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Nissan GT-R Spec-V may debut in Paris and go on sale by December

- posted: 20.07.08
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/12/nissan-gt-r-spec-v-may-debut-in-paris-on-sale-by-december/ Filed under: Coupes, Sports/GTs, Paris Motor Show, Supercars, Infiniti, NissanAccording to Car and Driver, a preliminary version of the Nissan GT-R V-Spec -- that stands for Victory Specification, mind you -- could be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show later this year and may even be ready for sale by the end of the year. The V-Spec, whose actual specs have not been revealed, is the even better, faster, stronger version of the plain old blindingly fast Nissan GT-R. The V will be lower and more powerful than the regular GT-R, but no one knows yet by exactly how much.Apparently Nissan has also admitted that the $70,000 GT-R is currently a loss-leader. As the company rolls out more cars on the same platform, like an Infiniti version in a year or so, the GT-R's balance sheet will begin to show profit. Speaking of that Infiniti version, it will be intriguing to see how they combine Nissan gadgetry with Infiniti luxury. And although the V-Spec could be shown in just a few months and on sale by December, it isn't expected to go on sale in the U.S. until 2010.[Source: Car and Driver via Motor Authority] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Honda's next hybrid could revive Insight name

- posted: 20.07.08
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/17/hondas-next-hybrid-could-revive-insight-name/ Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Paris Motor Show, Hatchbacks, HondaClick above for high-res gallery of the Honda CR-Z conceptFirst Honda said it was going to press the reset button on its hybrid efforts and come out with something bolder than the Civic Hybrid. Then it laid out plans for a number of hybrids that would be priced considerably more aggressively than the Toyota Prius. One of the concepts, the funky CR-Z, has already got people abuzz.More details have emerged about the first hybrid to appear, a 5-door hatch with unique styling that's based on the Fit, but three inches taller and one inch wider. It will use the Civic Hybrid's Integrated Motor Assist technology and mate that car's 1.3-liter engine with 94 hp to a 15kW electric motor powered by a nickel-metal-hydride battery pack. Fuel economy, according to insider predictions, will be somewhere around 71 - 82 miles per gallon, but that's based on Japanese domestic use. Expect a drop for U.S. comparison.Honda is considering a return to the name "Insight" for its first new hybrid, which we're all for. The Insight was a brilliant little ride, and we never understood why Honda let it go. Though it was low on practicality with only two seats and not much storage, it was a purpose-built vehicle for big mpg numbers. This potential new Insight will be Honda's global hybrid, and the company expects to sell 100,000 of them in the U.S. annually. Add this to the other three hybrids Honda is planning, and Honda's hybrid future -- assuming it delivers as promised -- looks quite bright.Gallery: Honda CR-Z Concept[Source: Auto Observer via eGM Car Tech] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Bob Lutz on Volt: "no reasonable doubt... this is going to work"

- posted: 20.07.08
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/17/bob-lutz-on-volt-no-reasonable-doubt-this-is-going-to-work/ Filed under: Coupes, Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Paris Motor Show, Chevrolet, GMBob Lutz has come out and said it again: "I would say there's almost no reasonable doubt in our minds anymore that this is going to work." And that isn't just that the Chevy Volt will work -- it's that it will work on time and as promised. In spite of the difficulties GM has had getting Volt technology up-to-speed within its timeframes, the man upstairs is apparently as confident as ever.Lutz said that engineers have driven the car to and above its 40-mile pure electric range already. Two companies are still trying to win the lithium-ion battery pack contract, although LG Chem says it has a 3rd-gen unit that's ready to go. Another hurdle is the car's internal combustion range extender starting up, which Lutz described as "noisy and still a little rough."And of course, it wouldn't be a Lutz piece without him taking a shot at something. Speaking of Toyota's delay in rolling out lithium-ion batteries (although there could be another reason for that), Lutz said Toyota should have faced a bit more scrutiny for that decision. "They told the world that GM was taking a huge risk, that lithium ion batteries were prone to explode and that we were putting our customers at risk and that they would stay with the tried and true. When it comes to Toyota, let me tell you, the press has a short memory." After all of this, if the Volt doesn't show up on time and as promised, GM will need to retool one of its plants to make humble pies.Gallery: 2011 Chevy Volt - spy pics[Source: Reuters UK] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Kia Soul gets its emo on, visits Vans Warped Tour

- posted: 20.07.08
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/20/kia-soul-gets-its-emo-on-visits-vans-warped-tour/ Filed under: Economy, Paris Motor Show, Hatchbacks, KiaLooking startlingly like a Vans shoe, preproduction versions of Kia's Soul will be doing their roadie routine with the Vans Warped Tour in the U.S. this summer. The front and rear of the car will be hidden under camo tape done up like Vans trademark checkerboard pattern, and dark windows will keep prying eyes out, but kids will still get a good look at what's on offer.Taking what appears to be more than a few pages from the Scion playbook, the Warped Tour sponsorship will also include things like interactive Soul Lounges with live DJs, airbrush tattoo artists, and plenty of contests. There's even going to be a solar powered stage. Kids with custom Kia wristbands will get into Kia VIP sections near the main stages, and everyone can keep up with the action at Kia's concert blog site. If what you want to do is actually see the car, Kia won't bare its Soul completely until the Paris Motor Show later this year. [Source: Kia] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Paris Preview: MINI SAV 5-door coming, FWD variant planned

- posted: 20.07.08
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/02/paris-preview-mini-sav-5-door-coming-fwd-variant-planned/ Filed under: SUVs, Paris Motor Show, Crossovers/CUVs, MINIAfter nearly three years of rumors and speculation, the new jacked-up MINI SAV will finally make its debut, according to Autocar. The Brit pub is reporting that the MINI 'ute is bound for Paris, with an on-sale date sometime in 2010 and sporting a five-door design.Questions still remain about what platform the new all-wheel-drive model will be based on, with sources suggesting it will either be based around the Clubman's architecture, making use of a new upper-body structure, or the current Cooper's chassis, using the front end and employing a new floorpan to accommodate the AWD system and new seating positions. Regardless of what's underpinning the SAV, MINI has to justify the R&D, so if the biggie-sized MINI proves successful, there's a possibility that a front-wheel-drive variant will be offered on the same chassis, oxymoronically dubbed the MINI "Maxi."Production is expected to begin late next year at Magna's factory in Graz, which currently produces the X3. And with BMW shifting production of its entry-level SUV to the U.S. sometime next year, MINI will have the manufacturing capacity to bring its sales over the 340,000 mark.[Source: Autocar] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy Shots: Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart sneaks out ahead of Paris show

- posted: 20.07.08
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/02/spy-shots-mitsubishi-lancer-sportback-ralliart-sneaks-out-ahead/ Filed under: Spy Photos, Paris Motor Show, Hatchbacks, MitsubishiClick above for more spy shots of the Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart Sportback.We're eagerly anticipating the debut of the Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback and its Ralliart variant in Paris this September, and these recent shots of the five-door making the rounds in Barcelona are just enough to keep us interested. Judging by the German numberplates and a couple of shots that surfaced on Autoweek.nl, we'd guess that the Ralliart Sportback is in the hands of motoring journalists abroad or was on its way to a photoshoot ahead of its launch. As we've seen previously, the Ralliart hatch takes the Evo-styled front end from its four-door counterpart, along with new side sills, darkened wheels and a subtle rear spoiler. In Europe, the Lancer Sportback will come equipped with either a 1.5- or 1.8-liter four, or a 2.0-liter turbodiesel, while those of us in the U.S. get to enjoy an Evolution experience on the cheap, with a de-tuned version of the 4B11T/C 2.0-liter four, producing 237 hp and 253 lb.-ft. of torque. We like it in red, white or slate grey would be our chosen hue when the Sportback goes on sale in the States early next year.Gallery: Spy Shots: Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart SportbackGallery: Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback[Sources: The Auto Union, Autoweek.nl] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy Shots: 2009 Jaguar XKR

- posted: 20.07.08
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/04/spy-shots-2009-jaguar-xkr/ Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Paris Motor Show, JaguarThe 2009 Jaguar XK-R has been spotted and shot doing the rounds in Europe. With so many other pots on the boil, like the XF-R and the new XJ, the XK-R is going the subtle route when it comes to changes. Up front, new intakes will be fitted under the headlights, while out back LED tail lights will be fitted in place of the standard units. One change we are most excited to hear about is the swap from a telescoping aerial to a shark fin on the deck lid. On the convertible, the raised aerial caused all kinds of wind noise, which, frankly, was unacceptable on a $100K car. Inside you'll find, ta-da, Jaguar Drive. The final version of Jaguar's hottest kitten will be revealed at the Paris Motor Show.[Source: World Car Fans] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

All-new Chevrolet Cruze coming to Paris, sales begin Spring 2009

- posted: 20.07.08
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/08/all-new-chevrolet-cruze-coming-to-paris-sales-begin-spring-2009/ Filed under: Economy, Paris Motor Show, Hatchbacks, ChevroletChevrolet has big... well... smallish plans for Paris, where the automaker will unveil an "all-new" compact vehicle dubbed the Cruze. Born from Chevy's global design and engineering team, the Cruze will sport many of the exterior elements we've seen on recent concepts, so expect lots of angular lines, a high belt-line and a squat greenhouse. The Cruze will supposedly be able to handle a parcel of five passengers, along with whatever junk they can fit in the trunk, and will measure in at 4.6 meters (181 inches) -- think of it as the next Cobalt.After its world premier in the City of Lights this October, the Cruze will go on sale across Europe in the spring of 2009, and, according to the press release below the fold, will be available in "other global regions" afterwards.Continue reading All-new Chevrolet Cruze coming to Paris, sales begin Spring 2009 Permalink | Email this | Comments

Chevy Cruze to be built in Lordstown

- posted: 20.07.08
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/09/chevy-cruze-to-be-built-in-lordstown/ Filed under: Economy, Sedans/Saloons, Plants/Manufacturing, Paris Motor Show, Chevroletclick above for high-res gallery of next-gen Chevy Cobalt spy shotsWorkers at GM's Lordstown, OH plant just got another shot of good news from the General: the next-gen compact car from Chevrolet will be built there. The Chevy Cruze will replace the Cobalt, which recently had a third shift added to its production, and will make its initial debut at the Paris Motor Show in October. Europeans will get the first shot at the new car with sales beginning in April of 2009. The U.S. won't get the car until the following year, as the Lordstown plant begins phasing out the Cobalt and ramping up production of the Cruze in June of 2010. Both cars will be built simultaneously for a short time, according to UAW Local 1714 President Dave Green, who represents the workers at the Lordstown assembly plant.A look at recent spy shots has our interest piqued over the new small sedan. Styling looks to be worlds better than the just decent Cobalt and the promised forty miles per gallon sounds like just what the doctor ordered in the face of ever-increasing gas prices. Thanks for the tip, Tony!Gallery: 2011 Chevy Cobalt - spy shots[Source: WKBN News] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

BMW 3-series refresh confirmed for Paris debut

- posted: 20.07.08
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/10/bmw-3-series-refresh-confirmed-for-paris-debut/ Filed under: Convertibles, Coupes, Sedans/Saloons, Paris Motor Show, BMWThe 2009 BMW 3-series will be revealed in all its facelifted glory at the Paris Motor Show and sales will begin across North America this October. The only discernible differences up front are a new fascia that apes the recently unveiled 7-series, new headlamps with "altered graphics," a contoured hood and modified mirror housings. Out back, the subtle changes continue, with a new taillight design that integrates more cleanly into the trunk lid and a reworked bumper that will join a one-inch wider track on high end version of the 3-series.Inside, you'll find a revised armrest on the driver's side door, an updated iDrive controller and software, a high-resolution 8.8-inch screen, with options for an 80-gig hard drive that can store MP3s and the sat nav software.The 335i's (claimed) 300 hp, 3.0-liter twin-turbo six will remain, as will the 328i's 230 hp, 3.0-liter inline-six. The new addition to the family is the 335d, which is packing a 265 hp, twin-turbo 3.0-liter straight-six diesel, equipped with urea injection to keep the U.S.'s SMOG sniffers happy. However, if you were hoping for a 335d coupe, you're out of luck - the oil burner is only available in the sedan and fitted with a six-speed automatic transmission. Otherwise, the tranny choices will include the six-speed manual or six-speed auto 'box. However, Autoweek makes no mention of the DCT gearbox. Too bad.Expect all the details to be revealed shortly.[Source: Autoweek] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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