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Peugeot, Sedan, Europe, Paris Motor Show

The French may not be known for their efficiency as much as, say, ze Germans, but according to the latest reports from across the Pond, Peugeot is reportedly looking at merging two weak product lines into one new sedan. The models in question are the 407 and 607, two saloons that may intrigue from this side of the Atlantic but haven’t exactly been runaway successes with those who can pick them up at their local dealership. As a result, parent company PSA’s new president Philippe Varin has reportedly confirmed that both models will be integrated into one new successor to be called the 508.

the RC Hymotion4 concept is a four-door GT using the same powertrain principles as the Hypnos and Prologue, however, with a different engine and layout. Already seen in the 308 RCZ concept, it uses the 1.6 litre THP engine making 160 kW (218 bhp) which is fitted at the rear of the vehicle and a 70 kW (95hp) electric motor under the hood. The result is 230 kW/313 bhp with CO2 emissions of 109 g/km in the combined cycle and 4.5 litres/100 km. Torque is 178 Nm at the front and 280 Nm at the rear. Sprint from 0 to 100 km/h happens in 4.4 seconds, 80 to 120 km/h in just 3.0 seconds.

The last time Peugeot used the 50X model designation was with the 505 of 1979. Although we think the new 508 will be like, we’re expecting it to be unveiled in concept form at the 2010 Paris Auto Salon before its production introduction at Geneva in 2011.

Budget, SUV, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Renault, Diesel

Despite its cute-ute looks, Dacia is claiming that the Duster is the real, all-terrain deal. The stats seem to back that up: eight inches of ground clearance combined with 30 degree approach and 35 degree departure angles reminds us of ye olde Jeep Cherokee (hey, the old AMC-developed Cherokee had a lot of French in it). While missing the Cherokee’s low gears, the Duster gets a three-stage transmission featuring an auto torque-split mode, lock and two wheel-drive. The tranny tech is actually sourced from Nissan and owed by Renault and it figures to work really well. in fact, there is some speculation that the Duster is based off Nissan’s Qashqai. Also helpful is that the Duster weighs just 2,816 pounds in 4×4 guise - 2,596 pounds as  4×2. 

What communicated earlier, compact crossover Dacia Duster, which road bright spot forms 20 centimetres, on european market will be offered with two diesel engines by volume 1,5 litres and power 85 and 105 h.p.s, as well as with 110-strong gasoline motor by volume 1,6 litres. Car will be available in modification both with front, and with full drive.
 First of all, whomever it is that still owns to rights to the Plymouth would have nothing but dollar signs in their eyes if a Duster showed up. Then, of course, there’s the undeniable fact that car makers have a sick aversion to giving us cheap, simple, rugged utilitarian diesel trucks. However, you’re more than free to purchase an X5 xDrive35d from BMW, and soon you’ll be able to buy a reworked Infiniti QX56 that halfway resembles a FX. We’ll be getting a glimpse of the Duster up close and in the flesh come Geneva, but that’ll be fleeting.

Crossover, Aston Martin, Luxury, Concept Cars, Geneva Motor Show

Aston Martin is proud to announce the return of Lagonda, one of the oldest and most iconic names in luxury car manufacturing.

The revival of Lagonda fulfils a long-term vision and will bring performance luxury into new markets around the world for Aston Martin Lagonda. Ultimately, Lagonda will be a strong presence in global territories, vastly increasing brand reach of the company and extending to new customers.Lagonda is committed to innovative new propulsion technologies, new materials and elegant forms, creating a functional luxury for the near future. Critically, the brand will allow the exploration of alternative powertrain solutions including flexfuel, hybrid systems. Lagonda will design and technology with Aston Martin’s established high performance expertise.

The LAGONDA CONCEPT is an avant-garde luxury vehicle; with powerful four-wheel drive, a four-seater car that will satisfy the most discerning and demanding owner. The concept demonstrates a commitment to innovative new propulsion technologies, new materials and elegant forms.

The LAGONDA CONCEPT is a four-seat international tourer, an avant-garde luxury car that draws inspiration from the brand’s illustrious past as well as the visual language of speedboat design, the spacious individualist environment of the upper class cabin and the bespoke feel of contemporary modern furniture. Inside, the four generous seats are divided into a two zones.. The result is a relaxed, rich environment that envelops you in warm, tactile materials.

The large 22″ wheels and cut-away bodywork offer exceptional ground clearance, while the concept’s V12 engine delivers power through all four wheels.

Concept Cars, Crossover, Mini, Off-Road

We still have few more months to wait before the production version of the new MINI Crossover arrives. We think of the MINI Beachcomber as like progeny with a Jeep Wrangler. The Beachcomber is based on the brand’s new CUV, but gets an open-top look cabriolet.

Unlike the mid-sixties Mini Moke, this one retains the main structure of the upcoming crossover, but is unlikely to ever see production. The new all-wheel drive system in the concept and the turbocharged four cylinder, although the 4,000-word press release somehow manages to avoid giving technical details. Like a Wrangler, the Beachcomber can accommodate either solid roof inserts or a soft top. Hopefully we’ll get more details in Detroit, and maybe we can see more options for this model.

Sedan, Geneva Motor Show, Volvo

the Swedish automaker has been hard at work to spruce up its image, and this is the latest result.

Though predictably toned down for public consumption, the production-ready Volvo S60 sedan bears close resemblance to the stunning S60 Concept that debuted at the Detroit Show nearly a year ago. Gone are the suicide rear doors  and the shape of the headlights have been toned down just a touch, but the coupe-like roofline and the aggressive overall styling stay.The new sedan will debut at the Geneva Motor Show next March, with production slated to begin at Volvo’s plant in Belgium early next summer. In the meantime, Trollhattan has released a pair of image.