Autoblog

Report: 2011 Land Rover LRX to debut at Paris Motor Show

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 10:26:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Hybrid, SUV, Paris Motor Show, Crossover, Land Rover, Luxury

Production 2011 Land Rover LRX rendering - Click above to enlarge

Is the world ready for a kinder, gentler Sport Utility Vehicle? Land Rover is betting on it, and the rugged British off-road brand will reportedly debut its hotly anticipated LRX at the Paris Motor Show later this year. Shortly thereafter, the production LRX will make its North American debut in LA. According to Automotive News, the LRX will go on sale in the third quarter of 2011.

We first saw the LRX Concept at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, where it was generally well received by both the press and the showgoing public. The LRX is expected to be Land Rover's most efficient model and is likely to be offered with some sort of hybrid powertrain.

Late last year, Autocar reported that Land Rover's first hybrid drivetrain would include a 3.0-liter diesel V6 engine mated up to a 25kW electric motor. The system would be a full parallel hybrid, meaning it could operate on any combination of gasoline or electricity using its onboard lithium ion battery pack.

Gallery: Land Rover LRX Concept

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]

Report: 2011 Land Rover LRX to debut at Paris Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Feb 2010 10:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 15:59:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Paris Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz

2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS - Click above for high-res image gallery

Underneath that sparse camouflage is the all-new 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS, but you'd be forgiven for thinking that the update is only skin deep.

As the current CLS is based off the older E-Class platform (W211), the 2011 model is set to swap to the updated architecture (W212) and gain a few new stylistic updates inspired by its siblings. Although the coupe-like roofline will remain, the rear fenders will gain the blisters originally seen on the new E, along with the upright grille pulled from the SLS and more angular head- and taillamps.

Power is likely to be provided by Mercedes' new range of direct injected and turbocharged engines, available in both six- and eight-cylinder configurations and topping out in the mid-400 horsepower range. There's talk of a CLS 400 BlueHybrid variant and within a year of its debut - likely at the Paris Motor Show this fall - we can expect a 5.5-liter twin-turbo'd AMG version.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS

Spy Shots: 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Feb 2010 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Audi A1 to spawn five-door, convertible, S variant

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 17:32:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Audi

2011 Audi A1 - Click above for high-res image gallery

It should come as no surprise that Audi will offer a number of different variants of its new A1 compact hatch. What is surprising (kinda) is that the forthcoming S1 will be the first modern, performance-focused Audi to lack all-wheel drive.

According to Autocar, Audi intends to sell 100,000 A1s annually and to pull off those kind of numbers, it will have to diversify. Included in the plan is a five-door version, similar to the A1 Sportback concept seen in Paris, that's likely to ditch the contrast roof rails in favor of a more traditional top. The wagon will likely hit dealers abroad this time next year (production version in Paris?), with the same combination of four-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines as the three-door model.

A convertible version will likely arrive in 2012 with a fabric roof and 2+2 seating, with the S1 variant landing around the same time. When the S-ified A1 hits the market, it's likely to only be available in three-door form, packing a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-pot boosted to around 180 hp and sending power to the front wheels through Audi's seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. If you're disappointed by the lack of Quattro, don't be - the S1 won't make it to the U.S. anyway.

Gallery: 2011 Audi A1

[Source: Autocar]

Report: Audi A1 to spawn five-door, convertible, S variant originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Feb 2010 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2011 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Paris Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

2011 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's been nearly four years since the Mercedes-Benz CL-Class underwent a major overhaul, so M-B is planning a few subtle improvements to the third-generation W216 model before an all-new S-Class coupe arrives on the scene in late 2014.

The new coupe will continue to be available in a variety of variants, but our spy shooters weathering the wintery climes have caught what they believe to be the 604-horsepower twin-turbocharged V12 version wearing a slightly modified fascia adorned with a single chrome slat, enlarged logo, LED daytime driving lamps and a new front bumper and splitter mildly reminiscent of the SLS AMG.

When the refreshed model debuts either next month at the Geneva Motor Show or later this year in Paris don't expect any seriously substantive tweaks to be made to the powertrain. That'll likely come in the next few years when Mercedes begins downsizing and turbocharging, and we expect the S-Class coupe to be one of the first models to benefit from the new mill.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2012 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe

Spy Shots: 2011 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Feb 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Next BMW M5 spotted braving the cold

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Performance, Paris Motor Show, BMW, Luxury

The phrase "new BMW M5" has always found the words "immense anticipation" lurking somewhere close by, and this latest version maintains that union. An HGH-injected iteration of the 5 Series was spotted apparently testing its traction control in some northern land of frosted flakes, wearing a very subtle look.

As outlined by CAR recently, the M-fünf is expected to pump out 570 horsepower through a direct-injected, twin-turbo V8. Auto Express suggests that the changes to the car will be less extensive than in previous editions. Still, this prototype is probably still missing a few of the burly bits we can expect to see on the final car, which should show its face at the Paris Motor Show later this year.

[Source: Auto Express]

Spy Shots: Next BMW M5 spotted braving the cold originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Feb 2010 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Mercedes-Benz CLS shooting brake in the works?

Dan Roth — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Paris Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz, Rumormill, Design/Style

Mercedes Benz ConceptFASCINATION - click for high-res gallery

German automakers have apparently all developed kyphosis, as witnessed by the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo, the impending Audi A7 Sportback, and the Porsche Panamera. It seems the time is right for humpty-backed automobiles from Deutschland. Mercedes used the ConceptFASCINATION to spearhead the launch of its redesigned E-Class, and while it got everyone all excited during auto show season in 2008, few thought it would amount to anything productiony. That's all changed now. Sure, there are wagons; it's hard to name a more proper Estate Car than the E-Class wagon; but that's not the brass ring everyone seems to be stretching for here.

Expected at the next Paris Motor Show in October 2010, Autointernationaal reports that a new CLS will debut with the expected rakish form - as well as a shooting brake version. While we're all ogling pictures of the fetching three-door concept shown above, the production version is expected to carry four doors and a liftgate. While the show vehicle is fetching with its paucity of points of entry, four doors are apparently important for interesting the Asian market. Don't think of this rumored model as a replacement for anything else utilitarian in the Mercedes lineup; the CLS Brake is unlikely to usurp the R-Class and its unsalability. Rather, it will offer another stylish option in a package that is more car than bus. The world could do with more brakes - shoot on, we say.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz ConceptFASCINATION

Gallery: Paris 2008: Mercedes-Benz ConceptFASCINATION

[Source: Autointernationaal.nl (Google Translated)]

Rumormill: Mercedes-Benz CLS shooting brake in the works? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Two Birds, Une Pierre: Peugeot to replace 407 and 607 with new 508

Noah Joseph — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Peugeot

Peugeot RC HyMotion4 concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

The French may not be known for their efficiency as much as, say, ze Germans, but according to the latest reports from across the Pond, Peugeot is reportedly looking at merging two weak product lines into one new sedan. The models in question are the 407 and 607, two saloons that may intrigue from this side of the Atlantic but haven't exactly been runaway successes with those who can pick them up at their local dealership. As a result, parent company PSA's new president Philippe Varin has reportedly confirmed that both models will be integrated into one new successor to be called the 508.

The last time Peugeot used the 50X model designation was with the 505 of 1979. Although we have no idea at this point what the new 508 will be like, we're expecting it to be unveiled in concept form at the 2010 Paris Auto Salon before its production introduction at Geneva in 2011.

Gallery: Paris 2008: Peugeot RC HYmotion4 concept

[Source: Le Blog Auto]

Two Birds, Une Pierre: Peugeot to replace 407 and 607 with new 508 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Opel Insignia Sport Tourer lands at a Czech dealer. Do want.

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Paris Motor Show, Saturn, Opel, Vauxhall

2009 Opel Sports Tourer - Click above for a high-res image gallery

The Opel Insignia Sports Tourer landed at a dealer in the Czech Republic, and it is nothing but tasty: a six-speed diesel with seating for five that holds from 540 or 1,530 cubic liters with the seats down (from 19 to 54 cubic feet) and the handsome hauler gets and 50 mpg (US) from its 160 horsepower 2.0 CTDI. What's more, the rear cargo area has a beautifully flat entry, and a hidden compartment underneath the load floor.

It also has a host of convenience technology such as the Adaptive Forward Lighting with nine (count em!) different settings and the Opel Eye, which memorizes street signs and displays them in the dash. Sounds a bit like the Eye of Mordor, but it could come in handy when on unfamiliar turf. For the consortium looking for new Saturn models to import, please start here. Thanks for the tip, Evzen!

Gallery: Vauxhall/Opel Insignia Sports Tourer

[Source: Autorevue (translated)]

Opel Insignia Sport Tourer lands at a Czech dealer. Do want. originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Apr 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: If this is it, the Mazda1 looks nothing like Kiyora concept

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 09:26:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Spy Photos, Budget, Europe, Green, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Mazda

UPDATE: This is not a prototype for the Mazda1, it is a Chinese-market Haima subcompact based on the Mazda2. Thanks to everyone who sent in the correction

When we were told that the Mazda Kiyora concept unveiled at last year's Paris Motor Show would influence Mazda's coming city car, it looks like we overestimated the word "influence." At least, that's the case if the little Mazda caught in Evo's spy shots is actually the Mazda1.

Evo makes a compelling case for the car actually being the Mazda1 - not merely a revised Mazda2. Save for the ascending shoulder line (now moved to shoulder height, way above the rocker panels as on the Kiyora) the prototype has almost nothing in common with the design of the swoopy Paris beastlet. At the very least, we hope this car comes with the concept car's tech, but we won't know for certain until the car's expected launch at September's Frankfurt Auto Show.

[Source: Evo]

Spy Shots: If this is it, the Mazda1 looks nothing like Kiyora concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Mar 2009 09:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Seoul Preview: SsangYong to show C200 Eco crossover concept in Korea

Chris Paukert — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, China, Paris Motor Show, Crossover, Misc. Auto Shows, South Korea

SsangYong first unveiled its C200 concept crossover at the Paris Motor Show last autumn, and it will release a toned-down version that's nearly production-ready at next month's Seoul Motor Show. The financially battered Korean automaker says its less aggressively-styled C200 is similar in size to the Honda CRV and Toyota RAV4, a class of vehicle that's growing quickly in SsangYong's home market.

The ItalDesign-penned CUV concept is powered by a new 175-horsepower, 2.0-liter diesel engine (torque figures have not yet been released), and four-wheel drive is expected to be available when the C200 reaches showrooms later this year.

SsangYong also expects to show off a new diesel-hybrid version of its oddly styled Kyron, which it says will result in at least 30% better fuel efficiency and at least 50% fewer emissions. Details remain scarce on the powertrain, but SsangYong says the system will involve a direct-injection diesel engine along with a proprietary Torque Split Device that governs use of the electric motor, as well as the usual tricks like regenerative braking and start-stop technology. Official press release available after the jump, gallery of the original 2008 C200 concept below.

Gallery: París 2008: SsangYong C200

Continue reading Seoul Preview: SsangYong to show C200 Eco crossover concept in Korea

Seoul Preview: SsangYong to show C200 Eco crossover concept in Korea originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Mar 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: BMW X1 varies little from concept

John Neff — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Paris Motor Show, Crossover, BMW

BMW X1 spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW unveiled the X1 Concept at the 2008 Paris Motor Show to our bewildered eyes, and spy photographers have just surfaced with photos of the production version that do little to address our concerns for this littlest of soft roaders from Munich. As you can see, the production version will hardly differ at all from the concept, which means the swollen nose from the new 7 Series remains, along with all the surface pinching and odd details that we were so not fond of in Paris.

Styling aside, we question whether there's a market for another BMW sport or crossover utility vehicle, considering that the brand is already loaded with the X6, X5 and X3. The X1 also appears just plain redundant being so similar in size to the X3. That said, it will be built on the same platform as the 3 Series and offer a heaping helping of BMW gas and diesel engines, so it should be the Ultimate Driving Honda CR-V.

[Source: KGP Photography]

Spy Shots: BMW X1 varies little from concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Mar 2009 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Peugeot delaying launch of plug-in hybrid?

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 18:40:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Technology, Paris Motor Show, Crossover, Peugeot, Citroën

Peugeot plans to offer its 3008 CUV with a diesel-electric hybrid by 2011. The step after that is to add plug-in capability, but those plans have been pushed back "a year or two" because of the economy. With R&D budgets pinched by slim sales, the investment in the technology simply can't be justified right now, especially in light of Peugeot's assertion that such cars will sell in "in the tens of thousands, not millions."

As exhibits of Peugeot's intention to employ the diesel-hybrid drivetrain, PSA/Peugeot-Citroen showed three concepts at last year's Paris Motor Show that employed the technology: the Peugeot Prologue HYmotion4, the Peugeot RC HYmotion4, and the Citroen Hypnos. Nevertheless, the head of Peugeot's hybrid innovations unit said plug-in hybrid production - and we would guess the actual date of any PSA hybrid production at all - would "depend on battery costs."

[Source: Automotive News, sub req'd]

Peugeot delaying launch of plug-in hybrid? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Feb 2009 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Citroen GT in motion... in Polish

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 07:29:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Videos, Paris Motor Show, Supercars, Citroën

Click above to see the GTbyCitroen in action

The GTby Citroen has had a short, busy life: from teaser renderings to its Paris Motor Show debut to rumors that Citroen might make the coupe - and then quickly to a denial. Now it is evidently running on European tarmac with a distinct high-powered wail. The commentary is entirely in Polish, but you don't need to understand the language to know that this is where the car looks its best: hugging the road at high speed. Follow the jump to check out the video. Thanks for the tip, Luzik!

Gallery: Paris 2008: GTbyCitroen Live

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Citroen GT in motion... in Polish

VIDEO: Citroen GT in motion... in Polish originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 28 Dec 2008 07:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Peugeot 3008

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Paris Motor Show, Crossover, Peugeot

The 2010 Peugeot 3008 has been spotted in France wearing a scant amount of camouflage, and unless Peugeot is deceiving us, it looks just like the Prologue HyMotion4 Concept from the Paris Motor Show. Updating the sheetmetal of the 4007, this crossover Pug gets a much smoother grille treatment and a combination of lines and curves out back suitable for a display at MOMA. The interior isn't revolutionary, but it's expected to offer seating for five or seven and looks like it will hold up to consumers cross-shopping the Nissan Qashqai and VW Tiguan. Four-cylinder turbocharged engines are predicted to be sized at 1.6-liters, burning either gas or oil and driving two wheels at launch, with a four-wheel-drive variant offered down the line. Thanks for the tip, Jackob!

[Source: Autokrata]

Spy Shots: Peugeot 3008 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Dec 2008 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ssangyong says it's out of money, can't pay workers

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: China, Plants/Manufacturing, Paris Motor Show

Ssangyong, which recently attended the Paris Motor Show and showed off the C200 4-wheel-drive, is officially out of money. The company is more than $77 million (US) in debt, and no longer has the funds to pay its employees' salaries. Ssangyong is owned by Shanghai Automotive Industries China, otherwise known as SAIC. In what could provide a cautionary tale to Volvo workers assuming Ford actually does a deal with SAIC for the Swedish brand, when Ssangyong asked SAIC for the money to pay employees, SAIC refused because Ssangyong's internal employee's union had earlier called for Chinese executives to resign. In the meantime, Ssangyong has merged operations and shut down all of its plants and the employees have planned a protest to make their feelings known.

[Source: Chosun]

Ssangyong says it's out of money, can't pay workers originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Dec 2008 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: GTbyCitroen could be built in limited numbers

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Paris Motor Show, Supercars, Citroën, Specialty

Click above for a high-res gallery of the GTbyCitroen

So while it turns out that PSA is actually not looking to buy Honda's F1 team (that's why they call it the rumormill), the brand could have seriously sporting aspirations of a different sort. According to Jean-Pierre Ploué, PSA's chief designer, there might be a 20-edition run of the GTbyCitroen, the car Citroen created for Sony's GT5. The game car specs came in at 3,000 pounds and 782 horses, some of those powered by hydrogen. If a real car -- actually suggested to be a grand tourer by Citroen's press release -- were built, we hope they opt for a version of the Peugeot 908's diesel V12. For 700 hp and 800 ft-lbs, we'd have no problem driving a car that looks like a catfish up front and a platypus out back. No matter what they put in it, expect it to be tres chere if it ever gets built.

Gallery: Paris 2008: GTbyCitroen Live

Gallery: GTbyCitroen

[Source: Cardisiac via Motor Authority]

Rumormill: GTbyCitroen could be built in limited numbers originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Dec 2008 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM COO says no small car for U.S.

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Paris Motor Show, Chevrolet, GM, Rumormill

While at the Paris Motor Show, General Motors COO Fritz Henderson told Automotive News that GM has no plans for a minicar in the U.S. While Henderson acknowledges the popularity of the Smart mini/city car, he describes it as a phenomenon and doesn't see a strong case for a similar sized minicar for Chevy in the States. His feelings are that American small-car buyers are happier with something like a Cobalt or Aveo instead. What that means for the future of the Beat, Groove or Trax is uncertain, but it doesn't look good from this statement. And with costarring roles in Transformers 2, it seems like not having them in showrooms is just plain stupid. Hopefully AN just got the quote wrong.

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req.]

GM COO says no small car for U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Oct 2008 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lamborghini reveals Estoque interior for first time

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 11:27:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, Paris Motor Show, Supercars, Lamborghini

Click above for more live shots of the Lamborghini Estoque concept's interior

At this point, we've seen nearly every possible angle of Lamborghini's latest raging bull, the Estoque, with one rather large exception: the interior. As a four-door sedan, the compromises one naturally expects from the Italian motor company's supercars are wholly unacceptable in this application, so there is naturally a sense of luxury inside the Estoque that's missing from the Gallardo and Murcielago. We can also see large paddle shifters for the e-gear transmission that are yanked straight from the Gallardo and plenty of two-tone grey and creamy white leather covering most every surface. Plus, there's a whole lot more space now for such pleasure-inducers as a Blu-ray player, in-cabin television and, um, legroom. Still, it's clear that this is a concept cockpit that was likely rushed to deadline for the Paris Motor Show. The buttons in the cockpit are all hard black plastic, which is not exactly fitting for a sister brand of Audi, an automaker that arguably sets the gold standard for interiors by which others are judged. Take a look at the Estoque's interior for yourself in our gallery below.

Gallery: Paris 2008: Lamborghini Estoque LIVE

[Source: Lamborghini]

Continue reading Lamborghini reveals Estoque interior for first time

Lamborghini reveals Estoque interior for first time originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Oct 2008 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pics Aplenty: New Ferrari California shots show off car's good side

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Paris Motor Show, Supercars, Ferrari

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Ferrari California

Yesterday we told you that the Ferrari California was officially sold out through 2010. Some of you seemed to think that this was a ploy. Others thought it fitting. Still others thought it ridiculous because of the car's lack of aesthetic appeal. Well, for all but the last group, here is the newest batch of official photos from Ferrari showing this hot little coupe/cab. More beauty shots of the red and blue models have popped up in the wake of the Paris Motor Show and we have them here for you to see and download. They might even convert a few of you who have thus far been impervious to this car's charms. Click any image here to go to the full high-res galleries.

Gallery: More pics of the 2009 Ferrari California

Continue reading Pics Aplenty: New Ferrari California shots show off car's good side

Pics Aplenty: New Ferrari California shots show off car's good side originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Oct 2008 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi and Toyota considering offering smaller cars in the States

Chris Shunk — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Green, Paris Motor Show, Audi, Toyota

Click either image for a high-res gallery

It's been well documented that we Americans have been growing larger, and if the auto manufacturers thinking of bringing their small cars Stateside follow through, we're going to feel like giants. Toyota and Audi are the latest automakers discussing whether to bring smaller transportation for us portly Americans. Audi, who didn't design the A1 concept for US duty, now believes it's a good idea to rethink its original strategy. Audi marketing boss Peter Schwarzenbauer thinks US customers have made a real shift towards smaller cars and trucks, and that the movement has staying power. Audi brass has made no decisions regarding the A1 in the US, but the fact that they're genuinely looking into the matter is a good thing.

Toyota's cleverly packaged iQ is also being considered for sales in the US. A company insider told Automotive News that Toyota was looking into the viability of the iQ in the US. The sharp looking micro car goes on sale in Europe beginning in early 2009, and we wouldn't be surprised if it arrived Stateside some time after that.

Gallery: Audi A1 Sportback LIVE

Gallery: 2009 Toyota iQ

[Source: Automotive News subs req'd]

Audi and Toyota considering offering smaller cars in the States originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Oct 2008 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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