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Lotus continues its march towards global sportscar domination with the 2010 Paris Motor Show unveiling of the Lotus Elite. The Elite represents a step away from “lighter is better” because it is a hefty, four-passenger grand tourer – it weighs in at 3,600 pounds. One of the reasons it’s so heavy? It has a retractable, folding hardtop. Don’t let the weight throw you off though, this is a good looking, aggressively styled powerhouse. Under the hood sits a modified version of the 5.0-liter V8 out of a Lexus IS-F. The unit is then massaged to produce 611 horsepower which propels the car to a sub-four-second 0-60 time and a top speed of 195 miles per hour. The Elite will also be fitted with KERS for a quick boost of recovered energy.

The front mid-engine layout should help balance the Lotus Elite and make for an exciting driving experience. We expect this car to represent a slightly softer side for the automaker, but that’s like saying we expect a bomb to hurt less than a missile. The entire Lotus lineup is poised in attack position, the Elite just happens to wear clothes from the Big and Tall store.

Lotus is aiming to bring this sporty road warrior to market sometime in the year 2014. If you invest your money wisely now, you just might be able to save the estimated $180,000 you’ll need to put one in your driveway. Check out the Elite in action with a video clip after the jump.

Live photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

Continue reading Paris 2010: Lotus shows off its new Grand Tourer, the Elite [w/video]

Paris 2010: Lotus shows off its new Grand Tourer, the Elite [w/video]

Nestled in between Porsche’s perennial favorite 911 Carrera S and audacious 911 GT3 is the automaker’s latest creation – the 911 Carrera GTS. It features the slightly wider body of the all-wheel-drive Carrera 4 models, but only delivers its power to the rear wheels. Speaking of power, Porsche has upgraded the 3.8-liter flat-six to crank out 408 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, and with added visual bits like 19-inch RS Spyder wheels and SportDesign front and rear fascias, this is indeed the middle child 911 that we’d be happy to live with.

The 911 Carrera GTS is making its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show, and we’ve snagged some live shots of both the coupe and cabriolet under the auto show lights. Have a click through our high-res image galleries below to see the latest hotness.

Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

Paris 2010: 2011 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS is the middle child we can live with

Exagon Motors hasn’t often appeared in these pages – the company built some electric ice racers last year – and so yesterday’s announcement of the Furtive e-GT extended-range/all-electric sports car caught us by surprise. We recovered from our shock long enough to check it out in person at the Paris Motor Show today, and the metal does the sleek shape more favors than a camera lens. Still, with a 0-60 time of 3.5 seconds (take that, Tesla Roadster) and some range guarantees (!), we’ll take one no matter how it looks.

Specifically, Exagon guarantees that the Furtive-eGT will be able to go – when “calculated according to European standards and energy use cycles” – the following distances before the range extender kicks in:

At a constant speed of 50 km/h : 402 km (31 miles per hour : 250 miles)
At a constant speed of 90 km/h : 288 km (56 mph : 179 miles)
At a constant speed of 110 km/h : 241 km (68 mph : 150 miles)
At a constant speed of 130 km/h : 197 km (81 mph : 122 miles)

Another interesting thing about the Furtive-eGT is that the range extender is an option, which is certainly a welcome change from the one-type-fits-all powertrains we see in the Tesla, Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Volt. Check out more views of the Furtive-eGT in the gallery below.

Live photos copyright (C)2010 Chris Paukert / AOL

Paris 2010: Exagon Motors Furtive eGT range-extended EV looks better in person

Infiniti now has a online configurator for the G25 powered by a 2.5-liter V6, and the details are, quite frankly, a bit of a mixed bag. We already knew that the base G25 starts at a very reasonable $30,950 ($31,825 with $875 destination), or $4,100 less than the base G37 Journey. That starting price won’t come with such niceties as Bluetooth, dual climate control or a USB interface for your electronic gadgets. To reach that level of refinement you’ll have to step up to the G25 Journey, which stickers for $32,350 ($33,225 with destination). To add all-wheel drive to your G25 you’ll have to come up with still more cash. The G25X has all the standard equipment of the G25 Journey, but adds AWD and a snow mode for $33,950 ($34,825 with destination).

You’ll undoubtedly save money up front if you opt for a G25, but you’ll also save at the pump… a little. The G25’s EPA numbers read 20 miles per gallon in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. That’s not bad for a luxury sled, but it’s also only fractionally better than the far more powerful G37, which nets respectable 19/27 numbers. The G25X tells a similar story, with 19/27 numbers only marginally better than the G37X’s 18/25 totals.

There is little doubt that there’s a market in the U.S. for the G25. After all, there are plenty of folks out who will be happy to rock a G Sedan with a lower MSRP and better fuel economy than the now up-level G37. But the G25’s 2.5-liter V6 with 218 horsepower and 187 pound-feet of torque is 110 horsepower and 82 lb-ft behind the G37’s fabulous 3.7-liter V6, and when you consider the mediocre improvement in fuel economy, we’re inclined to keep saving pennies until we can afford the G37.

[Source: Infiniti]

Continue reading Infiniti G25 gets online configurator, full pricing released

Infiniti G25 gets online configurator, full pricing released

In addition to pulling the sheets back on its new 508, Peugeot unveiled its newest concept at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. Called the HR1 Concept, the car is what we would assume would happen if a Prius knocked boots with the SEMA world. Behind the only-a-mother-could-love face, the HR1 benefits from a turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine in front and a 37-horsepower electric motor positioned in the rear of the vehicle. This is a through-the-road hybrid, which means the two powertrains operate independantly and are only connected, well, through the road. Both are bolted to a six-speed automatic transmission, and all told, the company says that the drivetrain is good for a combined “potential power” of 147 hp. Even better, fuel consumption is kept down to 3.5 liters per 100 kilometers, or around 67 mpg US.

In marketing speak, the HR1 boasts an “alternative door structure” as part of its effort to combine as many vehicle body structures as possible. Peugeot says its designers baked elements from the city car, coupe and SUV philosophies into the final look of this hybrid. Surprisingly enough, there are no current plans to bring the HR1 to life.

Photos copyright (C)2010 Zach Bowman / AOL

Paris 2010: Peugeot HR1 Concept

We didn’t see this one coming. Lotus’ five-car concept explosion at the Paris Motor Show is one of the most welcome surprises sprung on us in recent memory… and the biggest surprise of all may be this Elan. Lotus says its new Elan is slated for a debut in 2013, which makes us wonder what the future may have in store for the current Evora. Pricing for the 2013 Elan is set at $118,500 (£75,000).

In any case, the Elan is powered by a 450-horsepower supercharged 4.0-liter V6 engine with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox from Toyota, which offers enough gumption to scoot to 62 miles per hour in just 3.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 193 mph. Lotus also promises that a hybrid will be available using a Kinetic Energy Recovery System similar to those seen in Formula One a season ago.

Take a good look at the awesome cockpit of the 2013 Elan. Plenty of carbon fiber, plenty of high-tech goodies, even including a digital race track readout for track days. And could anything be better than that awesome flat-bottom and flat-top steering wheel? No, we didn’t think so.

Weight comes in at 2,849 pounds and there is room for a driver and a passenger, but Lotus will also optionally deliver the Elan with two itty-bitty perches out back. Are we sensing that Lotus has the Porsche 911 in its sights? You betcha’. Check out the 2013 Lotus Elan in our high-res image gallery below.

UPDATE: Video added after the break and live shots added in second gallery below.

Continue reading Paris 2010: Lotus Elan Concept stuns the crowds [w/video]

Paris 2010: Lotus Elan Concept stuns the crowds [w/video]

Last night we gave you the first look at Lamborghini’s new Sesto Elemento, a concept car that demonstrates the company’s latest technologies. At the time we didn’t have the opportunity to get a close look at many of the car’s details, but we’re making up for it today with plenty of new photos and more info.

If there’s one thing that caught our attention about the Sesto Elemento, it’s the weight. Lamborghini was able keep its curb weight to 999 kg, or 2,202 lbs, thanks to extensive use of carbon fiber and carbon fiber reinforced plastics. The entire car is essentially constructed from the lightweight materials including the monocoque, front frame, body panels, major suspension components and wheels. With a 570-horsepower V10 mounted behind the cockpit, the San Elemento has just 3.86 pounds to push for every horsepower. Lamborghini claims a 0-100 km/h time of just 2.5 seconds and a top speed of over 300 km/hr, or 186 mph.

While the technical details are impressive, we weren’t immediately taken with the exterior design. As our own Chris Paukert put it, “There’s a lot going on.” What’s interesting is that while we don’t necessarily like the design as a whole, each of the individual elements is quite stunning. The interior is impressive to see as well, with nearly nothing to hide the structural and functional aspects of the car.

Have a look at all the details of the Sesto Elemento in the mega gallery below, or read the full press release from Lamborghini after the jump.

Live photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

Continue reading Paris 2010: Lamborghini Sesto Elemento Concept in detail

Paris 2010: Lamborghini Sesto Elemento Concept in detail

When we think of Lotus, the words “hybrid” and “sedan” aren’t exactly the first words that come to mind. Now, though, Lotus is changing all that with the introduction of its Eterne concept, a four-door sedan with an optional hybrid powertrain. This may be a big step in a different direction for Lotus, but it’s nothing new. The Eterne takes the same shape as the Porsche Panamera, Aston Martin Rapide and Audi A7 Sportback.

Like the new Esprit concept, the Eterne is powered by a 620-horsepower, 5.0-liter V8 sourced from Toyota. The optional hybrid drivetrain uses a Formula 1-style KERS energy recuperation system, and the Lotus sedan will be available in both rear- and all-wheel drive. Of course, this is still a Lotus, so good performance numbers are an absolute must, and we’re told that the Eterne will run to 60 miles per hour in just 4.0 seconds on its way to a top speed of 196 mph.

While merely a concept at this point, Lotus says that the Eterne is slated for production in 2015 and that the sedan will cost around $190,000. We’ll have live photos direct from the Paris Motor Show floor soon, so stay tuned.

Paris 2010: Lotus debuts Eterne hybrid sedan concept

There’s no denying that Lotus had lost its way prior to the release of the much-loved Elise. The company that Colin built had strayed from its roots of lightweight sports cars and drifted towards the exotic realm… and it had drastic effects on the company’s bottom line. Thankfully, the Elise and its hard-core cousin, the Exige, set the company back on the straight and narrow.

All of this begs the question, though: How do you update a modern classic like the Elise? Lotus’ answer is currently being shown off at the Paris Motor Show. Here are the basics: 320 horsepower from a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine procured from Toyota, a six-speed manual and optional paddle-shifted automatic transmission, and a 2,409-pound curb weight. This supercharged model can hit 62 in 4.3 seconds. Price? $55,000.

For those keeping track of such things, which is to say nearly all of you, that is indeed heavier and more expensive than the current Elise… and that’s not good. Fortunately, Lotus promises that there will be less expensive versions of the 2015 Elise available, presumably without the benefit of forced induction. There will also be both hard-and soft-top models on offer.

What all Elises will offer, though, is a more luxurious cabin and easier entry and exit. We’re loving the look of the interior, with its pod-like binnacle of instruments, steering wheel with F1-style progressive shift lights and its digital rendering of race circuits for those venturing out the the track. As for the exterior, well, let’s just say we’re not quite on board yet with what Lotus designers have planned for the brand’s future. Fortunately they have plenty of time to change our minds.

Paris 2010: Lotus Elise Concept evolves the sports car

Lotus is ready to make a big impact at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. It brought five concept vehicles to the show (more on the other four in short order), and one in particular has us salivating. Lotus plans to revive the much-loved Esprit for the 2013 model year. Before we see a production version of that car, the automaker is showcasing its Lotus Esprit Concept.

Taking cues from the old Esprit, the Esprit Concept plunks its engine amidship, though instead of honoring the turbocharged four-cylinders that powered the originals, the concept makes do with a meaty supercharged 5.0-liter V8. The two-seater will produce 620 horsepower, accelerate from 0-60 in under 3.5 seconds and then blast onward to a 205-mile-per-hour top speed. The plan is to bring the production version to market in the spring of 2013 with a price tag around $175,000.

In addition to the massive, and massively exciting ,V8 power, the Lotus Esprit will also be offered with KERS as an option. KERS, or Kinetic Energy Recovery System, is a system used by Formula 1 cars to recover heat energy generated during braking. The energy is stored until the driver wants a powerful boost and with a push of a button propels the car with more force than two bottles of NOS… the big ones.

Stay tuned as we’ll update this post with more official images as well as live shots from the show floor soon.

Paris 2010: Lotus Esprit Concept previews upcoming revival of a legend

When Mini first announced it was taking the Countryman to tango with the rest of the brawlers in the World Rally Championship, we had our doubts about the crossover’s ability to keep the pace. But judging by the look of the Prodrive-prepped machine, the Countryman WRC should have no problem locking horns with the big boys on the world stage. Mini gave the rally racer an official unveil at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, but the company is keeping the drivetrain details to itself for now.

Not too long ago, the internets enjoyed a rash of videos showing a Countryman WRC prototype busting through the hills of Portugal, so we have some notion of the car’s capabilities off tarmac. Will Prodrive’s expertise be enough to help Mini keep its head above water in the WRC? Something tells us that all depends on who they stick in the cockpit. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Photos by Zach Bowman / AOL

Continue reading Paris 2010: Mini Countryman WRC looks the part

Paris 2010: Mini Countryman WRC looks the part

Nissan has revealed its Townpod EV concept, a sort of larger, more amorphous take on the Cube and Leaf. Singularly Japanese in feel, the Townpod is intended to bridge the world of private and commercial vehicles. According to the splendiforously indulgent press release (sample: “The innovative position of the headlights also allows a coupe-esque bonnet line, not dissimilar to Nissan Z, which feeds in to a visor-like wraparound, blue tinted glass house, reminiscent of Nissan Cube, while the galls to body proportions hark back to the rat-rods of the fifties.“), the Townpod targets everyone from young entrepreneurs to first-time home builders and retirees looking to turn their hobby into a paycheck.

The barn-doored concept has a bizarrely characterful and friendly looking animated marshmallow-like face, with headlamps that feature blue ‘petals’ that change position depending on whether they are being used as marker units or headlights. The interior is a flexible space that’s designed to accept third-party storage accessories and such, and it’s complete with a display that according to Nissan is designed to coordinate with the owner’s PDA (who uses a PDA anymore?).

Nissan says that the Townpod has been designed as an EV, though interestingly, it actually doesn’t explain the motivational technology underneath the vehicle’s sheetmetal. Its mystery powerplant is seemingly appropriate for such a blank-canvas concept, of course. After all, François Bancon, Nissan’s general manager of its Exploratory and Advance Planning Department notes that the same blank-slate mindset is true of the car’s intended audience: “What is more revealing is that Nissan Townpod users do not appreciate stereotypes or status symbols. For them, the ultimate status is to have no status.” Uh-huh.

Check out our high-res galleries below and be sure to hop the jump for more sage thoughts from Nissan.

Live photos copyright (C)2010 Chris Paukert / AOL

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Paris 2010: Townpod EV concept continues Nissan’s obsession with car as appliance

Paris 2010: Townpod EV concept continues Nissan’s obsession with car as appliance

These three renderings just posted to Volkswagen’s Facebook page may look an awful lot like the 2011 Passat that just debuted at the Paris Motor Show, but be advised – this is something completely different.

If you haven’t heard yet, the 2011 Passat will not be sold in North America. Wave, bye-bye. Instead, we’re getting an all-new vehicle that Volkswagen is simply referring to for now as “NMS” (New Midsize Sedan). Will the Passat name carry over when the NMS launches? Hard to say, but remember that the 2011 Jetta was referred to only as NCS (New Compact Sedan) before its launch.

We also don’t know exactly how much of the NMS’ architecture and mechnicals will be shared with the new Passat, though we should find out closer to the car’s debut at the Detroit Auto Show in January. See all of Volkswagen’s renderings for yourself in the gallery below.

[Source: Volkswagen Facebook]

Volkswagen NMS renderings released as new Passat bows in Paris

Well look what we found tucked away in a glass-enclosed corner of the Nissan stand. What you’re looking at is the 2012 Nissan GT-R, complete with a fascia comprised of a restyled bumper, air-intakes and LED daytime running lamps. A new diffuser pulled from the SpecM is mounted out back, along with new lightweight wheels that may or may not be included in the final package. Our insider wouldn’t give us any details on power increases, but they did say we should keep an eye out for an official announcement in the coming months.

Paris 2010: Facelifted 2012 Nissan GT-R

General Motors has announced that the highly anticipated Chevrolet Camaro Convertible will (finally) make its production-spec debut at this year’s Los Angeles Auto Show. Both the 3.6-liter V6 (now with 312 horsepower) and 6.2-liter V8 will be available, mated to six-speed manual or automatic transmissions. Aside from the folding soft top, very little has changed in terms of updates for the 2011 Camaro.

The Camaro Convertible hits dealerships in February of next year (perfect timing for us in the snow belt), priced from $30,000, which includes the $850 destination charge. That’s nearly $7,000 more than the price of a base Camaro coupe, which leads us to believe that bottom-end trim levels won’t be available on the convertible. And for those of you wondering, the least expensive Mustang V6 Convertible starts over $2,000 less at $27,995.

We’ll have more details closer to the car’s LA show unveiling. GM’s current press release is available after the jump.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading 2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible priced from $30K, will debut in LA

2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible priced from $30K, will debut in LA

Here in the United States, we’re constantly pining for the foreign versions of some of our favorite vehicles. Get ready to add another one to the never-ending list – the 2011 Jeep Wrangler. Jeep is set to unveil a few new powertrains and provide a European debut for the all-new Grand Cherokee at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. One particularly interesting tidbit? The European Wrangler is available with a brand-new turbocharged diesel engine and start/stop technology.

Automotive markets outside of North America will get to enjoy the 2.8-liter unit that produces 200 horsepower and over 300 pound-feet of torque (the twist output depends on which transmission is fitted). The six-speed manual sees about 302 lb-ft (delivered from 2,000 to 3,000 rpm) while the five-speed automatic-equipped Wrangler produces nearly 340 lb-ft of torque (1,600 to 2,600 rpm).

In addition to the power boost over the outgoing diesel engine, this Wrangler also benefits from start/stop technology. This helps the Jeep see a 13-percent increase in fuel economy over the previous generation while at the same time reducing emissions by 14 percent.

The 2.8-liter diesel Wrangler will be on sale at the beginning of 2011 for markets outside of North America. It’s sort of ironic that an all-American symbol of off-road prowess will now be added to the list of unavailable forbidden fruit. Follow the jump for the full details in Chrysler’s press release.

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Diesel-powered Jeep Wrangler with start/stop unveiled for Europe. Where’s the love?

Diesel-powered Jeep Wrangler with start/stop unveiled for Europe. Where’s the love?

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