Autoblog

Rumormill: GTbyCitroen could be built in limited numbers

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

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Paris Motor Show, Supercars, Citroën, Specialty

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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Paris 2008: Ford Kuga Individual

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

Filed under: Europe, Paris Motor Show, Crossover, Ford, Specialty

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: Ferrari California in the flesh

Noah Joseph — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Paris Motor Show, Supercars, Ferrari

Click either image to view the Ferrari California live in high resolution

It's not every day that Ferrari unveils a new sportscar. And when it does, it's almost invariably billed as a successor to the one that came before, or a version of something already on the market. But the Ferrari California is an entirely different beast, expanding the Prancing Horse's line-up into a new segment, and it certainly looks the part when viewed up close. We'll have to reserve our judgment for the time being on the California's driving dynamics, but the Italians promise it'll keep up its end and then some with its new direct-inject, 460-hp version of the company's 4.3L V8. In the meantime, today was a big day for Ferrari, and we've got the pictures to prove it. Click the thumbnails below to see for yourself.

Gallery: Ferrari California LIVE

Gallery: 2009 Ferrari California

Paris 2008: Ferrari California in the flesh originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Oct 2008 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris 2008: Le Day 1 Wrapup

John Neff — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 11:59:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Paris Motor Show

It's about 6:00PM in the City of Lights and our rag tag team of bloggers is running on empty after having brought you the first day of debuts at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. Soon they'll be attending after parties and getting drunk on champagne, so we're here to run down the biggest unveilings of the day while you eat your brown bag lunch back in the States. Don't fret, though, as we'll be bringing you lots more from Paris throughout the afternoon and coverage of Day 2 will begin in the wee hours of tomorrow morning EST. (Photo by danorbit | CC2.0)

CONCEPTS
Lamborghini Estoque Concept - post | gallery
Citroen GT Concept - post | gallery
Aston Martin One-77 - post | gallery
Chevy Orlando Concept - post | gallery
MINI Crossover Concept - post | gallery
Audi A1 Sportback Concept - post | gallery
BMW X1 Concept - post | gallery
Mazda Kiyora Concept - post | gallery
Nissan Nuvu EV Concept - post | gallery
Audi A4 TDI Concept e - post | gallery

PRODUCTION VEHICLES
2009 Lexus IS250C - post | gallery
2009 Volkswagen GTI - post | gallery
2009 Mazda MX-5 - post | gallery
2009 Audi S4 - post | gallery
Ferrari California - post | gallery
Honda Insight - post | gallery
2009 Mitsubishi Colt Ralliart - post | gallery
Jaguar XKR-S - post | gallery

Paris 2008: Le Day 1 Wrapup originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Oct 2008 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris Preview: Mystery Lamborghini teaser #2 released

Alex Nunez — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 09:12:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Paris Motor Show, Lamborghini

Click above image to enlarge the new Lamborghini teaser

Lamborghini continues the striptease of its mystery car's upcoming Paris debut. Is it a four-door ultrasedan, as speculated by Inside Line? Is it something more... super? Whatever it is, we'll all know on October 2. In the meantime, have a gander at some sleek fender and wheel action, complete with a side vent adorned with the Italian colors. The fender vent would seem to indicate a front-engined car, so we're liking the Inside Line take very much at the moment. Continue your rampant speculation in the comments.

Gallery: Paris 2008: Lamborghini Estoque Concept

[Source: Lamborghini]

Paris Preview: Mystery Lamborghini teaser #2 released originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Sep 2008 09:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Mercedes-Benz ConceptFASCINATION

Alex Nunez — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 18:15:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Wagon, Europe, Videos, Paris Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz

Click above for photo gallery. Follow the jump for video.

If you find yourself in Paris at the auto show next month, you'll see the Mercedes-Benz ConceptFASCINATION on the floor. (It's so fascinating, it requires all caps, you see.) Chances are, the video embedded after the jump will be playing on a variety of screens behind it and around the Mercedes stand in general. It's your typical car show stuff: light electronica over moving pictures in which the car itself never moves. Still, the panning camera gives you a better view of some of the lines likely to be found on the next E-Class family. Just dim the lights a little and imagine the car surrounded by watchful Germans who are, in turn, surrounded by a number of people speaking French. See? We just saved you airfare to Paris. Thanks for the tip, Guy.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz ConceptFASCINATION

[Source: YouTube via TheCarFanatic]

Continue reading VIDEO: Mercedes-Benz ConceptFASCINATION

VIDEO: Mercedes-Benz ConceptFASCINATION originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 13 Sep 2008 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris Preview: Ssangyong in the house with C200

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Paris Motor Show, Crossover

If you want an SUV that looks like what a really cool Saab 9-4 might potentially look like, but you want it to have a Mercedes model name and be from Korea, then you're looking for the Ssangyong C200. Known outside the U.S. for its 4-wheel drives like the Ssangyong Musso, which means "double dragon rhinoceros", the C200 is a four-wheel-drive, unibody CUV meant to grow Ssangyong's product range. It is packaged with a 2.0-liter engine and a 6-speed transmission, claimed to put out low emissions and be EURO V emissions-approved. Depending on how many horses they can squeeze out, it could be a nice little ride for Ssangyong money. That's all we know about it for the moment, but we'll bring you the full story when it's launched at the Paris Motor Show next month.

[Source: Ssangyong]

Paris Preview: Ssangyong in the house with C200 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Sep 2008 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz ConceptFASCINATION previews new E-Class

Alex Nunez — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 16:24:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Wagon, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz

Click above to view high-res gallery of the Mercedes-Benz ConceptFASCINATION

When the doors open at the Paris Motor Show next month, Mercedes-Benz will be giving everyone a sneak peek of the new E-Class front-end styling. No, not in the form of the new E-Class itself, which will be unveiled at a later date, but in the ConceptFASCINATION, an attractive shooting brake concept based on the upcoming E-Class Coupe's architecture and featuring the new E's front-end styling.

Gone are the round headlamps we've become accustomed to. In their place are new "rhomboid" lamps that, on the show car at least, incorporate fiber-optic driving lights. The grille will likely be the same one seen on the new E Coupe, while we'd expect the sedan to have the traditional grille-and-hood-ornament combo instead. Power comes from Mercedes' new 2.2L, 204-horsepower BlueTEC (with AdBlue) 4-cylinder diesel, which will make its production debut this fall in the Euro-market C250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY ~~Super Verbose~~ Prime Edition sedan.

The ConceptFASCINATION's cargo area is covered in wood, and boasts such show-car goodies as a folding glass table that can be pulled rearward, a humidor, a chilled compartment (natch), and storage for binoculars and a camera. A pronounced rear fender arch lends some visual muscle to the whole affair. Hopefully, that's also a hint at what the inevitable E-Class wagon's rump is going to look like. As for the new front end, it's a lot better looking here than spy shots have led us to believe. We'll have much more next month from Paris. In the meantime, Mercedes' extensive press release is pasted after the jump.

UPDATE: New high-res images added to gallery.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz ConceptFASCINATION

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz ConceptFASCINATION previews new E-Class

Mercedes-Benz ConceptFASCINATION previews new E-Class originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Sep 2008 16:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris Preview: Chevy Orlando concept previews compact 7-seater for Europe

Alex Nunez — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 10:27:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Minivan/Van, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Crossover, Chevrolet, GM

Click either image for a hi-res gallery of the Chevy Orlando

GM has announced that it will unveil the Chevy Orlando show car at the Paris Motor Show next month. The compact 7-seat crossover has a 105-inch wheelbase, rides on the same platform (Delta II) as the Chevy Cruze and gets turbodiesel power from a 2.0-liter four. The Orlando and the Chevy Tacuma prototype caught testing in disguise would appear to be one and the same, and as the Tacuma spy shots hinted, instead of a traditional vannish MPV appearance, the Orlando show car demonstrates that the production vehicle will follow the CUV pack and adopt tougher-looking SUV styling queues (Quien es mas macho? Orlando.) A substantial split grille dominates the front end, along with headlights that sweep back onto the front fender. Inside, an attractive cabin blends styling elements from a number of modern Chevys and Opels. We'll get the rest of the skinny and report back live from the Paris show next month.

Gallery: Chevrolet Orlando concept

[Source: GM via Autoblog Spanish]

Paris Preview: Chevy Orlando concept previews compact 7-seater for Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Sep 2008 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris Preview: Officially Official, Honda's new hybrid is the Insight!

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 10:36:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Hatchback, Honda, Paris Motorcycle Show

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Honda Insight Concept

Honda is reviving an old name for its new Global Hybrid that goes on sale next spring by calling it the Insight. The new five-door hatchback "Prius-Killer" will be the most direct competitor yet for Toyota's iconic hybrid. Learning from the lesson that hybrid buyers apparently prefer their cars to be recognizable as such rather than being derivatives of existing models, Honda has modeled the new Insight after its low volume FCX Clarity fuel cell car and will be debuting it as a concept at the Paris Motor Show next month before it goes on sale as the least expensive hybrid in the world in 2009. Recent comments by Honda have hinted at a price starting at $18,500 for the Insight, which goes on sale 10 years after the original. Unlike the tiny two-seater that had limited appeal and utility, this new one is expected to appeal to a much wider audience. Honda is planning for worldwide sales of 200,000 units a year with 100,000 going to the U.S. market.

Gallery: Honda Insight Concept

[Source: Honda]

Continue reading Paris Preview: Officially Official, Honda's new hybrid is the Insight!

Paris Preview: Officially Official, Honda's new hybrid is the Insight! originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Sep 2008 10:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris Preview: MINI SAV 5-door coming, FWD variant planned

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 10:57:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Paris Motor Show, Crossover, Mini

After nearly three years of rumors and speculation, the new jacked-up MINI SAV will finally make its debut, according to Autocar. The Brit pub is reporting that the MINI 'ute is bound for Paris, with an on-sale date sometime in 2010 and sporting a five-door design.

Questions still remain about what platform the new all-wheel-drive model will be based on, with sources suggesting it will either be based around the Clubman's architecture, making use of a new upper-body structure, or the current Cooper's chassis, using the front end and employing a new floorpan to accommodate the AWD system and new seating positions. Regardless of what's underpinning the SAV, MINI has to justify the R&D, so if the biggie-sized MINI proves successful, there's a possibility that a front-wheel-drive variant will be offered on the same chassis, oxymoronically dubbed the MINI "Maxi."

Production is expected to begin late next year at Magna's factory in Graz, which currently produces the X3. And with BMW shifting production of its entry-level SUV to the U.S. sometime next year, MINI will have the manufacturing capacity to bring its sales over the 340,000 mark.

[Source: Autocar]

Paris Preview: MINI SAV 5-door coming, FWD variant planned originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Jul 2008 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Return of Lancia Fulvia gets green light again

Dan Roth — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 17:54:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Classics, Coupe, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Alfa Romeo, Fiat

The 2003 Lancia Fulvia Coupe concept that tantalized showgoers at the Frankfurt Motor Show with its crisp lines that strongly evoked its namesake predecessor was presumed dead after Fiat canned the idea due to financial woes and want of a modern platform. It seems that plans for a new coupe carrying the Lancia badge is resurgent inside Fiat, though the clearly retro styling of the 2003 concept will likely fall by the wayside instead of getting mired in a retro rut.

It's rumored that we'll see a Fulvia riding atop the MiTo's chassis at this year's Paris Motor Show. Rather than relying on the work of 40 years past, the new Fulvia will share nothing but a name with its predecessor. The car may follow the current trend of other Euro coupes and incorporate a folding hardtop, but there are conflicting reports that it may also be a conventional fixed-head-coupe. We certainly wouldn't complain about giving the MiTo an appropriate coupe roofline, so please send some our way.

Gallery: 2003 Lancia Fulvia concept

[Source: Autocar, Photos: ultimatecarpage]

Return of Lancia Fulvia gets green light again originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Jun 2008 17:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official: Mattel will offer Ferrari Dino, err... California model

Chris Tutor — Tue, 20 May 2008 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Paris Motor Show, Supercars, Ferrari, Toys/Games

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

A few months ago we advised taking our post about Mattel leaking major Ferrari news with a big grain of salt. But as that famous toy maker has been known to do in the past (remember the 1969 Corvette?), Mattel was indeed working on a 1:18th scale model of a new, small Ferrari. As we know, however, it won't be called Dino.

A Mattel insider and Autoblog fan has tipped us off that a 1:18 scale Hot Wheels Ferrari California will be available in "late 2008." With the official unveiling of the Ferrari California supposedly planned for the Paris Motor Show in October, we might be able to take one for a, uh, small test drive before the car is even unveiled.

Gallery: 2009 Ferrari California

Official: Mattel will offer Ferrari Dino, err... California model originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 May 2008 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris Redux: MSN picks the Paris Motor Show's top 10

Erin Mays — Tue, 10 Oct 2006 19:29:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Europe, Paris Motor Show

While our guys really liked the Peugeot 908 RC and Nissan Qashqai and thought the Audi R8 was a little overrated (check out the Autoblog Podcast recapping the show), the editors of MSN Autos have come back with their list of favorites from the Paris Show with picks that were a little more predictable. Kicking it off is a car that, at least visually, would grab almost anybody's attention -- the Audi R8. MSN Autos praises the vehicle's styling, speed and customary implementation of Audi's quattro system, along with the not-so-customary engine placement behind the passenger compartment, which should add up to world-class handling dynamics.

Second up is the Peugeot 908 RC, which MSN liked for its high-riding windshield, rear-placement 700 hp V12 and presence, followed by the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione, which was credited for being the claws by which the Alfa cat plans to pull itself back onto U.S. turf. So as not to upset the tuner crowd, the guys at MSN also gave kudos to the Volkswagen IROC for its powerful yet efficient twin-charged engine, and the "wild" Chevrolet WTCC that may foreshadow a hot Chevy hatch yet to come. Other concepts (more like production one-offs) on their list include the Renault Twingo and Hyundai Arnejs, along with Citroen's study in environmental respondibility, the C-Métisse. They thankfully didn't forget some important production vehicles like the big-selling Ford Mondeo and the heavily upgraded Mercedes-Benz SLR 722.

[Source: MSN Autos]

Paris Redux: MSN picks the Paris Motor Show's top 10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Oct 2006 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris Motor Show: Hyundai Coupe (Tiburon)

Erin Mays — Sun, 01 Oct 2006 15:24:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Paris Motor Show, Hyundai

The Hyundai Coupe (otherwise known as the Tiburon in the U.S. and Asia) may have launched officially at the Guangzhou Motor Show in China earlier this year, but that didn't stop Hyundai from putting it on its stand at the Paris Motor Show to show off Hyundai's 2007 front-wheel drive sports coupe.

John grabbed these pictures from the peanut gallery of Hyundai's stand, and according to him, the Coupe wasn't even out at the show until the second day of press preview. Earlier in the year as spy shots of the vehicle surfaced, this was initially thought to be the 2008 model, but Hyundai has since corrected us with publicity information indicating that it's the 2007 model.

Fans of earlier models will note that the body style hasn't changed much, with the exception of harder angles on the hood and sides, new headlights, a fatter and flatter nose and cool vender vents. Under the body panels, the vehicle has changed even less -- Hyundai is still offering the same 1.6 and 2.0 liter four-cylinders and 2.7L V6 under the hood, the first of which will likely not be available in the U.S.

Hyundai has freshened up the interior, however, with blue LED instrumentation, extendable sun visors and other goodies.

More pics and press information after the jump.

Paris Motor Show: Hyundai Coupe (Tiburon) originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 01 Oct 2006 15:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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