Paris Motor Show 2010: Lotus debuts Eterne hybrid sedan concept
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.
Categories: Auto Show, Hybrid, Lotus, Paris Motor Show Tags: Lotus, Paris Motor Show
Paris Motor Show 2010: Lamborghini Sesto Elemento Concept in detail
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.
Lamborghini Sesto Elemento Concept, rear viewIf 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.
Categories: Auto Show, coupe, Lamborghini, Paris Motor Show Tags: Lamborghini, Paris Motor Show
Paris Preview: Land Rover reveals the Evoque
Here’s the production 2012 Range Rover Evoque in all its glory, and the LRX-inspired CUV is lighter, meaner and greener than anything to come from the Range Rover arsenal.
Buyers can opt for three exterior design themes: Pure, a minimalistic take with 19-inch wheels and natural colors complemented by brushed metal trim adorning the insides; Prestige, a “bespoke exterior” treatment with exclusive 19-inch wheels paired “an indulgent interior;” or Dynamic, with 19- or 20-inch wheels a reworked bodykit, and a sportier cabin complete with perforated leather seats and a bit more bling.
Inside, the interior is influenced not only by the Range Rover Sport, but by Jaguar as well. Seriously bolstered seats straddle a center tunnel where a rotary gear transmission selector rises to hand. The four-setting Terrain Response System dial has been replaced with buttons attending an illuminated menu and controls are mainly managed through an eight-inch touchscreen. Aural enjoyment is provided by the 825-watt, 17-speaker Meridian sound system with additional inputs for other peripherals.
Categories: Auto Show, Land Rover, Paris Motor Show, SUV Tags: Land Rover
Paris Preview: Mini’s electric scooter comes into view
Mini’s given us an almost true-to-life view of its Scooter E Concept, and while there’s a little too much going on up front, the overall design stands to look quite all right in person. There’s some serious action going on around the wheels, so as its “E” designation would suggest, motivation will be provided by two electric motors. We’ll get up close with it at next week’s Paris show, and since there’s nothing a mod in overalls and flight boots won’t help, we’ll expect to see her there, too.
Categories: Auto Show, Mini, Paris Motor Show Tags: Mini
Paris Preview: Rolls-Royce to feature five personalized Rollers
When it comes to luxurious exclusivity, there’s nothing quite like a Rolls-Royce. And while your local R-R dealer will give you the white glove and red carpet treatment all day long, the automaker prides itself on offering an extensive personalization program. After all, if you’re paying buku bucks for any of the vehicles in the Rolls stable, why not shell out for some personal touches?
To promote its knack for bespoke design, Rolls-Royce will be bringing five personalized vehicles to the stage at this year’s Paris Motor Show. Along with the gunmetal metallic extended-wheelbase Phantom pictured above, a Phantom Coupe, Drophead Coupe and two Ghosts will be on hand, allowing show-goers to get a taste of the optional touches available across the automaker’s portfolio. The Phantom seen here features custom elements like special embroidery in the headrests, seat piping and mother of pearl centers to the white instrument dials, control knobs and analog clock face.
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Categories: Paris Motor Show, Rolls-Royce Tags: Rolls-Royce
Paris Preview: Lotus Elite shows the way forward with slick new GT
As brilliant as its chassis dynamics are, Lotus has been in need of a design revolution for some time now. And now you’re looking at it. These are the first images and details released on the much anticipated new Lotus Elite, set to be unveiled in a little over a week from now at the rapidly approaching Paris Motor Show.
You can plainly see from the photos that the Elite marks a styling departure from the language spoken by the likes of the Elise and Evora. This svelte GT’s lines represent what recently hired designer Donato Coco has planned for future Lotus vehicles, and comes wrapped around a front/mid-engined 2+2 shape. The show car actually showcases a retractable hardtop – a first for Lotus and a potential shocker to company founder Colin Chapman’s ethos of extreme weight savings, the car tipping the scales at 1650 kg (3600 lbs).
Categories: Auto Show, Lotus, Paris Motor Show Tags: Lotus
Paris 2010 Preview: Porsche 911 Speedster channels original 356
So many Porsches, so little time. Reports came in just yesterday that Stuttgart was planning an ultra-hardcore GT3 RS as well, but the German automaker has now announced an altogether different variant of its iconic sports car: the Porsches 911 Carrera GTS, which will make its official debut at the fast-approaching Paris Motor Show.
Recalling the original 356 and the three successive Speedsters to come since, the new 911 Speedster cuts a classic (if a bit awkward) hunchback profile and 60mm lower windshield. The wide-body stance is the same found on the Carrera 4 and the aforementioned GTS, with which it also shares (along with the similarly retro 911 Sport Classic) its 408-horsepower flat-six engine, driving the rear wheels through the company’s PDK dual-clutch gearbox.
Created by the Porsche Exclusive department, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, the 911 Speedster honors the 1950′s classic from which it draws its inspiration, with only 356 examples on offer. The unique shade of French racing blue comes standard, and continues on the rather, um… interesting two-seat interior, with Porsches 911 Carrera available at no extra charge.
Categories: Paris Motor Show, Porsche Tags: Porsche
Ferrari 599 SA APERTA drops its top for Paris Motor Show
Ferrari has pulled back the covers on its rumored topless Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano before the roadster’s unveil at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. We’ve got bad news if you were hoping to sink your teeth into this particular convertible, though. The Prancing Horse is only planning to make 80 examples of its newest creation and each one has already been spoken for. The company is calling the drophead the SA Aperta in honor of none other than Sergio and Andrea Pininfarina. Their contribution to Ferrari design needs no introduction.
Ferrari says that the SA Aperta sits closer to the tarmac than just about any other of the company’s products and that the creation is far more than some hacksaw version of the hardtop Ferrari 599. While a simple cloth top will keep the rain off your back should the weather turn sour, Ferrari says that it has poured substantial effort into developing the chassis to maintain the same level of stiffness that the coupe version of the 599 enjoys. Those lucky enough to get their hands on the car will still find the same meaty V12 mounted up front.
Categories: Auto Show, Ferrari, Paris Motor Show Tags: Ferrari
Paris Motor Show 2010 Preview: BMW unwraps 6 Series Coupe Concept
Ahead of the Paris Motor Show, BMW has released the first pictures of the BMW Concept 6-Series Coupe.
Designed to be a “stylish and authentic expression of superior sports performance,” the car is effectively a two-door version of the Concept Gran Coupe. As such, it features LED headlights, a massive twin-kidney grille, a four-tailpipe exhaust system, and 20-inch aluminum wheels.
Inside, the cabin boasts two-tone leather upholstery, wood trim, and gloss black accents. Other goodies include a 10.2-inch iDrive display, a digital instrument cluster, and a 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system.
While the company declined to talk engine specifics, it’s safe to assume power is provided by a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 with 395 hp (294 kW / 400 PS) and 450 lb-ft (609 Nm) of torque.
Categories: Auto Show, BMW, coupe, Paris Motor Show Tags: BMW, Paris Motor Show
Porsche 911 Turbo body kit by Misha Design
Engineers at Los Angeles-based tuning firm Misha Design have created a new GTM aero kit for the Porsche 997 Turbo. While some aspects of the kit may be desirable, by and large the package makes the once elegant car look like an insect.
