2010 Paris Motor Show
Paris 2010 – Lotus 3-door CityCar concept shown
Apart from the magnificent five that were shown at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, Lotus also revealed the CityCar concept vehicle, which is pretty much a 3-door version of the Proton EMAS concept that was shown at this year’s Geneva Motor Show.
The CityCar concept, which is being considered as Lotus’ answer to the Aston Martin Cygnet also shares the same powertrain featured in the EMAS. This means that there is a hybrid system which is capable of collectively producing peak power of 220 PS and 240Nm of torque. Continuos power comes from a 73 PS (54 kW) rear-mounted electric motor.
This fuel-less motor is complemented by a range-extending 1.2 liter 3-cylinder combustion engine which makes 46 PS. The engine is able to run on methanol, ethanol or conventional petrol. With above-mentioned electric motor alone, the concept is able to run for 60 kilometers, while with a fully fueled combustion engine, the range is figured at 500 kilometers. While running, the engine will output as low as 60 grams of CO2 emissions per kilometer.
The CityCar concept thats weighs below 1,400 kilograms also sports a glass roof, an interior that is finished in green as well as combinations of leather, fabric and carbon fiber. More images including live ones can be seen after the jump. Read the rest of this entry.
Paris 2010 – All new Chevrolet Aveo live images
The new Chevrolet Aveo has graced the 2010 Paris Motor Show, ahead of its European market introduction in the summer of 2011. The 5-door hatch is inspired by the Aveo RS show car, but there is nothing to shout about in regards to the car’s looks.
Unfortunately Chevrolet has yet to release juicier information about the Aveo, and only said that it is both longer and wider than the outgoing model. The company also confirmed that the hatch will be launched with a variety of engines, including ones with VVT (double continuous variable cam phasing) and common rail direct fuel injection system for the diesels.
It will also be available with a 6-speed automatic transmission along with both 5 and 6-speed manual units. Other features include ABS, Electronic power steering (EPS) and Electronic stability control (ESC), all standard.
Continue reading to check out live images. Read the rest of this entry.
Paris 2010 – Chevy Cruze hatchback live images
Chevrolet has presented the hatchback version of the popular Cruze in the city of love. The new global variant will join the sedan model mid next year and it will feature a body-frame integral system, up to 400 liters of trunk space and a 60/40 spilt for the rear seats.
Shown in Paris is what Chevrolet calls a show car, but the final production shouldn’t run far off. Details are still scarce but you can safely expect the hatchback to be offered with the same drivetrain options found in the sedan model. You can check out some live images after the jump. Read the rest of this entry.
Paris 2010 – Euro Honda Civic gets updated
Honda is not about to miss out on the action in Paris. The Japanese company has unveiled the updated Euro Civic, which can also be found right here in Singapore. The hatchback benefits from a different front grille and new alloy wheels, depending on the trim level you are getting.
Honda also introduced a new colour, which is Ionized Bronze. The interior has been updated as well. It sports a combination of fabric and alcantara. The GT spec gets part leather and alcantara along with 17-inch alloys.
Check out more images after the jump. Read the rest of this entry.
Paris 2010 – Hyundai reveals the ix20
As promised, Hyundai has officially unveiled the ix20 compact MPV at the Paris Motor Show. This B-Segment MPV which is being considered the new Matrix (as it is sold in other markets) was launched with four Euro V compliant engines, including two petrol units and two diesel engines. However details are scarce at the moment but the company did say that the engines range between 77 PS to 125 PS.
Hyundai also confirmed that all engine models, except for the 1.6 version with the automatic transmission, are available with the Blue Drive pack. This pack comes with low-resistance tires, an engine start/stop system as well as an alternator management system. The 1.4 liter U2 diesel with this pack can allow the ix20 to output 114 grams of CO2 emissions per kilometer.
Other features announced for the ix20 include ESP, ABS and Hillstart Assist Control, all standard. Production of the MPV that measures 4.1 meters long (with a wheelbase of 2.6 meters) has started in Nosovice, Czech Republic. An image gallery can be found after the jump. Read the rest of this entry.
Paris 2010 – Opel shows off the GTC Paris concept
Opel has unveiled the GTC Paris concept. Measuring 4.46 meters long, the 5-seater GTC Paris concept is motivated by a 290hp 2.0 liter turbocharged four potter with direct injection. The engine is linked to an engine start/stop function and a 6-speed manual transmission.
Other goodies include an adaptive mechatronic FlexRide suspension and a limited slip differential up front. It also uses a Watt’s link in the rear suspension, which is basically a type of torsion beam. The concept which sits on large 21-inch wheels is finished with charcoal black contrasted with red stitching.
The Opel GTC Paris concept will likely become the Astra OPC or VXR. More images of the aggressive-looking hatchback can be found after the jump.
Paris 2010 – Lotus shows the Eterne, Esprit, Elise, Elan and Elite!
The 2010 Paris Motor Show seems to be quite a significant occasion for Lotus. The Proton-owned company has taken the opportunity to show off up to five new models which will be introduced into the world market gradually. These cars all feature Lotus’ upcoming design language with a very sharp front fascia.
Overall the vehicles look more supercar-like, compared to the more down-to-earth-like production cars in the company’s current line-up. The new cars will help bring Lotus up to the playing field of brands like Porsche and Ferrari.
These cars are being considered as concepts but we can expect final production versions to look very much similar. Lets go over them one by one, with each accompanied by an official footage.
Lotus Eterne
The Eterne is Lotus’ four door sedan which combines style, elegance and of course power. The Eterne will feature an optional hybrid drivetrain with a 5.0 liter gasoline V8 which can produce 620 PS and 720Nm of torque. The optional hybrid system will be made up by a hybrid gearbox with integrated electric motors and KERS.
The vehicle will be offered in a front-mid-engined, rear wheel drive setup. However an all wheel drive layout will be offered as well. The pure combustion model will be able to hit 100km/h in 4.0 seconds flat and offer a top speed of up to 315km/h. With the hybrid system, the 1,800 kilograms vehicle will output 220 grams of CO2 emissions per kilometer.
Lotus confirmed that the Eterne will be go on sale in spring 2015, after a production initiation early that year. The company also revealed an estimated price tag, of £120,000.
Lotus Esprit
The model which brings back the Esprit name will be a 2-seater, mid-engined sports car with a rear-wheel-drive layout. This coupe will be also benefit from the 620 PS/720Nm 5.0 liter V8. The Esprit will be able to do naught to 100km/h in 3.4 seconds while its top speed would be around 330km/h.
With an expected weight of 1,450 kilograms, the Esprit will also be offered with a hybrid package, which will be made up by a KERS system. CO2 emissions output with KERS is expected to be 250 grams per kilometer.
It will be available with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The Esprit is set for production at the end of 2012 before its market launch in spring 2013. Pricing wise, expect it to hover over the £110,000 figure.
Lotus Elise
Just like the Esprit, the Elise is also a 2-seater, mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive model, but it will come with a smaller engine. That would be a 2.0 liter 4-cylinder engine that can crank out 320 PS and 330Nm of torque. 0 – 100km/h will take 4.3 seconds and top speed would touch 270km/h.
Lotus will also add a mild hybrid system with an engine start/stop technology. The Elise will be made available with either a 6-speed manual or an optional dual-clutch transmission, possibly a 7-speed unit. It will be a light weight model, with an expected weight figure of 1,095 kilograms. With the start/stop system, the Elise would output 150 grams of CO2 emissions per kilometer.
Production is slated to start in early 2015 with a market launch in spring that year. Expected price tag: £35,000, which is more down-to-earth compared to the earlier two models. Then again, this would be the company’s back-to-basics sports car.
Lotus Elan
Lotus has revived yet another classic name. The new Elan will be a 2-seater, mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive coupe as well, but there will be an option for a 2+2 seating arrangement. Compared to the Elise, the Elan will make use of a larger engine, which is a 4.0 liter V6 with 450 PS and 465Nm of torque.
The Elan will hit the 100km/h mark in 3.5 seconds while top speed would top 310km/h. Again, there will also be a hybrid technology, in the form of KERS. With this, the Elan would output 199 grams of CO2 emissions per kilometer. The 1,295 kilograms vehicle will be offered with a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Production will likely start in summer 2013 with a market introduction in autumn the same year. The Lotus Elan would carry an estimated price tag of £75,000.
Lotus Elite
As mentioned previously when details of the Elite was first released, it will feature the 5.0 liter V8 with 620 PS and 720Nm of torque. There will also be an option for a hybrid gearbox with integrated electric motors and KERS. 0 – 100km/h would take between 3.5 and 3.7 seconds with an expected top speed of 315km/h. This Elite will measure 1,650 kilograms and with the hybrid pack, it will output 215 grams of CO2 emissions per kilometer.
This rear-wheel-drive vehicle will go into production in early 2014. It is expected to go on sale in spring the same year with an estimated price tag of £115,000. This model will feature a retractable hard top.
The engines and transmissions that will be offered with the models above are likely to be sourced from a different company, with rumors saying that the 5.0 liter V8 would be a BMW engine. It could be Toyota’s as well, only time will tell.
Continue reading to check out an image gallery. You can also view live images of the models here. Read the rest of this entry.
