If it arrives, Saab 92 supermini will have hybrid option, cost “Mini plus 10 percent”
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, MPG, Saab, Green Daily, Lightweight
Saab 92 – 1949 model debut
Saab’s been hard at work hyping the company’s possible 92 supermini. Just a few days ago, we brought you the initial story where Saab chief executive officer Victor Muller talked about the 92 as a “super-cool” supermini that draws cues from the company’s historic past. Now, a bunch of new details are emerging from the Saab camp.
Here’s the latest info coming down the pipeline. The decision to green light the 92 will be made within the next 100 days. If the 92 gets the go, a hybrid model will definitely be available. The design for the 92 is all but finalized, as are the specs and dimensions of the vehicle, though Saab’s keeping this info under wraps. As Muller tells Autocar, the company targets 30,000 to 60,000 units per year at a price of “Mini plus 10 percent” with a release date of late 2013 or early 2014. Of course, all of this hinges on whether or not the vehicle gets the go-ahead from Saab, a decision that partially depends on the company’s ability to find a partner for the 92 project. 100 days doesn’t leave much time, but we’re hoping a partner steps in and Saab gives the nod to the 92.
[Source: Autocar | Image: Jlord - C.C. License 2.0]
If it arrives, Saab 92 supermini will have hybrid option, cost “Mini plus 10 percent” originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 08 Jun 2010 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Buzzing Around Brooklyn in the U.S.-Bound Smart Fortwo Electric Drive
Since its debut more than a decade ago, the Smart Fortwo (I refuse to go lowercase, sorry, Smart marketers) has made its reputation the world over as a nimble, hyper-efficient, short range and relatively low-cost city commuter — in other words, a vehicle readymade for an electric powertrain.
The Smart Fortwo Electric Drive, which I recently took for a spin through the wilds of New York’s Brooklyn borough, is that car. And it’s coming to the U.S. in October of this year.
By the time the gas-powered version of Daimler’s microcar finally made it to U.S. shores in late 2008 (Smart has sold some 42,000 units to date) the Smart ED program was already well underway. The project is now in phase two of a three-phase rollout, which will see some 1500 vehicles built in all, with 250 of those eventually coming stateside.
Lotus set to kill-off Europa
Lotus will be killing off the Europa sports coupe. According to reports, Lotus dealers in Europe have stopped selling the car, which could mean production of the Europa will end by autumn.
The Europa was introduced in 2006 and came with a 2.0 litre turbocharged 4 cylinder engine with 200bhp and 270Nm (200 lb-ft) of torque. The SE, was introduced in 2008 and featured 220bhp with the same amount of torque.
Report: Hyundai Veloster to debut at Paris Motor Show
Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Paris Motor Show, Hyundai
2012 Hyundai Veloster – Click above for high-res image gallery
When Hyundai launched the Genesis coupe in 2009, we were told that it would not be a direct replacement for the outgoing Tiburon. That would be the role of the Veloster concept from 2007. We’ve been seeing spy shots of Veloster prototypes for several months now and if the latest reports are to be believed, it could appear in production form at the Paris Motor Show in September.
The compact front-wheel drive coupe is expected to be powered by a 1.6-liter direct injected inline-four with at least 140 horsepower. However, if the rumors are accurate, the Veloster could be available in an optional 200-hp turbocharged version. The turbo may even get a dual clutch gearbox, a first for Hyundai. Europeans are expected to get first crack at the Veloster early in 2011 while Americans will have to wait until next summer.
Gallery: Hyundai Veloster – Spy Shots
Chrysler name gone from Europe, cars will remain as rebadged Lancias
Filed under: Chrysler, Lancia
Without any small-car offerings, Chrysler has an incomplete product lineup. Ditto for Lancia. But Fiat’s other offspring lacks larger vehicles. Since Fiat controls both brands, it looks like a match made in heaven, right? Maybe, but not just for North America.
Fiat has announced that it will drop the Chrysler lineup in Europe and instead re-badge the Pentastar lineup as Lancias. The combination of Lancia and Chrysler leaves Fiat with too many European dealerships, so the Italian automaker also announced the cancellation of 350 Chrysler and Lancia dealer contracts beginning May, 2011. Chrysler and Lancia CEO Olivier Francois tells Automotive News that the plan is to create an “integrated network comprising about 800 dealers and over 1,000 dealerships.” The only country in Europe that will continue to sell Chrysler products is the UK, where Lancias haven’t been sold since 1991.
The next big challenge for the dealerships that make the cut is to increase floor space to make room for a new, larger model lineup. And if everything goes as plan (does it ever?) Chrysler/Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne is looking to increase Chrysler/Lancia sales in Europe from 132,500 vehicles in 2009 to over 300,000 units in 2014.
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]
Chrysler name gone from Europe, cars will remain as rebadged Lancias originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Jun 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Video: 24 Hours of Nürburgring in 19,500 glorious HD frames
Filed under: Motorsports, Europe, Videos
Tim Hahne’s video of the 2010 24 Hours of Nürburgring – Click above to watch video after the jump
Video guru Tim Hahne descended on this year’s 24 Hours of Nürburgring with nothing but his trusty Canon 5d Mk II and a handful of lenses. The guy was there through the thick and the thin of the race – from the first drop of the green flag to the final fall of the checkers – and managed to nab a heady 19,500 frames of racing action for the world’s enjoyment. It’s all in delicious HD, dripping with the kind of glory we’re unaccustomed to in motorsports videography.
We highly suggest you take the time (and bandwidth) to sit down and enjoy the high-def goodness for yourself. Between the awesome shots of the cars in action and the chaotic in-pit clips, the whole thing is not to be missed. Hit the jump to enjoy it for yourself.
[Source: Vimeo]
Continue reading Video: 24 Hours of Nürburgring in 19,500 glorious HD frames
Video: 24 Hours of Nürburgring in 19,500 glorious HD frames originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Jun 2010 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Scoop: Nissan NV 200 MPV spy photos
Nissan plans to launch a MPV in India soon. Here are its spy pictures
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