Autoblog

Lamborghini reveals Estoque interior for first time

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 11:27:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, Paris Motor Show, Supercars, Lamborghini

Click above for more live shots of the Lamborghini Estoque concept's interior

At this point, we've seen nearly every possible angle of Lamborghini's latest raging bull, the Estoque, with one rather large exception: the interior. As a four-door sedan, the compromises one naturally expects from the Italian motor company's supercars are wholly unacceptable in this application, so there is naturally a sense of luxury inside the Estoque that's missing from the Gallardo and Murcielago. We can also see large paddle shifters for the e-gear transmission that are yanked straight from the Gallardo and plenty of two-tone grey and creamy white leather covering most every surface. Plus, there's a whole lot more space now for such pleasure-inducers as a Blu-ray player, in-cabin television and, um, legroom. Still, it's clear that this is a concept cockpit that was likely rushed to deadline for the Paris Motor Show. The buttons in the cockpit are all hard black plastic, which is not exactly fitting for a sister brand of Audi, an automaker that arguably sets the gold standard for interiors by which others are judged. Take a look at the Estoque's interior for yourself in our gallery below.

Gallery: Paris 2008: Lamborghini Estoque LIVE

[Source: Lamborghini]

Continue reading Lamborghini reveals Estoque interior for first time

Lamborghini reveals Estoque interior for first time originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Oct 2008 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris 2008: Fiat 500 DIESEL - it's not what you think

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 10:11:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Fiat

Click above for more live shots of the Fiat 500 DIESEL

Perhaps it isn't the most interesting live reveal that took place in Paris, but we managed to get a few shots of the new Fiat 500 by DIESEL anyway. Yes, there is an optional 75-horsepower 1.3 Multijet diesel engine, complete with a particulate filter to keep things squeaky clean, but that's not why it's called the DIESEL edition. That moniker comes from the Italian clothing company, which lends its name and the styling talents of DIESEL head designer with a head Lars Schwartz. Outside, the 500 is painted in your choice of Green DIESEL, Brown DIESEL or Black DIESEL. Name recognition much? Surely the most striking bit of kit is inside, where the seats are upholstered in denim with contrasting stitching. Fortunately, the look is much more upscale than that of the Levi's Gremlins and Jeans Beetles of the '70s. Proof is in our complete gallery below.

Gallery: Fiat 500 Diesel edition LIVE

Gallery: Fiat 500 by DIESEL

Paris 2008: Fiat 500 DIESEL - it's not what you think originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 04 Oct 2008 10:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Lexus IS250C folding its hard top

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 19:31:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Videos, Paris Motor Show, Lexus

Click above to watch video after the jump

It's always fun to see the engineering behind hard top convertibles. The latest member of the breed comes from Lexus in the form of the 2009 IS250C. This new derivative of the IS250 sedan sports a three-piece aluminum roof that retracts in a "world's fastest" 20 seconds. Video proof of the event taking place has been released and we've embedded it after the break. The new 250C's most logical competitor comes from BMW, whose 3 Series convertible features a folding hard top of its very own. When the new Lexus goes on sale next summer in Europe, followed shortly thereafter in the United States, it will offer buyers a replacement for the expensive SC 430, which is set to make a graceful exit from the marketplace in short order.

Gallery: 2009 Lexus IS250C LIVE

[Source: Paultan]

Continue reading VIDEO: Lexus IS250C folding its hard top

VIDEO: Lexus IS250C folding its hard top originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Oct 2008 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris 2008: Live shots of the Ford Focus RS

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Ford

Click above for more live shots of the Ford Focus RS in Paris

Ford's new Focus RS has made its second European debut and we've managed to snag some live shots of the new car on the stand. Covered in Ultra Green paint as it is, we could hardly miss it. The new hue is meant to be "a modern interpretation of the 1970's Ford Le Mans Green." In that case, perhaps it should be called Grabber Green? Powered by a turbocharged Duratec 2.5L five-cylinder producing about 300 horsepower and 325 ft-lbs of torque, the new Focus RS is the fastest European Ford ever produced and can hit 60 mph in under six seconds. Front-wheel drive was chosen in lieu of all-wheel as the Blue Oval's 'RevoKnuckle' front suspension system along with the Quaife Automatic Torque Biasing limited-slip differential is said to remove all traces of torque steer. Expect to see the new Focus RS in European dealerships sometime in 2009.

Gallery: Paris 2008: Ford Focus RS LIVE

Gallery: 2009 Ford Focus RS (green)

Paris 2008: Live shots of the Ford Focus RS originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Oct 2008 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris 2008: Ford unveils three custom versions of Ka

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Ford, Lifestyle

Click above for high-res shots of the Ford Ka Digital, Grand Prix and Tattoo

Ford's Ka has always had an expressive design, and the second generation of the little city car is set to continue that trend with three new custom packages that will debut with the new model in January. All three of them make quite a statement, though we'll leave it to you to decide if that's a good or a bad thing.

Ka Digital: Hi-Liter green is the name of the game, with an offset stripe across the top of the car and on the sides, along with a glow-in-the-dark colored grille. Inside, that same shocking color is applied liberally throughout, appearing on the dash, doors and seats.

Ka Grand Prix (above): Traditional red and white racing colors make a more subdued impression than the green of the Digital, and the two colors cover all the same features on the Grand Prix. A rear spoiler and white alloy wheels round out the racing-theme.

Ka Tattoo: For Ed Hardy fans, Ford rolls out the Tattoo edition of the Ka with a large decal on the roof and a smaller matching one on the fender. Metallic colors and trim cover the interior, which gets tattoo-like embellishments on the seats and floor mats.

All three special editions will be available on the Zetec model, though pricing has yet to be announced. If we were forced to choose one as our favorite, it would definitely be the Grand Prix, if only by default. Check out the gallery below for high-res shots of each.

Gallery: Ford Ka Special Editions

[Source Ford]

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Paris 2008: Ford unveils three custom versions of Ka originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Oct 2008 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris 2008: Pininfarina goes from Ferrari to batteries with B0 Concept

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Hatchback

Click above for high-res gallery of the Pininfarina B0

Pininfarina is the Italian design studio perhaps best known for penning almost every production Ferrari over the last half century. The firm, however, does much more than just design exotic sports cars. It has created bodies for more mainstream cars like Peugeots, Alfa Romeos and even Daewoos. The company's latest creation is a compact four-seat hatchback propelled by electrons. Pininfarina has formed a joint venture with French battery maker Bolloré to build this electric car.

The B0 uses a hybrid energy storage solution consisting of a 30 kWh lithium-polymer battery and a bank of super-capacitors. While the capacitors have very limited storage capacity, they can absorb and release energy much faster than a battery. That way more regenerative braking can be used and a bigger performance boost is available. Pininfarina hopes to start limited production late in 2009, ramping up volumes as batteries become more available and presumably affordable. The battery pack itself is claimed to have a lifespan of 125,000 miles. A single charge is expected to deliver 153 miles of driving with a maximum speed of 80 mph. Helping to extend the range a bit are solar cells in the roof and on the nose in the area that looks like a grille.

Gallery: Pininfarina B0

[Source: Pininfarina]

Paris 2008: Pininfarina goes from Ferrari to batteries with B0 Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Oct 2008 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris 2008: Audi unveils 59-mpg A4 TDI concept e

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 10:59:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Green, Paris Motor Show, Audi

Click above for high-res gallery of the Audi A4 TDI Concept e

Audi's parent company Volkswagen already produces some of the cleanest-burning, most fuel-miserly diesel engines in the world. The Jetta TDI was recently released in the U.S. and has been making waves for its hybrid-like efficiency. So it's natural that Audi would want to show off its green credentials with a new diesel sedan of its own, and it has done so with the A4 TDI concept e, introduced at the Paris Motor Show. Based on the brand-new A4 platform, the new concept gets a 2.0L four-cylinder common-rail direct-inject turbodiesel derived from the unit powering the Jetta TDI. That mill sees tweaks to its valvetrain and cooling systems, lowering its power output a bit to 120-horsepower and 214 lb-ft of torque, but increasing its fuel efficiency a great deal.

Added to the powertrain is a start/stop system that keeps the engine from idling when not needed and regenerative braking, which charges a secondary battery that keeps all your goodies running while the engine's off. The engine has also had its efficiency-robbing power steering pump removed and the rear brakes are now electrically actuated as well. All of this, plus many other small details, adds up to a remarkable 59 miles per U.S. gallon in EU combined testing! Its 10.5 second run to 60 won't win any drag races, but considering the cost of fuel and pending eco-legislation in the world's largest markets, we'd imagine that the technologies on this car will go from concept to production in short order.

Gallery: Audi A4 TDI concept e

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Paris 2008: Audi unveils 59-mpg A4 TDI concept e

Paris 2008: Audi unveils 59-mpg A4 TDI concept e originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Oct 2008 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris 2008: Honda Insight LIVE REVEAL

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 04:53:00 EST

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

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

The Honda Insight concept took a hushed bow under the lights of Paris today. It's Prius-esque, but in person the car is less evocative of its Toyota challenger. The Insight's width and rather low height give it a substantial presence, and there's a bit of attitude out back with the hatch sliding into a flick of a tail. We imagine some of the more complex elements, such as the headlights reminiscent of shards from Superman's home planet of Krypton, will not make it to production. We hope the interior, however, is left untouched -- it is just the right blend of tech and common currency. The production version will be introduced to the public at the Detroit Auto Show in January and pricing is rumored to be just under $19,000 when it goes on sale. In the mean time, enjoy the gallery of high-res photos below, and check out the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Honda Insight LIVE

Gallery: Honda Insight Concept

Continue reading Paris 2008: Honda Insight LIVE REVEAL

Paris 2008: Honda Insight LIVE REVEAL originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Oct 2008 04:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris 2008: Orlando Concept previews production Chevy MPV

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:05:00 EST

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

Click above for high-res gallery of the Chevy Orlando concept

Now that the Paris Motor Show is finally upon us, General Motors has officially taken the wraps off its new Orlando Concept. In case you hadn't noticed, SUVs aren't selling well right now, GM has given up on minivans and Chevrolet has nothing but CUVs to fill the void. Multi-Purpose Vehicles are hot sellers in Europe and the Orlando gives a clear indication that the General has noticed that trend and will be entering the MPV segment soon. Seven seats fill the large available interior space of the Orlando, which comes courtesy of the modified Delta II platform that's shared with the recently unveiled Cruze sedan. Those seats also fold flat for versatile cargo-carrying utility.

Ice-blue accents cover both the interior and exterior of the Orlando Concept and solar panels are fixed to the roof in a nod to its concept status. On the inside, there's a lot going on with multiple fabric and plastic textures, but the overall layout looks pretty solid. Power for the Orlando comes from a 150-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine that offers up nearly 200 lb-ft of torque. We'll have live shots from the Paris Motor Show soon enough, but in the meantime, check out the early press release after the break and take a look at our large high-res gallery below.

Gallery: Chevy Orlando Concept

[Source: GM]

Continue reading Paris 2008: Orlando Concept previews production Chevy MPV

Paris 2008: Orlando Concept previews production Chevy MPV originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris 2008: Chevy Cruze unveiled on eve of show, interior revealed

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 14:33:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Paris Motor Show, Chevrolet

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2010 Chevy Cruze

We've gotten a pretty good look at the 2010 Chevy Cruze already, but the model that had been making rounds in the U.S. was nothing more than a styling buck with no guts inside. Today, just a few hours ahead of the Paris Motor Show, General Motors has revealed the rest of the Cruze, including its interior, and we like what we see. The exterior looks crisp and shows off Chevy's latest design language, especially with the Malibu-esque face and sharp headlights. Everyone agrees that it's a step-up styling-wise from its Cobalt forebear. It's the interior that really shines, though. What appears to be a tweed-like fabric covers sweeping colored panels from the dash to the doors. Two large gauges, two smaller ones and a digital readout places the most important information front-and-center while a cluster of buttons sits just below a centrally-located LCD screen. Meanwhile, the center stack appears to be a fresh design, though any judgment on its ergonomics will have to wait.

We won't be getting the Cruze in the States until April 2010 as a 2011 model. When that finally happens, the Cruze will be powered by a 140-horsepower 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, which will somehow manage to achieve above 40 mpg on the highway. If you want it now, perhaps you should stop buying so many Cobalts. In Europe, sales will begin in March of 2009 with a range of gas and diesel powerplants.

Gallery: 2011 Chevy Cruze

[Source: GM]

Continue reading Paris 2008: Chevy Cruze unveiled on eve of show, interior revealed

Paris 2008: Chevy Cruze unveiled on eve of show, interior revealed originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Oct 2008 14:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris Leakage: Audi A1 Sportback Concept

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Audi

Click above for gallery of the Audi A1 Sportback Concept

We'll start our live coverage of the Paris Motor Show in the wee hours of tomorrow morning, but in the meantime the embargo dam at Audi has broken a bit early and released some interesting details along with a few images of the new A1 Sportback Concept. Hinted at by the Metroproject concept from Tokyo, the new A1 is a bit shorter than the A3, which is currently the smallest member of the Ingolstadt family tree, and aims to fill the premium small car niche that is currently dominated by the MINI Cooper. The Sportback's ace-in-the-hole may be its five door body-style, offering up a dose of practicality not found in the standard BMW-based MINI. Don't expect too many styling changes to be made before the new A1 is released in Europe as an '09 model. The concept sports what appears to be a new mild hybrid powertrain with a 150-horsepower 1.4L TSI engine mated up to a 27-horse electric motor. That combo sends power through Audi's S-Tronic dual clutch gearbox, which is essentially Volkswagen's superlative DSG transmission with a new name. Mileage is spectacular at 60.3 mpg (U.S.) and carbon emissions are low, just 92 g/km. We'll know more after Audi officially unveils the A1 Sportback Concept in Paris tomorrow.

Gallery: Audi A1 Sportback Concept

[Source: CarScoop]

Paris Leakage: Audi A1 Sportback Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Oct 2008 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris Preview: Hyundai goes green blue in Paris

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 17:30:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hybrid, Green, Paris Motor Show, Crossover, Hyundai

Click above for more shots of Hyundai's Paris 2008 Lineup

Hyundai is headed to the Paris Motor Show with a bevy of environmentally friendly models and concepts. In addition to bringing along production-intent vehicles like the new i20, Genesis Coupe and Genesis sedan, the automaker will showcase two new concepts that will also carry its blue theme. Remember, blue is the new green. Anyway, the i20 blue features aero tweaks and low rolling-resistance tires in order to improve its efficiency, but it's the Santa Fe hybrid that's a bit more interesting. That new model features an electric motor that puts out 30kW of power along with a 2.4-liter four cylinder engine. Both powerplants feed their power through a six-speed automatic transmission with revised gear ratios optimized for fuel savings. A 270V lithium-polymer battery pack sends the juice to the electric motor, and it all adds up to 38 mpg in the U.S. and carbon emissions of 148 g/km. We'll be in Paris to see these things up close and personal, so stay tuned.

Gallery: Hyundai's Paris 2008 Line

[Source: Carscoop]

Paris Preview: Hyundai goes ~~green~~ blue in Paris originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Sep 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris Preview: Chrysler to unveil 25th Anniversary minivan, Jeep Compass Overland

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Paris Motor Show, Crossover, Chrysler, Jeep

Click above for more high-res shots of the Jeep Compass Overland

We already took a look at MOPAR's first concept due to be displayed at the Paris Motor Show next week, and it turns out that it has a twin. This one is based on the unloved Compass mini 'ute and reuses the Overland moniker that's been popular with the Jeep brand, once owned by Willys-Overland. It's painted in a classically-Jeep dark green color that covers almost the entire exterior, minus some silver accent panels on the sides (why?) and a mesh grille that's actually kind of cool. On the inside, it's been tarted-up with new sill plates and seats with stitched-in Overland logos.

The last (and least?) vehicle Chrysler is set to show off in Paris is a 25th Anniversary Chrysler Grand Voyager, which has French-stitched leather seating surfaces and "Blackwood accents." Outside are 17-inch rims, chrome trim and special badges. All in all, pretty mundane stuff. Oddly, nobody ever asks us for our opinions. If they did, we'd tell them they could leave these two at home. Chrysler has issued a press release detailing everything it's bringing to Paris, see it after the break.

Gallery: Jeep Compass Overland

Gallery: 25th Edition Grand Voyager

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Paris Preview: Chrysler to unveil 25th Anniversary minivan, Jeep Compass Overland

Paris Preview: Chrysler to unveil 25th Anniversary minivan, Jeep Compass Overland originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Sep 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris Preview: MOPAR to introduce Jeep Patriot Back Country concept

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 12:27:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Tuners, SUV, Paris Motor Show, Crossover, Jeep

Click above for high-res shots of the Jeep Patriot Back Country Concept

Chrysler's in-house performance tuning arm, MOPAR, will be showing off a mildly customized version of the Jeep Patriot called the Back Country at next month's Paris Motor Show. The run-of-the-mill Patriot and Compass models, which share a platform with the Dodge Caliber, have had their interiors redone a bit for the new '09 model year and the small improvements appear to make a major difference, at least in appearance. We'll reserve final judgement until we get inside one for ourselves. At the upcoming Paris Motor Show, attendees will see a few mods to the new model, including an Optic Green paint color, blacked-out B-pillars, and a new "platinum chrome" light bar on the outside. MOPAR makes good use of its own accessories catalog with a cargo basket on the roof that sports extra off-road lights, splash gaurds and some 18-inch five-spoke alloys. Joining the refreshed interior are satin chrome details and a scuba-like fabric covering parts of the seats. This concept above goes to show that the Patriot is a decent looker and just a few minor tweaks away from being a real Jeep. Now, if they'd just take care of that Compass...

Gallery: Jeep Patriot Back Country

[Source: Carscoop]

Paris Preview: MOPAR to introduce Jeep Patriot Back Country concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Sep 2008 12:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Citroen releases another image of the GT

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 16:49:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Performance, Paris Motor Show, Supercars, Citroën, Toys/Games

Click above for high-res images of the Citroen GT concept

The Citroen GT striptease continues with a more revealing image of what looks like a rip-snorting concept car. Huge tires, a ginormous front splitter meant to keep something seriously fast bolted to the ground at speed, enough front air intakes to break records, and that thing out back, which we thought were mirrors yesterday, must be a terrific wing. As they say in French, oh la la, c'est cool. Meant to appear in Gran Turismo Prologue, it will also be at next month's Paris Motor Show, and so will we, so stay tuned. In the mean time, you can check out both high-res images in the gallery below.

Gallery: Sony/Citroen GT Teaser

[Source: ZerCustoms]

Citroen releases another image of the GT originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 20 Sep 2008 16:49:00 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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Chevy Orlando Concept reveals its rear

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Paris Motor Show, Crossover, Chevrolet

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

The Chevy Orlando, due to be revealed at next month's Paris Motor Show, has turned tail and the rendering doesn't look half-bad. It's mildly reminiscent of the Audi A2 from way back when, in an exaggerated, chunked-up way, and we get a little Volvo feeling from the sculpted area of the rear lights. Overall, we give it a thumbs up.

The Orlando is a compact seven-seater, and the dip in the rear roofline means that those last to occupants might need to be especially compact. However, the intended audience is probably not the local WNBA team, so the kids should fit just fine. With a hot front and rear, and an interior that nearly qualifies as dreamy, this is the kind of thing we're looking forward to checking out in the flesh. Stay tuned for Paris...

Gallery: Chevrolet Orlando concept

[Source: GM]

Chevy Orlando Concept reveals its rear originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Sep 2008 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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