There is likely to be some degree of Rover content in some of the new cars. SsangYong parent SAIC is now producing cars based on Rover platforms, as well as updated versions of the K-series Rover petrol engines, and these engines in particular are likely to be used in SsangYong’s future product. The Rover X60 platform is also likely to form the basis of some of the more conventional cars – effectively Giugiaro-styled Rovers.
SsangYong showed the first fruits of its relationship with Shanghai Automotive Industries Group – a new compact SUV, codenamed C200.
New dealers will need to be recruited before SsangYong UK moves into passenger cars, Williams says. Not all the new models will come to the UK – some of them are large saloons, aimed at the Korean domestic market. “We know we’ll not take all the 20 models,”says Williams. “We need to make the right choice about what comes next.”
The C200 has been styled by Giugaro, whose ItalDesign styling house is working closely with SsangYong on new models. The C200 gives a good impression of the look of future SsangYongs, Williams adds.more detail
Some might call Lake Constance-based Kicherer’s obsession with making Mercedes-Benz products go faster an unhealthy one. Of course, those people clearly fail to appreciate the pleasure that 900Nm of torque at one’s command can bring. Kicherer’s latest is the CL 60 Coupe, based on the Mercedes CL600 luxury coupe.
The twin-turbo V12 CL600 sits pretty at the top of the Mercedes two-door lineup, and Kicherer’s wizards have left the basic package alone. Under the skin, however, things are a bit more exciting. The V12’s power has been boosted from 517 to 570, with a corresponding increase in torque to 900Nm. A modified transmission control module and locking rear differential ensure that the additional power gets to the road in a relatively dignified fashion, and the chassis has been lowered by 25mm. The CL 60 Coupe also features unique 20-inch Kicherer RS-1 wheels. A body kit and carbon trim set the CL 60 apart from stock CL600s nicely.
More information can be found at Kicherer’s website, at www.kicherer.net. via:sportscarforums
The Opel Meriva has been spotted once again while undergoing testing in preparation for its expected unveiling next year. Camouflage treatment on this particular prototype is slightly different to previous photos caught by spy photographers. more detail
The new(ish) Seat Exeo sedan was unveiled in the presence of the world's media for the first time last week at the Paris Motor Show. It is based on the previous generation Audi A4 platform which began life back in 2001, meaning this is little more than a re-badged model. However we shouldn't forget the 2001 Audi A4 played a strong role in bringing the premium brand to where it is today and it would be premature to say the same platform couldn't help Seat make similar strides in the industry.
Pricing will start in the region of €22,000 for the base Reference trim level, there will also be Stylance and Sport trim levels available but specifications and equipment details are yet to be released. What has been released however is this new video showing a little driving footage of the new Seat Exeo along with a short exert of beauty footage.
At launch there will be a choice of six engines, all of which meet the strict Euro-5 emissions standards. Three pretol engines bless the Exeo with power output ranging from 102HP (75kW) to 200HP(147 kW), the remaining diesel options generate between 120hp (88kW) and 170HP (123kW).
In the latest round of photos we can see another glimpse of the interior thanks to a detail shot of the front seats and center console. The second photo shows the new pony car’s front headlight and fender panel, along with the redesigned side mirror. Not terribly exciting, but as a bonus we cropped together a couple of Ford’s previous photos to give you a good idea of the new Mustang’s side profile.
Now that the new Mustang will go up against the Dodge Challenger and Chevrolet Camaro, expect Ford to continue to build as much hype as they can ahead of the car’s November debut.
Ford’s long tease of the 2010 Mustang continues as the company has released two more additional teasers ahead of the car’s unveiling at the LA Auto Show. More Photos
Expect some special chrome accents on the front end, twin pipes out back and 20 inch wheels on all four corners. While some think this super-sedan will wear the "SHO" nameplate, a few unidentified but well-placed sources have informed us to expect a euro-inspired "ST" badge. We will know for sure in early 2009.
This week we caught several clear photos of Ford's high performance Taurus prototypes and we caught them not far from Ford’s headquarters! Although it’s wrapped in camouflage, there is no mistaking as to what this is. Photos of a clay version leaked months ago, proving this is the real thing.
Carrying over styling cues from Ford’s stylish European Mondeo, this all-new Taurus will hopefully add some much needed excitement to the Ford lineup. These particular prototypes are of the high spec model and it packs the 3.5L, twin turbo V6. We hear it should be good for around 350hp. Only AWD versions will be available and we expect it to be fitted with Ford's new SR1 (Shock Ratio 1) suspension system that is currently used in the Lincoln MKS. Source:World Car Fans
The Kuga joins Individual versions of the Ford Mondeo, Fiesta, S-Max and Galaxy, offering overseas buyers a host of luxury options you'd normally find on higher-end automobiles.
The interior trim in particular goes a long way towards addressing some of the incoherence we mentioned in our review as well. Along with the leather and stuff, the Kuga Individual gets a revised exterior package that evokes some of the touches from the concept car, like aluminum intake fascias, 20" wheels and ground effects.
When we put the production Ford Kuga next to its progenitor, the Iosis X show car, on our test drive in Belgium, we couldn't help but feel a little disappointed. The Kuga is a fine looking cute-ute, but lacks the aggressive styling that made the Iosis X such a show stopper. Ford promised to close the gap a little with the Individual version of the Kuga, launched here in Paris.
The latter gives the Kuga a more road-skimming look as opposed to the Iosis X's jacked-up stature, but it's a nice touch all the same. The best part, however, could be the new engine option: the same Volvo-sourced turbo five from the hot Focus ST, albeit detuned to 200hp.
The Megane is Renault's bread and butter, competing in a dog-eat-dog segment against the likes of Volkswagen's new Golf and the popular European-spec Ford Focus. Diversity is part of Renault's plan of attack, planning to offer six different Megane bodystyles, each with its own distinct character. To start off, Renault launched the five-door hatchback and the sleek new coupe on its home turf here in Paris. Both represent striking departures from the models they replace, and the three-door cuts a particularly aggressive silhouette. All ContentMore Photos
Standing in front of the Alfa Romeo display in Paris, we found ourselves in a bit of a conundrum. The big news from Alfa was, of course, the official worldwide show debut of the MiTo, and the stand was rife with them. But we've already brought you galleries of photos of the MiTo, and even flew all the way over to Italy to drive it. (For you, of course.) But a European car show wouldn't be a European car show without some shots of an Alfa Romeo. Fortunately the Italians were kind enough to oblige with a new, hotter version of the impossibly gorgeous Brera. All ContentMore Photos
Ralliart as any world car fan knows, is a badge synonymous with Lancer performance but has now been introduced for baby Colt as well. The Colt Ralliart replaces the old 3-door CZT and adds another innovation to the name by giving an extra two doors for variation, if you prefer it. So puny power becomes practical as well. The car runs a 150ps 1.5-litre turbo engine on both versions. As far as equipment goes, since you are not paying too much for these cars you aren’t getting that much back either. Some nice features include an auxiliary plug for audio inputs, cruise control and “come home” lighting.
It’s that time again, when Mitsubishi unveils the new generation Colt. Baby Colt was shown at the Paris Motor Show for the first time and is coming to a Mitsubishi dealer near you, in Europe anyway, by November 2008. In keeping up with the competition, the Colt will be offered in 1.1-litre, 1.3-litre and 1.5-litre Clear Tec engine variants. These are good for 75ps (100Nm), 95ps (125Nm) and 109ps (145Nm) each respectively. All in petrol. The last Colt diesel sold dismally so Mitsu will not go down that slippery spiky path again this time around. The engines are equipped with automatic stop and go technology to help improve fuel economy and reduce bad emissions. Standard is a 5-speed manual transmission but an AllShift automated manual is offered with the 1.3.
The Volage Concept features Michelin Active Wheel technology that incorporates 2 small electric motors per wheel, one of which provides the power for the wheels and the other used for the active electric shock absorber system (the suspension). The benefits of the batteries can be seen with the model's on board control system that allows the driver to select different configurations depending on the situation. One configuration for example could see the model configured for drive comfort rather than just sheer power and speed.
Venturi are no stranger to the world of electric vehicles. Their previous works have included the Fetish Concept as well as an electric version of the Citroen Berlingo. This Autumn's Paris Motor Show gives the company the opportunity to showcase their latest work, the Volage concept. The concept is a collaboration along with fellow French company, Michelin, well known for their tire products.
Production versions of the Volage Concept are planned to hit the market in 2012.
A lightweight chassis from the Fetish Concept keeps the overall dry weight down to 1,075kg with a pretty even weight distribution of 45% to the front and 55% to the rear. Put it all together and we have a tidy little sportscar capable of propelling from 0-100km/h in under 5 seconds.
If you're thinking about buying the new Ford Fiesta and you happen to be into Tango, then this clip is for you. Using two of the first Fiestas (Squeeze Green and Hot Magenta) to arrive in the UK, stunt drivers with Strictly Come Dancing winner, Mark Ramprakash and partner performed a special choreographed dance at the Tower of London. Surely, Ford could have devised a more clever promo to mark the start of Fiesta sales in the UK, but with consideration to the Fiesta's target demographic whom are 20-something women, perhaps it's appropriate after all.
The Santa Fe blue Hybrid is powered by a 2.4 liter gasoline engine coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission and a 30Kw electric motor. As in other hybrids, the electric motor also works as a generator to charge the batteries. An engine shutoff/restart system reduces idle time for the gas engine, and electronic power steering reduces parasitic engine losses. The Santa Fe blue Hybrid uses a 270V lithium polymer battery, unlike the lithium-ion batteries in wide use today. According to Hyundai, the more durable Li-Poly battery offers lower production costs as well as a higher energy density and longer life. Hyundai says that this parallel hybrid architecture will be used as the basis for upcoming production hybrids.
Hyundai will be rolling out the green carpet this year at the Paris Motor Show, with the unveiling of its i20 and Santa Fe Blue Hybrid. While Hyundai has already released one image of its new i20, the Korean automaker has kept the wraps on the Santa Fe Blue Hybrid – until today.
Technically dubbed the Santa Fe Blue Hybrid Concept, the hybrid SUV is more a lightly disguised pre-production model rather than a show car. Underhood, the Santa Fe hybrid uses Hyundai’s new hybrid drivetrain, which pairs the automaker’s Theta 2.4L four-cylinder with an electric motor. That electric motor generates 41 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque, which should give the Santa Fe a little more pep to go along with its increased fuel economy, which is rated at 38 mpg in the European cycle. Power is routed through a six-speed automatic transmission.
In addition to the integrated starter/generator, the 2.4 liter four-cylinder has been modified for use in the Santa Fe blue Hybrid with extensive friction-reduction measures, to improve its operating efficiency. Hyundai says that the Santa Fe’s performance has not been affected by the conversion, and the 10.6 second 0-100 km/h acceleration suggest that this is true. CO2 emissions have been reduced to a combined 148 g/km, and the Santa Fe blue Hybrid returns 6.2l/100km fuel economy. Source:World Car Fans
How would you like to have a mid-sized sedan or station wagon that gets over 57 mpg (U.S.)? That's exactly what Volkswagen has unveiled in Paris as the Passat BlueMotion II. It's being shown as a further evolution of the latest Passat BlueMotion, part of VW's lineup of cars optimized for low CO2 emissions. With a common rail diesel engine that uses SCR after-treatment to the meet the 2013 EURO VI emissions standard, the CO2 emissions are rated at only 109 g/km. In addition to the clean diesel engine, the Passat gets aerodynamic tweaks, longer gear ratios and an automatic start stop system. So far, there is no word on when the BlueMotion II will hit production, but for a car as big as the Passat to get that kind of mileage is phenomenal. via:autobloggreen
Ferrari, having gone massively GT with 612 Scaglietti, have provided another avenue for this type of vehicle by offering California customers a choice of either bench-style sitting behind the two front seats or seating for one or two passengers. It’s for those times when 460 horses demand to be shared with an appreciative audience. That 4.3-litre V8 and its 485Nm hurl the California from 0 – 100km/h in “under 4 seconds”, running out of punch at 310km/h. The Ferrari California turns in 13.1 litres/100 km (ECE combined) and emits 305.6 g\km in harmful carbons.
Various suspension settings are possible depending on the driver’s whim at the time, but the California was conceived primarily as a track star, and will therefore always gravitate towards that origin no matter what setting. For example, the new 7-speed double-clutch gearbox is a big factor when it comes to fuel efficiency, yet it is quick on the change and can be enacted using F1-style steering-wheel paddle shifters. This is a very well-equipped Ferrari, featuring comforts like iPod jack, sat nav, 6.5-inch touch screen and a USB port. Nice to have, but can’t really compare to the chorus of 460 mares through that tunnel.
In California they say women are as fast as the cars, and that on the beaches they drop their tops as quickly as this Ferrari California. At 14 seconds from up to down it may be really hard to beat, by the summer ladies that is. It’s a hardtop made of aluminium to keep the weight down. And when it’s down there is very little to quieten-down that V8 which sings a chorus that only 460 horses can sing through those four pipes at the back. Those concave/ convex lines that change direction as quickly as the California on a long stretch of freeway, on their way from the front to the elevated rear, LED lights protruding just slightly from where the spoiler meets boot. More Photos
Earlier this week further details of Aston Martin's £1million one-77 supercar surfaced after a sales document found its way to the internet, something that has done nothing but drum up additional excitement towards the model. So much so that we can't wait for it to hit the motorshow circus. Obviously today's Paris Motor Show has come way too soon for us to be able to see the model in its full glory, but the British marque had nothing else going on, so they brought along a veil covered prototype to give the media an early peak at its styling. It also makes up for the disappointment of Aston Martin's failure to bring along a production ready version of the Rapide four-door coupe. Source:World Car Fans
Oettinger was the first tuner to show a tuning package for the new Scirocco, and now Abt Sportsline is quickly following. The comprehensive package consists of a full body kit, rear exhaust system plus engine and chassis performance upgrades.
For brakes and suspension, Abt access their existing parts inventory for sport lowering springs which drop the ride height by 30mm and Abt's brake kit which includes pads, rotor and calipers. Of course, Abt's own BR or AR alloys in 18 to 20 inch size s are available with a selection of tires and wheel spacers.
On the outside, Abt emphasizes the Scirocco's forward wedged shaped look with a dramatic front bumper fascia, grille, side skirts with two air inlets, roof spoiler, rear wing and rear bumper fascia which accommodates diagonal 4-pipe rear muffler.
Available from January 2009, the entire package which includes the body pack, 4-pipe rear muffler, springs and complete wheel set (19 inch AR alloys, diamond-machined and black, plus tyres and wheel spacers) costs a very reasonable 5,990 Euros in Germany. more detail
With it's roof-mounted air-ducts feeding a new intake manifold, power is increased from 330hp to 360hp. Ensuring the car's reliability, rebuild intervals are carried out every 5,500km. Combined with the aerodynamic gains of the new composite outer skin, the extra power output of the 3.5-liter V6 engine will enable the Mégane Trophy to make lap times close to the Porsche GT3.
After putting us into a figure four leglock with the Megane Coupe debut earlier today, Renault inflicts the incapacitating sleeper hold by releasing the single-make race series Mégane Trophy version in Paris today.
At the end of the year, the Mégane Trophy will be available as an upgrade kit for existing cars. However, the modifications required to adapt the chassis to the new bodywork must be carried out by the Alpine factory in Dieppe.
With it's roof-mounted air-ducts feeding a new intake manifold, power is increased from 330hp to 360hp. Ensuring the car's reliability, rebuild intervals are carried out every 5,500km. Combined with the aerodynamic gains of the new composite outer skin, the extra power output of the 3.5-liter V6 engine will enable the Mégane Trophy to make lap times close to the Porsche GT3.More Photos
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