Morgan Space looks better than the real thing

Morgan seems to relish its past; so much so that it still builds cars with frames hewn from ash wood. How could such a company move forward with its designs while giving a clear nod to its history? May we suggest getting in contact with Georgian designer Vladimer Kobakhidze, who penned the Morgan Space concept.

Looking over the renderings, this concept is obviously a Morgan, but features a more modern and aerodynamic look. It's very similar to the direction the automaker itself took with the Aeromax -- a design we almost but not quite like. Pontoon-like front fenders blend into a tight waistline that then flows back into the wide rear haunches. The whole car culminates in an boattail-like point at the rear. Like current Morgan production machines, power would come from BMW but the craftsmanship and panache would be classically British, with wood and leather covering every interior surface. Unfortunately, this is nothing more than a design exercise; don't expect to ever see it for real.

[Source: Diseno-art]

Fiat 500 DIESEL - it's not what you think

Perhaps it isn't the most interesting live reveal that took place in Paris, but we managed to get a few shots of the new Fiat 500 by DIESEL anyway. Yes, there is an optional 75-horsepower 1.3 Multijet diesel engine, complete with a particulate filter to keep things squeaky clean, but that's not why it's called the DIESEL edition. That moniker comes from the Italian clothing company, which lends its name and the styling talents of DIESEL head designer with a head Lars Schwartz. Outside, the 500 is painted in your choice of Green DIESEL, Brown DIESEL or Black DIESEL. Name recognition much? Surely the most striking bit of kit is inside, where the seats are upholstered in denim with contrasting stitching. Fortunately, the look is much more upscale than that of the Levi's Gremlins and Jeans Beetles of the '70s.

Audi ships A4 Driving Challenge iPhone game v2.0

They say you get what you pay for. Unfortunately, even with the second release of the Audi A4 Driving Challenge for your iPhone or iPod Touch, the price tag is still fairly representative of the quality of the game. According to Audi, 370,000 people downloaded version 1.0, but we'd be curious to know how many of those copies were still on the devices 48 hours after the user first tried it out. Our guess would be not many. Version 2.0 is certainly much improved. Audi has added new vehicles that can be unlocked, including the A4 3.2 and the mighty R8.

The graphics are also better, compared to the original. Unfortunately, like so many other games on other platforms, graphics and good features don't necessarily equate to great gameplay. Compared to Crash Kart, the vehicles in this Audi game are hard to control, and the game simply isn't much fun because the scale speeds are so slow. Since it's free, go ahead and download the Audi A4 Driving Challenge and try it yourself. Thankfully, not all of the free apps on the iPhone and iPod Touch are of the same quality of this one. Perhaps for v3.0, Audi should hire someone with more experience in driving game design.

[Source: Audi]

PRESS RELEASE

Audi Announces Version 2.0 of 'Audi A4 Driving Challenge'

- Audi took consumer feedback to improve version 2.0 of game

- Unlockable cars, optimized graphics and enhanced game play in new release

- Over 370,000 units of version 1.0 were downloaded in the first two weeks of release

HERNDON, Va., Sept. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Audi of America today announced the release of version 2.0 of the popular "Audi A4 Driving Challenge" iPhone and iPod Touch application. The first version has been downloaded over 370,000 times since it was released in August. Audi responded to consumer reviews and feedback for development of the second release. Upgrades include optimized graphics and enhanced game play. Further, skilled players will now be rewarded with the opportunity to unlock new models, including the A4 3.2L V6 and even the Audi R8 sports car. The application is now available free on Apple's iTunes Application store. The 2009 Audi A4 is available in dealerships nationwide.

The precision performance driving game utilizes the iPhone's accelerometer (motion sensor) to control the car through a series of progressively challenging courses. Players maneuver the course, honing reflexes, control and anticipation. The A4 Driving Challenge is the first ever iPhone application from an auto manufacturer.

"Consumer response to the first version of 'Audi A4 Driving Challenge' was phenomenal," said Scott Keogh, chief marketing officer, Audi of America. "We took feedback from players and used it to craft an even better version this time around. Early reviews of 2.0 are very strong and the application is already back in the Top 10 Free Apps List."

To support the application and the launch of the A4, Audi also created an A4 iPhone experience web site that allows users to learn more about the entirely new Audi A4. Consumers who visit truthinengineering.com/a4/iphone on their iPhone will find a unique interface and content on the A4, specialized videos, wallpapers, an exterior color customizer, a dealer locator and link to install the "Audi A4 Driving Challenge" application. Additionally, customers can visit A4.audiusa.com to view the iPhone optimized website showcasing the entirely new Audi A4.

2008 Paris Auto Show Highlights

FOR FULL PARIS AUTO SHOW COVERAGE, Click Here

Seat Exeo

Our Spanish colleagues tell us that the Iberians are none too happy about SEAT grabbing a previous generation A4 out of the garbage bin to make a new sedan. Never mind the opportunity to make an easy(-ier) profit – something that would have any automaker quaking with giddyness right now – the word "Exeo" right now translates as "It just ain't right!" Those of you who have seen the previous A4 won't be surprised by anything here, except perhaps the richness and quality of the suede interior. We can assure you it was impressive. The mirror housings are neat, too, but standard fare for SEAT. Based on the approval ratings of the old A4 by the time it retired, our guess is that new customers the Exeo is meant to attract won't be disappointed that they found their way to SEAT through these four doors.

Toyota's new Avensis arrives

The Euro-only Toyota Avensis is reminiscent of the Lexus IS350 in the same way that you'd tell someone, "You kind of look like someone I know, but not really." It's the rising linear sideline, somewhat high and compact profile, and squared-off rear that do it. But that's from a full-on side profile and around the back. Move around the front and it really just looks like a Toyota. The raked grille and molded lips in the front bumper are unexpected, as is the subtle sexiness of the wagon. Designed in France, the new Avensis grows a little over its predecessor by 5 cm in length and width. Under the hood, possibilities include three new Valvematic gasoline engines, and two diesels, while cogs can be swapped with a 6-speed manual or the dual-mode, Multidrive S automatic.

Peugeot Prologue HYmotion4 diesel hybrid concept

Peugeot has been showing diesel hybrid concepts at auto shows for the past several years, and the latest is the new Prologue HYmotion4. Unlike the previous versions that were based on the 307 and 308 C-segment hatchbacks, the Prologue is an all-new vehicle. Also unlike the previous concepts that used a hybrid system where the engine and electric motor ran in parallel on the same axle, this one uses the company's new HYmotion4 system like the RC concept we showed you earlier today. And unlike the four-door coupe RC, the crossover-bodied Prologue flips the powertrain arrangement front to back. The CUV has a 163-hp 2.0L four-cylinder turbodiesel twisting the front wheels while a 27 kW motor sends torque to the rear axle. The combined output when both the diesel and motor are running is 200 hp with 221 lb-ft going to the front wheels and 148 lb-ft to the back. Like the RC concept, front-, rear- and all-wheel-drive modes are available. Since rear-drive is electric only and the motor output only 27 kW, that mode is only available up to 30 mph. The diesel engine up front sends power through an automated 6-speed manual gearbox that allows for manual shifting. Peugeot also claims the electric motor is activated during shifts to provide uninterrupted power flow and smoother operation. Whereas the RC concept uses lithium-ion batteries, the Prologue uses a cheaper nickel-metal hydride battery pack sitting under the rear seat. Altogether, the Prologue is claimed to achieve 57.4 mpg (U.S.) with carbon dioxide output of 109 g/km.

[Source: Peugeot]

Chevrolet Cruze meets an eager Europe

The Chevrolet Cruze is three kinds of car: small, American and important. And with the state of General Motors, it isn't even the individual words that mean the most: it's whether The General can combine them into a reliable, fuel efficient and cost effective package. True, we don't get to drive these things while they're parked under the lights, but to have a seat in the Cruze is to imagine a GM that begs the question, "Where was all this before the meltdown?" The studio imagery we've seen so far translates nicely into real life, and the center console looks and feels substantial – in fact, it looks like it could be foreign – even if the silver mesh treatment in the show car was a bit much. The car has a compact yet full-bodied stance, and will probably look even better on the road in a color other than scarlet, and not under klieg lights. Spring of '09 will welcome this first Cruze variant to Europe, after which other regions will get it, as well as a probable hatchback and wagon. It will be powered by a 1.4-liter turbo four-cylinder that charts up to 140 hp and is said to return 40 mpg. Have a look at the high-res gallery of live shots below to get a better idea of what to expect when the Cruze goes on sale here in a couple years.

Peugeot RC HYmotion4 Concept gets 52.3 mpg

The RC HYmotion4 concept is one of several hybrid concepts using a new through-the-road hybrid system being shown in Paris by Peugeot and Citroen. Unlike the hybrid systems used by current production vehicles, this one has no direct mechanical connection between the electric and internal combustion drive systems. The Peugeot RC has a turbocharged 1.6L four-cylinder in the back driving the rear wheels with 218 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque, while additional propulsion comes from a 70 kW electric motor situated between the front wheels. This way, the RC can operate in either rear-, front- or all-wheel-drive modes. That means it can also operate using internal combustion, electric only or blended modes, respectively. The 3,141-lb four-door coupe accelerates from 0-62 mph in just four seconds when both gasoline and electricity are flowing. The electrons are stored in a lithium-ion battery pack of indeterminate size, but having the electric motor at the front instead of the rear axle means that more kinetic energy can be recaptured through regenerative braking. According to Peugeot, the RC can get 52.3 mpg and output CO2 emissions of just 109 g/km. It's a trick system for sure, but there's no word on whether it's ever going to be produced.

[Source: Peugeot]

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 S Roadster

Certain cars encourage a response that is as routine and predictable as the reaction to a stoplight, and the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 S Roadster is one of those cars. This is what happens every time someone gets in one, irrespective of their age, sex, or nationality: she snuggles into the seat, looks into the footwell to make sure her feet are placed just so on the pedals, slides her hands around the steering wheel for a couple of seconds to find just the right position, snuggles into the seat again... and then she just sits there, staring off into the distance. She might flip the paddles once or twice, or check out the center console. Then it's back to the thousand yard stare at the wall in front of her. She gets her picture taken, notices the line of people waiting to do the same thing, and it's all repeated again and again. And for good reason – the SLR McLaren 722 S Roadster is topless testosterone-topped terrificality. 650 horsepower from a supercharged 5.5L V8 and a convertible soft top that'll stay put above 208 mph deserves the attention.

In love with Kia's funky Soul

The Scion xB may have written the book on small-and-boxy, but it appears that Kia may add another volume to the work with the Soul. We have no idea how the new Soul will go on the road, or how it will hold up – either materially or financially – but taking a seat in the giant shoe on wheels was a revelation. For a car that isn't expected to cost too much, the details alone would almost have to be worth the price: the chunky moldings around the grille and bumper, the contrasting surrounds for the headlights and contrasting panels for the doors, the gearshift knob housing a ball within a plexiglass ball, the court jester seats. And when we put the driver's seat all the way back, we could sit in the back seat without our legs touching anything else. And we're not short. If the Soul can mind its manners on the road, there's no reason it shouldn't go straight to sales heaven.

Pininfarina goes from Ferrari to batteries with B0 Concept

Pininfarina is the Italian design studio perhaps best known for penning almost every production Ferrari over the last half century. The firm, however, does much more than just design exotic sports cars. It has created bodies for more mainstream cars like Peugeots, Alfa Romeos and even Daewoos. The company's latest creation is a compact four-seat hatchback propelled by electrons. Pininfarina has formed a joint venture with French battery maker Bolloré to build this electric car.

The B0 uses a hybrid energy storage solution consisting of a 30 kWh lithium-polymer battery and a bank of super-capacitors. While the capacitors have very limited storage capacity, they can absorb and release energy much faster than a battery. That way more regenerative braking can be used and a bigger performance boost is available. Pininfarina hopes to start limited production late in 2009, ramping up volumes as batteries become more available and presumably affordable. The battery pack itself is claimed to have a lifespan of 125,000 miles. A single charge is expected to deliver 153 miles of driving with a maximum speed of 80 mph. Helping to extend the range a bit are solar cells in the roof and on the nose in the area that looks like a grille.

[Source: Pininfarina]

Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart Sportback

Rounding out the Mitsubishi Lancer line this year is the new Lancer Sportback, also in extra spicy Ralliart flavor. It's everything you love about the Lancer plus the space, versatility and convenience of a wagon – the first time since the '80s you'll be able to have your cake and haul it, too. If it weren't for the spoiler, which is aptly called the "rear wing", and the subwoofer in the trunk, you'd be forgiven for thinking this was just another cool little wagon. But thanks to the Lancer Ralliart's turbocharged 2.0L MIVEC engine producing 237 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque and Twin-Clutch SST transmission, you'll soon be able to get those groceries with gusto. And it's the only wagon we know of with an access hatch to the central differential.

Mercedes-Benz ConceptFASCINATION

When Jaguar launched its latest XK coupe, the ad campaign that accompanied it was called "Gorgeous". When the Mercedes-Benz ConceptFASCINATION eventually becomes the next E-Class, the first thing Mercedes should do is call Jag to see if Gorgeous needs a friend. The shooting brake is absolutely stunning in person, the ultimate rendition of MB's current design language. Whereas a few of the 3-pointed-star's current cars have signature elements that ring true, this E-Class-Coupe-Wagon is the first time the entire theme sings in sweet harmony. The interior is the kind of thing that bespoke dreams are made of, with richly stained wood alternating between low-gloss metal and buttery suede. It is as if Mercedes discovered its inner passion, and if the next E-Class shares these qualities with the ConceptFASCINATION, then BMW and Audi better start worrying.

Fiat 500 Abarth esseesse

Abarth, the high-performance wing of Fiat, got to finally unveil its hotted up version of the 500 hatch at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. The 500 Abarth esseesse (that's "SS" in Italian) takes Fiat's throwback three-door and adds a road-hugging ground effects kit with a new lower front fascia, Abarth-spec 17-inch white wheels, a lowered sport suspension and, most importantly, a turbocharged 1.4L four-cylinder producing 160 hp and a peak torque rating of 170 lb-ft in "sport mode". We thought Abarth would fit the 500 esseesse with a six-speed transmission, but the specs reveal that it will be one cog short with a five-speed manual. Still, Abarth claims it will claw its way to 62 mph in 7.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 131 mph. Performance specs aside, we bet drag racing and runs to the rev limiter aren't half as much fun in the 500 esseesse as simply dashing down a twisty mountain pass.

500 Abarth 1.4 16V turbo 160 CV "esseesse"

Engine
• 4 cylinders in line, 4 valves per cylinder, 1368 cm3
• Power: 160 CV (147 KW) at 5750 g/min.
• Max. torque of 206 Nm (230 Nm sport mode) at 3000 g/min.
• IHI RHF3 fixed geometry turbocharger

Transmission
• 5-speed C510 transmission

Air filter
• Abarth-specific, powered by BMC

Steering
• Electric power steering with "sport mode"

Suspension
• Front: McPherson with anti-roll bar
• Rear: interconnected bars with torsion beam

Ride height
• Specifically lowered compared to the 500 Abarth 135CV

Brakes
• Self-ventilated, perforated front brake disc ø 284 mm x 22 mm
• Perforated rear brake disc ø 240 mm x 11 mm
• High-performance front brake pads

Wheels
• Abarth-specific Abarth "esseesse" style alloys, 7" x 17" ET 35
• 205/40 ZR17 P ZERO BLACK tires

Performance
• Maximum speed 211 Km/h.
• Acceleration 0/100 m 7.4 sec.

Fuel consumption
• Urban: 8.5 litres per 100km
• Extra-urban: 5.4 litres per 100km
• Combined: 6.5 litres per 100km

Emissions
• 155 g per km CO2 (compared to Euro 5 CEE-F5 standard)
Special features
• Specific ""esseesse"" key cover
• Tire pressure sensors
• ""esseesse"" logo on tailgate/engine hood

Citroen GT Concept now available in GT5 Prologue

Polyphony's Gran Turismo 5 Prologue is about to get a pretty substantial upgrade. The next time you boot up your Playstation 3, an update will be available for GT5 that will add the GT by Citroen, Ferrari's new California and the Lotus Evora. Lotus fans got a sneak peek into the Evora's GT5 inclusion at the British Motor Show a few weeks back, and now everybody gets to join in on the aluminum-intensive fun. It's always a pleasure to strap yourself in a Ferrari, in real-life or virtually, and the California is the latest Italian Stallion around, so its addition was a foregone conclusion. The biggest news, though, is the new French GT, which its maker says was "a partnership between Citroën and Polyphony." In the game-realm, the new GT concept will be powered by electrons generated from a hydrogen fuel cell. Even if the technology isn't quite ready for prime time in your driveway, it can always make waves in digital form, running around various race tracks while emitting nothing but water.

[Source: PlayStation Blog via Joystiq]

Ford teases 2010 Mustang's front fender, mirror

Ford is continuing its painfully slow unveiling of the 2010 Mustang with another new image showing the car's front fender and the rear view mirror. It could just be the angle, but the photo shows a more curvaceous hood line that dips down to the headlight more than the current design. Another difference is the fender, which flows from the hood to the wheel well in one smooth line rather than the current one that has a more pronounced and angular flare. Finally, we get another view of the rear view mirror, the top half of which is now painted instead of textured black. Like us, you'd probably rather see the whole car by now, but Ford has seven more teaser images to go before it unveils the car in Los Angeles in more than a month and a half. So, like us, you're just going to have to get used to it.

[Source: The2010Mustang.com]

Super rich may avoid super expensive cars because of bad image

If you've got it, flaunt it. The super high-end automotive market has been counting on that attitude for years, and it may now be coming back to bite them. It seems that sales of luxury marques such as Bentley, Maybach and Aston Martin have been on a downward trajectory over the last year. Despite the fact that there are a number of people who still have plenty of dough to purchase these expensive toys, public perception is causing some of them to hold back and keep those fat wallets in their pockets.

To combat the problem, some high-end brands are choosing to aim even higher. If ex-customers with a net-worth of less than $5 million find it socially unacceptable to make a purchase, Bentley has said it will begin marketing to those with at least a net worth of $25 million. Let us add that we've driven a few Bentleys and Rollers and can say with certainty that they are definitely conspicuous in a sea of CamCords and Mustangs.


[Source: Advertising Age]

2008 Paris Motor Show

Day 1 of the 2008 Paris Motor Show is now officially over and below you'll find our complete coverage of the most exciting concepts and production vehicles that were unveiled. We're curious to know which concept is your favorite and which production vehicles you are most looking forward to.

CONCEPTS
Lamborghini Estoque Concept
Citroen GT Concept
Aston Martin One-77
Chevy Orlando Concept
MINI Crossover Concept
Audi A1 Sportback Concept
BMW X1 Concept
Mazda Kiyora Concept
Nissan Nuvu EV Concept
Audi A4 TDI Concept e

PRODUCTION VEHICLES
2009 Lexus IS250C
2009 Volkswagen GTI
2009 Mazda MX-5
2009 Audi S4
Ferrari California
Honda Insight
2009 Mitsubishi Colt Ralliart
Jaguar XKR-S

Chevy Orlando Concept outdoes the HHR

Ever wish the Chevy HHR would evolve into something more cool than kitsch? What that would be is the Chevy Orlando Concept, a seven-passenger multi-purpose vehicle that will be entering production in Europe sometime in the near future. We sincerely hope General Motors considers selling the production version in the U.S. as a replacement for the HHR, as its slab sides and chunky stance impart a much more grown up and aggressive attitude than Chevy's current compact people mover. And just like the HHR is based on the compact Cobalt's platform, the production Orlando will be based on the same platform as the upcoming Cruze, which itself will be sold in both Europe and the U.S. There's really not a doubt in our minds that the Orlando is being developed to replace the HHR in the U.S. while it simultaneously enters a new segment in Europe for Chevy. As for when the production version will appear, we don't know. All we know is that this MPV has got a lot of promise.

Jaguar XKR-S fastest since XJ220

Jaguar quietly trotted out its hottest XK to date, the XKR-S. Packing a 420-hp 4.2-liter V8 and sending power to the rear wheels through a six-speed automatic gearbox equipped with Jaguar's Sequential Shift system, the XKR-S can run to 60 in 5.2 seconds and on to a top speed of 174 mph, making it the fastest Jag since the XJ220 supercar.

But it's not all about motivation. The revised suspension features new springs, dampers, a larger rear anti-roll bar and a recalibrated CATS (Computer Active Technology Suspension), while an active exhaust, revised aerodynamic aids (including one funky but functional spoiler) and massive, 400mm (front) and 350mm (rear) Alcon R Performance brakes balance out the package.

The Jaguar XKR-S will be limited to only 200 cars in both left- and right-hand-drive, but those of us in the States will never get a taste – it's a Euro-only affair.

2009 Audi S4 armed and ready

We were never particularly fond of the last generation Audi S4. With 4.2-liters of V8 hanging precariously over the front axle, it provided adequate thrust, but never delivered the dynamic thrills we used to associate with the twin-turbo'd V6 fitted to the B5 platform.

Apparently Audi agrees, and in a move to further differentiate its lineup – while also providing some competition to the all-conquering BMW 335i – it's fitted the new S4 with a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 putting out 333 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. With a 0-60 time of 5.1 seconds and the Quattro all-wheel-drive system sending 60 percent of the power to the rear wheels, the 2009 Audi S4 is ready to do battle and we're truly looking forward to our time behind the wheel.

Ferrari California

It's not every day that Ferrari unveils a new sportscar. And when it does, it's almost invariably billed as a successor to the one that came before, or a version of something already on the market. But the Ferrari California is an entirely different beast, expanding the Prancing Horse's line-up into a new segment, and it certainly looks the part when viewed up close. We'll have to reserve our judgment for the time being on the California's driving dynamics, but the Italians promise it'll keep up its end and then some with its new direct-inject, 460-hp version of the company's 4.3L V8. In the meantime, today was a big day for Ferrari.

2009 Mazda MX-5

We finally had the opportunity to check out the 2009 Mazda MX-5 in person, and despite the tweaks being minor, we like what we see.

This is one of those instances where the press pics don't do it justice. It's difficult to see the RX-8-inspired revisions to the front end, but on closer inspection, the new headlamps, five-point air dam and blistered arches all flow effortlessly into its predecessors lines. Out back, the redesigned taillamps are easy to miss, but we'll be the first to say we prefer the outgoing models red lenses.

More importantly, the 2009 model gets an extra 500 rpm before redline, new 16- and 17-inch aluminum wheels and an upgraded gearbox that has new carbon-coated synchronizers for easier, smoother shifts. Additionally, the front suspension knuckles and roll center have been revised to provide even more steering feel and a more confident ride.

MINI Crossover Concept

Some concepts are purely design exercises, while others serve as previews of upcoming production models. It's rare for one show car to serve as both, but then MINI is unique in the business. The Crossover concept that the BMW subsidiary unveiled here at the Paris Motor Show has a bit of a Dark Knight villain thing going for it. On one side it's got an unusual door configuration, big show-car wheels and a decidedly conceptual turquoise-highlighted paint scheme. On the other it's more staid, with conventional doors, a more conventional color palette and an altogether more production-feasible appearance. Up top and inside everything's all fantasy, however, with the cloth roof and trick glass infotainment system we reported on earlier.

Audi unveils 59-mpg A4 TDI concept e

Audi's parent company Volkswagen already produces some of the cleanest-burning, most fuel-miserly diesel engines in the world. The Jetta TDI was recently released in the U.S. and has been making waves for its hybrid-like efficiency. So it's natural that Audi would want to show off its green credentials with a new diesel sedan of its own, and it has done so with the A4 TDI concept e, introduced at the Paris Motor Show. Based on the brand-new A4 platform, the new concept gets a 2.0L four-cylinder common-rail direct-inject turbodiesel derived from the unit powering the Jetta TDI. That mill sees tweaks to its valvetrain and cooling systems, lowering its power output a bit to 120-horsepower and 214 lb-ft of torque, but increasing its fuel efficiency a great deal.

Added to the powertrain is a start/stop system that keeps the engine from idling when not needed and regenerative braking, which charges a secondary battery that keeps all your goodies running while the engine's off. The engine has also had its efficiency-robbing power steering pump removed and the rear brakes are now electrically actuated as well. All of this, plus many other small details, adds up to a remarkable 59 miles per U.S. gallon in EU combined testing! Its 10.5 second run to 60 won't win any drag races, but considering the cost of fuel and pending eco-legislation in the world's largest markets, we'd imagine that the technologies on this car will go from concept to production in short order.

[Source: Audi]

Mitsubishi Colt Ralliart and Colt five-door

Even for utilitarian transport, the Colt is a fine looking vehicle – Mitsu's new grille is a one-size-fits-all beautifier, and there are some nice details around the car. The dip in the headlights isn't original, but it's executed with a flavor of its own. Inside it's plastic city and several bolts of cloth, but again, while there's nothing exactly special about it, there's nothing that would make you go "Ugh." The Colt Ralliart edition (above), however, is a treat. The details outside don't change much save for a wheel finish and a larger tailpipe, but the massively bolstered leather seats completely remake the interior.

BMW X1 concept

We're trying to find some redeeming qualities in the BMW X1 concept, but after staring at it on the show stand and navigating our way through BMW's lengthy press release (after the jump), we're at a loss.

Built atop the 3-series platform and likely motivated by a handful of gasoline and diesel powerplants when it hits the road next year, the X1 has all the charm of the X3 (as in very little), will feature similar interior dimensions to its lower-riding cousin, the 1-series five-door, and has to make due with the new 7-series' upright schnoz. The X1 isn't quite ready to board the failboat, but it's on its way to the docks.

Aston Martin One-77 (partially) revealed

Aston Martin said it would have a "property" here in Paris, and indeed it did. The Aston Martin One-77 made its "debut," but it looks like we'll have to wait a bit longer to see the British automaker's $1,000,000+ super coupe.

Judging by the limited upskirt shots in our gallery, the length of the One-77 easily surpasses the DB9 and the stylized front end, with blacked-out headlamps, ensures that the One-77 will spend more time in the comfy confines of heated and carpeted garages then out on the track where it's 7.3-liter V12, carbon fiber monocoque and massive brakes will be put to good use.

The GT by Citroen.

The day is here, the GTbyCitroen has got over its shyness and is ready to be seen by the world. Par for the French, the GT is funky -- and we're not even going to get into the seventh teaser for the car in which the car was completely covered. Contrary to the rakishness of its looks, it's also fairly slow. The 3,000-pound two-seater takes a virtual 3.6 seconds to get to a virtual 62 mph, and that's with a 646 digital ponies boosted by an additional 136 hydrogen-powered horses. As for the design, if you're wondering what that rear overhang is about, the phrase you're looking for is "retinal persistence."