Autoblog

London Motor Show Mega Post

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 20:02:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Misc. Auto Shows

Click any image above for a high-res gallery.

The British International Motor Show wrapped up earlier this week and although we weren't able to attend in person, we've assembled a sizeable gallery of live shots from the show floor. Unlike past shows in London, this year's event actually hosted some serious debuts, including the Lotus Evora, Honda OSM concept, Ford Focus RS, IFR Aspid, Renaultsport Megane R26.R, Lightning GT, a trio of Imprezas and the Opel Insignia. Some will make it Stateside, while others we'll adore from afar, but our gallery below is proof that London has come into its own. We're looking forward to next year's festivities and hopefully we can scrounge up enough scratch to make the trip across the pond.

Gallery: London Motor Show 2008

London Motor Show Mega Post originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Jul 2008 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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London 2008: Mastretta MXT will be Mexico's first homegrown car

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Misc. Auto Shows, UK

Click above for more high-res shots of the Mastretta MXT

It may have taken Mexico a while to produce its first car, but at least when it finally took place, it did so with style. When we originally heard of the Mastretta MXT, it was said to be powered by a stock Ford Duratec four-banger. Fortunately, the production machine will be blessed with a much more impressive version of the 2.0L mill, one tuned by the maestros at Cosworth, who have also bestowed the block with a turbocharger. Claimed output is 240 horses, which is plenty to move the MXT along at an impressive clip due to its light weight of just 900 kilograms -- just a bit shy of a ton. The run to sixty is dispatched in under five seconds and top speed is up around a buck-fifty.

The car will be available beginning next May in the U.K., with other European destinations to follow. Fitting, as the car, with its chassis a blend of aluminum bonded with composites and its body of fiberglass, will be compared most directly with Britain's own Lotus Elise and Exige.

Gallery: Mastretta MXT

[Source: Mastretta]

Continue reading London 2008: Mastretta MXT will be Mexico's first homegrown car

London 2008: Mastretta MXT will be Mexico's first homegrown car originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Jul 2008 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Lexus shows the LF-A's heart in London

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Supercars, Lexus, Misc. Auto Shows

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Lexus LF-A concept.

The Lexus LF-A has taken the crown from the Chevy Camaro as the perpetual show queen that we're tired of seeing in concept form. Granted, it's already run the Nurburging 24 Hour enduro and has been spied enough times that we've almost stopped caring, but aside from an astronomical price, details are still scarce on Lexus' first attempt at joining the hyper car fray.

Thankfully, the automaker brought sometime else to the London Motor Show to compliment the two LF-A concepts on stage. Enclosed in a Plexiglas case is the 5.0-liter V10 that's slated to power the coupe, and although there's no accompanying spec sheet to give exact horsepower and torque figures (expect around 500 hp and 400 lb.-ft.), CAR shot a brief video showing some beautifully crafted exhaust manifolds and a gorgeous set of ITB trumpets. It's not much, but its small size is telling, providing further proof that the bent-ten will be mounted close to the firewall for a front-midship placement.

Check the video below the fold.

Gallery: Lexus LF-A Concept

Gallery: Lexus LF-A Roadster

Gallery: Lexus LF-A Racecar - Exterior and Interior

[Source: CAR]

Continue reading VIDEO: Lexus shows the LF-A's heart in London

VIDEO: Lexus shows the LF-A's heart in London originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Jul 2008 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Camaro painted with remote control cars

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 16:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, GM, Misc. Auto Shows

Click the above image for a hi-res gallery of the RC-painted Camaro

The British are good for all sorts of car-centric goodness. When they're not busy building zippy little monsters remarkably ill-suited to their weather, they're... making art. English artist Ian Cook took a few remote controlled cars, drove them through paint, and then used them to paint a Camaro.

Called "Popbang Color" and on display now at the British International Motor Show, Ian even used GM RC cars to create the paintings. Next up will be a live demonstration of him painting a Chevrolet Lacetti World Touring Car, which requires, says Ian, "skill with the remote control cars." After that he'll be painting Autobots Playing Poker... (we kid...) Check out the full press release after the jump, and the hi-res images below.

Gallery: Camaro painted with remote control cars

[Source: GM]

Continue reading Camaro painted with remote control cars

Camaro painted with remote control cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Jul 2008 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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London 2008: Renaultsport Megane R26.R

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 19:29:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Misc. Auto Shows, Renault

While most of our recent hot hatch affection has been aimed at the Ford Focus RS, Renault brought its own racy three-door to the London Motor Show party, and now we're torn. Admittedly, the Focus RS is easily the more suitable day-to-day driver - it's got a full interior and air conditioning -- but the Renaultsport Megane R26.R has all the kit for a serious track-day assault. Hell, it even has two Rs in its name.

With the new Megane slated to appear at this year's Paris Motor Show, Renault wanted to give the current model a fitting send off. To that end, it took the existing Megane F1 Team R26, left the engine, gearbox and limited slip differential intact, modified the suspension and hacked off 271 pounds from its curb weight. The diet included the removal of the rear seats, passenger side airbag, climate control, fog lamps, headlight washers, rear windscreen wiper and the majority of the soundproofing material. In exchange, the R26.R received a carbon fiber hood, polycarbonate quarter and rear windows and a titanium exhaust.

Inside, the Renaultsport hatch makes the RS look positively pedestrian, with a set of carbon fiber Sabelt seats, six-point harnesses, leather and suede swathed steering wheel and gear knob, and an optional four-point roll cage. While output remains the same, at 230 hp and 229 lb.-ft. of torque, the stripped R26.R lapped the Nurburgring in 8:17 - a new lap record for a front wheel drive production car.

Only 450 examples will be made available when sales begin in the UK, France, Germany, Switzerland and Spain this October. And unlike the Chevy Camaro, Renault released a video of the R.26R doing it's thing around the 'Ring... three seconds faster. Check it, along with the press release, below the fold.

Gallery: Renaultsport Megane R26.R

Continue reading London 2008: Renaultsport Megane R26.R

London 2008: Renaultsport Megane R26.R originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Jul 2008 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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London 2008: IFR Automotive Aspid hits 62 mph in 2.8 seconds

John Neff — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 12:32:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Europe, Misc. Auto Shows

Click above for high-res gallery of the IFR Automotive Aspid

IFR Automotive is a design and technology company based in Spain that we've never heard of, but they're in London right now for the 2008 British Motor Show to debut the Aspid, a new featherweight "luxury" sportscar powered by a 400bhp supercharged 2.0L four-cylinder. Combined with a curb weight of just 1,543 lbs., the Aspid can reportedly reach 62 mph in an astonishing 2.8 seconds. IFR is fervent that the Aspid is not a stripped down track day special, but a full road car, hence the "luxury" modifier. It sure looks like Caterham circa 2055, but IFR claims that it's gone to the ends of the earth to keep the Aspid's weight in check while keeping the car suitable for road use. The Aspid sits on an aluminum extrusion composite paneled chassis weighing just 175 lbs., and all of its suspension components are aluminum as well. IFR also reduced the complexity of the car's electrical system, deleting processors and wires wherever it could. Rather than a bank of gauges staring back at you in the cockpit, drivers will instead find touch screens that relay all essential info and allow extreme customization of the car's mechanicals. You can change the rev limit, valve timing, overall power output, brake balance, ride height and a whole lot more all from the comfort of the driver's seat. Plus there's a nav system, wi-fi and a whole smorgesborg of telecom technologies stuffed inside. And did we mention it can reach 62 mph in 2.8 seconds? Damn.

Gallery: IFR Automotive Aspid

[Source: IFR Automotive]

London 2008: IFR Automotive Aspid hits 62 mph in 2.8 seconds originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Jul 2008 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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London 2008: Honda OSM concept roadster says, "Cheerio!"

Alex Nunez — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Green, Honda, Misc. Auto Shows

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the Honda OSM

Honda says that the OSM roadster on display at the 2008 British Motor Show is merely a design study, but given that "design study" is frequently a euphemism for "future design language," we wonder if we're seeing the next iteration of Honda car styling. Frankly, we hope so, because this is worlds better than what we've seen from the automaker of late, from the Accord right on up to the bland and bloated Pilot. The OSM, short for Open Study Model, is a shapely two-seat convertible that we'd be happy to drive today. Well, maybe with headlamps that weren't lightsaber-sized. Other than that, we love the jaunty look, especially in back, where the taillamps sweep gently from one side of the car to the other. Since it's a styling exercise, there's no specific powertrain combination associated with it, but Honda assures us that the car is an indication that lightweight, low-emissions motoring needn't be boring. No kidding, guys. Inside, the cockpit basically evolves the two-tier instrument panel you'll find in the current Civic into a far more attractive driving environment that we hope to see in road cars sooner than later. While Honda says there's no plan to create a production sport/econo roadster like this anytime soon, somebody's obviously thinking about it. Future S2000 replacement, maybe? "Design studies" such as this don't happen by accident.

Gallery: Honda OSM Concept

[Source: Honda]

Continue reading London 2008: Honda OSM concept roadster says, "Cheerio!"

London 2008: Honda OSM concept roadster says, "Cheerio!" originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Jul 2008 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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London 2008: Subaru shows off Impreza trifecta

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Europe, Hatchback, Subaru, Misc. Auto Shows, UK

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Subaru Impreza WRX STI 330S.

Subaru loves London. How else can you explain the simultaneous release of three special edition Imprezas in one venue? In a move that's obviously aimed at competing with the Mitsubishi Evolution X variants available in the UK (FQ 300 and FQ 360), Subaru has unveiled a 252 hp WRX-S, 325 hp WRX STI 330S and a 375 hp WRX STI 380S concept.

Read on for all the details.

Gallery: Subaru Impreza WRX-S

Gallery: Subaru Impreza WRX STI 330S

Continue reading London 2008: Subaru shows off Impreza trifecta

London 2008: Subaru shows off Impreza trifecta originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Jul 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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More images of the the Lotus 'Eagle' released

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 12:02:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Lotus, Misc. Auto Shows

Click above for more shots of the Lotus Eagle.

Lotus gave up some initial details about the 2+2(ish) tentatively known as the "Eagle" yesterday, and now Autocar has procured a few more shots of the coupe ahead of its unveiling at the London Motor Show next week.

Just to put the Eagle's dimensions into perspective, its wheelbase is approximately 275mm (about 13 inches) longer than the Elise/Exige, or slightly shorter (80mm) than the Porsche 911. The extra space makes for a more livable cabin for at least two of its occupants and allows Lotus to use the international automotive metric for measuring capacity - it can fit one golf bag in the boot.

As previously reported, a 3.5-liter Toyota-sourced V6 will send 276 hp and 250 lb.-ft. of torque through a Toyota-derived six-speed transmission that's been re-engineered by Lotus with a new clutch and a revised gear set. The Eagle's weight is estimated at just over 3,000 pounds.

According to Autocar, Lotus plans an eight-year life cycle for the Eagle, and a convertible version will be released two to three years after sales begin in May of next year.

Gallery: Lotus "Eagle"

[Source: Autocar]

More images of the the Lotus 'Eagle' released originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Jul 2008 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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More Kia Soul images revealed in London

Alex Nunez — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 09:34:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Kia, Misc. Auto Shows

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the Kia Soul

While the production Kia Soul won't be revealed until later this year at the Paris Motor Show, the opening of the London show brings the release of more official images from the automaker. One thing's certain: it'll be hip to be square in 2009, when both the Soul and the Nissan Cube arrive to give the Scion xB some company. Kia also officially announced that the car will be offered exclusively in a front-engine/front drive layout and that it's 4,105 mm (161 in) long, 1,785 mm (70 in) wide, 1,610 mm (63 in) tall, and has a 2,550 mm (100 in) wheelbase. In case you were wondering, compared to the xB, it's got a shorter wheelbase and overall length, but is a hair wider and taller. The engine selection in Europe will consist of 1.6L gasoline and diesel four-cylinders. As you can see, the photos show a neat package that'll probably have plenty of folks embracing their inner geeks when it arrives in U.S. showrooms next April.

Gallery: 2009 Kia Soul

[Sources: Kia]

More Kia Soul images revealed in London originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Jul 2008 09:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Lotus Eagle pic surfaces, along with details on the 2+2

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:54:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Lotus, Misc. Auto Shows

Click above for a high-res image of the Lotus "Eagle."

Lotus has released the first image and all the details on its new coupe ahead of its unveiling at the London Motor Show next week. A 3.5-liter Toyota V6 mounted amidships, producing 276 hp and 250 lb.-ft. of torque will power the new 2+2. Performance estimates are sketchy right now, but assuming Lotus holds with tradition and keeps the pounds off, the 0-60 time should be below five seconds, with a top speed approaching 160 mph.

While it's still not clear if the new Lotus will carry an Eagle badge at its debut, it will be packing an extra set of "Isofix" seats behind the front seat passengers that can accommodate children up to nine years old or cast members from the Cirque du Soleil. Thankfully, there will be an option to convert the rear seats into a storage compartment.

Inside the leather-lined cabin, drivers get to enjoy amenities previously thought frivolous on the Elise/Exige, including storage bins, cup holders, blue LED lighting, air conditioning, traction control, tire pressure monitoring and a Alpine stereo with a seven-inch screen, Bluetooth connectivity and iPod connections.

Sales will be limited to around 2000 units per year when the Eagle hits dealers in the spring of 2009, with an approximate sticker of £45,000. A convertible version and a high-performance variant are also planned, and according to sources, the Eagle is considerably faster than the Elise around the Nurburgring and more planted at speed than the Exige.

The Eagle is part of the automaker's effort to broaden its appeal, and that will also include two new models due out in October of 2011.

Make the jump for the press release.

Continue reading First Lotus Eagle pic surfaces, along with details on the 2+2

First Lotus Eagle pic surfaces, along with details on the 2+2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It's so much clearer now - Lotus slightly deobfuscates 2+2's name

Dan Roth — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 18:02:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Europe, Supercars, Lotus, Misc. Auto Shows

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Lotus E-somethingoranother.

Lotus hasn't done something silly, like just spill the beans on the name of its new 2+2 that's set to debut at the British International Motor Show on July 22nd. The new four-placer's moniker will start with an E, and it will be an all-new name. Naturally, Esprit has been reserved for the new range-topper, so that's out. Ethos has reportedly been registered by Lotus in the United States, though it's reportedly not the front runner among the three contenders rumored to be under consideration. Eagle, the name of a much-spied mule, is probably going nowhere, lest Lotus pick a fight with Chrysler. If this one-legged name dance is any indication, we're going to go with Excruciate.

Gallery: Lotus Eagle - spy shots

[Source: Autocar]

It's so much clearer now - Lotus slightly deobfuscates 2+2's name originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Jul 2008 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda to reveal OSM open-top concept in London

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Honda, Misc. Auto Shows

The London Motor Show opens up on July 22nd and with it, comes a new concept from Honda, the Open Study Model or OSM. The lightweight, two-seater, open-air sports car is another design study by Honda that attempts to blend performance and sustainable motoring into a comprehensive package. Designed by Honda's R&D center in Offenbach, Germany, the OSM is a vehicle in the same environmentally friendly vein as the CR-Z concept unveiled in Tokyo last year, considered to be a low emissions alternative to the traditional sports coupe.

The CR-Z is still slated to be released sometime next year, but Honda insists that the OSM is strictly a design study and is not confirmed for production. However, as OSM (read: awesome) as it may be, it's not the next S2000, according to Honda spokesperson Steve Kirk.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Honda to reveal OSM open-top concept in London originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Jul 2008 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: 2009 Ford Focus RS

Alex Nunez — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 09:34:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Ford, Misc. Auto Shows

Click above for a high-res gallery of the new Focus RS

Yesterday brought the sneak peek, but today we've got the real deal. The new Ford Focus RS is is mean and green (we mean that in the literal sense, thanks to its killer-looking paint color), and it will make its debut at this month's London Motor Show. While the RS is still under development, the car being put on display isn't exactly a concept, either. Some details might change here and there before it reaches showrooms in 2009, but ultimately, what you see here is what European drivers are going to get. The wide, low-slung stance, intimidating fascia, racy dual exhaust, and requisite high-mount spoiler are all part of the package. Follow the jump for more

Gallery: 2009 Ford Focus RS (green)

Continue reading Officially Official: 2009 Ford Focus RS

Officially Official: 2009 Ford Focus RS originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Jul 2008 09:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bizarre Lotus Eagle campaign uses weird, faceless people

Alex Nunez — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Lotus

Lotus has apparently hired Charlie X as its new director of marketing, and the unlucky sods who were ballsy enough to laugh at his ideas in team meetings have apparently been punished accordingly (as seen at the 40:23 mark here), handed black suits and Lotus pendants, and sent to wander amongst the general public and freak people out. It's all part of the Lotus Eagle's "Faceless People" campaign. If you visit the website, you get a timer counting down to the car's London unveiling, when "true character will emerge." Until then, however, it's more faceless nightmare fodder for British tots.

Gallery: Lotus Eagle - spy shots

[Source: Lotus via Jalopnik]

Bizarre Lotus Eagle campaign uses weird, faceless people originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Let the leakage begin: Ford Focus RS concept

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Ford, Misc. Auto Shows

Click either image for a high-res gallery of the Ford Focus RS.

We've been teased twice and now we finally get our first unmasked glimpse of the Ford Focus RS concept, due to debut at the London Motor Show next month. Images of the gaudy green hatch have begun to surface on a few sites across the pond, and the aggressive body work and racy interior mean that Ford's hottest hatch has to be packing some serious kit underhood. It is.

The Focus RS will be equipped with a tweaked version of the turbocharged Duratec 2.5-liter inline-five found in the ST, and will send between 280 and 300 hp, along with 300+ lb.-ft. of torque, through the front wheels via a six-speed gearbox equipped with a Quaife limited-slip differential. With that kind of power, the RS should be able to make the run to 60 in less than six seconds - assuming you don't torque-steer yourself into a tree in the process.

The dynamic body kit, complete with gaping maw, flared fenders, side sills, rear diffuser and wing, and unfortunate fender vents, compliments the lowered ride height, 19-inch, 15-spoke wheels and upgraded brakes. Inside, color-matched, two-tone Recaro thrones join an RS-specific instrument cluster and smaller diameter steering wheel.

More information should be released in the run-up to the show. As always, watch this space.

Gallery: Leakage: Ford Focus RS

[Source: Autoblog Spanish - Translated]

Let the leakage begin: Ford Focus RS concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Jul 2008 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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400-hp Aspid roadster coming to London Motor Show

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 16:02:00 EST

Filed under: Misc. Auto Shows

Click above for high-res gallery of the IFR Aspid

While we can't get enough of the Caterham and all its copycats, the one thing we've never said to ourselves is, "This needs a roof, some luxury amenities and 400 horsepower." But that's exactly what IFR Automotive has done with the Aspid. IFR is an acronym for the engineer that founded the firm, Ignacio Fernandez Rodriquez, whose former employers include Prodrive and the Mitsubishi WRC team. Rodriquez wanted to create a track-day masterpiece that would not only confirm to FIA safety standards and European homologation requirements, but also offer a level of luxury and refinement previous unseen on other track-bound whips.

The result is a lightweight aluminum and carbon fiber structure that tips the scales at around 1,550 pounds. Two engines will be available when the production model hits the streets later this year, including a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter producing 270 hp, or a 400-hp turbocharged version of the same mill. Power will be sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox and a limited-slip differential. With that kind of power to weight ratio (570 hp per ton), IFR is predicting a 0-62 run of 2.8 seconds, a 0-100 sprint of 5.9 seconds and a maximum (restricted) speed of 155 mph. Slowing and turning the Aspid should be equally dramatic, with the lightweight coupe halting from 100 mph in three seconds flat and hitting 1.6 g of lateral acceleration.

All that mind-boggling performance will come at a cost, so when you place your order after the Aspid's debut at the London Motor Show next month, you'll be expected to cough up £75,000 before you can take delivery next summer. Press release below the fold.

Gallery: IFR Aspid Roadster

[Source: Aspid via SCC]

Continue reading 400-hp Aspid roadster coming to London Motor Show

400-hp Aspid roadster coming to London Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Jun 2008 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First official shots of Opel Insignia interior released

Alex Nunez — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Europe, GM, Lotus, Misc. Auto Shows, Opel, Vauxhall, UK

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Opel / Vauxhall Insignia

The first official look at the Opel Insignia's interior leaves us with the impression that Opel / Vauxhall's new sedan is going to be a nice place in which to log some miles. Put simply, the cockpit is identical to the one first shown in the slick-looking Opel GTC concept that debuted last year. Simple, attractive gauges are joined by amber lighting and a nice blend of plastics, brightwork, and other trim to create a driver-focused cockpit meant to be as usable as it is attractive. One of the little elements that's kind of cool is how the gauge lighting shifts from white to red when the car is put into sport mode. Expect even more info on the Insignia and plenty of closer looks at the cabin when the car debuts in London next month at the British International Motor Show. If you can't make it to London, just exercise a little patience, cross those fingers, and wait. This car will likely come Stateside as the next Saturn Aura at some point in the future. GM's official PR is pasted after the jump.

Gallery: Opel / Vauxhall Insignia

[Source: GM]

Continue reading First official shots of Opel Insignia interior released

First official shots of Opel Insignia interior released originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Jun 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kia debuting all-new product at British Motor Show

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 20 May 2008 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Kia, Misc. Auto Shows

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Kia Koup concept.

The PR talking points at the Kia both in New York focused on the automaker's plan to appeal to a younger demographic in the U.S. and abroad. Kia aims to be the youthful yin to Hyundai's more staid yang, with the introduction of the Koup concept in NY and the imminent arrival of the SOUL CUV (never mind that Hyundai was doing burnouts on the third floor of the Jacob Javits center while Kia took the wraps off its redesigned Optima).

Regardless, at this year's British International Motor Show (formerly known as the London Motor Show) Kia will be showing off five of the concepts that have graced the automaker's show stands over the last year, along with an announcement about a future Kia product. The automaker isn't releasing any details on what said vehicle will be, only saying that "this new and exciting car will give the clearest indication yet of the design future of the brand." The show gets under way July 23rd and Kia has announced that the mystery model will go on sale in the UK in 2009. What we're assuming is a Euro-only Kia will join 13 new or revised products in 2009 and 2010, all of which center around Kia's new slogan, "The Power to Surprise!" The exclamation point is theirs, not ours.

Hit the jump for Kia's press release.

[Source: Kia via CarScoop]

Continue reading Kia debuting all-new product at British Motor Show

Kia debuting all-new product at British Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 May 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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More details on the Lotus Eagle

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Lotus, Misc. Auto Shows

With less than three months separating us from the official debut of the Lotus Eagle at the 2008 London Motor Show, Car has been able to procure a few more details about Lotus' new 2+2. The latest crop of spy shots shows the Eagle still wearing its form-obscuring camo, but viewed in profile, it's looking more Elise-like than before. The fender terminates into a ducktail spoiler, similar to that on the Elise/Exige, and the doors seem to stretch further back then previously thought to aid ingress and egress into the cramped confines of the rear seats. According to Car, the two back seats are only suitable for children nine years old and younger, or "flexible friends desperate for a lift back from the pub."

Motivation is still expected to come from a Toyota-sourced V6, likely the 3,458 cc found in the U.S.-market Camry, pushing out 262 hp and 248 lb.-ft. of torque to either a six-speed manual or some kind of automatic (!) gearbox complete with paddle shifters.

The Colin Chapman philosophy will be well represented with the Eagle, with extensive use of aluminum in the body structure and an incredibly rigid architecture that will be shored up with a carbon fiber roof. Braking duties will be handled by 350 mm cross-drilled rotors in front, mashed by AP-sourced Lotus four-pot calipers.

Production will begin late in 2008 with sales beginning in the spring of next year. Pricing is expected to start at £45,000 in the UK, slotting in nicely between the Elise and forthcoming Esprit replacement, and sales in the U.S. should begin shortly thereafter.

Gallery: Lotus Eagle - spy shots

[Source: Car]

More details on the Lotus Eagle originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Apr 2008 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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