Turbo

Filed under: Concept Cars, Performance, Paris Motor Show, Lotus

It’s been a while since something took us by surprise at an auto show. Usually we’ve seen the pictures and read the press releases a few days ahead of time, so there’s nothing new revealed we weren’t already expecting. Until today. We were expecting Lotus to reveal a pair of new Evora models, a new front-engined GT called the Elite, and if we were lucky, maybe the new Esprit. What we got was something much, much better.

As we arrived at the Lotus booth here at the Paris Motor Show, we spotted a total of five cars under cover. Perhaps a concept and some new versions of existing cars? What proceeded to happen was something entirely unexpected. Lotus CEO Dany Bahar addressed the crowd, announcing that Lotus would be entering a new era. In a matter of minutes, the wraps were pulled off the Esprit, Elan, Elite, Elise and Eterne concept cars, each time with a gasp from the crowd as the next concept’s name was announced. This wasn’t just the introduction of a few concept cars. We were witnessing the complete and utter revitalization, rebranding and rebirth of a legendary car company.

With this new lineup of cars, it’s easy to see that Lotus wants to play with the big boys – Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati and Aston Martin. Bahar had announced last year that this was the direction the company would take, but we didn’t expect it to happen so soon or all at once.

One question still has to be asked, though. Is this direction the right one for Lotus? We can appreciate all forms of performance cars, but is there enough room for Lotus to edge its way into each of these target markets? Can the Esprit conquer the McLaren MP4-12C or the Ferrari 458 Italia? Will buyers go for a Lotus Elite over the Ferrari 599 GTB or the Aston Martin DBS?

Lotus has long been the master of lightweight, nimble sports cars, and many will undoubtedly say that the company should stick to the same cars it’s been building for the last decade. After all, what would Colin Chapman say about a Lotus coupe that weighs over 3,600 pounds? And a grown up Elise? Then there’s the styling. As usual, we’re split down the middle here at Autoblog. Half of us love the styling, while the other 50 percent thinks it looks too generic. In the end, only time will tell whether Lotus fans will like the direction the company is headed.

There’s quite a bit of information on each vehicle, so click the links below to learn more about them.

• Lotus Elite Concept
• Lotus Esprit Concept
• Lotus Elise Concept
• Lotus Eterne Hybrid Sedan Concept
• Lotus Elan Concept

You can also browse through our live galleries of each concept:

Live photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

Lotus shocks Paris Motor Show with five concept debuts originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Sep 2010 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Paris Motor Show, Infiniti

Infiniti continues to roll out its new Infiniti Performance Line, IPL, and naturally the next vehicle to get the sporty kit is the G37 Convertible. The 2011 Infiniti IPL G Convertible lines up next to the already-revealed IPL G Coupe and shares the same aggressive body kit and stylish 19-inch, seven-spoke graphite wheels.

We suspect power will be slightly down compared to the IPL G Coupe, much like how the standard G coupe is slightly more powerful than its respective convertible counterpart. Pricing has yet to be announced as this is technically a concept, but with the IPL G Coupe trickling up to the K mark we expect the convertible to cross that threshold. Have a look at Infiniti’s more aggressive droptop G in the gallery below.

Photos copyright (C)2010 Chris Paukert / AOL

Paris 2010: 2011 Infiniti G37 Convertible gets the IPL workup originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Sep 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Paris Motor Show, Lotus

There’s no denying that Lotus had lost its way prior to the release of the much-loved Elise. The company that Colin built had strayed from its roots of lightweight sports cars and drifted towards the exotic realm… and it had drastic effects on the company’s bottom line. Thankfully, the Elise and its hard-core cousin, the Exige, set the company back on the straight and narrow.

All of this begs the question, though: How do you update a modern classic like the Elise? Lotus’ answer is currently being shown off at the Paris Motor Show. Here are the basics: 320 horsepower from a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine procured from Toyota, a six-speed manual and optional paddle-shifted automatic transmission, and a 2,409-pound curb weight. This supercharged model can hit 62 in 4.3 seconds. Price? ,000.

For those keeping track of such things, which is to say nearly all of you, that is indeed heavier and more expensive than the current Elise… and that’s not good. Fortunately, Lotus promises that there will be less expensive versions of the 2015 Elise available, presumably without the benefit of forced induction. There will also be both hard-and soft-top models on offer.

What all Elises will offer, though, is a more luxurious cabin and easier entry and exit. We’re loving the look of the interior, with its pod-like binnacle of instruments, steering wheel with F1-style progressive shift lights and its digital rendering of race circuits for those venturing out the the track. As for the exterior, well, let’s just say we’re not quite on board yet with what Lotus designers have planned for the brand’s future. Fortunately they have plenty of time to change our minds.

UPDATE: Video added after the break and live shots added in second gallery below.

Live photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

Continue reading Paris 2010: Lotus Elise Concept evolves the sports car [w/video]

Paris 2010: Lotus Elise Concept evolves the sports car [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Sep 2010 11:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Paris Motor Show, Lotus

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.

While merely a concept at this point, Lotus says that the Eterne is slated for production in 2015 and that the sedan will cost around 0,000. We’ll have live photos direct from the Paris Motor Show floor soon, so stay tuned.

UPDATE: Video added after the jump and live shots added in second gallery below.

Live photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

Continue reading Paris 2010: Lotus debuts Eterne hybrid sedan concept [w/video]

Paris 2010: Lotus debuts Eterne hybrid sedan concept [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Sep 2010 11:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Paris Motor Show, Lotus

We didn’t see this one coming. Lotus’ five-car concept explosion at the Paris Motor Show is one of the most welcome surprises sprung on us in recent memory… and the biggest surprise of all may be this Elan. Lotus says its new Elan is slated for a debut in 2013, which makes us wonder what the future may have in store for the current Evora. Pricing for the 2013 Elan is set at 8,500 (£75,000).

In any case, the Elan is powered by a 450-horsepower supercharged 4.0-liter V6 engine with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox from Toyota, which offers enough gumption to scoot to 62 miles per hour in just 3.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 193 mph. Lotus also promises that a hybrid will be available using a Kinetic Energy Recovery System similar to those seen in Formula One a season ago.

Take a good look at the awesome cockpit of the 2013 Elan. Plenty of carbon fiber, plenty of high-tech goodies, even including a digital race track readout for track days. And could anything be better than that awesome flat-bottom and flat-top steering wheel? No, we didn’t think so.

Weight comes in at 2,849 pounds and there is room for a driver and a passenger, but Lotus will also optionally deliver the Elan with two itty-bitty perches out back. Are we sensing that Lotus has the Porsche 911 in its sights? You betcha’. Check out the 2013 Lotus Elan in our high-res image gallery below.

UPDATE: Video added after the break and live shots added in second gallery below.

Continue reading Paris 2010: Lotus Elan Concept stuns the crowds [w/video]

Paris 2010: Lotus Elan Concept stuns the crowds [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Sep 2010 12:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Hybrid, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Peugeot

In addition to pulling the sheets back on its new 508, Peugeot unveiled its newest concept at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. Called the HR1 Concept, the car is what we would assume would happen if a Prius knocked boots with the SEMA world. Behind the only-a-mother-could-love face, the HR1 benefits from a turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine in front and a 37-horsepower electric motor positioned in the rear of the vehicle. This is a through-the-road hybrid, which means the two powertrains operate independantly and are only connected, well, through the road. Both are bolted to a six-speed automatic transmission, and all told, the company says that the drivetrain is good for a combined “potential power” of 147 hp. Even better, fuel consumption is kept down to 3.5 liters per 100 kilometers, or around 67 mpg US.

In marketing speak, the HR1 boasts an “alternative door structure” as part of its effort to combine as many vehicle body structures as possible. Peugeot says its designers baked elements from the city car, coupe and SUV philosophies into the final look of this hybrid. Surprisingly enough, there are no current plans to bring the HR1 to life.

Photos copyright (C)2010 Zach Bowman / AOL

Paris 2010: Peugeot HR1 Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Sep 2010 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Technology, Paris Motor Show, Lamborghini, Design/Style

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.

If 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.

While the technical details are impressive, we weren’t immediately taken with the exterior design. As our own Chris Paukert put it, “There’s a lot going on.” What’s interesting is that while we don’t necessarily like the design as a whole, each of the individual elements is quite stunning. The interior is impressive to see as well, with nearly nothing to hide the structural and functional aspects of the car.

Have a look at all the details of the Sesto Elemento in the mega gallery below, or read the full press release from Lamborghini after the jump.

Live photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

Continue reading Paris 2010: Lamborghini Sesto Elemento Concept in detail

Paris 2010: Lamborghini Sesto Elemento Concept in detail originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Sep 2010 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Concept Cars, Wagon, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Nissan, Design/Style

Nissan has revealed its Townpod EV concept, a sort of larger, more amorphous take on the Cube and Leaf. Singularly Japanese in feel, the Townpod is intended to bridge the world of private and commercial vehicles. According to the splendiforously indulgent press release (sample: “The innovative position of the headlights also allows a coupe-esque bonnet line, not dissimilar to Nissan Z, which feeds in to a visor-like wraparound, blue tinted glass house, reminiscent of Nissan Cube, while the galls to body proportions hark back to the rat-rods of the fifties.“), the Townpod targets everyone from young entrepreneurs to first-time home builders and retirees looking to turn their hobby into a paycheck.

The barn-doored concept has a bizarrely characterful and friendly looking animated marshmallow-like face, with headlamps that feature blue ‘petals’ that change position depending on whether they are being used as marker units or headlights. The interior is a flexible space that’s designed to accept third-party storage accessories and such, and it’s complete with a display that according to Nissan is designed to coordinate with the owner’s PDA (who uses a PDA anymore?).

Nissan says that the Townpod has been designed as an EV, though interestingly, it actually doesn’t explain the motivational technology underneath the vehicle’s sheetmetal. Its mystery powerplant is seemingly appropriate for such a blank-canvas concept, of course. After all, François Bancon, Nissan’s general manager of its Exploratory and Advance Planning Department notes that the same blank-slate mindset is true of the car’s intended audience: “What is more revealing is that Nissan Townpod users do not appreciate stereotypes or status symbols. For them, the ultimate status is to have no status.” Uh-huh.

Check out our high-res galleries below and be sure to hop the jump for more sage thoughts from Nissan.

Live photos copyright (C)2010 Chris Paukert / AOL

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Paris 2010: Townpod EV concept continues Nissan’s obsession with car as appliance

Paris 2010: Townpod EV concept continues Nissan’s obsession with car as appliance originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Sep 2010 11:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Hybrid, Europe, Technology, Paris Motor Show

Audi keeps on growing its e-tron family. The automaker pulled a fast one by unveiling yet another electrified monster at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, only this time, the low-slung hybrid came sans-top. The concept is powered by two electric motors and a 300-horsepower twin-turbo TDI V6 that comes to the fight with 479 pound-feet of torque. Audi says that despite the hefty 9.1 kilowatt-hour battery mounted up front, it managed to keep the weight low and distribute the pounds evenly across the chassis. As a result, this e-tron should be plenty flingable if it ever makes it off of the stage and onto a public road.

Audi says the e-tron Spyder hits the scales at 3,196 pounds and that the drivetrain can be driver-controlled to operate on electric power only at speeds up to 37 mph for a total of 31 miles. The manufacturer says that in city driving, the capability is more than enough to hang with traffic. If not, there’s always that juicy diesel V6 to play with. Hit the jump for the full press blast.

Photos by Zach Bowman / AOL

Continue reading Paris 2010: Audi e-tron Spyder is what topless hybrid dreams are made of

Paris 2010: Audi e-tron Spyder is what topless hybrid dreams are made of originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Sep 2010 07:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Paris Motor Show, Jaguar, Electric

Yesterday’s big surprise at the Paris Motor Show was the range-extended electric supercar from Jaguar, the C-X75 Concept. Built to celebrate the marque’s 75th anniversary, the concept looks forward to the future while honoring Jaguar’s heritage and design. Featuring four electric motors producing 195 horsepower at each wheel, along with two micro-gas turbines that – in theory – charge the batteries, the C-X75 can top 205 mph and has a projected combined range of 560 miles. Jaguar says it has no plans to produce the car, although it would be more than a worthy successor to the notorious XJ220.

From our vantage point, we’re split on the looks. While most of us think it’s stunning – especially in person – there’s a vocal minority that doesn’t think it looks “Jaguar” enough. Truth be told, it doesn’t necessarily look like any Jaguar road car ever built, but it’s easy to see that inspiration was taken from the 1966 Jaguar XJ13 race car.

You can see all of our photos from the live debut in the gallery below, or for full details on the car hit the jump for the press release.

Live photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

Continue reading Paris 2010: Jaguar C-X75 Concept

Paris 2010: Jaguar C-X75 Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Sep 2010 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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