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The 2012 Mercedes CLS is the second act of the car that invented both the market segment and the grammatical quandary known as the “four-door coupe.” Made dramatically more bold for this go-round, it features an upright grille that flows back into a rump that disappears in photos but holds its own in person. The new sedan is also lighter, with aluminum doors that are 52 pounds less heavy and an aluminum hood, front fenders, trunk lid and parcel shelf.

Along with the design, the engines are the story. There will be four available, starting with two 3.5-liter V6 engines in Europe. One is a 265-horsepower diesel engine and the other a 306-hp gas V6 with standard stop/start. Next comes the 2.5-liter four-cylinder diesel with 204 hp, and last to arrive is the V8 CLS 550 putting out 402 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque.

LED High Performance Active Headlights, Direct-Steer electromechanical steering, a tweaked suspension lifted from the E-Class, and a host of interior trim options that range from carbon fiber to high gloss brown burl walnut are among the many changes on the car. There are more details in the press release after the jump, and a gallery of live high-res photos below.

Continue reading Paris 2010: 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS comes on strong

Paris 2010: 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS comes on strong

Yesterday’s big surprise at the Paris Motor Show was the range-extended electric supercar from Jaguar, the C-X75 Concept. Built to celebrate the marque’s 75th anniversary, the concept looks forward to the future while honoring Jaguar’s heritage and design. Featuring four electric motors producing 195 horsepower at each wheel, along with two micro-gas turbines that – in theory – charge the batteries, the C-X75 can top 205 mph and has a projected combined range of 560 miles. Jaguar says it has no plans to produce the car, although it would be more than a worthy successor to the notorious XJ220.

From our vantage point, we’re split on the looks. While most of us think it’s stunning – especially in person – there’s a vocal minority that doesn’t think it looks “Jaguar” enough. Truth be told, it doesn’t necessarily look like any Jaguar road car ever built, but it’s easy to see that inspiration was taken from the 1966 Jaguar XJ13 race car.

You can see all of our photos from the live debut in the gallery below, or for full details on the car hit the jump for the press release.

Live photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

Continue reading Paris 2010: Jaguar C-X75 Concept

Paris 2010: Jaguar C-X75 Concept

Land Rover’s critical new Range Rover Evoque debuted today at the Paris Motor Show, ushering in a brave new world for the British off-roader brand. The debut continues the company’s march toward the softroader segment, a movement first started with the LR2/Freelander and now resulting in the handsome new three-door seen here.

Slated to be joined shortly by a five-door version, the compact Evoque fits right into the Land Rover mold design-wise, albeit with a surprising amount of surface jewelry for such a sleek two-box shape. From the protruding fog lamps to the horizontal matte chrome-trimmed hood intakes to the unique divots atop the wheel lip moldings and the somewhat fiddly taillamp lenses, there’s quite a bit to draw one’s eye. The overall impression one gets of the vehicle on the show floor is one of imposing width, a feeling that’s magnified when you realize that an individual of average height can see over the vehicle when standing next to it.

The drivetrain is no less revolutionary for the brand, with a 2.0-liter turbo four pushing out 240 horsepower through a new permanent all-wheel-drive system. Key options for the Evoque include Adaptive Dynamics and Magneride adaptive damping and a massive panoramic roof which makes the interior feel like a greenhouse even on the Paris show floor. While the littlest Rover lacks the full-on four-wheel-drive weaponry of its bigger siblings, it does feature the latest distillation of the company’s Terrain Response Control, and with good arrival and departure angles, it should still be better than most crossovers when it comes to tackling off-pavement activities.

The Evoque won’t go on sale globally until next Fall, so for now you can try to make heads or tails out of the low-slung Landie by perusing our galleries below and reading the official press verbiage after the jump.

Live photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Source: Land Rover]

Continue reading Paris 2010: Range Rover Evoque shows up ready for production

Paris 2010: Range Rover Evoque shows up ready for production

The FIA World Rally Championship is shaping up to be particularly interesting in 2011, and the new-for-2011 Ford Fiesta RS is a big reason why. The Blue Oval’s latest dirt-spitting racer will contest its first race at Rally Sweden in mid-February, but the Fiesta S2000-based rally car made its debut this morning at the Paris Motor Show.

In typical WRC fashion, the blue and gray Fiesta RS is all gaping intakes, massive flares and skyscraping wings, and needless to say, it looks The Business. Motivated by an EcoBoost-branded 1.6-liter turbocharged four of undisclosed output, the four-wheel-drive RS will get a shakedown run on Spain’s gravel roads next week, though Ford says it’s already conducted about 3,000 kilometers worth of testing with various engines.

The new car, which supplants the Blue Oval’s prior Focus-based WRC car, will be driven by Mikko Hirvonen and Jarmo Lehtinen, along with Jari-Matti Latvala and Miikka Anttila. Check out our spanking-new galleries below and pop past the jump for the official press release.

Live photos copyright (C)2010 Chris Paukert / AOL

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Paris 2010: Ford Fiesta RS WRC ready to hit the dirt running

Paris 2010: Ford Fiesta RS WRC ready to hit the dirt running

Audi keeps on growing its e-tron family. The automaker pulled a fast one by unveiling yet another electrified monster at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, only this time, the low-slung hybrid came sans-top. The concept is powered by two electric motors and a 300-horsepower twin-turbo TDI V6 that comes to the fight with 479 pound-feet of torque. Audi says that despite the hefty 9.1 kilowatt-hour battery mounted up front, it managed to keep the weight low and distribute the pounds evenly across the chassis. As a result, this e-tron should be plenty flingable if it ever makes it off of the stage and onto a public road.

Audi says the e-tron Spyder hits the scales at 3,196 pounds and that the drivetrain can be driver-controlled to operate on electric power only at speeds up to 37 mph for a total of 31 miles. The manufacturer says that in city driving, the capability is more than enough to hang with traffic. If not, there’s always that juicy diesel V6 to play with. Hit the jump for the full press blast.

Photos by Zach Bowman / AOL

Continue reading Paris 2010: Audi e-tron Spyder is what topless hybrid dreams are made of

Paris 2010: Audi e-tron Spyder is what topless hybrid dreams are made of

Despite the success of the Mini Cooper and America’s newfound love of hatchbacks, Audi continues to deny us the all-new A1. There are a variety of reasons for excluding the pint-sized hatch from the U.S. market (marketing, brand image, average transaction price, etc.), but the introduction of the twin-charged A1 here at the Paris Motor Show has us questioning all of them.

Packing a 1.4-liter TFSI (read: both turbo and supercharged) inline four-cylinder engine, the A1 puts out 185 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque, sends it to the front wheels through a seven-speed S tronic gearbox and can sprint to 60 in 6.9 seconds on its way to a top speed of 141 mph. Think of it as the luxury alternative to the Ford Fiesta, with a price tag to match: €24,250 or just over $30k at current exchange rates. Get all the details in the press release after the jump.

Live photos copyright (C)2010 Damon Lavrinc / AOL

Continue reading Paris 2010: 2011 Audi A1 1.4 TFSI

Paris 2010: 2011 Audi A1 1.4 TFSI

2011 Volvo V60 and S60 R-Design – Click above for high-res image gallery

We recently drove the 2011 Volvo S60 in the wilds of Oregon and came away rather impressed with both its performance and in-person aesthetics. That said, we generally don’t begrudge a bit more visual aggression, and to that end, Volvo has obliged with a pair of new R-Design models here at the Paris Motor Show that includes the S60 sedan and its not-for-North-America V60, a wagon so attractive that we couldn’t help but lead off our live coverage with it.

In either case, the well-integrated R-Design package consists of a distinct front fascia, rear bumper cutout with diffuser and bespoke 18-inch alloys in a fetching smoked finish. While there isn’t any more power under the hood, the 300-horsepower 3.0-liter inline turbo six should fit the bill rather nicely, especially with its generous 325 pound-feet of torque. No word on any shift-map changes for the six-speed automatic gearbox, but what we’d really like to see for this sportier S60 is a set of paddle shifters.

That aside, R-Design models ought to handle a bit better than their more common brethren, as they hug the ground a bit more closely thanks to shorter, stiffer coils and monotube shocks. The rest of the suspension gets beefed up, too, with firmer bushings and a front strut-tower brace. Check out our from-the-floor images below and the official press release after the jump.

Live photos copyright (C)2010 Chris Paukert / AOL

[Source: Volvo]

Continue reading Paris 2010: Volvo V60 and S60 R-Design models look a good bit naughtier

Paris 2010: Volvo V60 and S60 R-Design models look a good bit naughtier

2011 BMW 6 Series Coupe Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW’s Paris press conference isn’t set to take place until later today, but the boys from Bavaria left its Concept 6 Series Coupé hanging around on the display’s massive curved plinth.

While we couldn’t finagle our way inside to take a gander at the interior (at least not yet), the crisply styled GT clearly foreshadows the nearly-here 6 Series production model. The attractive and surprisingly large coupe borrows bits from Beijing’s Grand Coupe concept as well as the new 5 Series, particularly in the nose.

When it arrives next year, the serial 6′er will likely be powered by BMW’s range of turbocharged and naturally aspirated six-cylinder engines, with eight-cylinder motivation reserved for the next M6.

Live photos copyright (C)2010 Damon Lavrinc / AOL

[Source: BMW]

Paris 2010: BMW Concept 6 Series Coupé looks low, flat and mean

Peugeot is celebrating its 200th birthday (as a company) and to mark the occasion, the French automaker is planning an all-out product offensive. Chief among them is the mighty 508 – a sedan that benefits from reduced weight and increased interior room compared to the old 407. In a word: Progress.

Initially, the company says that the 508 will be available with everything from a 1.6-liter four-cylinder with 120 horsepower and 118 pound-torque of torque to a 150-hp 2.2-liter turbo-diesel mill with 331 lb-ft of torque. Available gearboxes vary from a six-speed automatic to both five- and six-speed manuals. Peugeot also plans to roll out a hybrid version of the big sedan, though the company says that European buyers can expect to wait a little while on that one. Interestingly, Pug officials say when the 508 does get its batteries, the hybrid will pack a 200 hp diesel in addtion to whatever the electric motors add.

Photos by Zach Bowman / AOL

Paris 2010: Peugeot 508 is a glimpse of things to come

2011 BMW X3 – Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW has whisked the sheets off of its 2011 X3, and the second-generation crossover looks suspiciously like its predecessor. Beyond a seemingly endless parade of spy shots over the last couple of years, that’s predictable, as the Spartanburg built X3 has been a considerable sales success for the German automaker.

While the sheetmetal stays largely the same, the lineup receives new engines and an eight-speed automatic gearbox that’s set to spread like kudzu throughout the automaker’s offerings. The X3 also becomes the first model in BMW’s growing X franchise to adopt electric power steering (the automaker’s controversial variable sports steering rack is optional), as well as optional Damper Control and Dynamic Drive Control (as seen on its range of sedans and sports cars).

In addition to the new sheetmetal, BMW promises added rear seat room, addressing one of the vehicle’s key shortcomings for the North American market.

Power will come from BMW’s Twinpower Turbo (Bimmerese for twin-scroll turbo) inline six-cylinder that gives the XDrive35i model 306 brake horsepower at 5,800 rpm with max torque of 295 pound-feet of torque at just 1,300 rpm. That’s good enough for a 0-62 mph time of just 5.7 seconds and a top whack of 152 mph, though it’s not clear if that figure will be governed when it reaches us Yanks. An entry-level xDrive28i model will also receive I-6 power, with 240 hp and 230 pound-feet of torque. Naturally, diesel mills will also be available in other areas of the globe, but as of yet, BMW officials haven’t committed to bringing an oil burner to the States. The petrol model, however, should be in showrooms before year’s end.

Check out our gallery of live shots below, and hop the jump for the official press release.

Live photos copyright (C)2010 Chris Paukert / AOL

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading Paris 2010: BMW X3 is new yet familiar

Paris 2010: BMW X3 is new yet familiar

If there’s one thing we can count on from the Paris Motor Show, it’s a slew of sexy hatches. Opel was first out of the gate with the GTC Concept which the automaker is pitching as an obtainable sports car that can still haul five people if the need arose. Under that creased hood sits a turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline engine good for an undisclosed amount of pep (we’re hearing 240+ horsepower), though as small as the GTC is, we can’t imagine it would take much to get the hatch to hustle.

We’re digging the GTC’s hunkered stance, especially in the rear, where a set of flared hips dominate the vehicle’s design. If you live in the old country and your mouth is watering at the thought of this slinky German, we’ve got bad news for you. As of right now, Opel has no plans to bring the GTC Concept to life, but we’d put money on a production version within the next year. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Photos copyright (C)2010 Zach Bowman / AOL

Continue reading Paris 2010: Opel GTC Paris Concept

Paris 2010: Opel GTC Paris Concept

Opel is keeping busy, and aside from moving into a handful of new markets and pulling the sheets off of a hot concept, the German manufacturer has been whittling away on its long-roof interpretation of the company’s Astra. The 2011 Astra Sports Tourer wears the brand’s trademark nose and sculpted sheet metal, but throws in an arching roofline for good measure. Inside, buyers can look forward to a set of snappy folding seats in the rear Opel claims should help make the car appealing to both families and small businesses looking to haul goods.

Power comes from either an uber-thrifty 95-horsepower mill or a more robust 180-pony lump, and a total of three transmissions are available – a five-speed manual, six-speed manual and six-speed automatic. The company says that European buyers can expect to see a start/stop system land on its 1.3-liter turbo-diesel engine in the Astra Sports Tourer as well. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Photos copyright (C)2010 Zach Bowman / AOL

Paris 2010: Opel Astra Sports Tourer

	Paris preview: Mercedes-Benz Reporter plug-in hybrid is urban delivery done right Can you imagine this thing delivering boxes?		GM announces small, German electric vehicle test fleet based on Opel Merivas Only three EVs make up this “fleet.”
	“Volt Unplugged” pits six Chevy Volts against the wide expanse of America Six Volts, 3,400 miles.	Other news: Friedman: How China’s electric vehicle industry is going to rocket past the U.S. – and everyone else Peugeot HR1 concept is latest to use through-the-road hybrid tech Ethanol raising hackles: fight over upping gas to E15 continues

AutoblogGreen for 09.30.10

Surely, one of the most hotly anticipated releases at the 2010 Paris Motor Show would be the Lamborghini Sesto Elemento Concept. After all, no automaker has teased the masses these last few weeks more than Lamborghini, and perhaps no single vehicle manufacturer is as beloved by the teenage boys lurking inside each one of us.

That said, any new Lambo is going to have big shoes to fill, with such classics as the Miura, Countach, Diablo and Murcielago, Gallardo and Reventon each holding its well-earned place in the annals of supercardom. Will the Sesto Elemento turn out to be yet another masterpiece from Italy? Too early to say, but we can still drool a bit over the live shots in our high-res image gallery below. Enjoy!

Live photos by Zach Bowman/Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

Paris 2010: Lamborghini Sesto Elemento Concept lights up the stage

To say that American enthusiasts have been anxiously awaiting a properly hotted up version of Ford’s European hatchback would be a gross understatement. And while we’re still waiting for a proper Focus RS to hit our shores, we’re certainly happy to see its little brother, the Focus ST, hit the showroom floor with promises of coming Stateside in 2012 ringing in our ears.

Here’s why our interest is piqued: a turbocharged 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine with 247 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque; a six-speed manual transmission and Ford’s new torque-vectoring power control system. Throw in a Tangerine Scream paint job and some 19-inch alloys in the Blue Oval’s signature Y-spoke ST pattern and we’re tickled pink.

Sure, we’re still waiting on an official price tag, but that won’t stop us from pouring over these live photos from Paris, now will it?

Live photos by Chris Paukert/Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

Paris 2010: 2012 Ford Focus ST hatches early

Another day, another new iteration of the Porsche 911. Not that we’re complaining. This time around we got to feast our lucky eyes on the limited-edition 2011 Porsche 911 Speedster while it makes its world debut at the 2010 Paris Motor Show.

The 911 Speedster is designed to pay homage to the original Porsche 356. Combine the French Racing Blue paint job, 408 horsepower flat-six engine and a low run of 356 models, and we expect the 911 Speedster to be sold out by the time you are done looking through the high-res image gallery below.

Live photos by Zach Bowman/Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

Paris 2010: 2011 Porsche 911 Speedster sings a blue note

Review: 2010 Mitsubishi i-MiEV (JDM)

There’s an interesting realization that occurs when you drive an electric car like the 2010 Mitsubishi i-MiEV. You pass by gas station after gas station and it finally sets in – your car has rendered the fuel pump obsolete.

2012 Ford Focus: North America’s version of global car in detail [w/video]

Perhaps the most important new car launch for Ford, however, is the 2012 Focus, which makes its world premiere at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. This is the first product designed from the ground up with the Blue Oval’s “One Ford” product strategy, and the Focus you see here will be sold in both North America and Europe with only very minor tweaks being made for the individual markets. It certainly looks good, and with a raft of new engineering, safety and infotainment technologies on hand, the 2012 Focus is ready to set the C-segment on fire.

Jaguar C-X75 range-extended electric supercar concept shows future styling hints

Jaguar’s C-X75 concept features two 96-horsepower micro gas turbines that pump juice into a plug-in li-ion battery pack, allowing 780 horsepower and 1,187 pound-feet to push you to 62 in 3.4 seconds.

Also of interest:

• 2012 Ford Focus ST details released ahead of world premiere in Paris
• Lamborghini Sesto Elemento photos come full circle right before Paris debut *UPDATE
• Audi Quattro concept celebrates 30th anniversary of original
• 2011 Infiniti IPL G Coupe priced from $47,950
• 2011 Volkswagen Passat unveiled ahead of Paris Motor Show
• 2011 Bentley Continental GT price increased to nearly $190k
• Peugeot HR1 concept is latest to use through-the-road hybrid tech
• Camaro Z28 with LSA power caught testing
• Survey: Consumers find proposed new fuel economy labels confusing

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Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 9.29.10

Here is your first glimpse at the redesigned 2011 Bentley Continental GT as it makes its world debut at the Paris Motor Show. Earlier, we mentioned that it will receive a nearly four percent price hike over the previous model, which is nothing compared to the overall improvements the new car has received.

Like any car, it has good and bad angles (obviously, the exception to this rule is the Maserati GranTurisumo which looks beautiful from every angle…) – we’ll hold off final judgment until we can see it outside in natural light, not surrounded by a mob of flash bulbs and clamoring journalists. See for yourself in our high-res gallery of live images below.

Live photos by Zach Bowman/Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

Paris 2010: 2011 Bentley Continental GT, live and in the flesh

The BMW 6 Series Coupe Concept appears to have separated the audience into camps called “OMG BMW what have you done?” and “OMG BMW is back!” If there are any of you left on the fence looking for a closer look before you sign up to one of those clubs, here are high-definition renderings of the concept without and within.

Of course, they’re still renderings so you can reserve final final judgement, but you’ll see how the exterior light elements work and get clues to interior details. We’re digging that glass roof in all kinds of ways. Follow the jump for the close-ups, and stay tuned for live coverage straight from the Paris Motor Show. Hat tip to Rob!

Continue reading Video: BMW 6 Series Coupe Concept rendered for your pleasure

Video: BMW 6 Series Coupe Concept rendered for your pleasure

Volkswagen was so eager to unveil its new Passat that it revealed the car a day before the Paris Motor Show actually begins. It’s received the Jetta treatment to some degree, but the softer looks may actually work better on the Passat than for its smaller brother.

The all-new Passat is intended for an older demographic and the styling seems to reflect that. We look forward to seeing it on our shores. Speaking of which, the 2011 goes on sale in the United Kingdom this October and VW plans to announce North American availability in the very near future.

Live photos by Zach Bowman/Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

Paris 2010: 2011 Volkswagen Passat says hello in person