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Filed under: Concept Cars, Motorsports, Euro, Paris Motor Show, Renault
Click either image for high-res gallery of the Renault Megane Trophy concept
We've said it before but it warrants repeating: Renault makes some of the meanest hot hatches in the business. The (very) outgoing Megane RS has been a favorite among the track day crowd and really any European customer looking for a fast ride with sharp handling that can still serve on the daily grind. With the new Megane now out in the open, the big question on the minds of Renaultsport fans is what manner of fire-breathing demon will follow the established favorite they know and love? Clearly this isn't the answer, but if the production Megane III RS comes even remotely close to this concept car, we'll have yet another European machine to lust after.
The Renault Megane Trophy concept features a Nissan-sourced 3.5-liter V6 mounted amidship like in the old Renaultsport Clio V6, but producing a prodigious 360hp driving through a six-speed sequential gearbox, all wrapped in a competition-grade body with more wing than the Concorde and more louvers than a Parisian museum tour. Currently the car is just a concept, but could end up going into limited production for a spec racing series. Check it out in the gallery below and rest assured that it looks even more awesome in person.
Gallery: Paris 2008: Renault Megane Trophy Concept
Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupes, Sports/GTs
Click above for more shots of the Morgan Space design study
Morgan seems to relish its past; so much so that it still builds cars with frames hewn from ash wood. How could such a company move forward with its designs while giving a clear nod to its history? May we suggest getting in contact with Georgian designer Vladimer Kobakhidze, who penned the Morgan Space concept seen in the gallery below.
Looking over the renderings, this concept is obviously a Morgan, but features a more modern and aerodynamic look. It's very similar to the direction the automaker itself took with the Aeromax -- a design we almost but not quite like. Pontoon-like front fenders blend into a tight waistline that then flows back into the wide rear haunches. The whole car culminates in an boattail-like point at the rear. Like current Morgan production machines, power would come from BMW but the craftsmanship and panache would be classically British, with wood and leather covering every interior surface. Unfortunately, this is nothing more than a design exercise; don't expect to ever see it for real.
Gallery: Morgan Space design study
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Filed under: Concept Cars, Green, Paris Motor Show, Crossovers/CUVs, Peugeot
Click above for high-res gallery of the Peugeot Prologue HYmotion4
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.
Gallery: 2008 Paris: Peugeot Prologue HYmotion4 diesel hybrid concept
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Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Peugeot, Paris Motorcycle Show
Click above for high-res gallery of the Peugeot RC HYmotion4 Concept
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.
Gallery: Paris 2008: Peugeot RC HYmotion4 concept
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Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupes, Wagons/Estates, Paris Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz, Lifestyle
Click the image above for a high-res gallery of the Mercedes ConceptFASCINATION
When Jaguar launched its latest XK coupe, the ad campaign that accompanied it was called "Gorgeous". When the Mercedes-Benz ConceptFASCINATION eventually becomes the next E-Class, the first thing Mercedes should do is call Jag to see if Gorgeous needs a friend. The shooting brake is absolutely stunning in person, the ultimate rendition of MB's current design language. Whereas a few of the 3-pointed-star's current cars have signature elements that ring true, this E-Class-Coupe-Wagon is the first time the entire theme sings in sweet harmony. The interior is the kind of thing that bespoke dreams are made of, with richly stained wood alternating between low-gloss metal and buttery suede. It is as if Mercedes discovered its inner passion, and if the next E-Class shares these qualities with the ConceptFASCINATION, then BMW and Audi better start worrying. You can discover more about the concept in the press release after the jump, as well as view it live in the gallery of high-res images below.
Gallery: Paris 2008: Mercedes-Benz ConceptFASCINATION
Gallery: Mercedes-Benz ConceptFASCINATION
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Filed under: Concept Cars, Minivans/MPVs, Paris Motor Show, Chevrolet, GM
Click above for high-res gallery of Chevy Orlando Concept live shots
Ever wish the Chevy HHR would evolve into something more cool than kitsch? What that would be is the Chevy Orlando Concept, a seven-passenger multi-purpose vehicle that will be entering production in Europe sometime in the near future. We sincerely hope General Motors considers selling the production version in the U.S. as a replacement for the HHR, as its slab sides and chunky stance impart a much more grown up and aggressive attitude than Chevy's current compact people mover. And just like the HHR is based on the compact Cobalt's platform, the production Orlando will be based on the same platform as the upcoming Cruze, which itself will be sold in both Europe and the U.S. There's really not a doubt in our minds that the Orlando is being developed to replace the HHR in the U.S. while it simultaneously enters a new segment in Europe for Chevy. As for when the production version will appear, we don't know. All we know is that this MPV has got a lot of promise. Check out our new gallery of high-res live shots below to see if you agree.
Gallery: Paris 2008: Chevy Orlando LIVE
Continue reading Paris 2008: Chevy Orlando Concept outdoes the HHR
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Concept Cars, Paris Motor Show
It's about 6:00PM in the City of Lights and our rag tag team of bloggers is running on empty after having brought you the first day of debuts at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. Soon they'll be attending after parties and getting drunk on champagne, so we're here to run down the biggest unveilings of the day while you eat your brown bag lunch back in the States. Don't fret, though, as we'll be bringing you lots more from Paris throughout the afternoon and coverage of Day 2 will begin in the wee hours of tomorrow morning EST. (Photo by danorbit | CC2.0)CONCEPTS
Lamborghini Estoque Concept - post | gallery
Citroen GT Concept - post | gallery
Aston Martin One-77 - post | galleryChevy Orlando Concept - post | gallery
MINI Crossover Concept - post | gallery
Audi A1 Sportback Concept - post | gallery
BMW X1 Concept - post | gallery
Mazda Kiyora Concept - post | gallery
Nissan Nuvu EV Concept - post | gallery
Audi A4 TDI Concept e - post | galleryPRODUCTION VEHICLES
2009 Lexus IS250C - post | gallery
2009 Volkswagen GTI - post | gallery
2009 Mazda MX-5 - post | gallery
2009 Audi S4 - post | gallery
Ferrari California - post | gallery
Honda Insight - post | gallery
2009 Mitsubishi Colt Ralliart - post | gallery
Jaguar XKR-S - post | galleryPermalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Concept Cars, Paris Motor Show, Crossovers/CUVs, MINI
Click above for a hi-res gallery of the MINI Crossover Concept
Some concepts are purely design exercises, while others serve as previews of upcoming production models. It's rare for one show car to serve as both, but then MINI is unique in the business. The Crossover concept that the BMW subsidiary unveiled here at the Paris Motor Show has a bit of a Dark Knight villain thing going for it. On one side it's got an unusual door configuration, big show-car wheels and a decidedly conceptual turquoise-highlighted paint scheme. On the other it's more staid, with conventional doors, a more conventional color palette and an altogether more production-feasible appearance. Up top and inside everything's all fantasy, however, with the cloth roof and trick glass infotainment system we reported on earlier. Click the thumbnails below to see the MINI Crossover Concept live from the Paris show floor, and the gallery below that for the factory studio shots, and let us know what you think of the two-faced concept car in our comments section.
Gallery: MINI Crossover Concept LIVE
Gallery: MINI Crossover Concept
Filed under: Concept Cars, Paris Motor Show, Crossovers/CUVs, BMW
Click above for a high-res gallery of the BMW X1 concept
We're trying to find some redeeming qualities in the BMW X1 concept, but after staring at it on the show stand and navigating our way through BMW's lengthy press release (after the jump), we're at a loss.
Built atop the 3-series platform and likely motivated by a handful of gasoline and diesel powerplants when it hits the road next year, the X1 has all the charm of the X3 (as in very little), will feature similar interior dimensions to its lower-riding cousin, the 1-series five-door, and has to make due with the new 7-series' upright schnoz. The X1 isn't quite ready to board the failboat, but it's on its way to the docks.
Gallery: BMW X1 LIVE
Gallery: BMW Concept X1
Continue reading Paris 2008: BMW X1 concept
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Concept Cars, Paris Motor Show, Supercars, Aston Martin
Click above for a high-res gallery of the Aston Martin One-77
Aston Martin said it would have a "property" here in Paris, and indeed it did. The Aston Martin One-77 made its "debut," but it looks like we'll have to wait a bit longer to see the British automaker's $1,000,000+ super coupe.
Judging by the limited upskirt shots in our gallery, the length of the One-77 easily surpasses the DB9 and the stylized front end, with blacked-out headlamps, ensures that the One-77 will spend more time in the comfy confines of heated and carpeted garages then out on the track where it's 7.3-liter V12, carbon fiber monocoque and massive brakes will be put to good use.
Gallery: Paris 2008: Aston Martin One-77
Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedans/Saloons, Sports/GTs, Paris Motor Show, Supercars, Lamborghini
Click above for high-res gallery of live Lamborghini Estoque shots from Paris
You've seen the whole Estoque shebang in Lamborghini's words, pictures, and videos. Let us add our own word to it: hmmm. It's a Lamborghini, so it's hard not to like it. And we hate to tread out the refrain, but it's much nicer in person. It feels, though, like they wanted to get this thing done in time for the show, and it needs a couple more drafts. The front aspect is spot on -- not a tough feat since it's Lamborghini's language. From the side, the it looks a little too stretched forward of the A-pillar, and there's more than one personality fighting for attention if you follow the car from snout to rear. And the back, while beautiful, is... yes... Challenger-esque... But don't take our words for it -- have a look at the high-res gallery below and give us yours.
Gallery: Paris 2008: Lamborghini Estoque LIVE
Filed under: Concept Cars, Economy, Green, Paris Motor Show, Hatchbacks, Mazda
Click above for a high-res gallery of the Mazda Kiyora
Like so many shows in recent memory, part of the theme in Paris is "green." So in addition to the Nissan Nuvu micro EV, Mazda took the wraps off yet another Nagare-themed concept, the Kiyora.
Taking inspiration from past design studies and its Japanese name, which translates to "clean and pure," the Kiyora will influence Mazda's next city car, due to replace the Mazda2 in the middle of the next decade. Measuring in at 3,770mm, the four-seat city car features a 1.3-liter gasoline-powered engine with direct injection and more efficient combustion chambers mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox. Weight and aerodynamics are two key elements of the Kiyora, and with a body made almost entirely of carbon fiber and a drag reduced by 10 percent over the current Mazda2, the diminutive city car would put out less than 90g/km of CO2... if it goes into production.
Check the press release below the fold.
Gallery: Mazda Kiyora LIVE
Continue reading Paris 2008: Mazda Kiyora concept
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Concept Cars, Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Paris Motor Show, Nissan
Click above for a high-res gallery of the Nissan Nuvu concept
Nissan wants to reshape the way we make our way around Gotham, and the Nuvu concept is a means to that greener end. Built atop a new platform measuring around three meters long and featuring an electric drivetrain, Nissan claims that the 2+1 concept is the perfect city car for a better tomorrow.
While the bulbous roofline, squat overhangs and oh-so-cheeky leaf-shaped solar panels (leading into a "trunk" to supply power to the batteries) may be a bit over the top, expect to see some of the styling cues make their way to the revised Note in the next decade, along with Nissan's production EV that's supposedly hitting Japan and the U.S. in 2010.
Make the jump for the press release.
Gallery: Nisan Nuvu LIVE
Gallery: Nissan NUVU concept
Continue reading Paris 2008: Nissan Nuvu EV
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Concept Cars, Hybrids/Alternative, Paris Motor Show, Hatchbacks, Audi
Click above for a high-res gallery of the Audi A1 Sportback
It's hard to do battle with MINI in the premium compact segment. The Cooper and its derivatives bring style and nostalgia to the game, proving that consumers are okay with spending some hard-earned scratch on an iconic coupe.
The Audi A1 Sportback - designed to fill the slot left by the discontinued A2 - lacks the MINI's wistful sensibilities, but it comes packing an extra set of doors, four usable seats, some handsome sheetmetal and an multimedia interface that ties in with the driver's mobile phone to provide navigation, music and an internet connection. Oh, and it can make calls too.
A 1.4-liter TSI engine equipped with both a turbo and supercharger puts out 150 hp to the front wheels through Audi's S-tronic dual-clutch gearbox, and a 27 hp (and 111 lb.-ft.) electric motor drawing power from a lithium-ion battery pack can motivate the A1 in start-and-stop traffic. Look for the production A1 to debut early next year, with sales beginning in late 2009.
All the details are in the press release below the fold and check out both our gallery of live images and press shots below.
Gallery: Audi A1 Sportback LIVE
Gallery: Audi A1 Sportback Concept
Continue reading Paris 2008: Audi A1 Sportback
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Concept Cars, Sedans/Saloons, Videos, Paris Motor Show, Lamborghini
Click above to watch video after the jump
We've brought you the official details and high-resolution photos, and now Lamborghini has released a short video showing off even more angles of the four-door Estoque concept. Yes, we'd like to see the car in motion too, but given that Lamborghini didn't name any engine specs and gave a wide variety of engine possibilities for a production version, we're guessing that the concept is without a motor underneath that long hood. The car looks distinctively Lamborghini from the front and especially aggressive from the rear with its wide haunches. Don't take our word for it, watch the Estoque revolve in video yourself after the jump.
Gallery: 2008 Lamborghini Estoque Concept
[Source: YouTube]
Continue reading VIDEO: Lamborghini Estoque Concept in 3D
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