Autoblog

Lexus previews LF-CC Concept ahead of Paris debut

Drew Phillips — Mon, 17 Sep 2012 09:14:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Hybrid, Paris Motor Show, Lexus

The Lexus LF-CC, a new two-door hybrid coupe concept, will make its debut at the Paris Motor Show later this month. Featuring the L-finesse design language seen on the LF-LC Concept that debuted in Detroit back in January, the LF-CC Concept is likely a preview of the next-generation Lexus IS that will be introduced in the near future.

While its still unclear how much of the styling will make it to a future production vehicle, particularly the bold iteration of the spindle grille, triple LED headlights and intricate taillights, the overall design of the LF-CC looks to be easily transferred over to a road-going Lexus.

Hybrid models have become commonplace throughout the Lexus lineup over the past few years, most recently with the ES, and now it appears the IS will be getting a fuel-sipping variation as well. Under the hood, the LF-CC features a new 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain, one that Lexus says will be used throughout its model lineup in the future, with various technologies to further reduce fuel consumption.

Scroll down for the press release from Lexus and check back next week for more details and photos as part of our live coverage of the Paris Motor Show.

Lexus previews LF-CC Concept ahead of Paris debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Sep 2012 09:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2014 Mazda6 Wagon shakes its rump

Zach Bowman — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Europe, Japan, Mazda, Design/Style, Diesel

Mazda has given the world a glimpse of the 2014 Mazda6 Wagon ahead of its debut at this year's Paris Motor Show. The slinky five-door will bow in Europe and Japan with a Skyactiv-D 2.2-liter diesel engine in both standard and high-output configurations. Buyers who prefer a gasoline engine can opt for either 2.0-liter or 2.5-liter direct-injection four-cylinders. Mazda hasn't said what we can expect to see in terms of transmission options, but the company has made it clear the 2014 Mazda6 Wagon will make use of a new brake energy regeneration system called i-Eloop.

The new Mazda6 Wagon will show off under the lights of the Paris Motor Show starting on September 27. Public days run from September 29 through October 14. In the interim, you can check out the images above and the brief press release below for more information.

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2014 Mazda6 Wagon shakes its rump originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Sep 2012 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Suzuki previews new S-Cross compact CUV ahead of Paris debut

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 10:44:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Crossover, Suzuki

Despite having one heck of a lackluster presence here in the United States, Suzuki still manages to do well in other markets. That in mind, the automaker continually releases new products and concept cars at international auto shows that aren't destined for U.S. consumption, but this might not be one of those times.

The aging SX4 crossover is in need of replacement, and if Suzuki is still committed to selling passenger cars in the States, something fresh like this S-Cross concept could be just the ticket. Suzuki has, after all, confirmed that the S-Cross will eventually make its way into production.

We have no other details to divulge about the S-Cross, except that it's a small crossover concept and that it will make its public debut at the Paris Motor Show in September. Suzuki says that the S-Cross has a "Emotion x Quality x Aerodynamics" design theme that uses "distinctive dynamic lines that start on the front bumper, sweep across the doors, and continue to the rear of the body." No offense, Suzuki, but we've heard that before.

Still, we're looking forward to seeing the compact crossover in Paris, and we'll have more details sometime next month. For now, scroll down to read the brief press release and check out a pair of teaser shots in the gallery below.

Continue reading Suzuki previews new S-Cross compact CUV ahead of Paris debut

Suzuki previews new S-Cross compact CUV ahead of Paris debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Aug 2012 10:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Škoda reveals new Rapid

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Paris Motor Show, Skoda

Just a couple of days after images of its sister car, the Seat Toledo, leaked onto the Internet, the Škoda Rapid gets an official unveiling. As expected, it is a 99.5-percent facsimile of the Škoda MissionL "concept" revealed at last year's Frankfurt Motor Show.

Given plenty of creases and sculpting, the Rapid is a sign of Škoda designs to come, which the brand calls "clear, precise, fresh, timeless and elegant." To our eyes it certainly isn't a bad way to keep an erstwhile Volkswagen Jetta fresh.

As with the Toledo, the price-value equation will be the Rapid's unique selling proposition for those not smitten with its looks, yet being a VW product it still won't skimp on engines: seven will be offered, five gas-powered and two diesels. Slotted between the Fabia and higher-end Octavia, the Rapid's brand new looks should help it make a name for itself among family types.

We'll see the real thing at the Paris Motor Show soon, and it will hit European showrooms shortly thereafter. Until then, scroll down for a press release with all the info on Škoda's new direction.

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Škoda reveals new Rapid originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Jun 2012 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Peugeot rolls out 301 (and new nomenclature) for emerging markets

Noah Joseph — Thu, 24 May 2012 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Paris Motor Show, Peugeot

Where automakers could once get by selling in a handful of specific markets, these days, they need to grab as much market share as they can around the world. That's particularly true for a brand like Peugeot that's missing out on one of the largest markets in the world - this one - and so it is ramping up its assault on developing markets with vehicles like the one you see here.

Called 301, the approximately Focus-sized sedan is intended for markets that we once considered the second or third world - markets like Russia, Africa and the Middle East. So not only is it positioned as a more budget-friendly proposition, it's also been developed to deal with a greater range of climates and with poor road conditions that often exist in developing markets. Buyers in these markets will be able to choose engines ranging from 71 to 115 horsepower and benefit from similar levels of features and safety equipment you'd expect to find in wealthier markets.

Now if you're thinking that the last 300-series model from Peugeot was the 308 and were wondering what the marketing gurus at PSA headquarters were planning to do when they got past 309, wonder no more, because they've modified their naming scheme. The first digit (3 in this case) represents the class of vehicle, the 0 (or 00 for crossovers and minivans) remains a constant, and the last digit will either be an 8 (for mainstream products) or a 1 (for emerging markets). Got all that?

The 301 will make its public debut at the Paris Motor Show in September, after which production will commence in Spain for rollout around the world. Scroll down for the pair of press releases and scope it out in the high-res image gallery.

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Peugeot rolls out 301 (and new nomenclature) for emerging markets originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Renault to unveil new Clio at Paris show in September

Noah Joseph — Thu, 03 May 2012 08:00:00 EST

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

The supermini market is a vital one for European automakers, and though its current Clio remains a popular choice, Renault is not about to rest on its proverbial laurels as its most popular model gets older and less relevant. So with that in mind, the French carmaker is apparently preparing to unveil an all-new Clio hatchback at the next major auto salon.

That show won't be taking place until September when Renault's home-market Paris Auto Salon opens its doors at the Port de Versailles, but a pair of teaser shots have already surfaced giving us a tiny glimpse at what to expect. The images - reportedly leaked from internal documents - show the grille and a sliver of the rear 3/4. The front looks to take cues from the smaller Twingo, while the rear betrays an upward kink in the shoulder, more aggressive taillights and an altogether more sculpted shape.

Styling penned by Laurens van der Acker is expected overall to take its lead from the DeZir Concept. We'll have to wait until after the summer to see it in full, though.

Renault to unveil new Clio at Paris show in September originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 May 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW 1 Series GT tipped for Parisian debut

Noah Joseph — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Paris Motor Show, BMW, Rumormill

We know what you're thinking: Another day, another BMW bodystyle. Except this one's different.

The Bavarian automaker, much like its fellow German marques Audi and Mercedes-Benz, has exploded its product offerings with spinoffs of its established models. So the two-door 6 Series has bred a four-door GranCoupe version. The 5 Series, in addition to the sedan and wagon, has given us the oddly proportioned 5 Series Gran Turismo. But the upcoming 1 Series Gran Turismo is another kettle of fish in that it is not expected to share the small rear-drive platform with its recently revised namesake, but rather pack a new front-drive platform.

According to BMW Blog, the long-rumored 1 Series GT will finally make its debut next fall at the Paris Motor Show. When it does, the tall hatchback will be targeted directly at the Mercedes-Benz B-Class, slotting (in form at least) in between the existing 1 Series hatchback (pictured above) and X1 crossover. But if front-wheel drive isn't how you picture your BMW channeling its power, an all-wheel xDrive version is also tipped to be in the cards, as well as a hybrid model.

BMW 1 Series GT tipped for Parisian debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Renault planning 50th anniversary Alpine tribute concept for Paris

Noah Joseph — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 17:31:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Renault, Rumormill

Love it or hate it, the automotive industry of today is not lacking for its exercises in reviving old nameplates. The trend ranges from Mini to Maybach, from Dodge Dart to Dodge Challenger. And the French are certainly not immune. Citroën revived its fabled DS moniker for a range of premium hatchbacks, and Renault - most of all - has been mulling bringing back the Alpine for years now.

Arguably just as central to Renault's performance heritage as the recently revived Gordini line, Alpine made mid-engined sportscars with Renault mechanicals starting in the 1950s and discontinued four decades later. Its most famous model, however, was the A110 (pictured above), which is now celebrating its 50th anniversary. And if a new report from Autocar is accurate, Renault has no intention of letting the occasion slip by unnoticed.

In fact, the French automaker is reportedly planning an Alpine concept car to unveil at the Paris Motor Show next fall. But the question remains whether there's any production potential with such a concept. The French are known for producing some rather intriguing show cars - sportscars in particular - that never seem to get very far from the show stand, from the GTbyCitroën to the Renault DeZir.

Whether Renault can make the business case - without the North American market, at that - to take on the sports car establishment remains to be seen, but having the Nissan product bin to raid certainly couldn't hurt.

Renault planning 50th anniversary Alpine tribute concept for Paris originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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