Auto & Car Blog

Filed under: Coupes, Paris Motor Show, Citroen, Special/Limited Editions

There are a lot of big birthdays in the car industry this year, and the Citroen 2CV joins GM and Land Rover in the candle-blowing crowd. To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the deux-say-vay, Hermes created a special version of a 1989 Citroen 2CV6 Special for the Paris Auto Show. If you saw the Bugatti Veryon by Hermes you know what to expect, with hand-stitched swathes of Hermes trademark gray-beige leather contrasted with white on the front and rear benches. Of course the Hermes treatment is worth as much as the car itself, but anything the 2CV lacks in luxury is more than made up for by character. Check out the press release after the jump and the gallery of high-res photos below.

Continue reading Paris 2008: Citroen 2CV by Hermes

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Filed under: Hybrid, Honda, Paris Motor Show

Honda this week launched its first blog in conjunction with the debut of the new Insight concept in Paris. If Honda’s usual practice and the spy photos we’ve seen are any indication, the concept Insight that is on the show stand right now will be almost identical to the production model coming next spring. While the Insight’s profile undoubtedly shares a lot with the Toyota Prius, it also differs in many design details. The Insight has more surface development than the Prius including the belt-line and rocker panel creases that help catch the light and make the look more interesting. The Insight also has a less distinct peak in the roof than the Toyota giving a sleaker look to the green house. The primary elements that are likely to change in going to production are the lights with the concepts fancy clusters giving way to something a little more conventional. You can check video of the Paris reveal and running footage of the Insight after the jump.

[Source: Honda]

Continue reading VIDEO: Live reveal of Honda Insight and a new company blog

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Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Nissan, Paris Motor Show

While we old-fashioned, glued-to-keyboard bloggers had to wait until the official reveal to get a glimpse Nissan’s latest EV concept, new-fangled video blogger Danny Fleet got actual face time with both the Nuvu and a representative from the Japanese auto maker before the Paris Motor Show even started and recorded some of the low down on the concept and the company’s EV future plans with his trusty camera. He even got them to drive it a very short distance.

While there weren’t any “Holy Cow! Really?” moments, we did learn a bit that wasn’t covered in the lengthy Nuvu press release. For instance, this is not the electric car that Nissan is planning on selling in 2010. Also, although Danny couldn’t get Mia to discuss Nissan’s involvement with Project Better Place we do learn that the 2010 EV will first be made available in the U.S. and Japan before the rest of the world gets it. Hit the jump for more info and hot vlogging action.

[Source: Danny’s Contentment]

Continue reading VIDEO: Danny’s Contentment talks Nuvu with Mia

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Filed under: EV/Plug-in, European Union, UK, Paris Motor Show

It’s pretty easy to see more than just a passing resemblance between the new Izis from Wallyscar, which is now being shown at the Paris Motor Show, and another famous vehicle. Like the original off-roading Willys, the Izis features body-on-frame architecture and a very small gasoline engine. In the case of the Izis, that engine comes from Peugeot and displaces 1.4-liters, good enough for 75-horsepower, just a bit more than the 60 horses of the classic Willys Go Devil engine.

The Izis is street-legal in Europe, as its Peugeot engine is fully Euro 4-compliant, though the vehicle has a Euro NCAP rating of only two stars. It also has a very short wheelbase and sits well above the ground. Early Jeeps with similar dimensions were more than a bit ‘tippy’ on the street, as were some early Jeep-like cars from Suzuki and Daihatsu. Having never piloted in Izis, we can’t really comment on how it handles, but we bet it’d do rather well off the beaten path.

An electric version is also said to be available. No information on specifications are provided other than a suggested electric-only range of 90 kilometers, or about 56 miles. That’s plenty for some fun-in-the-sun off-roading or for daily transportation for city-dwellers.

[Sources: AutoMotoPortal, Wallyscar]

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Filed under: Euro, Paris Motor Show, Hatchbacks, FIAT

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.

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Filed under: Diesel, Hybrid, Peugeot, Paris Motor Show

Peugeot’s Prologue HYmotion4 concept is in many ways the opposite of the same company’s RC HYmotion4 concept. The upright crossover style Prologue is a different animal from the sleek four-door coupe. Both vehicles use the same through the road hybrid architecture but flipped front/rear. The Prologue puts the internal combustion engine up front and runs on diesel instead of gasoline with the electric motor going at the back. The diesel puts out 163 hp while the motor is limited to 27 kW. With both the engine and motor running, 221 lb-ft of torque are available to the front wheels while the rears get 148 lb-ft. As with the other HYmotion4 concepts, the vehicle can be propelled by either the engine, motor or both. In rear wheel drive electric only mode, speeds are limited to about 30 mph by the 36 hp output and the use of a nickel metal hydride battery. Nonetheless, the Prologue generates some pretty impressive numbers. The French automaker claims a combined mileage of 52.3 mpg (U.S.) and CO₂ emissions of just 109 g/km. One interesting performance enhancement that Peugeot mentions is the interaction between the transmission and motor. The 6-speed manual gearbox features automated shifting. The electronic controls automatically activates the electric motor during shifts to fill the gap in power flow smoothing out the process.

[Source: Peugeot]

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Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Paris Motor Show, SEAT

Click the image above for a high-res gallery of the Seat Exeo

Our Spanish colleagues tell us that the Iberians are none too happy about SEAT grabbing a previous generation A4 out of the garbage bin to make a new sedan. Never mind the opportunity to make an easy(-ier) profit - something that would have any automaker quaking with giddyness right now - the word “Exeo” right now translates as “It just ain’t right!” Those of you who have seen the previous A4 won’t be surprised by anything here, except perhaps the richness and quality of the suede interior. We can assure you it was impressive. The mirror housings are neat, too, but standard fare for SEAT. Based on the approval ratings of the old A4 by the time it retired, our guess is that new customers the Exeo is meant to attract won’t be disappointed that they found their way to SEAT through these four doors. Check out the press release that makes the old new again after the jump, and our gallery of high-res photos below.

Continue reading Paris 2008: Previous Gen Audi A4 Seat Exeo

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Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Wagons/Estates, Euro, Paris Motor Show, Toyota

The Euro-only Toyota Avensis is reminiscent of the Lexus IS350 in the same way that you’d tell someone, “You kind of look like someone I know, but not really.” It’s the rising linear sideline, somewhat high and compact profile, and squared-off rear that do it. But that’s from a full-on side profile and around the back. Move around the front and it really just looks like a Toyota. The raked grille and molded lips in the front bumper are unexpected, as is the subtle sexiness of the wagon. Designed in France, the new Avensis grows a little over its predecessor by 5 cm in length and width. Under the hood, possibilities include three new Valvematic gasoline engines, and two diesels, while cogs can be swapped with a 6-speed manual or the dual-mode, Multidrive S automatic. Check out the exhaustive press release after the jump, and the high-res gallery of photos below.

Continue reading Paris 2008: Toyota’s new Avensis arrives

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Filed under: Convertibles, Coupes, Videos, Paris Motor Show, Lexus

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.

[Source: Paultan]

Continue reading VIDEO: Lexus IS250C folding its hard top

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Filed under: EV/Plug-in, SMART, European Union, UK, USA, Paris Motor Show

While some sites are busy making fun of its name (yeah, we thought of that too… and you? Does it matter? Comments are welcome), others were busy conducting interviews with Dr. Z. in an attempt to find out when we may see the smart ED in America. The answer is that it’s coming, if not next year then shortly thereafter. Daimler hopes to have 1,000 electric smarts running rather silently around the world by the end of next year, and it’s distinctly possible that a portion of them will be in the U.S. This is the second-generation of the smart ED, and it is now powered by a lithium ion battery pack that may or may not be supplied by Tesla Motors. The last-gen model used a sodium battery. With the new pack, the smart ED can achieve a range of up to 150 miles — plenty of distance for the urban use the little car is likely to be subjected to.

[Source: Popular Mechanics / Photo: Inside Line]

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Filed under: Concept Cars, Green, Paris Motor Show, Crossovers/CUVs, Peugeot

Peugeot has been showing diesel hybrid concepts at auto shows for the past several years, and the latest is the new Prologue HYmotion4. Unlike the previous versions that were based on the 307 and 308 C-segment hatchbacks, the Prologue is an all-new vehicle. Also unlike the previous concepts that used a hybrid system where the engine and electric motor ran in parallel on the same axle, this one uses the company’s new HYmotion4 system like the RC concept we showed you earlier today. And unlike the four-door coupe RC, the crossover-bodied Prologue flips the powertrain arrangement front to back. The CUV has a 163-hp 2.0L four-cylinder turbodiesel twisting the front wheels while a 27 kW motor sends torque to the rear axle. The combined output when both the diesel and motor are running is 200 hp with 221 lb-ft going to the front wheels and 148 lb-ft to the back. Like the RC concept, front-, rear- and all-wheel-drive modes are available. Since rear-drive is electric only and the motor output only 27 kW, that mode is only available up to 30 mph. The diesel engine up front sends power through an automated 6-speed manual gearbox that allows for manual shifting. Peugeot also claims the electric motor is activated during shifts to provide uninterrupted power flow and smoother operation. Whereas the RC concept uses lithium-ion batteries, the Prologue uses a cheaper nickel-metal hydride battery pack sitting under the rear seat. Altogether, the Prologue is claimed to achieve 57.4 mpg (U.S.) with carbon dioxide output of 109 g/km.

[Source: Peugeot]

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Filed under: Economy, Sedans/Saloons, Paris Motor Show, Chevrolet, GM

The Chevrolet Cruze is three kinds of car: small, American and important. And with the state of General Motors, it isn’t even the individual words that mean the most: it’s whether The General can combine them into a reliable, fuel efficient and cost effective package. True, we don’t get to drive these things while they’re parked under the lights, but to have a seat in the Cruze is to imagine a GM that begs the question, “Where was all this before the meltdown?” The studio imagery we’ve seen so far translates nicely into real life, and the center console looks and feels substantial - in fact, it looks like it could be foreign - even if the silver mesh treatment in the show car was a bit much. The car has a compact yet full-bodied stance, and will probably look even better on the road in a color other than scarlet, and not under klieg lights. Spring of ‘09 will welcome this first Cruze variant to Europe, after which other regions will get it, as well as a probable hatchback and wagon. It will be powered by a 1.4-liter turbo four-cylinder that charts up to 140 hp and is said to return 40 mpg. Have a look at the high-res gallery of live shots below to get a better idea of what to expect when the Cruze goes on sale here in a couple years.

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Filed under: Euro, Paris Motor Show, Hatchbacks, Ford

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.

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Filed under: Hybrid, Peugeot, Paris Motor Show

The RC HYmotion4 concept unveiled by Peugeot at the Paris Motor Show is just one of several hybrid drive concepts being shown by that brand and Citroen. All of these feature an interesting new through the road hybrid system that I’ll write more about later. The RC is a four-door GT coupe that has a 1.6L gas engine in the back driving the rear wheels with 218 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque. Up front, a 70 kW electric motor provides up to another 132 lb-ft of twisting force for those wheels. The combined output is limited to 313 hp and acceleration to 62 mph comes up in 4.4 seconds. In the combined drive mode, the carbon dioxide emissions are rated at only 109 g/km. The system allows the car to operate in either internal combustion, electric only or blended modes. Peugeot claims it achieves 52.3 mpg (U.S.) in combined driving. Having the electric motor at the front wheels allows the car to maximize its regenerative braking capability and the energy is stored in a lithium ion battery pack. Even with the RC’s 4.7 m length, the overall weight comes in at only 3,141 lbs.

[Source: Peugeot]

Continue reading Paris 2008: Peugeot RC HYmotion4

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Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Peugeot, Paris Motorcycle Show

The RC HYmotion4 concept is one of several hybrid concepts using a new through-the-road hybrid system being shown in Paris by Peugeot and Citroen. Unlike the hybrid systems used by current production vehicles, this one has no direct mechanical connection between the electric and internal combustion drive systems. The Peugeot RC has a turbocharged 1.6L four-cylinder in the back driving the rear wheels with 218 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque, while additional propulsion comes from a 70 kW electric motor situated between the front wheels. This way, the RC can operate in either rear-, front- or all-wheel-drive modes. That means it can also operate using internal combustion, electric only or blended modes, respectively. The 3,141-lb four-door coupe accelerates from 0-62 mph in just four seconds when both gasoline and electricity are flowing. The electrons are stored in a lithium-ion battery pack of indeterminate size, but having the electric motor at the front instead of the rear axle means that more kinetic energy can be recaptured through regenerative braking. According to Peugeot, the RC can get 52.3 mpg and output CO2 emissions of just 109 g/km. It’s a trick system for sure, but there’s no word on whether it’s ever going to be produced.

[Source: Peugeot]

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Filed under: Convertibles, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Paris Motor Show, Supercars, Mercedes-Benz, Special/Limited Editions

Certain cars encourage a response that is as routine and predictable as the reaction to a stoplight, and the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 S Roadster is one of those cars. This is what happens every time someone gets in one, irrespective of their age, sex, or nationality: she snuggles into the seat, looks into the footwell to make sure her feet are placed just so on the pedals, slides her hands around the steering wheel for a couple of seconds to find just the right position, snuggles into the seat again… and then she just sits there, staring off into the distance. She might flip the paddles once or twice, or check out the center console. Then it’s back to the thousand yard stare at the wall in front of her. She gets her picture taken, notices the line of people waiting to do the same thing, and it’s all repeated again and again. And for good reason - the SLR McLaren 722 S Roadster is topless testosterone-topped terrificality. 650 horsepower from a supercharged 5.5L V8 and a convertible soft top that’ll stay put above 208 mph deserves the attention. You can check out the specs after the jump, or better yet, go straight to the gallery of high-res images below that we snapped in between the line of people waiting to sit in it.

Continue reading Paris 2008: Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 S Roadster

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Filed under: Ferrari, Toyota

At some point everyone has probably heard the phrase “Tell me which side of the argument you are on and I will give you the statistics to prove you are right!” That is certainly true when applied to comments made by Ferrari CEO Amedeo Felisa at the Paris Motor Show this week. While speaking to reporters, Felisa claimed that Ferraris as a group produce fewer total emissions than Toyota Priuses. Now anyone who has ever seen a Ferrari fly by would surely have to question this claim, there is certainly some validity to it. But as usual Felisa comes by the statement by cherry picking certain useful facts and leaving everything else behind. The argument is based on the total number of vehicles times the miles driven times the emissions per mile. The keys are the first two data points. Toyota has at least two to three times as many Priuses in the past decade than the total number of cars to come from Maranello in the Italian company’s 61 year history. A large proportion of those Toyota hybrids are still on the road while many of the Ferraris are in Museums and other collections. Also Ferrari drivers who put more than just a few thousand miles on their cars annually are comparatively rare. So fewer cars and fewer miles means greener right? Well technically yes, but as usual the devil is in the details. In the grand scheme of things, the high cost of a Ferrari means the brand’s overall environmental impact is fairly negligible compared to mainstream cars. It’s probably all right to exempt low volume makers like Ferrari from some fuel efficiency standards. Still, making such an argument in general does come off looking rather silly.

[Source: Drive.com.au]

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