Others @ Frankfurt

After we featured the biggies from Frankfurt like Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Porsche, and Volkswagen, it's time to see what some other automakers showed at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. Here goes:

- 2010 Alfa Romeo MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde 1.4 MultiAir: This is not the production MiTo GTA hot-hatch, but it's actually close. This Alfa Romeo MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde 1.4 MultiAir may look like any MiTo, but Alfa say this will set the foundation of small turbocharged compact hatchbacks. So, what this is MiTo good at? The Quadrifoglio Verde basically gives the MiTo a sporty outfit, which is a pack of 17" satin titanium-finished wheels, darkened headlights and mirrors, sporty interior with bucket seats, and Alfa's latest DNA suspension controls. On the technical side, the 1.4 MultiAir engine, which in essence, is a turbocharged 1.4L 4-cylinder engine, that makes 170 hp. Alfa Romeo showrooms will be recieving MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde editions soon.
- 2010 Aston Martin Rapide: It's finally, in its final production form - the 2010 Aston Martin Rapide. As Aston have promised, the 2010 Rapide looks like the concept we saw back in 2006. So, is still looks like a 4-door DB9, which is actually a good thing. This Rapide is not just a looker though; it's a full-on sports-sedan. Therefore, it packs a hand-built 470 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque 6.0L V12, and it has a 750 liters of luggage space when the seats are folded. While the driver has a 6-speed Touchtronic transmission tp play with, the rear-seats are offered with indiviual tv screens. In essence, this is a pure Aston supercar, that will easily handle a family roadtrip; just like that new Porsche Panamera. First deliveries of the Aston Martin Rapide will commence early in 2010 and will be available globally through Aston Martin's 125 dealership network.
- 2011 Bentley Mulsanne: It's the all-new Grand Bentley, or at least that's what we knew it. Among Bentley's exciting line-up, where does this Mulsanne fit? Well, for starters, the 2011 Bentley Mulsanne is the replacement for the beloved Arnage. What's more, Bentley say that this Mulsanne is a classic revival of the 1930 Bentley 8-Liter. Most notable design cue are the quad LED headlights that echo the classic 8-Liter, and the whole style showcases some Bentley heritage, with newly modern design. Same theory goes to the interior as well. Because, where the dashboard features the classic glossy wood, it also has a 14-speaker audio system, and other high-tech luxury equipment. Under that long hood, sits the grand-old 6¾L V8 engine, which was originally used in the 1968 Rolls Royce Phantom. However, with new modern twin-turbochargers, and a new ZF 8-speed automatic transmission, the Mulsanne gets 505 hp and 752 lb-ft of torque; and all that power is going to the rear-wheels only. The 2011 Bentley Mulsanne will hit showrooms in mid 2010, with prices start at around $300,000.
-2010 Brabus E V12: For anyone who haven't heard of Brabus, they are those crazy German tuning company, specialized for cranking-up Mercedes', and can tune-up a C-Class up to 730 hp! This time around, Brabus got their hands on the new E-Class, and look what they have done to it: full aerodynamic bodykit, with a rear-spoiler and Speed Spads rocker panel for the rear-wheels, matte-black paint on every exterior panel, lowered suspension, and oh, a twin-turbocharged 6.3L V12. Numbers don't get better than this - 800 hp and 1,047 lb-ft of torque; with an electronic torque-limiter, there's still 811 lb-ft of torque to play with. Acceleration too, is way beyond any production super sedan, and even hyper-cars! 60 mph comes in 3.7 seconds, 125 mph in just 9.9 seconds, and 186 mph comes at 23.9 seconds. Top speed? That's 230 mph! However, Brabus say that for tire safety reasons, it's better not to go any faster than 217 mph on public roads. So yes, Brabus are some crazy German auto-tuning company! It's probably you'll never see an E V12, simply because it will be limited to only 10 units, with pricing going for 498,000 Euros.
- 2009 Bugatti Galibier Concept: We saw the teasers, heard the rumors, and even got some speculation renders; but non prepare this: the highly-anticipated 4-door Bugatti Galibier Concept. Though it says that it's a concept, the production version is come very soon, with the same platform, and same engine. Key features to the design, are the chrome door and front-fender panels, and 8 exhaust pipes out back. Inside, it offers 4 seats, with total luxury, wood-inserted dashboard and center console, and a LCD navigation system. The platform features all-wheel-drive, specially developed ceramic brakes and a new suspension design enable the agile, always-sure handling of a saloon of this size. The engine originally comes from the legendary Veryon, so an 8.0L W16 engine; but, instead of turbocharging, the Galibier Concept gets a two stage supercharger. No officials numbers yet, but Bugatti said that this will be the fastest production 4-door sedan in the automotive world, with a top sped of 217 mph.
- 2011 Citroen DS3: Joining the retro compact superminis from the Mini Cooper, and Fiat 500, is this DS3. It channels some of the iconic cues of the '60s DS, and also offers a wide range of paint colors. DS3 is offered with diesel and petrol engines, but top-spec DS3 comes with a turbocharged 1.6L in-line 4-cylinder, with 150 hp. The new DS3 will go on sale in most European markets by early 2010.
- 2009 Citroen REVOLTe Concept: This is another Citroen that also aims on retro styling, and modern technology. This REVOLTe Concept is heavily inspired by the iconic 1979 Citroen 2CV, which is sort of the first real eco-friendly car. So coming to the exterior design, the whole shape is reminiscent to the 2CV, but in a very modern design (sort of like the new Dodge Challenger). Like the original 2CV, the REVOLTe Concept is being showcased as a pure enviromental compact-city car. So it's got a new plug-in hybrid drivetrain, which basically can be setup on normal hybrid-drive, or run in all-electric ZEV (Zero Emission Vehicle) mode. No info yet on whether the REVOLTe Concept comes to production, but we might see something close in the near future.
- 2011 Ferrari 458 Italia: This will be the replacement to thebeloved F430. It's got an all-new design, a new platform, a new engine, and a new transmission. Powered by a new direct-injection 4.5L V8, which produces 570 hp and 398 lb-ft, the 458 Italia will hit 60 mph in 3.4 seconds, and will go towards 202 mph. The new 458 is also supported with a new 7-speed dual-clutch F1 transmission. Ferrari F1 also got a new setup for the E-Diff, F1-Trac and ABS systems. Coming to your near-by Ferrari dealer in 2010, as 2011 model year.
- 2009 Fiat 695 Abarth Tributo Ferrari: This Fiat 500 may seem like a compact city car, but it's in fact a super hatchback. This Ferrari-inspired Fiat 500 Abarth gets Ferrari kit inside and out, like 4 exhaust pipes with Ferrari Scuderia strips, and a Ferrari F1-style racing seats with a paddle-shift transmission. Even power is uprated from the 500 Abarth; so now, the turbocharged 1.4L in-line 4-cylinder makes 180 hp. 60 mph should come in less than 7 seconds. For anyone who wants a cheap feel of a Ferrari, this 695 Abarth Tributo Ferrari will be in showrooms soon.
- 2011 Ford C-MAX: While this may look like somewhat near to the Ford iosis MAX Concept car unveiled at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, it is in-fact, the production version and new Ford C-Max. This 7-seater minivan is actually based on a stretched wheel-base of the new Ford Focus. Although this C-Max offers hallmarks of comfort, space, and practicality, it still looks very sporty. In fact, the sporty-looks are supported with an all-new 1.6L in-line 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine. With turbocharging and direct-injection, Ford claim that this 1.6 will offer V6 power, with 4-cylinder economy. The Ford C-MAX will be launched in the second half of 2010, and will be the first C-Max to be sold worldwide.
- 2011 Hyundai ix35: While this ix35 is actually the replacement of the old Tucson, it's an entirly new vehicle. Compared to its predecessor, the new ix35 looks much more upscale inside-and-out. Hyundai are also trying to make some sort of trademark design; therefore, the ix35 looks like the Veracruz's smaller brother. Concerning powertrains, ix35 comes in a 166 hp 2.0L engine, or a turbocharged 1.6L in-line 4 with 170 hp. Standard equipment start with a 6-speed automatic transmission, Electronic Stability Program, Downhill Brake Control, and Hill-Start Assist Control. Hyundai revealed that the 2011 ix35 will be manufactured at Kia's Zilina plant in Slovakia. 2011 Hyundai ix35 will be available in dealerships beginning of 2010, with prices start at around $22,000.
- 2009 Hyundai ix-Metro Concept: Hyundai's new Global Design Team have created a concept study, which like all new concepts, is a showcase to enviromently-friendly compacts. Hyundai say that the ix-Metro offers all the practicality, robustness and versatility of a CUV in a stylishly sophisticated package. However, with a 1.0L 3-cylinder engine, this gets outstanding fuel-mileage, and yet the whole cars weighs 950 kilograms, so it can be nippy as well. To benefit most space out of this small comapct, the GDT have adopted a conventional 'suicide door' configuration. ix-Metro is just a concept study, and it's to be kept as a study; so, no production here.
- 2010 Kia Sorento: This is how Kia is tackling with modern 7-seater SUVs, the new 2010 Sorento. In the looks department, Kia has went for a simple conservative look for the Sorento. So there aren't any fens or bulges sticking out of the body, which is a good thing. Kia has also went great lengths into making this new Sorento into a much better cross-over than the out-going Sorento. So now, the new Sorento is actually based on the highly-priased Hyundai Veracruz. Getting to the powertrain, engines vary from 194 hp 2.4L 4-cylinder engine, to a high-output 3.5L V6 with 277 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque. The Sorento is already on sale in its home market, and Kia plans to sell 140,000 units from 2010.
- 2010 Lamborghini Reventon Roadster: It's a convertible Lamborghini Reventon. The Reventon coupe is considered as one of the most expensive and exclusive supercars. Well, the Reventon Roadster is even more expensive, and more exclusive. The Reventon Roadster keeps the same looks as the coupe variant, and which also keeps the same structural rigidity and all-wheel-drive system. Reventon Roadster is actually powered by a 670 hp 6.5L V12 out of the 2010 Lamborghini Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce. 60 mph comes up after 3.4 seconds, and top speed is 205 mph. Each Lamborghini Reventón Roadster will be sold for 1.1 Million Euro (without taxes), which less than 20 units will be made, and sold for "Lamborghini friends and collectors." Deliveries will begin October 2009.
- 2009 Lexus LF-Ch Concept: Lexus is trying to aim their new products to younger-aged buyers, to improve badge-image. So while this may be a concept for now, it will come to production plant in a few years. This Lexus LF-Ch Concept hatchback is a showcase, to what Lexus is planning to make a rival to the BMW 1-Series and Audi A3. The Lexus LF-Ch Concept features a full-on hybrid system, so that it can run on fully EV mode for some time. Despite being a hybrid, Lexus claim that the LF-Ch Concept has a sporty driving characteristics. To determine on whether the LF-Ch would go into production, Lexus is running online serveys, to see if people are having a good impression on this the new Lexus hatch.
- 2011 Maserati GranCabrio: The GranCabrio is the convertible GranTurismo. So it means that it shares the same looks as the GranTurismo, and also the same drive-train. The tractable roof is cloth, and will operate within few seconds. GranCabrio is a little heavier than GranTurismo, because Maserati had to had strengthen beams. However, GranCabrio is only offered with a 440 hp 4.7L V8, mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. GranCabrio will hit 60 mph in 4.9 seconds, and crack 184 mph. All that, plus, the beautiful Italian V8 exhaust note is directly channeled through the cabin. Maserati also claims that this is the largest 4-seater production convertible.
- 2009 Mazda MX-5 Superlight Concept: This is a concept study, that Mazda say will consider in the future if fans and customers are interested. This MX-5 Superlight Concept is a speedster MX-5 Miata. So no roof, no windshield, no driver aids; plus, a total curb weight of only 940 kilograms. The MX-5 Superlight Concept tries to import those old days of the '40s - '50s Formula-One cars, but with hints of newly modern MX-5 cues. Power comes from a 1.8L in-line 4-cylinder, with 126 hp. While that might not sound as much, this is just a pure racing automobile. So it may not be super fast, but it's certainly a fun job.
2011 McLaren MP4-12C: This is a moment we have all been waiting for; an all-new McLaren. However, even McLaren say, that this MP4-12C won't be as legandary as their 240 mph F1, and won't be even a successor. The MP4-12C is in fact, a daily-driver McLaren supercar. So McLaren are getting in the mix, with a modest-looking British supercar. The interior too, is very tpical with quite supercar material, like carbon-fiber on the door instruments, center console, and dashboard, with a navigation system. Power comes with a McLaren-built twin-turbocharged 3.8L V8, packing 600 hp and driven through the rear-wheels via a McLaren 7-speed Seamless Shift dual clutch transmission (SSG). The brakes and chassis on the MP4-12C have been designed with the McLaren Formula-One team, and even shares some parts with the Formula-One car. Nonetheless, to make this McLaren a drivable supercar, the new engine is consided the most fuel-efficient engine ever. As it produces 600 hp, and actually has the lowest CO2 emission among competitors. Competition comes from Ferrari 458 Italia and Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4.
- 2009 Mini Coupe Concept: While Mini say that this a concept, this Mini Coupe Concept is actually a production-capable car, and will see production next year. The Mini Coupe Concept is loosly based on a Mini Cooper hatchback, but in a new roof style, and the emulation of the rear-seats, to make this Coupe Concept a 2-seater. Power comes from a turbocharged 1.6L engine, making 211 hp, through a 6-speed manual and a front-wheel-drive chassis. The Mini Coupe is set to be a rival to the base Audi TT.
- 2011 Peugeot RCZ: When Peugeot showcased the 308 RC Z Concept back in 2007, it wasn't taken so seriously. However now, it's here, in-full production, and it doesn't seem altered from that concept we all liked. The new RCZ coupe lives-up strong as a coupe, as it features aggressive face, wide wheel-arches, and the famous bubble roof. Peugeot mostly used the word "passion" when designing this car from inside-and-out. Even the interior looks so supercar-like, as the feeling inside is tight and only has 2-seats. However, all these impressions are not so with the drivetrain. Peugeot say that while this looks wonderful, it shouldn't be spoiled with a dangerous engine or a hard-edge driving characteristics. So, the RCZ is actually powered by a turbocharged 1.6L engine, making 200 hp, and transferring power to an all-wheel-drive chassis. Therefore, it can be easily be driven like any car on the road, and yet look one of the most exclusive. RCZ should be in European markets in mid 2010.
- 2009 Renault Fluence ZE Concept: This is not is just any Renault Fluence. This Fluence may have the concept name for now, but it is expected that the new ZE Concept will follow the Fluence's range of petrol and diesel engines soon. So what is the ZE really? You guessed it; an all-electric drive version! Renault chose the Fluence platform, as it's their benchmark mid-size sedan. Therefore, it gets all the family business done, and yet features the electric moveability. For the electric-drive, Renault have used the commonly-used Lithium-ion battery-pack, which produces 95 hp and 166 lb-ft of torque. Driving-range is allowed for 100 miles, and recharging takes roughly 4 hours, but 80% of the battery is recharged within 20 minutes only. If Renault can really transfer this technology onto the real Fluennce, and with a resnoable price, we think it can be a hit.
- 2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost: The production version of the Rolls-Royce 200EX, here it is, in a new Ghost name. This "baby-Rolls" is set to be more afforable than a Phantom, but yet offer pure Rolls-Royce elegance. While it's still looks like a Rolls, the Ghost is in fact, based on the new BMW 7-Series. So the Ghost might be even sporty! Nevertheless, it's powered by a twin-turbocharged 6.6L V12, developing 563 hp and 575 lb-ft of torque. 0 to 60 mph comes in just 4.7 seconds with a top-speed electronically governed at 155 mph. The engine is mated to a 8-speed ZF automatic transmission. For those of you wondering, the Rolls-Royce Ghost manages an estimated fuel-economy of 17 mpg. Orders have already been taken, with prices range between 200,000 and 300,000 euros. Buyers will have a choice of 12 exterior colors, each of which can be contrasted by an available Silver Satin hood.

- 2010 Saab 9-5 Sedan: While this is an all-new Saab, it's in fact, the last Saab that will ever to come-out of General Motors, as Koenigsegg now has full control and ownership of Saab. The 9-5's exterior styling has been inspired by the Aero X concept car while the windshield and roof are reminiscent of the classic 900 model. Inside, Saab owners will feel right at home with the traditional, driver-focused cockpit that features an aircraft-inspired head-up information display. Beneath that body, lives GM's Epsilon II platform, that is shared with the Opel Insignia, and Buick LaCrosse, though the 9-5 actually has a longer wheel-base. Engines vary from diesel and petrol, though the 2010 9-5 is best with the new twin-turbocharged 2.8L V6 making 300 hp, mated to a 6-speed automatic and Haldex all-wheel drive system.

- 2010 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado: For all who live in the Middle East, know that there are two versions of the Toyota Land Cruiser; there's the original Land Cruiser, and the slightly-smaller Land Cruiser Prado. The Prado has remained since 2002 unchanged, so this 2010 is getting Toyota's latest make-up in design, and drive-trains. As usual, Toyota has gone for a massaging routine as opposed to brute force for the exterior. A reshaped front fascia and new tail-lights, make the Prado look very close to the Land Cruiser. This third-generation Toyota Prado will get Toyota's new engines. Base model should get a 2.7L 4-cylinder engine, and up-scale model will get a more powerful 4.0L V6. In the Middle East, the Pardo is already on sale, with prices going around 130,000 Saudi Riyals ($34,930 U.S.D).

That's all what Frankfurt has showed us. The Motor Show was great! We would like to appologize lastly for our somewhat late coverage; we had a lot of technical issues. Lastly, down below, is a full-on picture gallery of the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, provided by NetCarShow.com

Report : Fiat & PSA/Peugeot-Citroen set to Merge !

According to Reuters, PSA/Peugeot-Citroen are looking into the possibility of merging with Fiat. Both automakers are looking forward for merger because of the economic downturn of each company. The news comes just days after Fiat's CEO, Sergio Marchionne, stated that the company would need to find another automotive partner to ensure the company's survival in light of the recent economic downturn.

The issue have reached so high-up, that both France and Italy leaders are considering to offer aid packages to their respective home-town automakers, so a merger may be seen as another way of ensuring their future viability.

No official statements have been made by any of the parties involved, but meetings are scheduled between Italian PM Silvio Berlusconi and FIAT controlling shareholder chairman John Elkann. However, the two companies already share technology on several small vans and commercial vehicles. So analysts are looking forward for this merger. And if it happens, the Fiat/Peugeot-Citroen would possibly be the 4th largest auto manufacturer, behind Toyota, GM, and Ford.

Stay tuned for more news as it becomes available.

Source : [Reuters]

Magazine Reveals : First images of Peugeot 408

According to a French magazine called the Auto Journal , Peugeot is preparing to replace the current 407. Its successor, the 408 will be revealed in December 2009 . They claim that it'll look like this . They also mention that the 408 will share the same platform as the current Citroen C5, but will clearly have its own identity. It kind of looks angry from the front , and kicked out from the back . I think if it looks like the one here , that would fantastic .However , the important news is that the new 408 will also feature the clever HYmotion2 hybrid technology revealed by Peugeot at the 2008 Paris Auto Show . Along with the hybrid , new gasoline and diesel engines will be offered .

Source : [Auto Journal]

2008 Paris Auto Show : Le Day 3

Third day of the Paris Auto Show , and new stuff are getting less . But that doesn't mean their isn't any new cars . There's still plenty .

Starting with the CONCEPTS :

Venturi Volage Concept : This is the work between a French company and Michelin tire company . Now this car is for the future (2012) . And it's full of gadgetry . Most interesting feature is the 8 battery engines , so you get 2 engines for each wheel . 1 of the wheel , another of the suspension . Because it's made from futuristic materials , it weights just over 1 ton . So this EV can hit 60MPH in well under 5 seconds ! Excited ? So you have to wait till 2012 .

SsangYong C200 Concept : Ever heard of them ? Well , they're a very cheap Korean automaker , who never made a good or normal looking car . Their cars are hideously ugly ( Look at SsangYong Rodius ) . But now , they achieved a world first , A SsangYoung that's great to look at . Infact , it's one of Korea's best looking car . Outside , you can sense that this is a quality car . So even the cheapness is gone . If this goes to production , SY announced that it'll have a 2,0L 175hp diesel engine . Even so , if SY continues the C200 styling with their other cars , you might see they'll be having a bright future .

Pininfarina B0 Concept : You might know Pininfarina is the company that design Ferraris . And Ferraris are beauty of Italy . But no one knows what got into their heads , because they went out of Ferrari and then design this . It doesn't look Italian at all . It looks like an egg . But you're wondering , atleast it'll be fast , because Pininfarina surely learned from Ferrari . Um , no . It's one of these hybrid solutions for gas prices . But to be fair , this is their first shot for making a car . Because production starts at 2009 . They might surprise us for their next car .

Moving on to PRODUCTION cars :

* Fiat 500 Abarth esseesse : The Fiat 500 is a cuteish little city car with clever interior . But I always thought it needed a hard-core brother . Luckily , Fait thought that too . So they gave it to their tuning division , Abarth . First , Abrath replaced all the Fiat name badges and replaced it with the Abarth scorpion badges and called it "esseesse" , SS in simple English . Then , added hard-core racing body kit and racing wheels . Under the sleek body , they added 60 hp to the 100 hp 1.4L that was in the standard 500 . 160hp is alot for its size . So 60MPH comes in 7.4 seconds . And it could do over 130MPH . Sales will start soon .

* Seat Exeo : Seat is owned by Audi . And after Audi released the new A4 , they decided to keep the old A4 platform . So they throw it away to Seat . And released the Exeo . It looks an identical copy to the old A4 . It doesn't stop here . It has the same interior , same features and gadgets , same problems and even the same 2.0L TSI engine as the old A4 . So in final , it is an old Audi A4 . So if you like the older A4 than the new one , don't go to second-hand shops . Just go to Seat and get this .

* Chevrolet Cruze : GM realized that Americans are preferring European cars to their cars . So this is GM's answer to the European flood . It's the Cruze . At first glance , it looks thoroughly European , like any Saab or Peugeot . And the interior is share by the Volt , which is great . The dashboard looks great , and the buttons looks and feels substantial . So it's set up by European standards . Even the engine , it's 1.4L tubro turns 40MPG . So will this American-built European -like automobile compete with its rivals . That's what we'll be finding out in 2 years time .

That raps it up for today , keep tuned for tomorrow .

2008 Paris Auto Show : Day 2

It's a new day for the Paris Auto Show . And alot of new cars , so lets get cracking .

Starting with the CONCEPTS :

- Mercedes-Benz ConceptFASCINATION : Ever anyone wondered that a Merc E-Class estate would ever look beautiful ? Well wonder no more , this Mercedes-Benz ConceptFASCINATION is the next generation E-Class estate . And at glance , you have to say , it looks gorgeous . What stands for me most , are the low door-sills , so the upper car looks like its only made of glass . But if you think the outside looks great , wait until you see the interior . They've used real stained wood . And instead of using plastic for some parts , they went of for metal . Now if the production model if this car comes out like that , BMW and Audi should start working from now .

- Peugeot Prologue HYmotion4 diesel hybrid Concept : Peugeot is known for making small economical hatchbacks . A this new concept/pre-production model will surely be a success for 2 simple reasons . First , it looks great inside and out . Second , it's extremely economical . It's the first of kind , diesel-hybrid . So it manages 60 MPG . Production should start in 2009 .

- Audi A4 TDI Concept e : While the small Peugeot above does 60 MPG in diesel-hybrid forum . The Germans seem to be cleverer . With clean-diesel TDI technology , this mid-size luxury sedan does 59MPG . And 214 lb-ft , you'll be going fast . Although they're calling it a concept , but production will be starting end of 2008 .

- Peugeot RC HYmotion4 Concept : Automakers these days are going with the trend of 4-door coupes . Look at Aston Martin's Rapid , Porsche Panamera and Lambo's Estoque . And now Peugeot . But wheres the British , German and Italian aim their cars towards performance . The French are aiming it towards design , fuel economy and supercar performance . First , this Peugeot isn't like anything I ever saw . It looks fabulous . And because it's a hybrid , it gets 52MPG . And somehow it weighs only 3,100 pounds . So because it's so light , 60MPH in 4 seconds ! No word if this perfect car will be produced or not .

Now to PRODCUTION cars :

* Aston Martin One-77 : We saw this yesterday , but we only saw the front-end . Today we see the back-end . Lets see if this 2,000,000 $ hypercar will debut at the end of the Paris Auto Show .

* 2008 Jaguar XKR-S : Remember the legandry Jag XJ-220 ? That was the fastest Jag ever built . Well now , here comes the successor . It's a XKR with Spotier suspension . With 420 hp , and 175MPH top speed , this is the biggest competitor to its cousin , the Aston Martin V8 Vantage . Anyways , this car will only be sold in Europe . So no fun Jag here .

* 2009 Volvo XC60 : Volvo is know for very safe boring cars . But this is their most exciting car yet . When they showed it they said "It comes from Sweden with LUV" . Just by hearing that , you know that this car isn't like any Volvo . And with its low roof-line , it shows that this competes with the BMW X6 . That's very cool . And we'll be seeing if it can beat the X6 when it rolls the steets next March .

* 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart Sportback : The all-new Lance Ralliart is such a success here . It's cheap , practical and has the same engine as its bigger brother , the EVO X . But it seems the Europeans like it more roundred . That's why there's this new Sportback edition for Europe . It's the same as a normal Ralliart just turned in as a hatchback .

* 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 S Roadster : This SLR was revealed last week , but here on the show , people are seeing it live . And it looks superb . The long hood , holding 650hp . Then you'll notice that when this is a convertible , that the hatchback roof on the hardtop is gone . Honsetly , this is the great combination of beauty and aggresion . A soft roader when it's sunny , a godfather of violence when reaches 208MPH .

* 2009 Kia Soul : By reading the name , you'll know that Kia are trying too hard to give their cars passion . And although I think that's a stupid name , but looking at it is not so bad . It looks very funky and urban . Even the red color is great on it . Somehow , it's very likeable . Finally , a Korean car with flair and charecter , which is something getting very hard for most automakers .

* 2009 Ford Focus RS : 300 Hp and 325ft-lb of torque , all going to front-wheels ? That should be very wild torque-steer . But the Quaife Automatic Torque Biasing limited-slip differential is said to remove all traces of torque-steer . So will this be like the old RS , faster than EVO & STI around tracks . That's what we'll be finding out in 2009.