- Paris, Mondial de l'Automobile 2012 -

McLaren Automotive is using its first ever international motor show appearance to preview its next generation ultimate supercar – the McLaren P1 – which takes much of its technological and spiritual inspiration from the company’s Racing division. The McLaren P1 has one simple goal: to be the best driver’s car in the world on road and track.
At the Paris Motor Show, Mondial de l'Automobile 2012, the McLaren P1 is previewed as a design study. Next year a production version, which the company aims to put on sale within 12 months, will be revealed. For further details and illustrations see McLaren P1 preview for 2013

Ferrari has decided a new approach for unveiling the successor of the Ferrari Enzo; the new super car is previewed piece by piece. At 2012 Shangai Motor Show, the power-train was shown as being hybrid rear mid engine with kinetic energy recuperation system (KERS) and now, at Paris, Ferrari introduced the carbon fibre composite body structure. The new super car will definitely include Formula One racing car technology translated for a road legal use. KERS was already investigated in the Ferrari Experimental HY-KERS Hybrid Vehicle Vettura Laboratorio 2010. Carbon fibre composite structure is intended for safety and weight saving.

Ferrari has introduced the new F12 Berlinetta that replaces the 599 Fiorano in the 12 cylinder line of models. The Ferrari F12 Berlinetta is now the most powerful and high-performance road-going Ferrari ever. A greater efficiency of the engine results in a claimed reduction by 30 per cent of the fuel consumption and emissions. The Ferrari F12, propelled by a new V12 engine, is built around highly evolved transaxle architecture and features state-of-the-art components and control systems. The Ferrari F12 Berlinetta’s aerodynamic have also been perfected to the extreme in an innovative design that redefines classic Ferrari themes.. For further information and illustrations see Car Reviews.

“Jaguar is a founder member of the sports car segment with a rich sporting bloodline stretching over 75 years, and in the F-TYPE we’ve reignited that flame. The F-TYPE isn’t designed to be like anyone else’s sports car. It’s a Jaguar sports car – ultra-precise, powerful, sensual and, most of all, it feels alive.”
Adrian Hallmark, Global Brand Director, Jaguar

The F Type is an all-new Jaguar. The F Type is engineered to deliver pure dynamic driving reward and stunning performance with a front-engined, rear-wheel drive configuration.For further information and illustrations see Car Reviews.

Internal Combustion Engine (ICE). Internal Combustion Engine is announced to continue to amount for more than 90% of car propulsion in 2020. The ever more stringent environmental regulations are challenging the manufacturers engineering. Gasoline engines are more critical than Diesel when CO2 emission only is considered and that is the main rule for most environmental regulations. Major manufacturers are introducing gasoline engine downsizing, direct injection, turbocharging and low friction mechanical elements or even automatic cylinder shut off to enhance the fuel economy while improving performances.

These are just four examples of a general trend in gasoline internal combustion engine technologies available on the market.

Renault 898 cc TCe 90 3 Cylinders Engine
For example the Renault TCe 90  898 cc. three cylinders engine develops 90 hp at 5250 rpm and torque of 135 Nm which is capable to ensure the driving enjoyment of a naturally aspirated 1.400 cc. engine.
Ford EcoBoost 1.0 Litre 3 cylinders engine
Another example is the Ford 1.0 Litre Ecoboost three cylinder engine offering the performances of a conventional four cylinders 1.6 Litre . The Ford 1.0 Litre EcoBoost 100 hp engine delivers 4.8 l/100 km (58.9 mpg) and CO2 emissions of 109 g/km. The 125 hp version returns 5.0 l/100 km (56.5 mpg) with CO2 emissions of 114 g/km. The three-cylinder 1.0-litre EcoBoost gasoline engine uses turbocharging, direct fuel injection and variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust to deliver the power of a larger engine with the fuel efficiency of a downsized unit.
GM Opel Ecotec 1.6 litre Turbo Engine
General Motor’s Opel introduced an all-new family of 1.6-litre, four-cylinder, SIDI (spark ignition direct injection) ECOTEC Turbo engines with CO2 emissions and fuel consumption reduced by 13 percent while power output and torque are increased by 33 percent. The new engine family comprises a 1.6 litre Eco Turbo with 125 KW/170 hp and 280 Nm peak torque, as well as a Performance Turbo variant offering 147 kW/200 hp and 300 Nm peak torque. The 170 hp engine has been developed with fuel economy, high low-end torque and elasticity in mind, while the performance of the 200 hp unit makes it the benchmark in its class. The roll-out of the new engine family – which has been developed in Ruesselsheim, Germany – will begin in early 2013.
Volkswagen 1.4 l TSI with Actice Cylinder Management
Volkswagen introduced in 2012 the 1.4 TSI with Active Cylinder Management. Volkswagen is the first manufacturer in the world to implement cylinder shut-off on a four-cylinder TSI engine in high-volume production. The primary goal of the high-tech system is to significantly reduce fuel consumption by temporarily shutting off two of the four cylinders during low to mid loads between 1.250 and 4.000 rpm with torque between 25 and 100 Nm. As soon as the driver presses the accelerator pedal sufficiently hard, cylinders 2 and 3 are reactivated unnoticed.

3. Electric Drive  Production models and concept cars

“Onyx has supercar performance, with extremely aerodynamic lines. It has a unique sculpted shape, styled with innovative materials and an innovative architecture.” declares Gilles Vidal, Peugeot Style Director.
Quasar, Proxima, Oxia, 907,.. Peugeor supercars have always attracted attention, be it in the eyes of the young or the experienced. In 2012, Peugeot is again creating the dream with the Onyx hybrid supercar that translates in concept the development works of the endurance racing Peugeot 907 Hybrid. For more informations and photos see Car Reviews

Following the unveiling of Lexus’ award-winning hybrid 2+2 sports coupe concept, the LF-LC at the 2012 Detroit Motor Show and its European debut at the Geneva Motor Show, a new, mid-sized coupe concept, the LF-CC makes its World Premiere at the 2012 Paris Motor Show.

The more compact, rear-wheel drive, full hybrid LF-CC already integrates various design cues from the LF-LC; a first illustration of how concept cars are truly influencing future Lexus models and, in this instance, future D-Segment derivatives. For more informations and pictures, see Lexus LF-CC hybrid concept for 2013

The introduction of the Renault ZOE, the first affordable vehicle to be designed from the ground up as an electric car, sees Renault put Zero Emission mobility within reach of the vast majority of motorists. It is an ideal car for everyday use and tax-paid prices start from €13,700 (in France, with state subsidy of €7,000 deducted). ZOE showcases Renault’s electric vehicle excellence and incorporates advanced electric vehicle technology, with more than 60 patents registered in the course of its development. The battery pack is rented for a 79 Euros monthly fee over 36 months or 37.500 km. The electric motor is a coiled-rotor synchronous type with 65 kW (88 hp). The 22 kWh Battery pack is Lithium-ion type. The driving range with one full charge can vary from around 100 km in cold climate conditions to around 150 km in moderate climate conditions. For more photos see Car Reviews

With the new SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive, Mercedes-AMG is entering a new era: the locally emission-free super sports car featuring advanced technology from the world of Formula 1 is the most exclusive and dynamic way in which to drive an electric car. The most powerful AMG high-performance vehicle of all time has four electric motors producing a total output of 552 kW and maximum torque of 1000 Nm. As a result, the gullwing model has become the world's fastest electrically-powered series production vehicle: the SLS AMG Electric Drive accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds.  The high-voltage battery in the SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive boasts an energy content of 60 kWh, an electric load potential of 600 kW and weighs 548 kg – all of which are absolute best values in the automotive sector. The liquid-cooled lithium-ion high-voltage battery features a modular design and a maximum voltage of 400 V. The driving range is announced for 250 km according to NEDC combined cycle. Considering the ‘silence’ of electric cars,the SLS AMG Electric Drive includes a synthetic sound system that comes courtesy of the standard sound system with eleven loudspeakers.
The SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive will be launched in June 2013 for a price of around 420.000 Euros. For further information see Car Review Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive Project 2009

"In developing our electric vehicles we accord top priority to customer benefits," says Professor Dr Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Management at Daimler AG responsible for Group Research and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars Development. "Accordingly, the Concept B-Class Electric Drive demonstrates premium-standard electric mobility for all the family. The concept vehicle offers outstanding everyday practicality and great driving enjoyment”.
The Concept B-Class Electric Drive is expected to be launched in 2014. Quiet and emission-free drive power is provided by a 100 kW electric motor. The top speed is limited to 150 km/h. The capacity of the highly efficient lithium-ion battery ensures a range of 200 local emission-free kilometres (125 miles).
The powerful lithium-ion battery on board the Concept B-Class Electric Drive is accommodated safely and compactly in the floor of the vehicle. This intelligent space concept ensures that the five-seater retains its familiar generously sized interior and boot.

With the new BMW Concept Active Tourer, BMW presents a vehicle at the 2012 Paris Motor Show which is the first in the premium compact segment to combine comfort and space functionality with dynamic performance and style. Annual growth rates of up to five per cent are expected in the small car and compact segment of the premium class in the years to come. For this reason, the BMW Concept Active Tourer is a key component in the ongoing development of the BMW brand and its model portfolio. For further information and illustration see car review.

The Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo Concept unites the next generation hybrid drive with new ideas for an evolutionary, sporty body concept; it combines Porsche performance with comprehensive everyday practicality.  The Panamera Sports Turismo Concept introduces Porsche in the luxury and high performance “shooting break” market segment with renewed styling and advanced plug-in hybrid technology. For further information and illustration see car review.

Following the BMW group 500 Mini-E electric car 2008 and the 600 BMW 1 Series ActiveE Electric 2010 on field testing alternative drive solutions, the BMW Group showcases its visions of future mobility in the shape of the BMW i3 Concept and BMW i8 Concept studies. These concept vehicles provide a glimpse of the first electrically powered production cars from the new BMW i sub-brand, due to be launched as the BMW i3 in 2013 and the BMW i8 in 2014. Body structure will be made of carbon fibre composite in order to limit the total weight of the vehicle. One photo shows the proposed body structure for the BMW i3 electric sedan.

“We are marking another milestone in the history of the BMW Group. As Chairman of the Board and an engineer myself, I am very proud of this project,” declared Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG. “As the world’s leading premium car manufacturer, our aim is to offer customers purpose-built electricdrive cars as well,” he added. For further information and illustration see car review.

The electrically driven Smart Forstars Concept is an SUC (Sports Utility Coupé) with room for two people and plenty of stowage space. Its name is a tongue-in-cheek reference to the glass roof above the passengers that gives a clear view of the starry sky.
At the same time it hints at the witty idea of integrating a video projector in the front bonnet. This enables the work of film stars to be spontaneously shared with friends at any time.For further information and illustration see car review.

The Nissan TeRRA SUV concept, unveiled at the Paris Motor Show, combines two outstanding Nissan strengths - SUVs and EVs - in a vehicle that is equally in its element off-road in the wild or gliding silently through a sophisticated urban setting.  With an innovative 4x4 fuel-cell electric power-train and an athletic exterior that projects an unforgettable presence beyond its compact dimensions, TeRRA takes sustainable motoring into exciting new territory.
"Our challenge was to take Nissan's strength in SUVs and crossovers forward into the zero-emissions era, fuel cells being our new frontier in zero emission mobility" said Francois Bancon, Nissan's division general manager of product strategy and planning. "Not big and tough for the desert, the aim was a new approach to SUVs that's relevant to urban life.  The unique diagonal seating layout that offers an exciting driving experience thanks to exceptional visibility that creates a sense of being in control under any conditions."
"You have the big tires, high belt-line, thick pillars and thin side windows of the SUV vocabulary. But with a slender waist between pronounced fenders above the wheel arches, and a sculptured hood, we've created an ‘Implied Structure' of musculature under the skin. Sharp corners, short overhangs and sculptured lamps contribute to a clean, confident stance. An aerodynamically flat body pan in an eye-catching color, protecting the full length of the underside, completes the image of what we call ‘Modern Toughness.'"
Although TeRRA is presented as a design concept, not a technical exhibit, its proposed 4x4 fuel cell electric power-train is far from imaginary.
Powering the front wheels is the electric propulsion system currently featured in the Nissan LEAF. In each back wheel, providing all-wheel power as needed, is an in-wheel electric motor, based on the working prototypes featured in three successive PIVO concepts. As no drive shafts are required to power the rear wheels, there is no hump in the cabin floor or on the underbody. This allows for the flat cabin deck and the underside body pan.
The Nissan TeRRA is purely a concept car, but it signals that Nissan is ready to mass-produce fuel cell electric vehicles whenever hydrogen becomes widely available.

Audi provides a glimpse of the future shape of design, along with automotive and drive concepts, through its Audi Crosslane Coupé concept car. This vehicle is an entirely new fusion of technology, engineering and design, and provides pointers to the design language of Audi’s future Q models.
With a Multimaterial Space Frame, the vehicle concept strikes out along entirely new paths with regard to weight, costs and energy usage over its lifecycle, and is an evolutionary stage of Audi ultra – the lightweight construction principle from Audi. : Car Review for more pictures and information

Mitsubishi introduced the new generation of its Outlander SUV. This model was developed from the beginning not only for Diesel or Gasoline Engine propulsion but also for a fully integrated Plug-in Hybrid version.
This new Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV will be gradually introduced on the Japanese market as well as on European market in 2013. Car Review for more pictures and information

Nissan introduced at the 2011 42nd Tokyo Motor Show a third design of the Pivo Electric Urban Commuter Concept Serie. It made its European first appearance at Paris Mondial. The Nissan PIVO3 is a Compact vehicle seating three people in a 1+2 layout with body under 3-meter long, narrow-tread rear tires and IWM (in-wheel motors) with wide steering angle that allows PIVO 3 to make a U-turn on a road only four meters wide. The highly maneuverable PIVO 3 has zero turn gap, so if the front wheels can make the turn, the rear wheels will follow without scraping the body side. story continues in : Car Review for more pictures and information

Infiniti EMERG-E Range Extended Electric Sports Car Concept 2012 was first unveiled at Geneva .See Car Review for more pictures and informations
Infiniti LE Concept is a Zero Emission Sedan concept based on  electric components from Nissan Leaf. Infiniti is the Luxury vehicle brand of Nissan and the LE Concept shows a luxury sedan with styling now typical for Infiniti. Few details were unveiled.

Exagon Motors is nearing the production stage of its electric 2+2 seats GT. The propulsion is by two Siemens electric motors for a total of 402 hp equivalent. The body structure is made of carbon fibre composite and aluminium honeycomb that weight just 124 kg. The SAFT Lithium-ion battery pack of 53 kWh capacity is located under the floor for optimizing the centre of gravity. The claimed autonomy with a full charge is around 300 km. A range extender will be proposed with a small gasoline engine and generator that can extend the range to 800km. Standing start from zero to 100 kph (62 mph) is announced for 3,5 seconds while top speed is electronically limited to 250 kph (155 mph). Length: 4,465 mm ;Width:        1,913 mm ;Height:1,292 mm ; Wheel base:2,780 mm ; Weight:1,640 kg

The Volvo V60 Plug-in Diesel Hybrid was first introduced in 2011 as a concept; production is starting in 2012. The first 1000 Volvo V60 Plug in Hybrid for 2013 are sold out for some 62.000 Euros a piece, that is near 20.000 Euro over the Diesel only V60 version. Orders are now being registered for 2014.
The front wheels of the V60 Plug-in Hybrid are powered by a five-cylinder 2.4-litre turbodiesel producing 215 hp and maximum torque is 440 Nm. The car has a six-speed automatic transmission.
The rear axle is powered by an electric motor producing 70 horsepower and 200 Nm. The electric motor is supplied with power from an 11.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack installed under the floor of the load compartment. Its range in pure electric drive is 50 km (31 miles).
The sophisticated and exceptionally compact battery pack consists of 10 modules each containing 20 cells. An integrated computer monitors the system and compares temperature and charge level in each of the 200 cells. The battery pack also has an integrated water-cooling system driven by the car's climate unit

The Autolib’ operation in Paris proposes the renting of electric cars for local mobility from charging station to charging station. In September 2012, there was 650 charging stations with a total expected of 1.050 by the end of the year. In 2012, Autolib’ introduced 1.750 vehicles in Paris and represented a majority of the electric cars registered in the country. In 10 months, Autolobib’ gathered 59.000 registered members and 592.000 rented utilizations. This solution proposes mobility and allows the user to get familiar with the electric car at limited cost. Autolib’ utilizes exclusively two doors four seats Bluecar designed and built by Bolloré Pininfarina. In the Autolib’ system the user pays a membership fee and a rental fee accounted for each half an hour use. The Bolloré Pininfarina venture will also propose long term rentals of the Bluecar for 500 Euros a month.
Autolib’ utilizes only Bolloré Pininfarina Bluecar models. Other cities in France are implementing similar initiative with different electric cars.

The Citroen Tubik Hybrid4 Concept, a 9-seater vehicle whose styling and characteristics reflect the prestige cues of a modern saloon. Tubik was inspired by CITROËN’s renowned Type H, fondly referred to by the general public as the “TUB” (the name of its predecessor). CITROËN design teams gave Tubik distinctive, offbeat styling, with colours and materials that aim to meet the highest standards in sophistication and comfort.See Car Review for more pictures and informations

19. Venturi America – High Voltage Buggy

The Venturi America follows the Venturi Fetish electric sports car of which ten models have been sold for more than 300.000 Euros a piece. These electric vehicles are the product of 12 years of technological innovation from Monaco’s Venturi Automobiles. The Venturi America is a zero emission cross-over with open cockpit inspired by buggies.. The propulsion is by a 300 hp electric motor with 400 Nm maximum torque.  The maximum speed is electronically limited at 200 kph (125 mph). Electricity is supplied by 53 kWh Lithium polymer battery pack that allows 300 km (186 miles) range at a stabilized speed of 90 kph (56 mph).

For 5 weeks, the European Hydrogen Road Tour 2012 demonstrated four hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in 9 cities from Sweden to Denmark, Germany, Italy, France and United Kingdom. The four hydrogen fuel cell vehicles tour stopped for three days at the Mondial de l’Automobile.  Major car manufacturers have devoted a significant amount of resources toward developing hydrogen powered Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles that will be in serial production starting from 2015. In fact, on September 9th 2009, leading vehicles manufacturers in fuel cell technology (Honda, Daimler-Benz, Ford, General Motors, Toyota, Renault-Nissan Alliance, Hyundai  and Kia) gave a joint statement to the development and market introduction of electric vehicles with fuel cells with a Letter of Understanding. The signing automobile manufacturers strongly anticipate that from 2015 onwards a quite significant number of electric vehicles with fuel cell could be commercialised. This number is aimed at a few hundred thousand units over life cycle on a worldwide basis. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are electric drive vehicles where the electricity is generated on board by a fuel cell operating with hydrogen. The operating range is near 500 km (310 miles) for one hydrogen load, which represents a significant improvement over batteries. The only emission is water. Hydrogen Fuel Cell can be presented as emission-free range extender for electric vehicles. The Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles are the electric propulsion system of the future but further development and cost reduction are still required. Hydrogen, furthermore, requires a distribution network and several “hydrogen highways” are under preparation in several countries. The hydrogen highway is a linked network of hydrogen filling stations suitable for fuel cell vehicles or H2 combustion engine vehicles.
The European Hydrogen Road Tour 2012 allowed the general public to discover and drive four hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles from Honda, Toyota, Mercedes Benz or Hyundai. Hydrogen refuelling during the tour was possible at a movable station and existing stations along the route.
Further details can be found on articles of Alternative Propulsion Section – Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric.

At the 2002 Paris Motor Show, the unveiling of the Continental GT concept took the world by storm and opened an exciting new chapter in Bentley’s history. Now, ten years on, Bentley is repeating the same feat with a Continental-based GT3 race car currently being developed by a dedicated motorsport team at the company’s factory in Crewe.

Signalling Bentley’s return to the racetrack for the first time since its historic sixth Le Mans victory in 2003, Continental GT3 remains faithful to the company’s founding motorsport philosophy of developing racing cars from their road-going counterparts. See Car Review for more pictures and informations

Audi has prepared the Audi R18 e-tron as a new challenge to win the 2012 World Endurance Championship where some hybrid solution are allowed for the first time. After winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Audi R18 e-tron is accumulating winning positions and is on the way to win the 2012 World Endurance Championship. See Car Review for more pictures and information

The Toyota TS030 Hybrid LMP1 team, which is based at Toyota Motorsport GmbH (TMG) in Cologne, Germany, will make its race debut on 5 May in the Six Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, the second round of the FIA World Endurance Championship. See Car Review for more pictures and information

After the 208 R2, Peugeot Sport is opening a new chapter in the sports variants of the 208, and not least with the 208 Type R5. A true ‘competition wildcat’, it will replace the 207 Super 2000, benchmark of the S2000 category as much for its technical performance as for its sporting and commercial performance.
Announced at the end of 2011, the 208 Type R5 was unveiled in Paris at the Mondial Automobile Motor Show.
 Its contours and its technical assets continue Peugeot's rallying tradition. ‘Body built’ for asphalt (tarmac) and loose-surfaces (gravel), the 208 Type R5 will compete in its first rallies and go on sale in the 2nd half of 2013 in order to be able to conquer the national and international championships the following season. story continues here and more pictures

 GreenGT is an independent company that designs, develops and markets clean and sustainable vehicle propulsion systems, with a focus on competition and innovation. The team was formed in April 2008, under the leadership of Jean François Weber, who had formerly been involved for many years in racing cars and the Le Mans 24 Hours event. In particular in 2005, he developed an electric propulsion system designed for competition cars. story continues here and more pictures

This racer has been developed in cooperation with several partner companies including Meidensha Corporation and GS Yuasa Corporation to showcase Mitsubishi Motor Corporation's advanced EV control and EV component technologies. Mitsubishi Motors plans to use the technical know-how garnered through i-MiEV Evolution's racing prowess for future EV development, especially in the areas of with durability and reliability.
Developed for the Pikes Peak event, the i-MiEV Evolution is fitted with a dedicated racing-specific body. This slippery envelop uses a tube-frame chassis and a carbon fiber cowl among other features designed to reduce weight and improve aerodynamics. Equipped with a single motor driving the front wheels and two motors at the rear, the car's four-wheel-drive system provides superior motive performance and handling. The battery pack is rated at 35 kWh.
After a most eventful race*, Mitsubishi’s electric vehicle racing team achieved an impressive debut on the difficult 12.42 mile long, 156 corner mountainside race course by recording a second-place finish in the Electric Division with a lap time of 10 mn, 30.850 sec..
Although not victorious, critical data collected from the race will be applied to Mitsubishi Motor Corporation’s future electric vehicles development. – it is the main purpose of the exercise.

Hyundai is planning to enter the World Rally Championship in 2014 and is preparing a four-wheel drive i20 WRC to start participating in some events during 2013.

Forging ahead with a competitive position in the B segment, the Marque has extended its traditional position with a new, broader, all-encompassing approach. So, the 208 has been designed in accordance with an ambitious specification to re-generate the small hatchback. It went on sale in Europe at the end of March, prior to an industrial and commercial launch in Latin America in 2013.
In Beijing, earlier this year, Peugeot revealed the ‘Urban Crossover Concept’ to the Chinese public, a contemplation of the motor vehicle in an increasingly urban world.
Now, at the Paris Motor Show, the Marque is presenting the 2008 Concept. This concept car gives further thrust to its international conquest strategy, for which all its talents have been mobilised. The engineers and stylists have worked together in Europe, China and Latin America to create this seductive future vehicle of the range.

From Sao Paulo to Shanghai, from London to Kuala Lumpur, from the Cape to Moscow, the city lives, evolves and grows. The human race is becoming increasingly urban, at a rate not seen before. A new generation of city dwellers is coming alive. Connected, curious, they share numerous aspirations, regarding the way they keep themselves informed of news occurring across the Planet. Peugeot has included several continents in the development of a new concept car with a view to marketing to an international clientele. So, for them, with them, the Peugeot Style teams in Paris, Shanghai and Sao Paulo have all created the Urban Crossover 2008 Concept. It will go into production, as close as possible to its customers, first in France (Mulhouse) then in China (Wuhan) and later in Brazil (Porto Real).

With more than 15 million ‘2’ series vehicles, Peugeot benefits from a credible history in the domain of compact cars. This is further reinforced by the new 208, which has re-generated the codes of the segment.

Recently, the marque has acquired legitimacy in the domain of the Crossover, with the commercial success of the 3008 and the inspiration drawn from the SXC Concept Car shown at the Shanghai Motor Show in 2011.
Wishing to merge these two fields of excellence into a new vehicle, Peugeot has developed the 2008 Concept, a small vehicle combining agility, compactness, versatility and a striking style for youngminded city dwellers who love and create the city, while also loving to escape from it.
Its unique identity originates from the marriage of the elegance and refinement of the hatchback, the impertinence and mischievousness of the SUV combined with remarkable versatility and occupant space for this segment. Capitalising on the process of re-generation unveiled by the 208, the urban nature of the 2008 Concept is established by compact dimensions: 4.14m long and 1.74m wide.

The 2008 Concept naturally bears the stylistic codes of the Marque. With its athletic and sleek lines it imposes its bold posture which overturns and reinvents the standards of the large volume vehicles in the small vehicles segment.
It is painted fluorescent yellow with Velvet matt varnish, a very luminous colour which is full of energy. The body is punctuated with Dark Chrome details, accentuating the modernity and elegance of this concept car.
From a coherent overall volume the 2008 Concept succeeds in combining a variety of impressions. The front face is refined and full of presence, where bonnet and wings give a reassuring impression of protection and strength. This perception is identical at the rear where the shape combines solidity with dynamism.
The profile unites the two faces by means of the slender link which begins with the inclined windscreen and continues with the continuous roof line to the spoiler. And so a profiled and very aerodynamic silhouette is outlined. The side lines, traced in the direction of the road, give the impression of a lively, sleek and dynamic vehicle.
The 2008 Concept pays particular attention to detail. The ‘floating grille’ has a design cut into the metal, combined with a sophisticated dual-aspect treatment following the example of the new marque emblem.
The headlamps, of a precise and unique design, bear the Peugeot identity. Their contours follow the technical functions as closely as possible and so form the sharp pupil of a cat. Chiselled in form, they are aligned with the front face, giving it an even more expressive and individual character. The 2008 Concept also has very sensuous and sophisticated sculpted wings and sides, indicating natural athletic qualities. The large wheels, the design of their wheel arches and the ground clearance symbolise an active life without restraint, agile, versatile and lightweight. In profile, the curve of the roof accentuates the upper decoration of the rear doors. Exclusive, cut into the metal, it appears crimped into the bodywork. This refinement also marks the precise design of the aluminium spoiler and roof bars which give the appearance of a vehicle designed for speed and leisure.

Under its sleek bonnet the 2008 Concept is equipped with a development of the new generation 3- cylinder petrol engines. In harmony with the dynamism and power exuded by this concept car, the 1.2-litre 3-cylinder engine has a turbo and direct injection. Developing its energy while remaining lightweight, it contributes to the versatility of the 2008 Concept with a power of 110bhp. This is combined with low consumption and CO2 emissions. Components of the Group's down-sizing strategy, these 3-cylinder engines permit a breakthrough in terms of consumption and CO2 while offering real driving pleasure.

The new model heralded by the S-Cross will mark Suzuki’s full-scale entry into the market for C-segment crossovers.
The new vehicle’s features and functions will be designed primarily for comfort. It will also offer a high degree of practicality by providing one of the largest luggage areas for C-segment crossover cars. Story continues here ...

“Chevrolet has always stood for making the aspirational attainable for all generations” said General Motors North America President Mark Reuss. “These two concepts interpret that vision for a new generation. We’re seeking out our newest customers’ opinions, listening to their advice, and engaging them in new ways.”

According to U.S. Census data, there are 80 million American consumers approaching 30. They represent 40 percent of today’s potential car-buying public and a combined $1 trillion in purchasing power. Story continues here ...

The Type 15 Peugeot was the first model from this Company to be produced by more than one hundred units. Between 1897 and 1900, Peugeot, indeed, produced 276 Type 15 Peugeot.
The Type 15 is equipped with the first engine designed and manufactured internally. It is a horizontal two cylinder 8 hp. Transmission is by four speed gearbox and chain drive Story continues here ...

In the 1920s, Renault had emerged as a major French car manufacturer among a hundred of companies. The main production consisted of light and medium size popular vehicles. Louis Renault decided to improve the Company’s position on the market by adding a prestige line of model. It was time to produce the luxury 40 CV NM with 5 meter length and nearly 3 tons in weight. The Renault 40CV NM was proposed complete with Renault body or as a chassis that could be provided with “glamour” body style by specialist coachbuilders. see Car Reviews for further information.

The Citroën Type A Torpedo (Open Tourer) is presented as the first mass-produced model in Europe. It was the first European car sold with electric starter, electric lighting and a spare wheel. 28.400 models have been produced between 1919 and 1921. see Car Reviews for further information.

Alpine A110 1962 to 1973 - Road and Racing version

Following in the tire tracks of the venerable A106 and A108, the A110 was also part of the fruitful partnership between Renault and Alpine, a guarantee of quality for enthusiasts and a promise of victory in competitions the world over. see Car Reviews for further information.

Renault Alpine A110-50 Concept 2012 - 50 Years anniversary of Alpine A110 1962

At the opening of the Monaco Formula One Grand Prix 2012, Renault has unveiled the Renault Alpine A110-50 to commemorate the 50 years of the Alpine A110. This explains the name A110 and 50 years. To mark the 50th anniversary of the iconic Berlinette, Design Yann Jarsalle and Concept and Show Car Director Axel Breun reinterpreted the original design cues to include the new Renault see Car Reviews for further information.

In March 1952, Mercedes Benz presented the 300 SL ((W194) racing sports cars prototype. The same year, the race team scored one-two-three-four finish with the 300 SL on the Nurburgring followed by a victory at 24 Hours of Le Mans and the "hair raising" Carrera Panamericana. see Car Reviews for further information.

The Porsche 959 was one of the most sophisticated Porsche at the time. The 2.849 cc. turbo flat 6 cylinder engine produced 450 hp and propelled the four wheels. The Porsche 959 was developed in view of the Group B racing category and was involved in several racing events from Paris Dakar to 24 Hours of Le Mans. A limited quantity of 292 road legal models were produced and rapidly sold even though the price was DM 420.000 at the time. The top speed was announced for 315 kph.