Autoblog

Peugeot rolls out 301 (and new nomenclature) for emerging markets

Noah Joseph — Thu, 24 May 2012 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Paris Motor Show, Peugeot

Where automakers could once get by selling in a handful of specific markets, these days, they need to grab as much market share as they can around the world. That's particularly true for a brand like Peugeot that's missing out on one of the largest markets in the world - this one - and so it is ramping up its assault on developing markets with vehicles like the one you see here.

Called 301, the approximately Focus-sized sedan is intended for markets that we once considered the second or third world - markets like Russia, Africa and the Middle East. So not only is it positioned as a more budget-friendly proposition, it's also been developed to deal with a greater range of climates and with poor road conditions that often exist in developing markets. Buyers in these markets will be able to choose engines ranging from 71 to 115 horsepower and benefit from similar levels of features and safety equipment you'd expect to find in wealthier markets.

Now if you're thinking that the last 300-series model from Peugeot was the 308 and were wondering what the marketing gurus at PSA headquarters were planning to do when they got past 309, wonder no more, because they've modified their naming scheme. The first digit (3 in this case) represents the class of vehicle, the 0 (or 00 for crossovers and minivans) remains a constant, and the last digit will either be an 8 (for mainstream products) or a 1 (for emerging markets). Got all that?

The 301 will make its public debut at the Paris Motor Show in September, after which production will commence in Spain for rollout around the world. Scroll down for the pair of press releases and scope it out in the high-res image gallery.

Continue reading Peugeot rolls out 301 (and new nomenclature) for emerging markets

Peugeot rolls out 301 (and new nomenclature) for emerging markets originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next Ford Transit Connect revealed in new patent filings?

Jeff Sabatini — Tue, 22 May 2012 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Europe, Government/Legal, Work, Ford, Design/Style

While these supposedly leaked patent images aren't as sexy as those of the Acura NSX convertible we recently spied, they do point to an interesting new look for the homely Ford Transit Connect.

As the pedestrian delivery van in its current form is in need of a massive upgrade in the aesthetics department, adopting more of a "Ford face" like what's found on the Fiesta and forthcoming Fusion seems like a great idea. We're not sure, however, what to make of the buttresses at the base of the pillars, which reminds us a bit too much of the Honda Element.

While we haven't heard much about when a new Transit Connect might be headed to our shores, according to Left Lane News, Ford may show an almost-production-ready concept at the Paris Motor Show in September.

Next Ford Transit Connect revealed in new patent filings? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 May 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevrolet Trax crossover headed to Paris, not bound for U.S.

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 14 May 2012 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Paris Motor Show, Crossover, Chevrolet, GM, Design/Style

If you're wondering why the name Trax sounds familiar, it's because we've heard it before. That's right, General Motors' chunky little crossover concept has blossomed into the production CUV you see here, and might we say, it's quite a handsome little thing.

Details about the new Trax are scarce, but since it looks to be based on the same high-riding platform derived from the Sonic that underpins the Buick Encore and Opel Mokka, so we'd expect the powertrains to simply carry over unchanged.

But know this: General Motors has no plans to offer the Trax in the United States, citing "the strong position of the Equinox" as the reason why it won't be offered Stateside. That's a shame, too. In our opinion, this baby Bowtie certainly makes more sense than the frumpy Buick Encore that doesn't really seem to fit with its brand. We suspect that Chevy dealers won't get this vehicle in part because GM wants to protect the Buick's positioning and price when it heads to U.S. dealers later this year.

The Trax will make its official debut at the Paris Motor Show in late September. For now, click the image above for a high-resolution version and scroll down to read GM's official release.

Continue reading Chevrolet Trax crossover headed to Paris, not bound for U.S.

Chevrolet Trax crossover headed to Paris, not bound for U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volvo XC40 spotted testing in Arizona

Zach Bowman — Wed, 09 May 2012 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Europe, Crossover, Volvo, Luxury

A keen-eyed reader managed to snag a few photos of what looks to be the upcoming Volvo XC40 ahead of the vehicle's debut at the Paris Motor Show. Like most manufacturers, Volvo is keen to offer buyers the small crossovers they demand. With a taller ride height, more ground clearance and a more aggressive front fascia than the V40, the XC40 should do just that.

Drivetrain details are still a bit murky at the moment, but we wouldn't be surprised to see everything from a new diesel to turbocharged gasoline five-cylinder under the hood. The latter of those two should be good for around 254 horsepower.

If the V40 is any indication, the crossover will also boast start-stop technology and brake-energy regeneration in either manual or automatic transmission configurations. Expect to see both front and all-wheel drive variants as well.

The machine above was spotted in Flagstaff, Arizona while out for a little hot-weather testing, though we're told the XC40 isn't destined for the U.S. market. That seems a bit odd to us. The small crossover seems to be a perfect fit for Americans who can't get enough stylish crossovers.

Volvo XC40 spotted testing in Arizona originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 May 2012 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lamborghini Aventador Roadster to use removable roof panel?

Scott Burgess — Mon, 07 May 2012 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertible, Paris Motor Show, Lamborghini, Rumormill

Forget cloth, the upcoming Lamborghini Aventador Roadster will use a removable two-piece carbon fiber hardtop, according to the Italian magazine Quattroruote.

The weight-cutting measure means the convertible won't have to stack on the pounds just to include al fresco driving. The carbon fiber roof will weigh less than a cloth top and its underlying metal frame. It also means that the entire rear section of the car won't change from the hardtop model, Quattroroute reports.

We first saw the hardtop in spy photos published in February, though we weren't sure of Lamborghini's plans for the 700-horsepower V12 racer at the time. Lamborghini is expected to debut the roadster at the Paris Motor Show this fall.

Lamborghini Aventador Roadster to use removable roof panel? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 May 2012 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mini Paceman Countryman Coupe spotted testing

Steven J. Ewing — Thu, 03 May 2012 14:59:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Paris Motor Show, Crossover, Mini

Mini will launch its seventh model - a two-door version of the Countryman crossover - at the Paris Motor Show later this year, and our trusty spy photographers recently spotted this prototype out testing. Many sources have stated that the car will be dubbed Countryman Coupe when it hits the market, but we've also heard rumors that the vehicle will wear the Paceman name that was given to the original concept that debuted at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show.

Whatever it ends up being called, the two-door Countryman formula is pretty simple. The rear doors have been removed, allowing for a more swept-back roofline that integrates into an updated rear fascia. The rear end design - as previewed in these spy shots, anyway - is immediately reminiscent of the Land Rover Evoque, the Countryman's main competitor.

Mum's the word on powertrain choices, though we'd expect the four-door Countryman's range of naturally aspirated and turbocharged engines to carry over largely unchanged, mated to both front- and all-wheel drive. Stay tuned for the car's official unveiling in Paris later this year.

Mini ~~Paceman~~ Countryman Coupe spotted testing originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 May 2012 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Renault to unveil new Clio at Paris show in September

Noah Joseph — Thu, 03 May 2012 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Renault

The supermini market is a vital one for European automakers, and though its current Clio remains a popular choice, Renault is not about to rest on its proverbial laurels as its most popular model gets older and less relevant. So with that in mind, the French carmaker is apparently preparing to unveil an all-new Clio hatchback at the next major auto salon.

That show won't be taking place until September when Renault's home-market Paris Auto Salon opens its doors at the Port de Versailles, but a pair of teaser shots have already surfaced giving us a tiny glimpse at what to expect. The images - reportedly leaked from internal documents - show the grille and a sliver of the rear 3/4. The front looks to take cues from the smaller Twingo, while the rear betrays an upward kink in the shoulder, more aggressive taillights and an altogether more sculpted shape.

Styling penned by Laurens van der Acker is expected overall to take its lead from the DeZir Concept. We'll have to wait until after the summer to see it in full, though.

Renault to unveil new Clio at Paris show in September originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 May 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Peugeot Urban Crossover Concept barges in to AutoChina

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Crossover, Peugeot, Beijing Motor Show, Design/Style

In keeping with the CUV-crazy theme of this year's Beijing Motor Show, Peugeot has introduced this Urban Crossover Concept penned by the French lion's design studios in Paris, Shanghai and São Paulo. Eight inches shorter and three inches narrower than a Ford Focus hatchback, the concept is meant to be the ultimate expression of the company's decades of popular small cars, crossovers and design.

It is also said to show off Pug's new design cues, but we aren't told exactly which cues those are. At the moment, Peugeot isn't talking about what (if anything) powers its UCC, but perhaps we'll learn more as the vehicle continues to make the rounds of the auto show circuit. In the meantime, check out the press release by scrolling below and admire its angles in the high-res gallery.

Continue reading Peugeot Urban Crossover Concept barges in to AutoChina

Peugeot Urban Crossover Concept barges in to AutoChina originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2014 Mazda6 confirmed for Paris Motor Show

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 16:15:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Sedan, Paris Motor Show, Mazda

The gorgeous Mazda Takeri concept is making its U.S. debut at the New York Auto Show, and you'll want to take another close look at it: it will "strongly influence" the 2014 Mazda6 that we'll see at the Paris Motor Show later this year. The next Mazda6 will also follow the Mazda CX-5 in the company's lineup of SkyActiv vehicles.

In spite of the 2014 model year, the 6 will go on sale during Q1 of 2013 and will feature the SkyActiv 2.0-liter gas engine that shifts through a six-speed auto or six-speed manual. Mazda says it is gunning to post class-leading fuel economy figures.

We will also be looking to see if it spawns a coupe, since the Takeri could make an equally beautiful two-door. If so, that isn't expected to happen for at least a year after the sedan bows, but recent events at Mazda have made such long-distance predictions exceedingly difficult. Follow the jump for a press release with more info on the 2014 Mazda6.

Continue reading 2014 Mazda6 confirmed for Paris Motor Show

2014 Mazda6 confirmed for Paris Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Apr 2012 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Opel to debut engines developed with SAIC at the Paris Motor Show

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 08:27:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, GM, Opel, Vauxhall

The resurrected Opel/Vauxhall Junior is expected to be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show later this year with a three-cylinder engine tucked in its engine bay. That motor will be a joint product of General Motors and its Chinese partner SAIC and the heart of Opel and Vauxhall's gas-powered, small-capacity engine family.

Both three- and four-cylinder engines are on the way ranging from 1.0 to 1.4 liters. The Junior is predicted to get a three-cylinder, but Opel hasn't confirmed that or even if the Junior will be the first car to get one of the co-developed motors. Automotive News reports that the engines have "direct injection and turbocharging capability," but with double-digit gains in fuel economy and torque out of the box, those features might not appear immediately.

Above that, there will be 1.6-liter diesel and gas engines to replace current units, perhaps like the 1.4-liter in the Opel Insignia. GM says those engines will come to the U.S. "within two years."

The three-door Junior will be smaller than the Opel Agila (pictured), a challenge to the Mini Cooper and Audi A1. An electric version is a possibility for 2015.

Opel to debut engines developed with SAIC at the Paris Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Mar 2012 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Citroën DS6 concept spotted on Parisian streets ahead of reveal?

Zach Bowman — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, Europe, Citroën, Design/Style, Luxury

The Citroën DS6 Concept may have slipped out ahead of the showcar's planned debut later this year. What is believed to be the big DS was seen lounging on the streets of Paris during a recent photo shoot, and while initial photos like the one above show the car covered by a well-placed cloth, new shots from L'Automobile have come out that show the concept in its entirety. The massive alloys shown above look to be the same as the ones we've already seen poking through the lens-flare-riddled teasers. Details are still scarce about what the DS Concept will bring to the stage in terms of drivetrain, but the French automaker has made it clear it has its eye on creating a new, large cruiser aimed squarely at the large-sedan hungry Chinese market.

Citroën is likely to unveil the DS6 Concept at the Paris Motor Show in September, and may borrow more than a few elements from the Citroën Metropolis Concept built just for the Shanghai World Fair. While the exterior elements may vary considerably, both vehicles are expected to carry approximately the same dimensions. That means the DS6 may be over 17 feet long and more than six feet wide.

For more shots of the car uncovered, head over to L'Automobile.

Citroën DS6 concept spotted on Parisian streets ahead of reveal? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Facel Vega revival in the works?

Chris Tutor — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Paris Motor Show, Rumormill, Design/Style

You may never have heard of the French carmaker Facel. After starting out as a coachbuilder for companies like Delahaye and Bentley, Facel moved on to crafting entire cars. From 1954 to 1962, the company produced the Chrysler Hemi-powered Vega. Facel closed its doors in 1964, but some intriguing sketches and renderings have stirred up a lot of chatter on the Internet of a possible revival of the brand.

Details are scarce and almost impossible to verify, but if Google's translation of French websites are believable, the image above is a rendering of what the resurrected Facel could show off at this September's Paris Motor Show and we might even see a production version in 2014. But rumors written in French translated by Google are not exactly credible. The images all appear to come from a constantly updated Facebook page called "Facel Vega Concept."

Swoopy fenders, and a slick greenhouse wrap the four-seater concept in a sports car disguise. The interior sketches show minimal seating that seem more suited to racing than relaxing.

Speaking of performance, there's no mention of what would power such a car, but it sure is fun imagining that car barking with the power of Dodge's 392-cubic inch, 470-horsepower, 6.4-liter Hemi. Sinister sexiness.

Facel Vega revival in the works? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Mar 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fisker to launch production Karma Surf wagon at Paris salon in September

Noah Joseph — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Wagon, Paris Motor Show, Fisker, Luxury

Although the split front grille may not be to everyone's liking, by and large the overall shape of the Fisker Karma is what defines it as much as its hybrid propulsion system. The trouble is, packaging two powertrains into one lithe shape penned by the same designer behind the Aston Martin V8 Vantage and the BMW Z8 has left the Karma with little in the way of useable trunk space. That's what prompted Fisker to showcase the Surf concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show last year.

The Surf takes the four-door Karma's shape and extends its roofline with a hatchback/wagon/shooting brake body style aimed to make the luxury hybrid more versatile. The result isn't what we'd call cavernous, but as any good fundraiser worth his tax receipt book will tell you, every little bit helps.

And so Fisker is reportedly set to put the Surf into production, with the final version slated to debut not at the Geneva Motor Show next week, but at the Paris Auto Salon in September. We'd think Fisker might want to expand the cargo bay a little more before it hits showrooms, but we'll have to wait until the fall to find out.

The shooting brake isn't the only model variant Fisker reportedly has in the pipeline, as reports further indicate plans are afoot to put the Sunset convertible - complete with retractable hard-top also known as the Karma S - into production for debut in Geneva next year.

Fisker to launch production Karma Surf wagon at Paris salon in September originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Feb 2012 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW 1 Series GT tipped for Parisian debut

Noah Joseph — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Paris Motor Show, BMW, Rumormill

We know what you're thinking: Another day, another BMW bodystyle. Except this one's different.

The Bavarian automaker, much like its fellow German marques Audi and Mercedes-Benz, has exploded its product offerings with spinoffs of its established models. So the two-door 6 Series has bred a four-door GranCoupe version. The 5 Series, in addition to the sedan and wagon, has given us the oddly proportioned 5 Series Gran Turismo. But the upcoming 1 Series Gran Turismo is another kettle of fish in that it is not expected to share the small rear-drive platform with its recently revised namesake, but rather pack a new front-drive platform.

According to BMW Blog, the long-rumored 1 Series GT will finally make its debut next fall at the Paris Motor Show. When it does, the tall hatchback will be targeted directly at the Mercedes-Benz B-Class, slotting (in form at least) in between the existing 1 Series hatchback (pictured above) and X1 crossover. But if front-wheel drive isn't how you picture your BMW channeling its power, an all-wheel xDrive version is also tipped to be in the cards, as well as a hybrid model.

BMW 1 Series GT tipped for Parisian debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Renault planning 50th anniversary Alpine tribute concept for Paris

Noah Joseph — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 17:31:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Renault, Rumormill

Love it or hate it, the automotive industry of today is not lacking for its exercises in reviving old nameplates. The trend ranges from Mini to Maybach, from Dodge Dart to Dodge Challenger. And the French are certainly not immune. Citroën revived its fabled DS moniker for a range of premium hatchbacks, and Renault - most of all - has been mulling bringing back the Alpine for years now.

Arguably just as central to Renault's performance heritage as the recently revived Gordini line, Alpine made mid-engined sportscars with Renault mechanicals starting in the 1950s and discontinued four decades later. Its most famous model, however, was the A110 (pictured above), which is now celebrating its 50th anniversary. And if a new report from Autocar is accurate, Renault has no intention of letting the occasion slip by unnoticed.

In fact, the French automaker is reportedly planning an Alpine concept car to unveil at the Paris Motor Show next fall. But the question remains whether there's any production potential with such a concept. The French are known for producing some rather intriguing show cars - sportscars in particular - that never seem to get very far from the show stand, from the GTbyCitroën to the Renault DeZir.

Whether Renault can make the business case - without the North American market, at that - to take on the sports car establishment remains to be seen, but having the Nissan product bin to raid certainly couldn't hurt.

Renault planning 50th anniversary Alpine tribute concept for Paris originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Peugeot EX1 sets fastest electric car lap at the 'Ring

Aaron Richardson — Sun, 01 May 2011 11:20:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Motorsports, Convertible, Performance, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Peugeot, Electric

2010 Peugeot EX1 Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Peugeot EX1 has whirred its way into the record books by lapping the 12-mile Nürburgring Nordschleife with a 9:01.338-minute run. According to Peugeot, that shatters the previous electric vehicle record at the track by an impressive 50 seconds.

The fully-electric Pug, which debuted at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, averaged 85 mph on its record-setting run. Peugeot has promised to release photos and video of the EX1 at the Nordschleife, but for now we'll have to wait.

The lightweight, four-wheel drive EX1 was created to celebrate Peugeot's 200th birthday, and packs a pair of electric motors (one on each axle) totaling 340 horsepower. As for production, don't hold your breath, though the technologies on display in the EX1 and lessons learned during its development will likely influence future models.

Gallery: Peugeot EX1 concept

[Source: World Car Fans]

Peugeot EX1 sets fastest electric car lap at the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 01 May 2011 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Jay Leno's Garage welcomes the Jaguar C-X75 concept

Zach Bowman — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Jaguar, Celebrities

Jay Leno drives the Jaguar CX75 Concept - Click above to watch video after the jump

Here's another feather for Jay Leno's cap. The Tonight Show host can officially say that he is one of only a handful of drivers to have slipped their way behind the wheel of the amazing Jaguar C-X75 concept from this year's Paris Motor Show. Penned by design guru Ian Callum, the supercar is as sexy as it is advanced. The vehicle gets its power from a quartet of electric motors that are good for 195 horsepower each. Throw in two small turbine engines for generating power and you've got one very unconventional extended-range hybrid.

The C-X75 was designed to celebrate the Leaping Cat's diamond anniversary, and as such, the company pulled all the stops. With a design that pulls from the most successful points in Jaguar history, the car is nothing short of gorgeous. Will it make it to production? We're not sure, but for the moment, you can hit the jump to watch Leno take it all in - and don't forget to watch for an appearance by Callum, too.

Gallery: Paris 2010: Jaguar C-X75 Concept

Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Source: YouTube via Jay Leno's Garage]

Continue reading Video: Jay Leno's Garage welcomes the Jaguar C-X75 concept

Video: Jay Leno's Garage welcomes the Jaguar C-X75 concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Nov 2010 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: 2014 Lotus Elite loses its roof

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Performance, Videos, Lotus, Design/Style, Luxury

2014 Lotus Elite goes topless - Click above to watch video after the jump

Lotus made quite a splash at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. The automaker grabbed the spotlight by showing off five new concept vehicles. One of the proposed cars is the Lotus Elite, a 2+2 grand tourer powered by a 611-horsepower, supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine borrowed from the Lexus IS-F. One surprising detail for this Lotus is its weight. The Elite tips the scales at 3,600 pounds, which is a mammoth sum for anything carrying the company badge. The reason for much of that extra weight may lie in the roof, as the Elite is fitted with a retractable folding hard-top.

Losing the roof creates a whole new perspective for both the driver and people gawking at the car as it passes by. The dramatic lines get a visual boost with the top stowed, since the eye has fewer places to wander. The result is an attractive grand touring car that aims to rival similar offerings from the likes of Ferrari, Maserati and Aston Martin, even if it is a heavyweight by Colin Chapman's standards.

You can let some virtual wind blow through your hair by watching a new Lotus Elite video clip posted after the jump.

Gallery: Lotus Elite Concept

Gallery: Paris 2010: Lotus Elite Concept

Continue reading Video: 2014 Lotus Elite loses its roof

Video: 2014 Lotus Elite loses its roof originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Oct 2010 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Audi building business case for limited-edition Quattro concept

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Audi

Audi Quattro Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Audi stunned us at this month's Paris Motor Show when it unveiled the Quattro concept - an homage to the original Ur-Quattro that pioneered the automaker's now-signature all-wheel-drive system. It shares its underpinnings with those found on the hot RS5 coupe, packs 408 horsepower and weighs less than 3,000 pounds. Talk about impressive.

We certainly wouldn't be opposed to a production version, and according to Autocar, that dream may become a reality. Audi has reportedly been advancing plans for a limited production run of the Quattro, assembled on a dedicated line at parent company Volkswagen's newly acquired design firm, Italdesign. Stefan Reil, head of development at Audi's Quattro Gmbh division, told Autocar that the automaker is "rethinking standard processes to make it possible," and that Audi "know[s] how to engineer it already."

If the Quattro concept gets the green light, power would likely come from a tuned version of the turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-five found in the TT RS, producing somewhere around 350 horsepower. It's not the 408 that Audi originally quoted, but if the sub-3,000-pound weight is kept in order, it should still make for one heck of an interesting performer.

Hurry up and build it, Audi. We'll have our BMW 1M ready for the comparison test.

Gallery: Paris 2010: Audi Quattro Concept

Gallery: Audi Quattro Concept

Report: Audi building business case for limited-edition Quattro concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Oct 2010 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #198 - Paris Motor Show, Lotus unveilings, Chevrolet Montana

Dan Roth — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Podcasts, Etc., Paris Motor Show, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ford, Lotus, Nissan, Volkswagen, Electric

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Alex Nunez jumps in with Chris and Dan on Episode #198 of the Autoblog Podcast. The aftermath of the Paris Motor Show is a point of discussion, along with the Lotus product blitz. Moving to a completely different continent, we finish with the Chevrolet Montana before wrapping it all up by responding to some of your feedback. An hour and twenty minutes later, we're done - see you next week!

Autoblog Podcast #198 - Paris Motor Show, Lotus unveilings, Chevrolet Montana

In the Autoblog Garage:

Cadillac CTS-V Coupe
Volkswagen Jetta
Ford Fiesta
Corvette Z06
Buick Regal

News:

Hosts:
Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Alex Nunez

Runtime: 1:25:42

Get the podcast:
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
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[MP3] Download the MP3 directly

Feedback:
Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com
Voicemail: 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763)

Review the show in iTunes and take our survey

Autoblog Podcast #198 - Paris Motor Show, Lotus unveilings, Chevrolet Montana originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Oct 2010 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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