from the Paris Motor Show. Updating the sheetmetal of the 4007, this crossover Pug gets a much smoother grille treatment and a combination of lines and curves out back suitable for a display at MOMA. The interior isn't revolutionary, but it's expected to offer seating for five or seven and looks like it will hold up to consumers cross-shopping the Nissan Qashqai and VW Tiguan. Four-cylinder turbocharged engines are predicted to be sized at 1.6-liters, burning either gas or oil and driving two wheels at launch, with a four-wheel-drive variant offered down the line. Thanks for the tip, Jackob!

[Source: Autokrata]

Spy Shots: Peugeot 3008 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Dec 2008 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ssangyong says it's out of money, can't pay workers

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: China, Plants/Manufacturing, Paris Motor Show

Ssangyong, which recently attended the Paris Motor Show and showed off the C200 4-wheel-drive, is officially out of money. The company is more than $77 million (US) in debt, and no longer has the funds to pay its employees' salaries. Ssangyong is owned by Shanghai Automotive Industries China, otherwise known as SAIC. In what could provide a cautionary tale to Volvo workers assuming Ford actually does a deal with SAIC for the Swedish brand, when Ssangyong asked SAIC for the money to pay employees, SAIC refused because Ssangyong's internal employee's union had earlier called for Chinese executives to resign. In the meantime, Ssangyong has merged operations and shut down all of its plants and the employees have planned a protest to make their feelings known.

[Source: Chosun]

Ssangyong says it's out of money, can't pay workers originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Dec 2008 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: GTbyCitroen could be built in limited numbers

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupes, Sports/GTs, Paris Motor Show, Supercars, Citroen, Special/Limited Editions

Click above for a high-res gallery of the GTbyCitroen

So while it turns out that PSA is actually not looking to buy Honda's F1 team (that's why they call it the rumormill), the brand could have seriously sporting aspirations of a different sort. According to Jean-Pierre Ploué, PSA's chief designer, there might be a 20-edition run of the GTbyCitroen, the car Citroen created for Sony's GT5. The game car specs came in at 3,000 pounds and 782 horses, some of those powered by hydrogen. If a real car -- actually suggested to be a grand tourer by Citroen's press release -- were built, we hope they opt for a version of the Peugeot 908's diesel V12. For 700 hp and 800 ft-lbs, we'd have no problem driving a car that looks like a catfish up front and a platypus out back. No matter what they put in it, expect it to be tres chere if it ever gets built.

Gallery: Paris 2008: GTbyCitroen Live

Gallery: GTbyCitroen

[Source: Cardisiac via Motor Authority]

Rumormill: GTbyCitroen could be built in limited numbers originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Dec 2008 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM COO says no small car for U.S.

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Economy, Paris Motor Show, Chevrolet, GM, Rumormill

While at the Paris Motor Show, General Motors COO Fritz Henderson told Automotive News that GM has no plans for a minicar in the U.S. While Henderson acknowledges the popularity of the Smart mini/city car, he describes it as a phenomenon and doesn't see a strong case for a similar sized minicar for Chevy in the States. His feelings are that American small-car buyers are happier with something like a Cobalt or Aveo instead. What that means for the future of the Beat, Groove or Trax is uncertain, but it doesn't look good from this statement. And with costarring roles in Transformers 2, it seems like not having them in showrooms is just plain stupid. Hopefully AN just got the quote wrong.

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req.]

GM COO says no small car for U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Oct 2008 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lamborghini reveals Estoque interior for first time

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 11:27:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedans/Saloons, Paris Motor Show, Supercars, Lamborghini

Click above for more live shots of the Lamborghini Estoque concept's interior

At this point, we've seen nearly every possible angle of Lamborghini's latest raging bull, the Estoque, with one rather large exception: the interior. As a four-door sedan, the compromises one naturally expects from the Italian motor company's supercars are wholly unacceptable in this application, so there is naturally a sense of luxury inside the Estoque that's missing from the Gallardo and Murcielago. We can also see large paddle shifters for the e-gear transmission that are yanked straight from the Gallardo and plenty of two-tone grey and creamy white leather covering most every surface. Plus, there's a whole lot more space now for such pleasure-inducers as a Blu-ray player, in-cabin television and, um, legroom. Still, it's clear that this is a concept cockpit that was likely rushed to deadline for the Paris Motor Show. The buttons in the cockpit are all hard black plastic, which is not exactly fitting for a sister brand of Audi, an automaker that arguably sets the gold standard for interiors by which others are judged. Take a look at the Estoque's interior for yourself in our gallery below.

Gallery: Paris 2008: Lamborghini Estoque LIVE

[Source: Lamborghini]

Continue reading Lamborghini reveals Estoque interior for first time

Lamborghini reveals Estoque interior for first time originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Oct 2008 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pics Aplenty: New Ferrari California shots show off car's good side

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Convertibles, Sports/GTs, Paris Motor Show, Supercars, Ferrari

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Ferrari California

Yesterday we told you that the Ferrari California was officially sold out through 2010. Some of you seemed to think that this was a ploy. Others thought it fitting. Still others thought it ridiculous because of the car's lack of aesthetic appeal. Well, for all but the last group, here is the newest batch of official photos from Ferrari showing this hot little coupe/cab. More beauty shots of the red and blue models have popped up in the wake of the Paris Motor Show and we have them here for you to see and download. They might even convert a few of you who have thus far been impervious to this car's charms. Click any image here to go to the full high-res galleries.

Gallery: More pics of the 2009 Ferrari California

Continue reading Pics Aplenty: New Ferrari California shots show off car's good side

Pics Aplenty: New Ferrari California shots show off car's good side originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Oct 2008 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi and Toyota considering offering smaller cars in the States

Chris Shunk — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Green, Paris Motor Show, Audi, Toyota

Click either image for a high-res gallery

It's been well documented that we Americans have been growing larger, and if the auto manufacturers thinking of bringing their small cars Stateside follow through, we're going to feel like giants. Toyota and Audi are the latest automakers discussing whether to bring smaller transportation for us portly Americans. Audi, who didn't design the A1 concept for US duty, now believes it's a good idea to rethink its original strategy. Audi marketing boss Peter Schwarzenbauer thinks US customers have made a real shift towards smaller cars and trucks, and that the movement has staying power. Audi brass has made no decisions regarding the A1 in the US, but the fact that they're genuinely looking into the matter is a good thing.

Toyota's cleverly packaged iQ is also being considered for sales in the US. A company insider told Automotive News that Toyota was looking into the viability of the iQ in the US. The sharp looking micro car goes on sale in Europe beginning in early 2009, and we wouldn't be surprised if it arrived Stateside some time after that.

Gallery: Audi A1 Sportback LIVE

Gallery: 2009 Toyota iQ

[Source: Automotive News subs req'd]

Audi and Toyota considering offering smaller cars in the States originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Oct 2008 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Aston Martin continues to tease the One-77

Chris Shunk — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 10:02:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Paris Motor Show, Aston Martin

Click above to watch the One-77 teaser video from Aston Martin

It's hard to think of a DB-9 or Vanquish as anything other than automotive perfection, so when the Brits in Gaydon say the One-77 is the embodiment of Aston Martin design, color us interested. The ultra-exclusive two-seat supercar seems to have it all: a 700 hp V12, carbon fiber chassis, aluminum body, and the ultimate in Aston design. The One-77 has an exclusive price tag of about £1,050,000 before taxes, too, and even the Paris Motor Show isn't a big enough venue to unveil the full design to the world.

Aston Martin is sure playing up the anticipation for the One-77, and even though there is absolutely no shot we'll ever get to drive one, we're taking the bait. Teasers and sneak peaks are all we're getting at this point, and with a full year before it goes on sale, we could be waiting a bit longer. Aston CEO Bez Ulrich and chief designer Mark Reichman sat down to discuss the One-77 with the cameras rolling, and the two key players on team Martin seem to be in love with this vehicle. Hit the jump to see more glimpses of the One-77 lurking in the shadows, while Bez and Mark shower the mega-exclusive supercar with verbal praise. Now just show us the whole damn car already!

Gallery: Paris 2008: Aston Martin One-77

Continue reading VIDEO: Aston Martin continues to tease the One-77

VIDEO: Aston Martin continues to tease the One-77 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Oct 2008 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris 2008: Citroen Hypnos concept

Noah Joseph — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 08:59:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Euro, Paris Motor Show, Crossovers/CUVs, Citroen

Click either image for a high-res gallery of the Citroen Hypnos concept

Someone over at Citroen has been hitting the absinthe. Well, why not, because Citroen is celebrating its birthday and had the semi-annual Paris auto salon in town to coincide. We'd say they should have stuck with the champagne, but we kinda like this car. Called the Hypnos, it's all business on the outside, and all trippy on the inside.

The exterior looks something like a darker, more versatile version of the GT concept developed by the same company. The interior is something else altogether, and is likely to seem familiar only to those who have gone diving in coral reefs or spent some time in Amsterdam. (If anyone's asking, we fall into the former.) Power is provided by the the HYmotion4 hybrid diesel powertrain PSA rolled out on several show cars, including sister-company Peugeot's Prologue and RC HYmotion4 concepts, which gives the Hypnos green credentials to go with the hippie-inspired design theme. Of course, this falls squarely in the design study category of concept cars (as opposed to the production preview sort), but if this is an indication of where Citroen is headed, overseas customers could be in for a wild ride. Follow the jump for the press release and check out the images in the gallery below.

Gallery: Paris 2008: Citroen Hypnos concept

Continue reading Paris 2008: Citroen Hypnos concept

Paris 2008: Citroen Hypnos concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Oct 2008 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris 2008: Alfa Romeo Brera Ti

Noah Joseph — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 20:07:00 EST

Filed under: Coupes, Euro, Paris Motor Show, Alfa Romeo

Click either image for high-res gallery of theAlfa Romeo Brera Ti

Standing in front of the Alfa Romeo display in Paris, we found ourselves in a bit of a conundrum. The big news from Alfa was, of course, the official worldwide show debut of the MiTo, and the stand was rife with them. But we've already brought you galleries of photos of the MiTo, and even flew all the way over to Italy to drive it. (For you, of course.) But a European car show wouldn't be a European car show without some shots of an Alfa Romeo. Fortunately the Italians were kind enough to oblige with a new, hotter version of the impossibly gorgeous Brera.

The Brera Ti picks up some of the improvements developed by British rally and racing concern Prodrive (yes, that Prodrive, the ones who field Aston Martin in Le Mans, Subaru in the WRC and brought Honda back into F1). The Ti gets a stiffened suspension, 8C-style 19-inch anthracite alloys and Brembo brakes, pumping up the go to accompany all that show which you can check out in the gallery below.

Gallery: Paris 2008: Alfa Romeo Brera Ti

Gallery: 2008 Alfa Romeo Brera TI

Paris 2008: Alfa Romeo Brera Ti originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Oct 2008 20:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris 2008: Renault Megane Trophy concept

Noah Joseph — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 19:32:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Motorsports, Euro, Paris Motor Show, Renault

Click either image for high-res gallery of the Renault Megane Trophy concept

We've said it before but it warrants repeating: Renault makes some of the meanest hot hatches in the business. The (very) outgoing Megane RS has been a favorite among the track day crowd and really any European customer looking for a fast ride with sharp handling that can still serve on the daily grind. With the new Megane now out in the open, the big question on the minds of Renaultsport fans is what manner of fire-breathing demon will follow the established favorite they know and love? Clearly this isn't the answer, but if the production Megane III RS comes even remotely close to this concept car, we'll have yet another European machine to lust after.

The Renault Megane Trophy concept features a Nissan-sourced 3.5-liter V6 mounted amidship like in the old Renaultsport Clio V6, but producing a prodigious 360hp driving through a six-speed sequential gearbox, all wrapped in a competition-grade body with more wing than the Concorde and more louvers than a Parisian museum tour. Currently the car is just a concept, but could end up going into limited production for a spec racing series. Check it out in the gallery below and rest assured that it looks even more awesome in person.

Gallery: Paris 2008: Renault Megane Trophy Concept

Paris 2008: Renault Megane Trophy concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Oct 2008 19:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris 2008: Renault Megane III

Noah Joseph — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 19:05:00 EST

Filed under: Coupes, Euro, Paris Motor Show, Hatchbacks, Renault

Click either image for high-res galleries of the Renault Megane III

Renault is stepping things up a notch. The French automaker has launched an aggressive campaign to refresh and broaden its lineup, including recent launches of the new Laguna, Twingo and Koleos, to name just a few. But this one will likely prove more important than all the others.

The Megane is Renault's bread and butter, competing in a dog-eat-dog segment against the likes of Volkswagen's new Golf and the popular European-spec Ford Focus. Diversity is part of Renault's plan of attack, planning to offer six different Megane bodystyles, each with its own distinct character. To start off, Renault launched the five-door hatchback and the sleek new coupe on its home turf here in Paris. Both represent striking departures from the models they replace, and the three-door cuts a particularly aggressive silhouette. Check out the images in the gallery below to see what we mean.

Gallery: Paris 2008: Renault Megane Coupe

Gallery: Paris 2008: Renault Megane III

Paris 2008: Renault Megane III originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Oct 2008 19:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris 2008: Ford Kuga Individual

Noah Joseph — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 18:50:00 EST

Filed under: Euro, Paris Motor Show, Crossovers/CUVs, Ford, Special/Limited Editions

Click above for high-res gallery of the Ford Kuga Individual

When we put the production Ford Kuga next to its progenitor, the Iosis X show car, on our test drive in Belgium, we couldn't help but feel a little disappointed. The Kuga is a fine looking cute-ute, but lacks the aggressive styling that made the Iosis X such a show stopper. Ford promised to close the gap a little with the Individual version of the Kuga, launched here in Paris.

The Kuga joins Individual versions of the Ford Mondeo, Fiesta, S-Max and Galaxy, offering overseas buyers a host of luxury options you'd normally find on higher-end automobiles. The interior trim in particular goes a long way towards addressing some of the incoherence we mentioned in our review as well. Along with the leather and stuff, the Kuga Individual gets a revised exterior package that evokes some of the touches from the concept car, like aluminum intake fascias, 20" wheels and ground effects. The latter gives the Kuga a more road-skimming look as opposed to the Iosis X's jacked-up stature, but it's a nice touch all the same. The best part, however, could be the new engine option: the same Volvo-sourced turbo five from the hot Focus ST, albeit detuned to 200hp. Check out the photos in the gallery below to see the updated Kuga Individual from the Paris show floor.

Gallery: Paris 2008: Ford Kuga Individual

Gallery: Ford Kuga Individual

Paris 2008: Ford Kuga Individual originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Oct 2008 18:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris 2008: Fiat 500 Abarth Assetto Corse

Noah Joseph — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 16:02:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Euro, Paris Motor Show, Hatchbacks, FIAT

Click above for high-res gallery of the Fiat 500 Abarth Assetto Corse

With the revival of the Abarth tuning division, Fiat is serious about motorsports. They've been racking up victories in the Intercontinental Rally Championship with the Punto, and have even been sponsoring Valentino Rossi's MotoGP Yamaha. And to drive the point home, while the "esseesse" (read: SS) version of the Cinquecento Abarth was the division's new reveal, it was this racing version, called the Assetto Corse, that took center stage.

The Assetto Corse is, of course, based on the same Fiat 500 that's been selling like adorable little hotcakes in every market it's hit so far. But the cute factor is gone, replaced by big air scoops, giant wings, roll cages and little scorpion badges everywhere. (And we do mean everywhere.) The little racing car that could is packed with a 1.4-liter 16-valve turbocharged four driving 190 hp through a six-speed shifter to the front set of 17" powder-coated white alloys hiding 4-piston Brembo calipers. The interior has a full roll cage and racing bucket, and an aggressive aero package sets the exterior apart from its street-bound progenitors. Check out the hotness for yourself in the gallery below.

Gallery: 2008 Paris: Fiat 500 Abarth Assetto Corse LIVE

Paris 2008: Fiat 500 Abarth Assetto Corse originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Oct 2008 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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