Gong Xi Fa Cai

Advertisement

Paris 2010: Opel GTC Paris dreams to be hot hatch king

October 3, 2010 at 6:10 am By Danny Tan Filed Under 2010 Paris Motor Show, Cars, General Motors, Opel

This is the Opel GTC Paris concept car, described as a showcase of how Opel can “dial up” the brand’s design language via a “sporty and emotional interpretation”. This concept previews the upcoming three-door hatchback version of the current Opel/Vauxhall Astra.

Following the likes of Renault with its Megane, the GTC is more than just a five-door Astra with two doors lopped off. Like the Megane Coupe, it’s a compact, rakish and highly stylised three-door. The brand’s recent signature blade sweeps back from the front, like in the Insignia and unlike the five-door Astra. Another design line starts from the door handle flowing back to join the rear lights. Opel says the car has a “bulldog stance”. Short and fat?

The interior has some interesting ideas. The driver’s seat is in red while the passenger’s is in black. They even have calligraphy laser etched on them. The script reads “and the speed was pure beauty”, a quote from Richard Bach’s novel, Jonathan Livingstone Seagull.

Speed wouldn’t be a problem. The GTC has a twin-scroll turbo 2.0-litre with direct injection. This 290 hp motor with double camshaft phasing and twin balance shafts is paired with a six-speed manual transmission. Start/stop is standard, as is a Limited Slip Differential for extra traction. The GTC Paris also features FlexRide adaptive suspension that continuously adapts to changes in driving style and cornering speed.

Nice ingredients for a hot VXR variant. Official pics are here while live images come after the jump.
[Read more...]

25 Comments      

Paris 2010: BMW Concept 6-Series smells of the real thing!

October 3, 2010 at 1:31 am By Danny Tan Filed Under 2010 Paris Motor Show, BMW, Cars

Taking into account BMW’s history of concepts that are virtually the finished item, and this showcar’s realism, we could well be looking at “the new 6-Series”. Based on the Concept Gran Coupe that BMW showed in Beijing this April, but with two doors taken off, this is officially a “concept study for a luxury 2+2-seater”.

Like the F10 5-Series, this Concept 6-Series Coupe is much less polarising than the car it replaces. BMW points out that all the classic hallmarks of a BMW coupe are present, including the stretched bonnet, short front overhang, a pushed back passenger compartment and a low silhouette incorporating a flowing roofline.

It looks wider and lower than the current car, and elegant in the metal; highlights are the “shark nose” that juts out with very prominent nostrils, an arrow-like line on the profile that starts from the “gills” and a concave rear end with bulit in spoiler. The LED rear light elements look like those on the F10. Speaking about lights, this concept sports new LED headlights that incorporates Adaptive Headlights and BMW’s trademark corona rings. The all-LED design is a first for a BMW.

Inside, there’s a freestanding 10.2-inch iDrive Control Display in the centre of the dash, as well as a 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo. This is a “fully active” system, which means the two bass speakers, seven mid-range speakers and seven tweeters all have individual amplifiers. Could this be an option on the production car?

Nothing on the drivetrain and mechanicals were mentioned, we’ll have to wait for that. See our previous post for studio images. Paris pics are after the jump.
[Read more...]

39 Comments      


Paris 2010: Loeb’s new machine, the Citroen DS3 WRC

October 3, 2010 at 12:04 am By Danny Tan Filed Under 2010 Paris Motor Show, Cars, Citroën, Motorsports

We showed you the great looking Ford Fiesta RS WRC yesterday, and the car that it has to beat in next year’s World Rally Championship is this, the Citroen DS3 WRC.

If you’ve been on another planet, Citroen has won five Manufacturer’s World Champion titles and six Driver & Co-driver titles with Sébastien Loeb and Daniel Elena, and the Sebs (the other DS3 WRC will be driven by Sébastien Ogier) will be banking on this new machine to continue their dominance of the sport. In the current WRC season, with three rounds to go, Loeb leads the championship from Ogier and looks set for his seventh title. The guy is unbeatable.

Using the shell of their DS3 premium hatchback, Citroen’s new car replaces the C4 WRC and conforms to the new rules set by the FIA. More compact than its predecessor, the DS3 WRC uses a 300 hp 1.6-litre direct-injection turbocharged engine tuned by Citroen Racing. The 4WD transmission incorporates a six-speed sequential gearbox and front/rear mechanical differentials.

By the way, FIA’s new rules for next season was designed to limit the budgets required to compete in WRC. It bans expensive materials such as titanium and carbon fibre, while standardising parts like the turbocharger and limiting the changes that can be made to the car throughout the season.

Gallery after the jump.
[Read more...]

26 Comments      

Paris 2010: Live gallery of the Range Rover Evoque

October 2, 2010 at 7:49 am By Danny Tan Filed Under 2010 Paris Motor Show, Cars, Land Rover

We have covered the Range Rover Evoque extensively, so no need to elaborate here. The Evoque, which is the smallest, lightest and most efficient Range Rover ever, carries over much of the 2008 LRX concept’s design. Made to bring Land Rover into new territory, the Evoque retains the luxury and craftsmanship of THE Range Rover, but in a compact package.

To go on sale in the second half of 2011, the Evoque will come with a 2.0-litre direct injection turbo engine making 240 PS plus two 2.2-litre turbodiesel making 150 PS and 190 PS respectively. There will also be a five-door body style that will be unveiled at the LA show in November.

For the full launch story and official pics, click here. There are also full HD resolution videos from our previous post. Live images from Paris after the jump.
[Read more...]

4 Comments      

Paris 2010: All-new F25 BMW X3 finally gets its public debut

October 2, 2010 at 5:41 am By Danny Tan Filed Under 2010 Paris Motor Show, BMW, Cars

Details of the middle model in BMW’s X range was released back in July, but it’s only now that the all-new X3 gets its public motor show debut. Codenamed F25, the second generation X3 is bigger than the car it replaces, because BMW needs to put some distance between it and younger brother X1.

Dimensionally, the new X3 is 12 mm taller, 83 mm longer and 28 mm wider, with 12 mm more ground clearance. Wheelbase has grown slightly from 2,795 mm to 2,810 mm. For comparison, the X1′s wheelbase is 2,760 mm long so there’s a 50 mm gap there. Boot space ranges from 550 to 1,600 litres and the rear seat bench folds down at a ratio of 40:20:40 instead of the usual 60:40. BMW says that the X3 delivers more room and versatility than any rival in its class.

Munich offers a choice of two engines for Europe – a four-cylinder diesel with 184 hp (xDrive20d) and the xDrive35i with a 306 hp inline six petrol. The former has more power and 14% better economy than before – to 5.6 litres per 100 km. The six-pot petrol can be had with an eight-speed auto ‘box, which is combined with Auto Start-Stop for the first time here. Drive is channelled via the handling improving xDrive permanent AWD system.

The F25 is also the first X model to feature EPS steering as standard, while a new variable sports steering is optional. The optional Dynamic Damping Control features electronically controlled adaptive dampers which the driver can manipulate under Drive Dynamic Control. Modes available are Normal, Sport and Sport+. Also in are driver assistance systems from BMW ConnectedDrive, which include Adaptive Headlights, Head-Up Display and a rear view camera with Top View.

See our previous post for more details, official pics and a video. Live images after the jump.
[Read more...]

19 Comments      

Paris 2010: Jazz Hybrid makes lonely debut at Honda stand

October 2, 2010 at 4:12 am By Danny Tan Filed Under 2010 Paris Motor Show, Cars, Honda, Hybrids and Alternative Fuel

Japanese carmakers don’t have much to shout about at Paris, preferring to save it all for their home show. Concepts and world debuts are few and far between, and some makes like Mitsubishi, Mazda and Suzuki did nothing more than just bring their showrooms into the show hall! Honda’s area wasn’t much different, save for the little green Jazz sitting all alone on its elevated throne.

It’s in Lime Green (exclusive to this variant) because it’s a green car. The Jazz Hybrid uses the same IMA system as the Insight, a 1.3 litre i-VTEC engine paired to an assisting electric motor. Like the rest of Honda’s hybrids, this is a “mild hybrid” setup as opposed to the full series hybrid system in the Toyota Prius. Using the standard CVT gearbox, Honda claims combined fuel consumption of just 4.4 litres per 100 km and emissions of just 104 g/km of CO2 (lowest CO2 output of any automatic car in the B-segment) for the Jazz Hybrid.

Honda stresses the fact that the Jazz Hybrid will not lose any of the car’s famous practicality; it retains the flexible “Magic Seats” and 300 litres of boot space. The IMA battery pack and power control unit have been integrated in the area under the boot floor, retaining the normal boot area and allowing the Magic Seats to fold in the same manner – up to 831 litres of space or with seat bases folded up for tall items.

Inside, a darker single colour dashboard is new, as is an Eco Assist function. It’s available with leather trim, the first time for a Jazz in Europe, where sales start early next year.

Pics after the jump.
[Read more...]

6 Comments      

Paris 2010: Ford Fiesta RS WRC really looks the part

October 2, 2010 at 12:59 am By Danny Tan Filed Under 2010 Paris Motor Show, Cars, Ford, Motorsports

Here’s something for Ford Fiesta fans to salivate over. The Fiesta RS WRC is Ford’s challenger to Loeb and team for next season’s World Rally Championship. Based on the Fiesta S2000 from the IRC, the Fiesta WRC will be powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged Ecoboost engine capable of 300 hp. Ford, M-Sport and French company Pipo Moteur worked on this car.

The Fiesta WRC will undergo its first major test next week in Spain, where pilots Jari-Matti Latvala and Mikko Hirvonen will try the car for the first time. Its race debut will be at the Rally of Sweden in February 2011.

Click here to view the studio images. Pictures from Paris are after the jump.
[Read more...]

14 Comments      

Peugeot 207 teaser reveals first details of Malaysian specs

October 2, 2010 at 12:20 am By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Local News, Peugeot

Nasim has put up some initial details on the upcoming Peugeot 207 Sedan on their website. The following are the initial list of specifications that we know for now:

  • 16 valve DOHC engine – no mention of engine displacement though. I’m assuming it’s going to be a normally aspirated 1.6L motor, but highly unlikely to be a Prince.
  • Adaptive automatic transmission with Tiptronic and Sports mode – this is most probably a new and improved version of their 4-speed automatic.
  • Sensor activated headlamps and wipers – this is probably best in class for a B-segment sedan of under RM100k.
  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel
  • ABS brakes with EBD and EBA
  • ISOFIX point for child seat
  • CD player with MP3/WMA/USB/Bluetooth support
  • 6 speaker sound system
  • Dual SRS airbags for the front occupants
  • 15 inch allo wheels with 10 spoke Interlagos design
  • 420 litre boot space
  • Engine immobiliser
  • 3 year or 100,000km warranty

How much would you pay for a CKD Peugeot 207 Sedan with a normally aspirated 1.6 litre engine and these specs?

203 Comments      

Paris 2010: Gallery of Audi Quattro Concept, e-tron Spyder

October 2, 2010 at 12:07 am By Danny Tan Filed Under 2010 Paris Motor Show, Audi, Cars

Audi always puts on a good show for Paris. I still remember how excited I was witnessing the R8 for the first time at Paris 2006. The four rings took their usual spot at the Porte de Versailles this year and their stand was one of the more busy ones, thanks to two nice concepts. The first is an electric sports car called e-tron Spyder and the second is inspired by a legend – the quattro concept.

The e-tron Spyder is a compact open top sports car with plug-in hybrid drive. The powertrain combines a 300 hp/650 Nm 3.0-litre TDI engine with two asynchronous electric motors driving the front axle. These motors have a total output of 64 kW (88 hp) and peak torque of 352 Nm. This torque overdose has just 1,450 kg to pull (aluminium intensive Audi Space Frame body), which translates to great performance – 0-100 km/h is done in 4.4 seconds while actual top speed is higher than the governed 250 km/h. Consumption? Audi quotes just 2.2 litres per 100 km on average!

Many will be hoping they build the e-tron, but more still will be dreaming of this, the quattro concept. 30 years ago at the Geneva show, Audi unveiled what became a legend – THE Ur-quattro – and this car is supposed to be a futuristic interpretation of that. Painted in Col de Turini White, the quattro concept is powered by a 408 hp version of the TT RS’ 2.5L five-cylinder TFSI engine. Of course, drive goes to all wheels via the latest version of quattro with self-locking crown-gear centre diff and torque vectoring. 0-100 km/h is below four seconds.

Click here and here for the official pics. A comprehensive gallery of live images from Paris is after the jump.
[Read more...]

21 Comments      

Lotus Elan 2+2 seater to ‘convert’ people to the Lotus brand

October 1, 2010 at 10:24 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under 2010 Paris Motor Show, Cars, Lotus

The new 2+2 seater Lotus Elan is positioned somewhere in between the Lotus Elise and the Esprit, and it has its engine positioned in the mid-engine position, with rear wheel drive. Lotus says the Elan will be powered by a 4.0 litre V6 making 450 PS and 465Nm of torque, which can take the Elan up to 100km/h in 3.5 seconds.

This V6 engine could also be sourced from Toyota as the Japanese company has the 1GR-FE installed mainly in its trucks and SUVs. Toyota themselves have force inducted the engine – their TRD division offers a TRD supercharger kit for the engine used in the Toyota Tacoma and Toyota FJ Cruiser trucks.

The Elan will hit the market much earlier than the other larger and more expensive cars we’ve seen here – it will also be released before the next generation Elise. Lotus is targeting a summer 2013 start of production, with cars hitting the showrooms in autumn 2013, just 3 years from now.

“If there was ever a car to make you drive the long way home, it’s the Elan. Perfect for both road and track, the Elan not only ticks all the boxes, it creates new ones too. The Elan will convert people to Lotus, I would challenge people not to become addicted to driving it. It will also go a long way towards dispelling the old misconceptions about this class, that in order to have high performance you must sacrifice usability – those days are gone,” said Lotus CEO Dany Bahar. The black cabin showcased on the Paris 2010 concept car certainly looks nice – I think it’s the best of all the Lotus concepts. The Elan looks like a 911 competitor?

Look after the jump for pix, specs and a video of the Lotus Elan.
[Read more...]

24 Comments