When Chief Executive Officer Sergio Marchionne began turning around Fiat, the relaunched Fiat Panda is one of the products he started with. The Fiat 500 followed, and the rest is history. The European market is causing a lot of headaches for the company, but Fiat has introduced an upgraded new 4×4 model at the Paris Motor Show.

Thanks to high gas prices, congestion, taxes and the like, small crossovers are all the rage in Europe. This particularly evident in the luxury sector with models like the Audi Q3 and BMW X1. The Fiat Panda 4×4 it isn’t a new idea either – the original was sold over 30 years ago. Fiat says the Panda 4×4 is the only vehicle in the A-segment to offer four-wheel drive, with capability that is higher than its diminutive size would first suggest.

We’re not sure what how much it can tackle in actuality; the “four-wheel” drive system is a permanent one. As such, it’s more like all-wheel drive than a traditional high/low four-wheel drive system. However, it has been beefed up with some upgrades. The Panda 4×4 comes with a “torque-on-demand” transmission that includes two differentials and an electronically-controlled coupling. That way power can be distributed where it is needed at all times. The Panda 4×4 adds some visual ruggedness with plastic cladding and a slightly raised ride height. Overall it is unmistakably Fiat through and through.

As far as powertrains, European buyers have their choice of two scarily-slow (we’ve tested the smaller, more powerful U.S-spec 500 and found it wanting for power) engines. The first is a 0.9-liter 90-horsepower four, and the second a 1.3-liter, 75 horsepower MultiJet II diesel. This is all in a car that, even though it is based on the 500′s platform, is larger in every dimension than even the Panda. Does the Panda 4×4 have a chance of coming to the United States? Fiat needs more models here, and with a different (or highly modified for more power) engine we could see it doing well. U.S arrival of the Panda 4×4 as it sits isn’t likely at this point, but we’ll probably see some variation of the car in the form of a rumored small Jeep.

What the Golf BlueMotion does have is a 1.6-liter TDI four-cylinder that makes an impressive (in this application, with these fuel economy figures) 108 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. That sounds respectable to us. It is run by a stop/start system with battery regeneration . Aerodynamics have been improved thanks to things like a lower ride height, smoother underbody panels, closed off air intakes, reworked brake channels and a C-pillar spoiler (to name a few improvements). Reductions in weight over the previous car help to give it a 15-percent improvement in efficiency.

To give you an idea of just how efficient the Golf BlueMotion is, VW calculated that if you drove only 9,300 miles a year, you would have to visit the gas station just 10 times. Now most of us drive far more than that, and you’re not likely to get 73.5 mpg all the time, but it is still a stunner. That’s because the car has a 13.2 gallon tank. Last time, BlueMotion was a standalone model available. This time it is treated as more of a trim level, with Trendline and Comfortline option packages. We still can’t figure out why they won’t offer it as a three-door as well. Beyond that, what are they thinking not selling this in the United States?

Say hello to the 2014 MINI John Cooper Works GP, the fastest production MINI ever. John Cooper Works has been firmly established across the MINI lineup as the brand’s highest, fastest trim level. BMW refers to it as a sub brand now, and this year the franchise is expanding with a JCW version of the Countryman crossover.

Back in 2006 the brand offered an even higher spec limited run Hardtop John Cooper Works GP model. It was a send-off to the first generation MINI and only 2,000 were made (415 earmarked for the United States). Back then, Dr. Kay Segler was in charge of the brand. Now he’s back and so is the JCW GP.

Once again, it sends off the current generation MINI with a bang – next year the all-new R56 (which shares a platform with the BMW 1-Series Gran Turismo) will be arriving. Under the hood the MINI JCW GP (say that a few times fast) gets an extra 10 horsepower and five pound-feet of torque, for a total of 218 hp and 192 lb-ft of torque. At select times under acceleration, torque will be boosted to 207 lb-ft.

There’s an 110-pound reduction in weight, accomplished by lightweight new wheels and a removal of the rear seats. The new car weighs in at 2,558 pounds and reaches 0-62 mph in 6.3 seconds. The previous car hit 60 in 5.9, powered by a 1.6L pumping out 215 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. This year’s JCW GP is much faster on the famed Nurburgring North Loop, with a time of 8 minutes and 23 seconds – a whopping 18 seconds off the previous car’s lap time.

The suspension is fully adjustable, able to be lowered by 20 millimeters. Stylistically there is an appearance package that apes the 2006 original, and it gets an exclusive Thunder Grey exterior paint color. For extra stopping power, MINI has fitted an “extra-powerful sports braking system.” Sounds good to us. like the 2006 model, only 2,000 will be built and you can bet they’ll all be spoken for very soon.

The current generation 2013 Lamborghini Gallardo is being sent off with a bang at the Paris Motor Show. The 2014 model year will bring the next-generation model to replace it. The current Gallardo has had a good run. It was introduced in 2003, as one of the first products to be designed under the ownership of the Volkswagen Group.

An “entry-level” Lamborghini, it was designed to boost the brand’s sales. Prior to that Lamborghini competed at the upper end of the supercar segment with the Diablo. The Gallardo boosted sales a rival to Ferrari’s entry-level models (then the 360 Modena). Fast forward to today and Ferrari has the 458 Italia, and the 430 Scuderia came before that. Clearly, Lamborghini has longer life cycles.

The Gallardo has been kept fresh though thanks to a bevy of update. Despite being the Gallardo’s last year, the car has gotten some styling updates up front and back. The theme is angular shapes, and the 2013 Gallardo has already generated some strong opinions. Lamborghini calls it more aggressive, and we think they did a good job of at least keeping it fresh. If you don’t like it you can still get a Gallardo like last year’s model though: only the LP560-4 Coupe and Spyder. Next year is what we’re really looking forward to though.

As far as the lineup goes, Lamborghini has added a (primarily appearance) send off package for 2013. It is called the Edizione Technica and is available on the top end Superleggera and Spyder Performante models. The Edizione Technica includes a new rear wing, carbon ceramic brakes and a suspension system that can lift the car when approaching a bump. People want their supercars to be showy, and the Technica offers three color combinations (whose names apparently are selected at random): Arancio Argos with accenting Nero Nemesis (orange/matte black), Nero Nemesis with accenting Arancia Argos ad Bianco Canopus with Arancia Argos (matte white and orange). We’ll take Bianco Canopus with Arancia Argos please.

It could be said that luxury car brand Jaguar has been sinking their claws into automotive marketplace. For the first time in decades, Jaguar has a brand-wide style in touch with modern design and technology. Jaguar coupled with its sister truck-based luxury vehicle brand Land Rover led their parent company posting sales of 305,859 units, 21 percent ahead of the previous 12-month span. With Jaguar car sales itself showing a more modest increase of over 4 percent, interest in “the cat brand” is reaching an exciting, new level. Definitely set to ride the wake of the British auto brand’s success, the 2012 Paris Motor Show welcomes Jaguar’s latest vehicle that will be become a new creature in the sports car jungle.

After a 38-year wait since the last E-Type was produced, the ancestral successor to Jaguar’s most iconic vehicle has arrived. A modern front-engined, rear-wheel driven performance car, the Jaguar F-Type is a soon to be production model looking to rekindle the time luxury and speed were hallmarks for the British company. Returning to the two-seat sports car market for the first time since the building the ultra exotic XJ220 supercar, the Jaguar F-Type is a clear attempt to tug on the heartstrings of those romanced by the 1960s-1970s icon judged by many to be the most beautiful vehicle ever built. The 21st century F-Type luxury roadster borrows heavy influence from the C-X16 concept car of last year. The F-Type’s large, low front grille, the muscular “power bulge” hood as well as bi-xenon headlamp housing sailing up over the front wheels are front end details effective to define it from even other current Jaguar models. The rear of the Jaguar F-Type rear features a low tail look similar to the E-Type roadster. Modern touches within the rear end styling include LED taillights and a deployable deck spoiler that can provide 120 kilograms (264.55 pounds) of resistance against rear end lift. An overall vehicle shape considering aerodynamic as well as a refined design presentation, Jaguar engineers’ extent in optimizing the F-Type’s appearance involved tucking the door handles into the bodywork. Deploying when summoned by a press of a key fob or it pressing on the surface of the door, the Jaguar F-Type’s handles are referred to as “a mechanical handshake”.

The production-ready Jaguar F-Type is shaped by an extensive amount of aluminum. While Audi receives many accolades for a premium carmaker experienced in the lightweight alloy, Jaguar has also been widely effective in the use of aluminum in past vehicles. The F-Type takes Jaguar’s aluminum construction through use in the body, frame and within the double wishbone suspension on all four wheels of the sports car. The result is a vehicle engineered to present excellent all-around handling for the driver and passenger to enjoy the F-Type.

A clean, refined sports car is carried into the interior presentation of the Jaguar F-Type. A two-seat cockpit, the Jaguar F-Type clearly communicates that the driver is the focus in what is described as an asymmetric cabin. The look and control access of the driver side is designed to provide a motorist with a fighter plane-like feel. A joystick-shaped gear selection lever is a notable inclusion of the serious, aerospace-inspired performance feel of the Jaguar sports car interior. The air vents are hidden inside of the F-Type with only the driver or the car’s computer control permitted to open.

All Jaguar F-Types will be equipped with an 8-speed “Quickshift” transmission featuring sequential manual shifting control through the gear lever joystick or steering wheel-mounted paddles. The Jaguar F-Type sports car will be available in three different models based on engine choices. Two versions of the F-Type will be propelled by Jaguar’s new high-technology 3-liter V-6 powerplant. A base F-Type will deliver 340ps (335 horsepower) while the F-Type S model will enhance engine output of 380ps (374 horsepower). In base trim, the Jaguar F-Type sails from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 5.1 seconds. The F-Type S extra 40ps allows the Jaguar branded vehicle to accelerate through the same performance plateau in just 4.8 seconds.

While the performance of the V-6 powered Jaguar F-Type models will be the ideal method to send wind through the your hair on the highway or through a summer Sunday drive, the F-Type V8 S is the radical sports car more likely to strip the hairs from your head. Featuring Jaguar’s supercharged 5-liter V-8, the F-Type V8 S sports car generates a sensational 495ps (488 horsepower). A cat that definitely pounces, the Jaguar F-Type V8 S needs a mere 4.2 seconds to accelerate to 60 miles per hour from a standstill. With a steady, straight path, a 186-mile per hour top speed is obtainable with the Jaguar F-Type V8 S sports car. All S model of the Jaguar F-Type will include a limited-slip differential for improved performance driving traction and an active exhaust system.

Release of the Jaguar F-Type to the public is likely to take place early-to-mid next year with pricing details set for sometime prior.

Information and photo source: Jaguar Land Rover

Upon the announcement that McLaren Automotive would make its first official international auto show appearance in Paris, it was instantly brought to attention that the British sports car maker had something special planned. Establishing itself as a wide-reaching, global sports car powerhouse targeting the best of Ferrari and Lamborghini, McLaren’s launch of the MP4-12C supercar in 2011 was the first step in this independent plan. On tap last year in the exotic car rumour mill, speculation of a new, more powerful McLaren high-performance supercar has led many to anticipate the sports car builder’s presence at the 2012 Paris Motor Show. Ahead of the French show scheduled for late September, the official revelation of McLaren’s high-level supercar has been revealed in the form of the McLaren P1.

With hardly a single straight line present in the exterior appearance of the P1 supercar, the shape of the new McLaren has little family resemblance to the currently produced MP4-12C (that, sort of, looks plain now compared to the McLaren. Clearly designed for speed, the McLaren P1 is an aerodynamically beautiful creation with the silhouette ideal for fast straight-line performance. Prevalent ducting and air channelling features are certainly functional pieces to the P1 design. A very exciting design, even the rear end styling promotes a wildly exhilarating experience in exotic car mastery.

The P1’s engine and performance details of the McLaren P1 will more than likely be revealed at the company’s September 27th press conference in Paris leaving many of the juiciest aspects of the supercar up to the imagination for the time-being. Speculation cited last year by Autocar has engine output potential placed just under 800 horsepower attached to the vehicle. With speeds guaranteed to exceed the 205-mile per hour watermark of the MP4-12C, the McLaren P1’s powerplant will be supported by the company’s historical and ongoing expertise in race-bred handling developed through Formula 1 as well as previous sports car competition. McLaren Automotive Managing Director Antony Sheriff described the objective for creating the McLaren P1 supercar. Sherriff said, “Our aim is not necessarily to be the fastest in absolute top speed but to be the quickest and most rewarding series production road car on a circuit,” adding that “It is the true test of a supercar’s all round ability and a much more important technical statement. It will be the most exciting, most capable, most technologically advanced and most dynamically accomplished supercar ever made.”

The imminent introduction of the McLaren P1 supercar comes 20 years since the company’s initial endeavour into street legal vehicle production, the McLaren F1, was unveiled. At one time the fastest production car in the world, the McLaren F1 was a freshman effort that won accolades on the streets and on race courses including the Circuit de la Sarthe in 1995 where it had won the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Producing 106 examples, the McLaren F1 still commands respect. McLaren has obvious intentions that the P1 supercar will become the latest perennial choice for any high priced garage display.

Information and photo source: McLaren Automotive

Front-wheel drive BMWs – this will take a while getting used to. The strategy of using MINI to cover segments BMW couldn’t is giving way due to a new reality. The competition like Audi and Mercedes-Benz is moving to offer front-wheel drive hatchbacks and MPVs themselves.

Models like the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class are extremely impressive efforts in this area. For BMW, the current 1-Series was an effort to enter the small car segment with a rear-wheel drive model. BMW wants to expand that effort with an MPV-style FWD model, along with the i3. The company is betting that style and a performance slant is what makes a BMW a BMW, and the result is the Concept Active Tourer. It is launching at the Paris Motor Show.

The car is a precursor to the upcoming BMW 1-Series Gran Turismo. It is aimed directly at the Audi A3 and Mercedes-Benz A-Class. We aren’t a big fan of FWD BMWs, but we aren’t even sure if this car is coming to the United States.While many will gripe about the 1-Series GT, we’re certain about this – fault can’t be found in the styling. While FWD hatchbacks aren’t our thing, this is one of the best of the breed. It’s a close second to the A-Class in our opinion. If you’re making a front-wheel drive hatchback, it better be fuel efficient. To that end, the Concept Active Tourer (like practically all concepts these days) is a plug-in hybrid. The heart of the car is a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder loaded with BMW tech.

The lithium ion battery pack offers nearly 20 miles of range. The combined rating in at about comes to about 94 miles per gallon. The result is a paltry 8 second run to 62 miles per hour. The Concept Active Tourer is packed with tech, such as a 10.25-inch interior dash screen and a “Cool Shade” roof that can darken at the touch of a button. The interior is beautifully designed and crafted, with the show stopping feature being the unique lighting package. BMW is stepping up its efforts in interior design, and it is paying off with cars like the Concept Active Tourer. Stay tuned for more details at the Paris Motor Show, and in the meantime check out our gallery.

Expanding their global product portfolio, Chevrolet announced the pending addition of a new crossover production vehicle. Being officially presented at the upcoming Paris Motor Show in September, the Chevrolet Trax is a compact crossover utility, five-passenger vehicle with what is said to be class-leading cargo capacity. Loosely based off a design concept as part of Chevrolet’s minicar show car collection in 2007, the production Trax employs a youthful, athletic style. Targeted for 140 countries including Mexico and Canada, one market where the Trax crossover is not expected to be sold is the United States for the immediate future.

A vehicle likely to fill a void of a small utility vehicle missing in the Bowtie brand line-up below their Equinox, the Chevrolet Trax will not be found in United States dealerships during its launch near the end of 2012. If the chorus sounds familiar, the Trax is the second time in the past three years that a compact crossover-themed Chevrolet vehicle is being excluded from the United States market. In 2010, General Motors rebuffed the notion of selling the Chevrolet Cruze-based, 7-passenger Orlando in what is one of the largest single vehicle markets in the world. This announcement came after the initial plans were to include the Orlando MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) in reaction to the spike in fuel prices in 2008. While responding to a reset in a key cost of ownership aspect, Chevrolet’s choice not to include a small crossover vehicle continues to be baffling entry-level and compact car buyers.

With new products such as the Ford C-Max and Fiat 500L reveals the other Detroit Three automakers sees potential sales demand for a smaller utility vehicle in the United States. Reviewing the plans of General Motors as a whole, there will be one compact crossover set for sale through the Buick brand. Billed as a premium compact crossover, the Buick Encore provides a more upscale interpretation on the evolving segment. Showing no concerns regarding over-saturation of the small car marketplace by having the Chevrolet Cruze and Buick Verano together in the United States, a question arises as to why General Motors feels the Chevy line-up will not benefit with a new, smaller crossover utility product. One vehicle shorter than the Chevrolet Equinox, the Chevrolet Captiva Sport is sold for fleet use in the United States but not for regular consumers.

Attempting to fathom this choice, one of the only conclusions I can arrive to is that the Chevrolet division is uneasy about the thought of having a new product potentially taking the luster off another popular vehicle. The Chevrolet Equinox has been a sales darling for the auto brand. An affordably priced family crossover vehicle, the Equinox has shown what Chevrolet could create when they took a car-based utility class seriously. In the first four months of 2012, just short of 70,000 Chevrolet Equinox crossover vehicles were delivered placing it ahead of the Impala and behind the Cruze on the overall sales chart. Innovating so many small crossover or MPV style products for the global market, the hesitation for Chevrolet not to deliver one to the United States reflect on the fact they’re afraid buyers will simply be lured away from the Equinox rather than a competitor’s vehicle.

Another reason for the absence of the Chevrolet Trax is the attitude within the United States auto market preferring crossover vehicles and trucks. Like many products, supply and demand plays a part in the decisions for what vehicles Chevrolet will bring to consumers. While compact crossovers and MPVs are popular in the majority of the world thanks to a wide product assortment, the shortage of these vehicles in the United States does not necessarily set up the most reliable research on demand.

After writing my article declaring the planned exclusion of the Chevrolet Orlando, one reader responded that the General Motors has been without serious contender in the entry-level compact multi purpose vehicle since the loss of the Pontiac Vibe. At least for the foreseeable future of the Chevrolet line-up, the compact utility category potential success will likely be proven through the efforts their competitors. If the segment heats up, Chevrolet could be forced to quickly revise their line-up before they’re completely beaten.

Information and photo source: General Motors

Selling 149,979 examples last year, the Chevrolet Equinox was the 4th best selling product in the entire 2010 General Motors vehicle portfolio. 28,281 vehicles in the first two months, General Motors has been required to aggressively step up production at the Ingersoll, Ontario plant the Chevrolet Equinox (and sister GMC Terrain) in order to meet consumer demand.

While the Equinox has been accepted as direct competition with the Honda CR-V, Ford Escape and Nissan Rogue, the current generation Chevrolet crossover vehicle is largely mismatching to those other vehicles in size. Longer in wheelbase than the other three crossover vehicles, the 2011 Equinox features 9.4 inches more length between the front and rear wheels than the Ford Escape. Outside of North America existed an ideal fit for the compact crossover category, General Motors is marketing a smaller crossover called the Chevrolet Captiva. After 5 years of international sales in Asia, Australia and Europe, the choice to introduce Americans to the Captiva is set for the 2012 model year for fleet use only.

Built on a shorter wheelbase version of the Theta platform already found on the Equinox, the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva Sport is the latest acknowledgement of how the crossover vehicle market is a multi-layered assault for all auto brands ( at least for fleet vehicle users). After rolling out the Equinox for the 2005 model year as the company’s first car-based utility vehicle, Chevrolet line-up has since added the larger Traverse with the Captiva Sport model pending for the smaller category. 7.7 inches less in total length and 4.9 inches shorter in wheelbase, the Chevrolet Captiva Sport is firmly positioned against the compact crossover utility segment. Some will note a former General Motors crossover vehicle meeting those exact exterior measurement. The Chevrolet Captiva Sport reintroduces the discontinued Saturn Vue. A similar front end to the Chevrolet Equinox given a scaled down look, the Captiva Sport is identified with a different roof pillar structure.

Not as small as the old Chevrolet Tracker, the Captiva Sport will comfortably transport five passengers. The interior engineering for the Captiva Sport sees the compact utility shedding a hardly noticeable loss of around one-half inch in front passenger headroom and legroom over the Equinox. Though it may be conceivable to believe all dimensions to be smaller on this junior crossover vehicle, the Chevrolet Captiva Sport will actually present more shoulder and hip room for both the front along with the rear passenger rows. Only major decreases of interior compartment dimensions for the Captiva Sport over the Equinox will preside in rear legroom and cargo space. The Chevrolet Captiva Sport will offer a maximum cargo volume of 56.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

Employing the same powerplants featured on the Equinox, the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva Sport will be sold with two gasoline direct-injected engines. Buyers can select either a 182 horsepower 2.4 liter four-cylinder engine or a 264 horsepower 3-liter V-6 power plant. As could be expected on crossover vehicles, an all-wheel drive option will be offered on the Captiva Sport alongside a fuel-saving front wheel drive. Fuel economy has not been evaluated yet for the United States market Captiva Sport for either engine. Using United Kingdom specifications (likely to differ for the United States model), the Chevrolet Captiva Sport equipped with the 2.4 liter engine possesses a curb weight just under 3,649 pounds. More than a 130 pounds less than the Equinox crossover is seems reasonable to expect a slight improvement over the Chevrolet Equinox.

To be sold in LS, LT or LTZ fleet trim, 2012 Chevrolet Captiva Sport models will include remote keyless entry, 6-speaker stereo system and 17-inch aluminum wheels. For safety, forward, front-side and curtain airbags protect passengers will be accompanied with accident avoidance technology such as anti-lock braking and StabilTrak. Leather trim, sunroof and rear view camera are among more lavish items available on the Captiva Sport that is likely to start selling for the early $20,000 range. No announcements have been made for whether the Captiva Sport will be added as a consumer vehicle for 2012 or in the future.

The 2012 Chevrolet Captiva Sport is based on a revised model introduced at the 2010 Paris Motor Show as part of General Motors vehicle presentation of non-United States bound products. While plans for the Captiva Sport coming to the US shows flexibility to bring their international vehicles to the newer world, the Chevrolet Orlando (coming to Canada but not the United States) and a 5-door version of the Chevrolet Cruze are yet to join the small crossover.

Information and photo source: General Motors

Indulging the eccentric demands of deeper pocket motorists, the Lotus sports car company is spawning a revolutionary five-vehicle lineup by 2015. Consisting of four exotic cars of the typical two-door variety, a conspicuous addition to the resurgent British sports car organization is a four-door super saloon. The Lotus Eterne is the latest entrant to a new premium car category building four-door coupes. Attaching the Lotus badge to a four-door vehicle for the first time, the Eterne will perhaps receive the deepest intrigue.

Correspondence to styling guidelines within the new four-door coupe category works to deemphasize the rear passenger entrance. The 2015 Lotus Eterne’s streamlined door handles and a larger roof grasshouse are are subtle enough to initially go unnoticed Fashioning design cues first revealed on the 2+2 passenger Lotus Elite, the super saloon Eterne headlamps, front grille work and hood line are mirroring representation of the Grand Turismo-styled Elite. The rear deck lid appears wider on the Lotus Eterne than compared to the Elite with an unique lower diffuser and exhaust tip layout.

In true Lotus style, even the Eterne super saloon aspires to become a lightweight package. Weighing about 3,960 pounds, the use of composite materials keeps the Lotus Eterne about 300 pounds lighter than an Aston Martin Rapide and within par of a V-8 powered Porsche Panamera. An achievement to market an under 4,000 pound premium four-door, Lotus will miss out on the lightest car in category honours to the aluminum-bodied Audi’s A7 Sportback.

Under 4,000 pounds of total weight, expect this four-door coupe to fly thanks to V-8 power. Derived from a Toyota powerplant, the Lotus Eterne’s power potential will really shine by adding the optional KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) integrating electric motors with an unique transmission. Delivering a maximum output of 612 horsepower when KERS works in companion with the 5-liter V-8, performance for the British super saloon is set for 4-second flat 0 to 60 mile per hour acceleration. With 531 foot-pounds of torque muscle meeting the road at either the rear or through available all-wheel drive, the Lotus Eterne will shoot over roads at a maximum speed of 196 miles per hour.

Lotus has made the statement that their future sports cars seek high-performance credentials while obtaining excellent occupant space and comfort. A tough task but obtained goal with their traditional two-door supercars, the Eterne represents an opportunity for Lotus’ interior designers to flex luxury and comfort interpretations for the future of the British brand. At the time that the advanced production model is being shown at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, little information was given out on the Eterne’s other than the fact the super saloon will have 4-passenger seating.

With a due date of spring 2015, the Lotus Eterne will be the crowning completion of the new generation of Lotus Cars.

Information and Photo Source: Lotus Cars via Newspress

Looking into the future, the next generation of Lotus cars indicates The Esprit, Elite, and Elan all sported names of the British sports car company’s past. Resurrecting the Lotus brand with legendary names is certain to spark enthusiasts attention (as appears to have already happened through the mass Paris Motor Show). However, Lotus Cars’ renewed focus also includes recognizing the current exotic auto company. Among the future Lotus offerings expected through the next 5 years, the Elise name is shown after 2015 with a new lease on life.

The first all-new Lotus sports car marketed after the auto brand’s acquisition by their current corporate parent Proton, the Lotus Elise made a statement that core values of Lotus have not been lost. Built in the tradition of the Colin Chapman’s Lotus Seven, the Elise became a super-lightweight pleasure vessel making the most of a small four-cylinder engine. Out in Europe since 1996, the tiny sub-five second ride did not enchant North America soil until the 2005 model year when the NHTSA (National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration) made a temporary exemption for the Elise. Receiving a well-earned redesign after what will be 13 years without a major change, the 2015 Lotus Elise projects that the high-speed small car’s adventure is just starting.

Weighing less than a current Chevrolet Aveo, the 2015 Lotus Elise gently taps the scale at 1,095 kilograms (approximately 2,409 pounds). Assembled with the continuous dedication to low-weight materials, Lotus’ smallest car embodies the most youthful look of the new sports vehicle lineup. Lotus has said to have retained elements of the current Elise design. Apparently, those cues are flooded with a deeper inspiration from Lotus’ styling look forward. Besides enhancing performance and good taste, the 2015 Lotus Elise grace is also more considerate to driver and passenger. Unlike the current version of this compact sports car where cabin ingress for moderately-proportioned individuals is similar to trying on a tight pair of jeans, the upcoming Elise features a more accommodating set of doors allowing for an easier entry and exit.

More so with the 2015 Elise, modern Lotus styling touches inside capture an aggressive look. The Lotus Elise’s colourful, bright interior features the simple charm of a club racer is added to the aesthetics of a two-seat cabin. The use of silver accents along the doors and around the center console, the appearance of a tubular reinforcements commonly found in racing car is created.

The entry-level of the future Lotus lineup, power is less robust than the Esprit. Serviced by a mid-mounted two liter, four-cylinder powerplant, nearly 316 horsepower and the Elise’s lightweight construction promises not to provide an entry-level performance experience. Acceleration times for the future Elise will fall from the current variant. Depending on whether the 2015 Lotus Elise owners elect for the 6-speed manual or the 7-speed dual clutch transmission, times are penciled to be about 4.3-4.5 seconds in a 0 to 62 miles per hour run. Top speeds just under 168 miles per hour rests at the upper performance echelon of this small Lotus.

Unlike the next-generation Lotus sports cars, the Elise will not be equipped with an optional KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System). Still potentially classified as a hybrid sports car (through my a mild hybrid), the Lotus Elise will employ an available stop/start system which shuts down the engine during idling conditions.

Another one of Lotus’ 2010 Paris Motor Show treats, the trick comes in waiting until Spring of 2015 when the first new Elises can be snatched at price equal to £35,000 (currently about $55,600).

Information and photo source: Lotus Car via Newspress UK

The second-longest running name in the historic lineup of Lotus sports cars, one of company’s futuristic offerings plan to revive the Elan title. Spending a total of 19 years in production as the modestly budgeted sports car, the Lotus Elan nonetheless succeeded in delivering solid handling. Though never enjoying the glitzy movie star background that the top-end Esprit basked in, the Lotus Elan moment in the limelight was serving as Ms. Emma Peel’s (Diana Rigg) vehicle on the popular British television spy show The Avengers. Relating to a human symbol of beauty of that era, perception transferred also to admiration for the small Lotus sports car. The most recent adaptation of the Elan name aims to compliment the reputation for beauty and trademark Lotus handling while adding practicality.

Appearing smaller than the upcoming Lotus Esprit and Elite, the Elan sports car lines are precisely tailored for what Lotus Cars terms as “an athlete with a muscular physique”. Considerable flaring around the wheel fenders and defined side panels presents the Elan as a more aggressive package similar to the current model Elise. Estimated at a 2,850 pound total weight, the Lotus Elan is the 2nd lightest automobile inside the new British sports car line.

Coming standard as a two-seater, a choice will exist on whether you want to take two additional passengers for the ride. A 2+2 interior option will be available on the Lotus Elan bringing some practicality to the potential market. Chief Executive Officer of Group Lotus Dany Bahar explains that the Elan’s design seeks to be an everyday sports car. “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.”

Presented initially as a front-engined roadster in 1962, the new Elan is guided by new age engineering entailing this recent incarnation of the small Lotus will elect for a rear mid-engined configuration. Behind the either a 2-seat or an optional 2+2 seat cabin, the Lotus Elan’s is propelled by a 450 PS (443-horsepower) 4 liter V-6 engine. Like many future Lotus offerings, the Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) will be an available performance accessory on the upcoming Lotus Elan. The Elan will be exclusively rear-wheel drive with a 7-speed dual clutch transmission managing power between engine and the vehicle’s differential. Guaranteeing incredible performance, the Elan’s 0-62 mile per hour run takes only 3.5 seconds with top speed trailing past 192 miles per hour.

Closely mirroring the recently-introduced Lotus Evora, it seems unlikely the British sports car company will maintain a lineup bordering on such redundancy. Slated as a late 2013 entry, the Lotus Elan might replace the Evora as a more powerful but also more expensive offering. Price indications for the Elan is said to start at £75,000 (short of $119,000 U.S.).

Information and photo source: Lotus Cars

Claiming the Paris Motor Show would be a “dawn of a new era” for the British sports car company, automotive enthusiasts are not entirely sure what to expect.

Readers of Automoblog.net have already been introduced to one example of Lotus’ future sports car direction. The Lotus Elite 2+2 coupe was unwrapped a week prior to the Paris show as a look at the not-so-distant advent of a new generation of exotic cars. However, as the exhibits prepared to open in France, few expected the Lotus Elite would be the vanguard for a rich five-car British sports car army. Leading off an extraordinary assortment of sports cars covering the high-performance gamut, all-new Lotus Esprit provides the exotic centerpiece in Paris.

The original Lotus Esprit has gone down in history as one of England’s most celebrated British-built exotic cars. The wedge-shaped profile played prominently in movies such as Pretty Woman and, of course, two James Bond movies. While Lotus will still not issue a submersible trim option including underwater depth charges, other impressive technology encapsulates the new Esprit.

Incorporating the weight-saving design becoming the new norm with Lotus this under 3,200 pound two-door, mid-engined supercar picks up from where the old Esprit left things back in 2004. Echoing that the Elite was presenting a considerable share of Lotus’ new styling DNA, the headlamp and front nose design are styled in a near identical manner. Intentional in every body line, some gentle curving is present along the upper and lower mid-section of the Esprit’s side profile. Riding up from the windshield, a glass roof is held in place by an arching roof frame. Paying stylistic tribute to the previous Esprit, the rear deck lid of the pre-production vehicle features the flat engine cover between the rear roof pillars. Upon introduction, the Lotus Esprit is being touted as many as 20 exterior colours available.

The Lotus Esprit’s two-seat interior has the infectious charm of a dedicated performance car. The only fully visible display inside are based within the driver’s instrument cluster. Controls on the steering wheel reinforces this Esprit is a driver-oriented vehicle. Operating with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, there is not even a conventional gear selector on the rear console.

With many people calling the Lotus sports car brand newly-energized, the same can be said about the sports car’s rear-wheel drivetrain. Available as an option, KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) provides an electric power boost on top of the gasoline-fueled, supercharged 5 liter V-8 powerplant. Generating just short of 612 horsepower together, the Lotus Esprit is planned to deliver 0 to 62 times of 3.4 seconds as well as a top speed potential of 205 miles per hour.

Talking about the task of undertaking the Lotus Esprit, company’s Chief Executive Officer Dany Bahar remained mindful of the heritage. “One has to be very careful when taking on the challenge of reinventing such an iconic classic as the Esprit – everyone has an opinion. There’s a fine balance between acknowledging the greatness of the past whilst at the same time rapidly leaping forward to the future and ensuring that this car not only does the name Esprit justice but also the Lotus brand. I think we’ve managed to find the balance and in doing so created a new icon, a car people will find hard to resist.”

The impending flagship for Lotus, the new Esprit is targeted to enter the marketplace early 2013. When the exotic sports car makes its momentous return, Lotus has estimated the retail price at £110,000 (equal to about $174,000 U.S.).

Information and photo source: Lotus Car/ Newspress

Back in 1980, Audi was a small luxury company needing to work hard to define itself against their German rivals. Conceived as the ultimate rally car of its day, the Audi Quattro (known also as the Ur-quattro) served as the vehicle the last surviving Auto Union brand’s choose to return the old four-ring badge to auto racing. Grabbing WRC (World Rally Championship) manufacturer titles in 1982 and 1984, the competition Audi Quattros accolades included the successes of French female rally car driver Michele Mouton. Driving a variant of the Audi Quattro, Mouton became the first woman not only to win a WRC event but a back-to-back winner of the Pikes Peak Hill Climb with the German-built fastback.

Through racing, Audi realized the novelty of all-wheel drive cars was their gateway to gaining an identity in becoming a higher volume premium car brand. Using the quattro name across their model lineup, the once-humble German auto brand is today the manufacturer of world beater vehicles. Paying tribute to the car that gave birth to Audi’s claim started 30 years ago, the quattro name and likeness returns in concept form.

A faithful recreation of the Audi Quattro’s fastback body profile, the 2010 show car prominently replicates the roof including massive quadratically-shaped C-pillar. While the rear end continues to feature the single bar taillight panel familiar to the 1980s Quattro fans, the front end is pure modern Audi. LED headlamps resembling the Audi R8 supercar accent the face of the quattro concept’s very unique front.

Also unlike the predecessor vehicle, the Audi quattro concept employs an use extensive usage of lightweight materials which in the 1980s which was nearly unheard of in such scope. Like many current Audis, aluminum shapes much of the quattro concept car. More unique to this show car, carbon fiber construction is used to create the rear hatch door and aerodynamic features such as the movable spoiler.

While the outer presentation of the Audi quattro concept is new, the mechanicals of this tribute car is a raid of the German brand’s parts bin. Built on a platform of the Audi RS 5, the wheelbase was significantly shortened by almost 6 inches while the roof height was dropped by 1.57 inches. Advancements over the RS 5 platform on the Audi quattro concept includes the addition of drilled carbon-fiber brake discs and an upgraded version of the all-wheel drive quattro drive. Fittingly finding the four-wheel drivetrain that made the original quattro famous, a superposition gear turns the wheels 10% faster than the drive shaft. The new technology found on the Audi quattro concept is said to adjust torque to through corners to prevent oversteer and understeer.

As the Audi RS 5 is a four-passenger vehicles, the decreased distance between the front and rear wheels shrinks the interior down to a two-seater cabin. Design touches inside the quattro concept are styled for a minimalist initial appearance. This is accomplished thanks to a 3-D visor-like control display giving the driver access to Audi’s MMI system. Through the MMI, the driver can chose to pilot the Audi quattro concept in either a everyday mode or racing mode harking back to the grand LCD instrument display.

Using weight-saving components on the exterior of the Audi quattro concept, pound-shaving considerations was also directed to the interior. Filigree bucket seats weigh less than 40 pounds a piece for what Audi says is a 40% weight reduction. Three or four-point safety harnesses can be fitted to these racing-style seats.

Powering the redesigned quattro all-wheel drive system on this concept vehicle is a 2.5 liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine (a modernized interpretation of the 1980s Audi Quattro engine). Making use of Audi’s FSI direct injection, 408 horsepower and 354 pounds-feet of torque awake this show car. Thanks to the extremely powerful five-cylinder engine and lightweight construction,only 3.9 seconds is needed to send the Audi quattro from 0 to 62 miles per hour.

A concept car, Audi is not expected to make any announcement in the near term on production for this quattro two-door fastback. However, it is stated in the press release that “the know-how and technologies of the quattro concept body will characterize Audi’s entire production model portfolio in the future”

Information and photo source: Audi

Want a glimpse into an alternate universe where GM never killed off Saturn? Look no further than Opel – the GM-owned European company that has silently created some of the Buick, Chevy, and Saturn cars we see on the road today, here in the States. The current Buick Regal? Actually the Opel Insignia overseas. The Saturn Astra? Try Opel Astra. And the Saturn Aura? Opel Vectra C. Even our beloved Saturn Sky…you guessed it…you can still buy it across the pond as the Opel GT.

There’s nothing new about this practice – companies have been doing it for decades. What makes it interesting now is that ever since GM killed off Saturn, we can get a glimpse as to what the latest Saturns would look like, were Saturn still around.

Opec GTC Paris Concept

Take this sexy little Opel GTC Paris Concept for example, just revealed at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. Opel developed it to show “how Opel envisions the next logical step of a newly shaped line-up.” Muscular and sleek styling, but very doable in terms of being a concept car. They say it has a masculine “bulldog stance,” and is meant to be, as Opel puts it, “The achievable dream car.”

Inside, Opel used leather and microsuede in an interesting pattern for the seats, and a textured black instrument panel for a modern feel.

Under the hood, the GTC Paris is powered by a 2.0-liter gasoline-powered turbo engine producing a healthy 190 horsepower, and controlled by a standard six-speed manual transmission. A start/stop feature, similar to what you’re used to seeing in hybrids, cuts down on fuel consumption and emissions. The GTC Paris also features an adaptive suspension system to make sporty driving sporty, and conservative driving comfortable. Tech like this comes at a cost though, and I could see a lot of the features on the concept being dropped, were this ever to see fruition.

Opel Astra Sports Tourer

Maybe not quite as exciting as the GTC Paris above, but the Astra Sports Tourer is a wagon form based on the Astra hatchback (what we know as the Saturn Astra) – a smaller version of the Insignia (Buick Regal to us.) Normally, the Astra Sports Tourer wouldn’t have ever seen the light of day in the States, but the possibility is slowing increasing now that we’re getting used to sacrificing looks and “cool-factor” for utility.

Boasting an impressive amount of storage space (about 55 cubic ft) for such a small car, the Tourer is powered by your choice of nine engines (it would likely be three here in the States;) anything from a 95 horsepower fuel miser to a 180 motor, some of which powered by diesel. The same start/stop engine technique will be applied to one of the engines available – the 1.3-liter diesel.