Chevrolet Cruze hatchback – initial images released!
Looks like the rumors were true after all! General Motors has just released initial images of the Cruze hatchback, ahead of it’s official debut at the upcoming Paris Motor Show. However General Motors is calling the hatchback a show car, indicating that it is not the final production model. Nevertheless the vehicle looks pretty much production ready, hence the final product shouldn’t look much different. I must admit that this show car looks rather pleasing, except for the blue-ish headlights.
The company said that the hatchback uses body-frame integral system or BFI that “results in high levels of stability and solidity”, according to General Motors that is. It also said that the cargo capacity is figured at 400 liters and it features a 60/40 rear seat split. The production 5-door Cruze is expected to go on sale in Europe by mid 2011.
Continue reading to view high-res images.
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Holden reveals WM Series II Caprice and debuts the Caprice V-Series
Holden has released details of the 2011 WM Series II Caprice, which discontinues the use of the Statesman designation. The Series II Caprice uses a 282hp SIDI V6 with direct injection and a 6-speed automatic transmission with Active Select. Fuel economy with this drivetrain is figured at 9.9 liters per 100 kilometers which is an improvement of 4% over the previous V6. Similar improvement has also been achieved for CO2 emissions.
The 2011 Series II Caprice also comes with a new touch-screen Holden-iQ interface with iPod, MP3 and USB compatibility or playability as well as updated Bluetooth connectivity. The General Motors company also revealed the Caprice V-Series which is more of an upmarket model.
It has a 349hp 6.0 liter Generation IV V8 mated to a 6-speed automatic with Active Select. The engine also features fuel-saving Active Fuel Management (AFM) technology. Talking about fuel efficiency, the V-Series with this huge engine has a fuel economy figured of 12.3 liters per 100 kilometers. This marks a 2% improvement over the previous Caprice. Holden also said that the Caprice V-Series is available with bio-ethanol or E85 capability.
Among other this range-topping model has a Nappa leather interior, tri-zone climate control, a Bose audio system and LCD screens for the rear passengers. The Australian company also revealed three new colour options including Alto Grey, Mirage Glow (beige) and Sizzle (metallic red).
High-res images can be found after the jump.
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Nissan to introduce Ellure concept and Murano CrossCabriolet in LA
Nissan has announced that it will present a new concept as well as a cabriolet version of the Murano at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show. First up would be the Nissan Ellure concept featuring a sedan body style, unfortunately that is all we know for now. Joining the concept would be the Murano CrossCabriolet which is a top-less version of the Murano, something that was heavily talked about previously.
The new Murano variant which would become the world’s first “all wheel drive crossover convertible”, is able to seat four adults along with space for luggage even with the top down. The Murano CrossCabriolet is set to go on sale early next year.
Nissan also announced that it will unveil the next generation Quest. The MPV is expected to be powered by a 3.7 liter V6 with up to 300hp. The Quest will also go on sale early next year. At the same time Nissan will also reveal the production version of the Leaf all-electric vehicle, before it goes on sale in December.
Pictured above is the 2011 Nissan Murano dCi.
BMW M3 Tiger Edition – more images released
We have ‘artistic’ images of the China-bound BMW M3 Tiger Edition to share with you. The M3 Tiger Edition celebrates the Tiger Year of the Chinese calendar and the M3′s 25th anniversary. Only 250 units will ever be produced and as previously mentioned the car is finished in Fire Orange which was seen on the M3 GTS.
The car also comes with dark 19-inch wheels with it’s kidney grilles painted in black. The interior sports Novilla leather and a tiger head stitched onto the head rests, not a nice touch if you ask me. BMW has yet to release official information about the M3 Tiger Edition hence for now you can check out the images after the jump.
Source.
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Toyota to debut the Verso-S mini MPV in Paris
Toyota has announced that it will present the Verso-S B-Segment MPV at the upcoming motor show in Paris. This is the European spec while potential buyers in Japan will know it as the new Ractis. The Verso-S measures almost 4 meters long and will go head to head with vehicles like the Opel Meriva and Kia Venga.
The Verso-S will go on to replace the now out-of-production Yaris Verso in Europe. Continue reading to high-res versions of the images above. More information and images should be revealed closer to the MPV’s debut at the motor show.
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GM likely to unveil Cruze hatchback in Paris
A report by Australia’s GoAuto suggests that General Motors will introduce a hatchback variant of the Cruze at this month’s Paris Motor Show. Apparently the 5-door Cruze is designed in Australia and it could be produced at the GM Holden factory in Adelaide as a right-hand-drive model.
Just like the sedan variant, the hatch is also likely to be sold as a global model in various regions. Details are very scarce at this point but we will bring you more info soon. General Motors will also unveil the new Aveo and Orlando models at the motor show.
Lotus has mega plans for Paris – Esprit, Seven and two hybrid concepts!
If you are a Lotus fan, you would notice the changes that have been occurring since the appointment of former Ferrari man Dany Bahar. That happened in September 2009 and it was followed by the unveiling of a 5-year business plan in June. That covers a new management as well as plans for new products.
The Lotus name is also being heavily linked with motorsport, specifically in Formula 1 and IndyCar. The company also revealed the Exos T125 single seater track car and has revealed the supercharged Evora S and the Evora IPL, which is basically an Evora with an automatic transmission ahead of the Paris Motor Show.
Speaking about the motor event in Paris, the Proton-owned company is also slated to reveal the all new Esprit, expected to be powered by a force-inducted BMW V8 engine. According to Autoweek, Lotus will also unveil the new Seven. The magazine says that the new Seven will gain weight over the original and will carry a US$100,000 price tag. The first Seven was produced between 1957 and 1972 and it was designed by Lotus founder, Colin Chapman. It was a pure track car that later on spawned many modern replicas, such as the Caterham Seven.
As the title suggests Lotus may also show off two hybrid concepts. The hybrids are likely to be based on the Lotus 414E concept and the Proton EMAS concept (both pictured above), a hybrid that was designed by Italdesign Giugiaro. This could mean that that there will be a compact hybrid vehicle in Lotus’ line-up. That is all we have for now as the full details will unfold at the end of the month.
The Shinari Concept – previews Mazda’s new design language
This is the Mazda Shinari concept car that was shown at a private media event in Milan. As you can see it is a sleek and sexy 4-door coupe which gains my thumbs up. It is a gorgeous looking concept with an ultra-futuristic interior. This concept signals a production 4-dour coupe by Mazda although the company did not confirm this. Some are also saying that the concept may underline the next generation Mazda6.
However the company did say that it plans to take on BMW and Audi and revealed that it aims to offer the same levels of quality in terms of fit and finishing. The company also confirmed a new design language that debuts with the Shinari concept. It is called the ‘Kodo’ styling paradigm and it is set to replace Mazda’s current styling, called the ‘Nagare’.
The word ‘Kodo’ stands for “soul of motion” and Mazda said that “this design will lead to the next generation of Mazda design and will lead to other elements” without confirming a more solid timeline. You can continue reading to view an image gallery of the concept.
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