Autoblog

Movement afoot to resurrect British Motor Show sooner rather than later?

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 25 May 2009 10:21:00 EST

Filed under: Misc. Auto Shows, Earnings/Financials, UK, Celebrities

A gent in Britain with a load of can-do spirit and a personal fortune has decided that the British Motor Show must go on next year. Scuttled this year after a long decline, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has an eye toward resurrecting the show in 2013, even though some believe it might never return at all.

However, according to Autocar, millionaire Darren Richards is determined not to let such a gap transpire, saying "We must not just roll over. Even if the event is scaled down dramatically next year it must still happen." Saying he's been in touch with the likes of Jeremy Clarkson, Rowan Atkinson and Simon Cowell, he wants to put together enough financing - and star power, perhaps - for the show to go on next year, albeit on a smaller scale. Auto shows are heinously expensive to put on, so we wish Mr. Richards and crew all the best - who doesn't want to see the next Caparo or Bentley displayed on its home turf?

[Source: Autocar]

Movement afoot to resurrect British Motor Show sooner rather than later? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 May 2009 10:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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British Motor Show toast for 2010

Chris Shunk — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Tokyo Motor Show, Misc. Auto Shows

The British Motor Show has been canceled for 2010, as poor attendance and a weak economy have conspired to deep-six the bi-annual event. The news comes after a meeting of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, the owners of the show for over 100 years. The British Motor Show was once a vibrant event for showcasing new cars and trucks in Britain, but recent shows have been a near total bust. The event once attracted over 900,000 visitors, but recent shows have drawn half that number. The show was even relocated to London in 2006, and organizers were rewarded with a further drop in attendance for their efforts. While the loss of the 2010 show is depressing for car-lovers, some are speculating that the show may be scuttled all-together due to its long and painful decline.

News of the cancellation follows tough results for auto shows world-wide. Several automakers skipped out on North American International Auto Show in Detroit, while rumors have persisted that the Tokyo Motor Show will be canceled altogether. In Australia, the Sydney show has been canceled, as well. This is bad news for auto show lovers everywhere (*raises hand*), and we're hoping the trend reverses itself soon.

[Source: Car Magazine]

British Motor Show toast for 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Mar 2009 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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British Motor Show in trouble, could get moved

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Misc. Auto Shows

The British International Motor Show appears to be in trouble. The biennial show, which has seen its fair share of big debuts and publicity in its past two outings, might skip 2010 and instead next appear on the calendar in 2011. The show's profitability, a lack of manufacturer participation, and a possible conflict with the 2012 London Olympics are to blame. The organization that runs the show is known as The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), and they've admitted that skipping a year and shifting the normally biennial show to 2011 is a possibility. The SMMT's committee will meet in March to discuss the matter and come up with some strategies to attract more of the major automakers.

Last year's no-shows included Audi, BMW, Rolls-Royce and Volkswagen. Audi, for one, found it more effective to market themselves at the Goodwood Festival of Speed instead. We have to admit that we were grateful for that decision, as the Auto Union Type D, Le Mans-winning R10, and Sport Quattro S1 among others were amazing. Things might be getting even worse for 2010. Autocar is reporting that several manufacturers have already pulled out of the 2010 show, and that several others are considering similar action. While we hate to see any show cancelled, even the largest auto shows are hurting in this economy. Perhaps taking an extra year to regroup isn't such a bad idea.

[Source: Autocar]

British Motor Show in trouble, could get moved originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jan 2009 16:30:00 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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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: Lightning GT EV in the flesh

John Neff — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Performance, Europe, Green, Supercars, Misc. Auto Shows

Click above for high-res gallery of the Lightning GT

Remember the Lightning GT? We told you about this all-electric supercar a few months ago, and it popped up today in person at the 2008 British Motor Show in London. That officially moves it one step away from the pure vaporware it was yesterday, which is a good thing since we're eager to see the carbon fiber-bodied Lightning actually move under its own power someday. That power will be provided by the same Altairnano NanoSafe batteries used by the Phoenix SUT, though churning out the equivalent of 700bhp through four electric motors in this case. Those motors are also the same PML wheel motors used in the 640-hp electric MINI, so they should be able to handle the 700bhp Lightning. There's also regenerative braking, as well as pretty much every standard conveyance of luxury you would find in a normal supercar including air conditioning, sat nav, full leather, etc. Its maker is claiming a 4.0-second charge to 60 mph for the Lightning, but we'd also like to know what type of range they're expecting in such a positively charged coupe. Unfortunately, details like that and the Lightning GT's price are still pretty scarce, though as before, they are accepting £15,000 deposits. At least it's no longer vapor.

Gallery: Lightning GT

[Source: Lightning GT]

London 2008: Lightning GT EV in the flesh originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Jul 2008 15:58:00 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: Lotus unveils the Evora

John Neff — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Lotus, Misc. Auto Shows

Click above for high-res gallery of the Lotus Evora

Project Eagle has finally been unveiled today at the 2008 British Motor Show as the Evora, and Lotus is beaming over its little eaglet. The Evora will be the most grown up and accessible Lotus in the British manufacturer's lineup. To illustrate, the automaker claims it will fit two American males in the front seats (did they just call us fat?). It's a mid-engine, 2+2 coupe (a convertible is planned) with 3.5L V6 sourced from Toyota but elevated by Lotus above its humble origins to produce 276 horsepower. The car weighs just 2,976 lbs., which might be a lot for a Lotus but is well below the average weight of most cars. The interior is unlike any you've seen from this automaker, which is to say that occupying one won't be like staying in a hostel compared to a four-star hotel. You've got leather all around, a nav system, and Lotus promises ingress and egress have been vastly improved over its other models.

The Evora will be built on a new assembly line at the company's assembly plant in Hethel, England at the rate of 2,000 annually, but has been designed to meet safety and emissions requirements around the world. That many cars for so many markets means the Evora will be exclusive, although we don't expect Lotus to leave money on the table if there's big demand for its new, softer, more accessible sports car. Other vehicles will also eventually be built on the Evora's new aluminum chassis, which is called the Versatile Vehicle Architecture (VVA) and was first seen on the Lotus APX Concept. It can be stretched, widened and carry a vehicle weighing over 4,000 lbs. One new Lotus is enough for now, though, as we try to wrap our heads around a Hethel-based car with creature comforts.

Gallery: Lotus Evora

[Source: Lotus]

Continue reading London 2008: Lotus unveils the Evora

London 2008: Lotus unveils the Evora originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Jul 2008 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: New Fiesta raises the roof

Dan Roth — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 17:32:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Ford, Misc. Auto Shows, Rendered Speculation

Just because there's been new life breathed into small cars doesn't mean buyers are going to clamor for dour, joyless, fun-free clunkers. Ford's well aware of that, so its readying a soft-top version of its lauded new Fiesta. The fabric-roofed little party on wheels will make its debut at next week's British Motor Show and should be on the road by early 2010. The sharp looking little cabrio forgoes the popular folding hardtop trend to save weight and maintain usefulness with a small-folding top stack. Competition is heating up in Europe, with plenty of smartly styled, diminutive 'verts hitting the market. We hope that when the Fiesta takes its boat ride across the Atlantic, some of these are tossed in the cargo hold.

[Source: Auto Express]

Rendered Speculation: New Fiesta raises the roof originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Jul 2008 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bentley to release Continential Flying Spur Speed at British Int'l Motor Show

Dan Roth — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 17:02:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Bentley, Misc. Auto Shows

Click above for a high-res gallery.

Big, blocky, heavy, low - whatever. The one and only phrase you need to remember is "hellaciously fast." Bentley's Continental Flying Spur Speed, officially announced in June, is pretty much what it'd be like to strap an EMD powertrain from a freight locomotive into a car, without all the noise and industrial fumes. Set off by subtle cues, the Flying Spur Speed turns the burner up on the already hot Flying Spur, boosting horsepower out of the twelve cylinder powerplant to an even 600 hp from 552 hp. It's enough to hurtle this elegant block of English-cum-Germanic automobile to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, and filthy automotive types will be able to crawl all over this fine automobile at the British International Motor Show. In a mere 15 days, the special brightwork, rifled exhaust tips, and smooth as glass paint will be littered with fingerprints once the show opens to the public July 23rd at the ExCel London. Pardon us while we scour the intertubes for cheap airfare. Press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2009 Bentley Continental Flying Spur Speed

[Source: Bentley]

Continue reading Bentley to release Continential Flying Spur Speed at British Int'l Motor Show

Bentley to release Continential Flying Spur Speed at British Int'l Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Jul 2008 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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British Motor Show Preview: Opel Insignia to debut in hatch and sedan forms

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 12:02:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Hatchback, GM, Misc. Auto Shows, Opel, Vauxhall

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

GM's European branch is planning a big debut later this month at the British Motor Show in London for one of its most important mainstream models. The new Insignia is replacing the venerable Vectra and brings with it a whole new design language. We got our first preview of the new look on last years GTC and Flextreme concepts. In London, Opel will be displaying hatchback and sedan variants of the Epsilon II-based Insignia, with the sharp edged look of the Vectra replaced with smoother flowing lines and scooped out side panels. European drivers will have seven engines to choose from including four gas and three diesel models, all with six speed gearboxes. The four- and six-cylinder gas engines range from 115 hp to 260 hp, while the 2.0L diesel fours get 110-160 hp variants. The Insignia will also be available with a version of the Haldex torque vectoring all wheel drive system used on the Saab Turbo-X. GM plans to announce pricing for the new model on July 22 in London with sales later this fall, and don't be surprised if the Insignia makes the trip across the Atlantic and receives a Saturn badge in the process. The Opel press release is after the jump.

Gallery: British Motor Show: Opel Insignia

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading British Motor Show Preview: Opel Insignia to debut in hatch and sedan forms

British Motor Show Preview: Opel Insignia to debut in hatch and sedan forms originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Jul 2008 12:02:00 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 to reveal facelifted Sportage in London

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 21 May 2008 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Kia, Misc. Auto Shows

As much as we would like the new vehicle that Kia plans to unveil at the British Motor Show to be the production version of its KOUP concept car, that doesn't seem all that likely. Instead, it appears that Kia has something rather less exciting in store. According to Auto Express, a revised Sportage mini-ute will be unveiled at the upcoming show in July, and this may be the vehicle Kia was referring to in their previous announcement. Nothing major to report as far as the update goes as "subtle improvements" are being made to both the interior and exterior of the vehicle. No changes will be made to the base 2.0-liter four-banger in either gas or diesel form, though the European audience will get an optional 2.7-liter V6 which is already available in the U.S. Considering how popular diesel engines are in the U.K., we're not surprised to hear that the Korean company is working on a revised version for the Sportage with extra power and lower emissions which should be available in short order.

[Source: Auto Express]

Kia to reveal facelifted Sportage in London originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 May 2008 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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1st Mini Cooper GP delivered at British Motor Show

Alex Nunez — Tue, 25 Jul 2006 10:59:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Europe, Hatchback, Mini, Misc. Auto Shows

Simon Baker of the UK comes from a family of MINI fans. Since '02, they have owned four of the little Anglo-Teutonic bundles of fun. Last week during the British Motor Show's press days, Mr. Baker himself took delivery of his family's fifth, the first MINI GP built for a customer. On hand to present the keys was John Cooper's son Mike, owner of the soon-to-be shuttered John Cooper Works Garage.

Mr Baker's car is actually the second GP. The first one is on display at the motor show and will head to the MINI museum afterwards. As such, the car he received is emblazoned with "GP 0002" on the roof over the driver's door. He reserved the car in 2005 based on rumor alone, and when the car was formally announced nine months later, he was #1 on the list. It pays to be proactive.

For his part, Mr. Baker says that he's looking forward to showing off the car to his friends and that we shouldn't expect to see it listed on eBay. As far as he's concerned, this one's a keeper.

(Press release after the jump)

[Source: MINI]

Continue reading 1st Mini Cooper GP delivered at British Motor Show

1st Mini Cooper GP delivered at British Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Jul 2006 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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META GALLERY: 2006 British Motor Show

John Neff — Mon, 24 Jul 2006 03:44:00 EST

Filed under: Supercars, Misc. Auto Shows

UPDATE 2

The 2006 British Motor Show is going on in London's Excel Center on the banks of the River Thames, so we decided to assemble a meta gallery of shots from the show in case you don't happen to be in the neighborhood. Shots of interest include more angles of the Arash AF10, the woolen Ferrari of Lauren Porter, the Caparo T1 and the 1005-bhp Barabus TKR shown above.

Let us know in the comments if we're missing any good galleries of the 2006 British Motor Show out on the web.

WorldCarFans - not many but includes nice write up by Nick Hall, second collection promised soon
World Car Fans 2 - second gallery with Nick Hall commentary, contains 270-mph Barabus TKR supercar
PistonHeads 1 - not very many, but there's a second one below
PistonHeads 2 - again, not many but decent selection of supercars and oddities
Supercars.net - the largest collection, four pages of the best shots
PopularScience - 11-shot slideshow, many green machines

UPDATE 1 - added PopularScience
UPDATE 2 - added WorldCarFans 2

META GALLERY: 2006 British Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Jul 2006 03:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Citro�n C-P1NK, C1 Airplay not afraid to show their colors

Alex Nunez — Sun, 23 Jul 2006 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Etc., Europe, Hatchback, Misc. Auto Shows

Well, you can't accuse Citroën of taking a conservative approach at this year's British Motor Show. The automaker has its full lineup on display, including some new special edition models and a few attention-grabbing show cars and concepts

The fuel-sipping (60 mpg!) C1 city car is well-represented, with special editions bowing in the form of the C1 Airplay and C1 Rhythm, and a garish new show car called the C-P1NK. The C1 Rhythm is a C1 3-door that benefits from a healthy infusion of additional standard equipment. Appearance-wise, there are no changes -- it looks like a regular C1.

The C1 Airplay, on the other hand, loosens up a bit. Available in black or red, the interior features either high-gloss red or chrome accents on the gauge rims, door panels, and shifter. (The exterior paint finish selection determines which cabin trim package is used.). In addition to those detail enhancements, the Airplay gets equipped with a 1GB iPod nano and dash-mounted dock. If you want to further personalize the car's look, the body can also be dressed up with optional side decals, but we're not so sure that's a great idea. The C1 has plenty of style as is -- no need to fix what isn't broken.

Finally, the C-P1NK is a pure show car that really assaults the senses. Fitted with an aero kit and a nice set of alloys, it takes its namesake color scheme and really runs with it. Not only is the bodywork finished in a garishly hot "passion pink," but it's also covered with custom airbrush designs on the hood and side panels. In back, the exhaust outlets are heart-shaped.

(Additional info and photos after the jump)

[Source: Citroën]

Continue reading Citro�n C-P1NK, C1 Airplay not afraid to show their colors

Citro�n C-P1NK, C1 Airplay not afraid to show their colors originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 23 Jul 2006 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mitsubishi keeping an "i" on the British Motor Show

Alex Nunez — Sat, 22 Jul 2006 14:57:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Etc., Europe, Japan, Mitsubishi, Misc. Auto Shows

An unlikely visitor made the trip from Japan to London for the British Motor Show. Joining the rest of Mitsubishi's lineup at ExCeL is one of Mitsubishi's "i" kei cars. Mitsubishi UK is in the final stages of a feasability study as to whether or not there's a market for the "i" in Britain.

The automaker is conducting surveys nationwaide to gauge demand, and if you're in London, you can make your voice heard at the Mitsu stand as well. In Japan, the "i" is equipped with a 600cc MIVEC DOHC 3-cylinder engine that's good for 64 horsepower. It's mated to either a 2WD or AWD drivetrain. Current speculation is that if the "i" is exported to the UK, it'll use that powerplant and be a 2WD-only vehicle.

Given that small city cars are very practical and popular in Europe, and that the "i" is a uniquely stylish little car, there's probably a good chance that our British friends will be seeing them on local roadways in due time.

(Press release after the jump)

[Source: Mitsubishi]

Continue reading Mitsubishi keeping an "i" on the British Motor Show

Mitsubishi keeping an "i" on the British Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 22 Jul 2006 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Barabus 1000 bhp supercar

John Neff — Fri, 21 Jul 2006 00:43:00 EST

Filed under: Supercars, Misc. Auto Shows

UPDATE 1

Barabus Sports Car Ltd. (not to be confused with Brabus, the Mercedes-Benz tuner) has been working on a 1005-bhp supercar for the past ten years. Now that's dedication. It's being unveiled at the British Motor Show in London this week, but we were getting impatient waiting for pics. A quick email to Barabus resulted in these pictures of the hyper exotic sports car that's powered by a 6.0L V8 with twin turbochargers and dual intercoolers. We were told by the company its website should be ready by tomorrow, at which time there should be a lot more information on this potential Veyron killer.

(More pics can be found after the jump, for additional live shots visit PaulTan.org)

[Source: Barabus]

UPDATE 1: added live shot of rear view

Continue reading Barabus 1000 bhp supercar

Barabus 1000 bhp supercar originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Jul 2006 00:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda F1 "View Suspended": The ultimate technical diagram

Alex Nunez — Wed, 19 Jul 2006 18:56:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Etc., Europe, Honda, Misc. Auto Shows

The Honda Racing F1 car is made up of 3,200 individual parts, and if you go the the British International Motor Show this week or next, you'll be able to see every single one. Literally.

That's because Dutch artist Paul Veroude has seemingly worked magic with his exhibit called "View Suspended," in which each and every part of the car is suspended from above, creating a living exploded technical diagram. As awed as we are by the photographs of the display, we can only imagine how impressive it looks in person. Everything down to the smallest little screw is hanging in suspended animation.

Manufacturers always strive to have interesting displays at autoshows, whether they be safety demonstrations, cutaways, or other imaginative ploys to generate visitor interest. With "View Suspended," it's a safe bet that Honda will be capturing the attention and imagination of every single person who walks by it. It's just that cool.

Click on any photo to enlarge it. It's the best way to get a sense of the painstaking effort and incredible attention to detail that went into this piece.

(Additional photos, info after the jump)

[Source: Honda]

Continue reading Honda F1 "View Suspended": The ultimate technical diagram

Honda F1 "View Suspended": The ultimate technical diagram originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Jul 2006 18:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEAT officially unveils the new Leon Cupra

Alex Nunez — Tue, 18 Jul 2006 20:44:00 EST

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

We brought you initial pics and details last week, and today, SEAT made it all official in London where factory Touring Car drivers James Thompson (WTCC) and Jason Plato (BTCC) pulled the checkered cover off the all-new Leon Cupra.

To refresh your memories, the Cupra is the latest tasty morsel from the Spanish automaker. The stylish hatch has VW's 2.0T FSI four-banger lurking underhood, tuned to produce 240 horsepower. So equipped, it makes the run from 0-62 in 6.4 seconds, topping out at an impressive 153 mph. Somehow through all this the Cupra (if you resist the urge to drop the hammer all the time) can average over 30mpg in fuel consumption along the way.

Distinguishable by its curvy body, tough aero kit, and 18" wheels, the Cupra also creates an inviting driving environment for it's pilot and passengers, with sport seats, contrast stitching, and a slick variation on the already-excellent VW-sourced dash and instrument cluster.

We wish we could get it here!

(Additional info and photos after the jump)

[Source: SEAT]

Continue reading SEAT officially unveils the new Leon Cupra

SEAT officially unveils the new Leon Cupra originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Jul 2006 20:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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