Autoblog

Click image for a high-res gallery of the VW IROC concept

Last May, we said the Scirocco may be U.S.-bound. At the time, it was AutoWeek who seemed to think the then-distant 2008 Geneva Motor Show would be an appropriate venue for Volkswagen to make the announcement. Well, it has been nine months, and VW is still closemouthed on any official disclosure, but we've all but been assured that it's not coming our way.

Now, word comes that Volkswagen has launched a Scirocco minisite dedicated to the future coupe. This move is fueling speculation that a Scirocco announcement next month in Geneva is imminent. As expected from a German teaser-site, very little is disclosed other than a few shadowy glimpses of the bodywork. However, a "2.0 TSI" badge is clearly visible, hinting at VW's 200 hp gasoline powerplant. Will Geneva host the long anticipated announcement from VW, or is this just another breadcrumb? We'll let you know in two weeks.

[Source: Carscoop]

Now that we know we'll be able to buy Volvo's entry-level hatch here in the States, the next step, for those of you smitten with its style and performance, is to build it to your liking. To do so, Volvo has launched an oddly creative mini-site that allows you to spec up your own C30, with exterior paint, interior colors and several wheels designs.

It's a pretty slick interface, even if it has a few bugs, but overall the web geeks over at Volvo have done an stellar job celebrating the C30's Paris debut.

Thanks for the tip Tim.

Related Links:

• Paris Motor Show: Volvo C30 live and press shots
• Volvo to sell C30 in U.S.
• Official Volvo C30 info
• VIDEO: Volvo C30

Well ahead of the 2007 launch of Fiat's new 500 minicar, the company has fired up a Fiat 500 minisite with the theme "500 wants you."

Fiat promises that the site will be far more than just another advertising vehicle - the company wants to involve the public in the design and development of the little retro-runabout. According to Luca De Meo, Fiat Brand and Commercial Manager, "For the first time in the history of our company, and perhaps the motor industry as a whole, a car will be created with the public and for the public."

The "500 wants you" site includes "500ology," a repository for stories and pictures about the legendary 500, and a "Configuration Lab," (pictured) where you can work with models of the concept car. Perhaps the most interesting feature is the "Designboom" contest with a chance to win one of three prizes of about $6,300 (5,000 euros) each.

[Source: Fiat]