<?xml version="1.0"?>
<rss version="2.0" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:itunes="http://www.itunes.com/dtds/podcast-1.0.dtd">
<channel>
<title>Autoblog</title>
<link>http://www.autoblog.com</link>
<description>Autoblog</description>
<image>
<url>http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif</url>
<title>Autoblog</title>
<link>http://www.autoblog.com</link>
</image>
<language>en-us</language>
<copyright>Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only.</copyright>
<generator>Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/</generator><item><title><![CDATA[Spy Shots: 2010 Mazda3 interior snapped]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/13/spy-shots-2010-mazda3-interior-snapped/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/13/spy-shots-2010-mazda3-interior-snapped/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/13/spy-shots-2010-mazda3-interior-snapped/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/spyphotos/" rel="tag">Spy Photos</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sedans/" rel="tag">Sedans/Saloons</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/" rel="tag">Hatchbacks</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/mazda/" rel="tag">Mazda</a></p><a href="http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2010-mazda3-interior-spied/"><img align="right" alt="" id="img1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/2010-mazda3-interior-spy.jpg" /></a>Judging from exterior shots of the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/08/2010-mazda3-unveiled-ahead-of-la-auto-show/">2010 Mazda3</a> that were released last week, Mazda is looking to be more than a bit player in the small car market. The styling of the new Mazda3 looks more expensive than the current model, and is perhaps a better example of the brand's new design language than the also recently redesigned Mazda6. We've been looking forward to seeing pics of the Mazda3 on the inside, and judging from this one spy shot we've seen so far, the Zoom Zoom designers didn't go cheap on the interior. <br /><br />The first thing that draws attention in the Mazda3 cabin is the Civic-esque two-tier dashboard. We're not huge fans of this style, but Mazda designers did a nice job of integrating the top deck with the lower level and center stack. Judging from the sole pic, some buttons on the center stack look to be a bit small, but main knobs for HVAC and volume are nice and big. The interior in this example is two-toned with what looks to be an aluminum-finished applique above the glove box, and more contrasting colors on the seats and doors. One thing that didn't change from the current generation Mazda3 is the red back-lighting on all the gauges, buttons, and knobs that we've come to expect from Mazda. <br /><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2010-mazda3/">2010 Mazda3</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2010-mazda3/1086391/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/p1j04111s_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2010-mazda3/1086392/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/p1j04112s_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2010-mazda3/1086390/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/p1j04113s_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />[Source: <a href="http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2010-mazda3-interior-spied/">TTAC</a>]<h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2010-mazda3-interior-spied/>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/13/spy-shots-2010-mazda3-interior-snapped/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1339460/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/13/spy-shots-2010-mazda3-interior-snapped/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>2010 mazda3</category><category>2010Mazda3</category><category>mazda3</category><category>mazda3 interior</category><category>Mazda3Interior</category><category>spy photo</category><category>SpyPhoto</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris Shunk]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 13 Oct 2008 12:33:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Toyota releases pricing and spec info for European iQ]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/10/toyota-releases-pricing-and-spec-info-for-european-iq/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/10/toyota-releases-pricing-and-spec-info-for-european-iq/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/10/toyota-releases-pricing-and-spec-info-for-european-iq/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/economy/" rel="tag">Economy</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/euro/" rel="tag">Euro</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/green/" rel="tag">Green</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/" rel="tag">Hatchbacks</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/toyota/" rel="tag">Toyota</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/production-toyota-iq/1020057/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt=""  src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/toyota-iq-european-0_450op.jpg" /></a><br />
<div align="center"><em><strong><small>Click above for a high-res gallery of the production Toyota iQ</small></strong></em><br /></div>
<br />IF you're in Europe and hoping to get your name on a list for a <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/05/pics-aplenty-the-production-toyota-iq/">Toyota iQ</a>, now's the time. Toyota has opened up the order banks for the cleverly packaged microcar prior to its January availability date, while also giving up the goods on available specs, options, and pricing. The iQ comes in only two trim levels, iQ and iQ2, and pricing starts at &pound;9,495 for the manual, and &pound;10,495 for the multidrive CVT transmission. All iQ models come with 15-inch alloys, heated and electrically adjustable door mirrors, air conditioning and six speaker audio system with auxiliary socket. Checking the box for the iQ2 adds another &pound;1,000, but for the money you receive high-gloss wheels, fog lamps, auto headlights and rain sensing wipers, smart entry and start system and climate control.<br /><br />The iQ is pretty damn small, but Toyota is stuffing the tiny coupe with plenty of standard safety features, including ABS, Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control and nine airbags, including the world's first <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/30/toyota-develops-new-rear-window-airbag/">rear window airbag</a>. Toyota also offers five different option packages including leather seats, navigation, and iSport, iUrban and iStyle packages. The iQ may be small, but after looking at the specs, it looks like Toyota went out of its way to give you just about any option you can dream up for a bargain basement price. You just can't get one if you live in the US, at least not yet. <em>Hit the jump to view Toyota's detailed press release.</em><br /><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/production-toyota-iq/">Production Toyota iQ</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/production-toyota-iq/1020057/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/09/toyota-iq-european-0_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/production-toyota-iq/1020058/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/09/toyota-iq-european-1_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/production-toyota-iq/1020059/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/09/toyota-iq-european-2_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/production-toyota-iq/1020065/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/09/toyota-iq-european-3_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/production-toyota-iq/1020060/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/09/toyota-iq-european-4_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />[Source: Toyota]<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/10/toyota-releases-pricing-and-spec-info-for-european-iq/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Toyota releases pricing and spec info for European iQ</em></a></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/10/toyota-releases-pricing-and-spec-info-for-european-iq/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1338893/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/10/toyota-releases-pricing-and-spec-info-for-european-iq/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>europe</category><category>iq specs and prices</category><category>IqSpecsAndPrices</category><category>microcar</category><category>toyota iq</category><category>ToyotaIq</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris Shunk]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 10 Oct 2008 18:02:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Toyota iQ could come Stateside wearing Scion badge]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/10/toyota-iq-could-come-stateside-wearing-scion-badge/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/10/toyota-iq-could-come-stateside-wearing-scion-badge/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/10/toyota-iq-could-come-stateside-wearing-scion-badge/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/la-auto-show/" rel="tag">LA Auto Show</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/economy/" rel="tag">Economy</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/" rel="tag">Hatchbacks</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/scion/" rel="tag">Scion</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/toyota/" rel="tag">Toyota</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/production-toyota-iq/1020065/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/toyota-iq-european-3_opt.jpg"  alt="" /></a><br />
<div align="center"><em><strong><small>Click above for a high-res gallery of the Toyota iQ</small></strong></em><br /></div>
<br />Rumors have been swirling over the past few months that Toyota was considering bringing its iQ mini-car to the States, and according to <em>MotorTrend</em> that's exactly what's going to happen at the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/LAAutoShow/">LA Auto Show</a> this November, where Toyota will unveil a U.S.-spec iQ wearing Scion badges.<br /><br />The iQ - originally destined for sale in Japan and Europe - features a 3+1 seating arrangement and motivated by either a gasoline-powered 1.0-liter three-pot or a 1.4-liter diesel. However, <em>MT</em> speculates that the Yaris' 1.5-liter four, mated to a manual gearbox or CVT will be fitted for duty in the U.S.<br /><br />Ideally, the Scion iQ would have to be priced at or below its direct competitor, the Smart ForTwo, so expect a sticker of under $15,000 if and when it goes on sale. The rationale behind offering the iQ as a Scion would finally give some credence to the brand's targeted urban demographic, which has been faltering in recent years. And with more usable passenger and cargo space than a ForTwo, the Scion iQ could be a hit for people downsizing their rides without sacrificing some of the practicality found in a more traditional runabout.<br /><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/production-toyota-iq/">Production Toyota iQ</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/production-toyota-iq/1020057/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/09/toyota-iq-european-0_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/production-toyota-iq/1020058/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/09/toyota-iq-european-1_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/production-toyota-iq/1020059/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/09/toyota-iq-european-2_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/production-toyota-iq/1020065/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/09/toyota-iq-european-3_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/production-toyota-iq/1020060/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/09/toyota-iq-european-4_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />[Source: <a href="http://www.motortrend.com/features/auto_news/2008/112_0810_toyota_iq_to_become_scion/index.html">MotorTrend</a>]<h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/10/toyota-iq-could-come-stateside-wearing-scion-badge/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1338677/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/10/toyota-iq-could-come-stateside-wearing-scion-badge/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>iq</category><category>la auto show</category><category>LaAutoShow</category><category>scion</category><category>scion iq</category><category>ScionIq</category><category>toyota iq</category><category>ToyotaIq</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Damon Lavrinc]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 10 Oct 2008 12:28:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Citroen unveils hybrid rally car]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/10/citroen-unveils-hybrid-rally-car/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/10/citroen-unveils-hybrid-rally-car/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/10/citroen-unveils-hybrid-rally-car/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/conceptcars/" rel="tag">Concept Cars</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/motorsports/" rel="tag">Motorsports</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hybrids/" rel="tag">Hybrids/Alternative</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sports/" rel="tag">Sports/GTs</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/green/" rel="tag">Green</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/" rel="tag">Hatchbacks</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/citroen/" rel="tag">Citroen</a></p><a href="http://www.autobloggreen.com/photos/citroen-c4-wrc-hymotion4/1070189/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autobloggreen.com/media/2008/10/citroen-c4-wrc.jpg" /></a><br />
<div align="center"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><small>Click above for more shots of the Citroen C4 WRC HYmotion4 hybrid rally car</small></span><br /></div>
<br />One of Citroen's big debuts at the Paris Motor Show was its HYmotion4 hybrid technology, which was fitted to the <a href="http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/02/paris-2008-citroens-hypnos-brings-the-rainbow-into-your-car/">Citro&euml;n Hypnos</a> and <a href="http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/02/paris-2008-citroen-c4-wrc-hymotion4-hybrid-rally-car/">C4 WRC</a> along with the <a href="http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/03/paris-2008-peugeot-rc-hymotion4/">Peugeot RC</a> and <a href="http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/04/paris-2008-peugeot-prologue-hymotion4-diesel-hybrid/">Prologue</a>. Unlike most hybrid systems, the French technology has no direct connection between the car's engine and battery, so the pack is recharged "through the road" when the car's regenerative braking is applied. There's a 125-kW electric motor attached to the rear axle that gets its power from 990 individual lithium ion cells wired up to produce 400-volts. The C4 WRC's driver can select from a number of modes to allow a specific amount of electric assistance, including running solely on the electric motor or using it as a short-term boost for added acceleration. This way, the car can be run in zero-emission mode or at full power, depending on the situation. Although no production machines have been announced with this new technology, the fact that the automaker has created four separate concepts with it shows that it is serious about its production possibilities.<br /><br />
<div class="postgallery"> <strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autobloggreen.com/photos/citroen-c4-wrc-hymotion4/">Citroen C4 WRC HYmotion4</a></strong><br /> <a href="http://www.autobloggreen.com/photos/citroen-c4-wrc-hymotion4/1070194/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autobloggreen.com/media/2008/10/08158007-1280_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autobloggreen.com/photos/citroen-c4-wrc-hymotion4/1070193/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autobloggreen.com/media/2008/10/08159001-1280_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autobloggreen.com/photos/citroen-c4-wrc-hymotion4/1070192/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autobloggreen.com/media/2008/10/08158001-1280_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autobloggreen.com/photos/citroen-c4-wrc-hymotion4/1070191/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autobloggreen.com/media/2008/10/08158005-1280_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autobloggreen.com/photos/citroen-c4-wrc-hymotion4/1070190/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autobloggreen.com/media/2008/10/08158009-1280_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div>
<br />[Sources: Citroen, <a href="http://wrc.com/jsp/index.jsp?lnk=101&amp;id=2821&amp;desc=Citroen%20unveils%20hybrid%20World%20Rally%20Car">World Rally Championship</a>]<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/10/citroen-unveils-hybrid-rally-car/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Citroen unveils hybrid rally car</em></a></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/10/citroen-unveils-hybrid-rally-car/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1337745/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/10/citroen-unveils-hybrid-rally-car/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>citroen</category><category>citroen c4 wrc</category><category>citroen c4 wrc hybrid</category><category>citroen c4 wrc hymotion4</category><category>citroen rally car</category><category>CitroenC4Wrc</category><category>CitroenC4WrcHybrid</category><category>CitroenC4WrcHymotion4</category><category>CitroenRallyCar</category><category>hybrid race car</category><category>hybrid rally car</category><category>HybridRaceCar</category><category>HybridRallyCar</category><category>hymotion</category><category>hymotion4</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jeremy Korzeniewski]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 10 Oct 2008 09:58:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Autocar drives 2010 Mazda3 prototype - "big improvement"]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/08/autocar-drives-2010-mazda3-prototype-big-improvement/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/08/autocar-drives-2010-mazda3-prototype-big-improvement/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/08/autocar-drives-2010-mazda3-prototype-big-improvement/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/conceptcars/" rel="tag">Concept Cars</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/euro/" rel="tag">Euro</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/" rel="tag">Hatchbacks</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/mazda/" rel="tag">Mazda</a></p><a href="http://www.autocar.co.uk/blogs/stillatthewheel/archive/2008/10/08/driving-the-new-mazda-3.aspx"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/mazda3_la_render_450op.jpg" alt="" /></a><br />
<div align="center"><strong><em><small>Autocar rendering</small></em></strong><br /></div>
<br />British mag <a href="http://www.autocar.co.uk/blogs/stillatthewheel/archive/2008/10/08/driving-the-new-mazda-3.aspx">Autocar</a> just got through driving a <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/31/2009-mazda3-four-door-to-be-unveiled-in-la/">2010 Mazda3</a> prototype and the author seems to have come away impressed. The mag got the chance to sample the new 3 in gas and diesel variants while driving them around Iceland's coastline. They were very impressed with the new 2.2L diesel, but we'll likely just get the equally new and impressive 2.0L direct-injection gas engine here in the former colonies. They described that DI engine as "impressively smooth, refined and torquey" while routing its power through a "very slick" six-speed manual. Mazda has apparently also kept the spirit of Zoom-Zoom alive in the handling department, producing a car that is more "pointable... than is common in this class." Autocar went so far as to compare it to a <strike>Mk IV</strike> Golf V5. High praise indeed. We'll have to wait until later next month at the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/LA-Auto-Show/">LA Auto Show</a> to see how the U.S. version turns out, but for now we'll take Autocar's word on this being "a big improvement over the current car," which many of us already love.<br /><br />[Source: <a href="http://www.autocar.co.uk/blogs/stillatthewheel/archive/2008/10/08/driving-the-new-mazda-3.aspx">Autocar</a>]<h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.autocar.co.uk/blogs/stillatthewheel/archive/2008/10/08/driving-the-new-mazda-3.aspx>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/08/autocar-drives-2010-mazda3-prototype-big-improvement/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1336603/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/08/autocar-drives-2010-mazda3-prototype-big-improvement/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>mazda3</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Frank Filipponio]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 08 Oct 2008 15:58:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mulally: Ford considering Ka for U.S. market]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/06/mulally-ford-considering-ka-for-us-market/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/06/mulally-ford-considering-ka-for-us-market/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/06/mulally-ford-considering-ka-for-us-market/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/economy/" rel="tag">Economy</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/euro/" rel="tag">Euro</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/" rel="tag">Hatchbacks</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/ford/" rel="tag">Ford</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/leaked-2009-ford-ka/954602/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt=""  src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/02_08fordka_opt.jpg" /></a><br />
<div align="center"><em><strong><small>Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Ford Ka</small></strong></em><br /></div>
<br />Ford has said in the past that it wasn't looking to bring its lovable little Ka subcompact to the United States, but increased demand for fuel efficient transportation has the Dearborn-based automaker rethinking its plans. The Ka is very popular in Europe, where fuel-sipping cars have long been accepted, but the tiny Ka has never been sold here in the States. The new Ka, which was <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/03/paris-2008-ford-unveils-three-custom-versions-of-ka/">shown off in Paris</a> last week, carries Ford's European Kinetic Design theme that is shared with the larger Fiesta and Focus, but in a much smaller package.<br /><br />Ford CEO Alan Mulally told a local Detroit radio station this morning that many within Ford Motor Company would like to bring the Ka across the pond, and that executives are reassessing the situation. The new Ka hits European showrooms in early 2009, and even if the Ka does come here, we likely won't see the sub-compact until 2011 at the earliest. With fuel prices in constant flux, we're guessing MPG-conscious customers will make the Ka a safe bet for Ford in the U.S.<br /><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/leaked-2009-ford-ka/">2009 Ford Ka</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/leaked-2009-ford-ka/954602/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/ka_1_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/leaked-2009-ford-ka/954603/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/ka_2_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/leaked-2009-ford-ka/954601/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/ka_3_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/leaked-2009-ford-ka/1080928/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/00_08fordka_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/leaked-2009-ford-ka/1080921/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/01_08fordka_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />[Source:<a href="http://detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081006/AUTO01/810060393/1361"> Detroit News</a>]<h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081006/AUTO01/810060393/1361>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/06/mulally-ford-considering-ka-for-us-market/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1334046/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/06/mulally-ford-considering-ka-for-us-market/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>alan Mulally</category><category>AlanMulally</category><category>fiesta</category><category>focus</category><category>ford</category><category>ford ka</category><category>FordKa</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris Shunk]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 06 Oct 2008 11:29:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Paris 2008: Renault Megane III]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/05/paris-2008-renault-megane-iii/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/05/paris-2008-renault-megane-iii/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/05/paris-2008-renault-megane-iii/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/coupes/" rel="tag">Coupes</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/euro/" rel="tag">Euro</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/paris-motor-show/" rel="tag">Paris Motor Show</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/" rel="tag">Hatchbacks</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/renault/" rel="tag">Renault</a></p><div align="left"><strong><em><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/paris-2008-renault-megane-coupe/1079325/"><img hspace="4" height="301" border="1" align="top" width="450" vspace="4" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/meganecoupe_web.jpg" alt="" /></a></em></strong><strong><em><small><br /></small></em></strong>
<div align="center"><strong><em><small>Click either image for high-res galleries of the Renault Megane III</small></em></strong></div>
</div>
<p>Renault is stepping things up a notch. The French automaker has launched an aggressive campaign to refresh and broaden its lineup, including recent launches of the new <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/24/officially-official-renault-unveils-laguna-coupe-in-cannes/">Laguna</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/25/pics-and-details-aplenty-renault-twingo-rs/">Twingo</a> and <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/06/geneva-2008-renault-koleos/">Koleos</a>, to name just a few. But this one will likely prove more important than all the others. </p>
<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/paris-2008-renault-megane-iii/1079356/"><img hspace="4" border="1" align="right" vspace="4" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/megane3_nj-web.jpg" /></a>The Megane is Renault's bread and butter, competing in a dog-eat-dog segment against the likes of Volkswagen's new Golf and the popular European-spec Ford Focus. Diversity is part of Renault's plan of attack, planning to offer six different Megane bodystyles, each with its own distinct character. To start off, Renault launched the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/02/2009-renault-megane-images-surface/">five-door hatchback</a> and the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/23/eu-patent-office-reveals-production-renault-megane-coupe/">sleek new coupe</a> on its home turf here in Paris. Both represent striking departures from the models they replace, and the three-door cuts a particularly aggressive silhouette. Check out the images in the gallery below to see what we mean.<br /></p>
<p><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/paris-2008-renault-megane-coupe/">Paris 2008: Renault Megane Coupe</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/paris-2008-renault-megane-coupe/1079325/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/meganecoupe_nj-dsc_2040_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/paris-2008-renault-megane-coupe/1079316/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/meganecoupe_nj-dsc_2041_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/paris-2008-renault-megane-coupe/1079326/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/meganecoupe_nj-dsc_2046_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/paris-2008-renault-megane-coupe/1079327/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/meganecoupe_nj-dsc_2047_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/paris-2008-renault-megane-coupe/1079328/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/meganecoupe_nj-dsc_2050_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/paris-2008-renault-megane-iii/">Paris 2008: Renault Megane  III</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/paris-2008-renault-megane-iii/1079347/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/megane3_nj-dsc_2195_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/paris-2008-renault-megane-iii/1079344/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/megane3_nj-dsc_2197_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/paris-2008-renault-megane-iii/1079350/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/megane3_nj-dsc_2199_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/paris-2008-renault-megane-iii/1079346/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/megane3_nj-dsc_2194_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/paris-2008-renault-megane-iii/1079351/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/megane3_nj-dsc_2202_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/05/paris-2008-renault-megane-iii/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1333460/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/05/paris-2008-renault-megane-iii/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>mondial de lautomobile</category><category>mondial paris</category><category>MondialDeLautomobile</category><category>MondialParis</category><category>paris</category><category>paris motor show</category><category>paris salon</category><category>ParisMotorShow</category><category>ParisSalon</category><category>renault</category><category>renault megane</category><category>renault megane coupe</category><category>renault megane III</category><category>renault megane mk3</category><category>renault paris</category><category>RenaultMegane</category><category>RenaultMeganeCoupe</category><category>RenaultMeganeIii</category><category>RenaultMeganeMk3</category><category>RenaultParis</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Noah Joseph]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sun, 05 Oct 2008 19:05:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Follow the Audi Mileage Marathon starting Monday morning]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/05/follow-the-audi-mileage-marathon-starting-monday-morning/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/05/follow-the-audi-mileage-marathon-starting-monday-morning/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/05/follow-the-audi-mileage-marathon-starting-monday-morning/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sedans/" rel="tag">Sedans/Saloons</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/suvs/" rel="tag">SUVs</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/green/" rel="tag">Green</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/crossovers-cuvs/" rel="tag">Crossovers/CUVs</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/" rel="tag">Hatchbacks</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/audi-mileage-marathon-1/1034345/"><img hspace="4" border="0" align="top" vspace="4" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autobloggreen.com/media/2008/10/mm080019-450.jpg" /></a><br /><br />At 9AM Eastern on Monday morning, a fleet of 23 diesel-powered Audis will roll out from Manhattan's Tavern on the Green on a trans-continental trek to demonstrate diesel efficiency. I'm in Manhattan this afternoon preparing to spend the next week in an Audi Q7 TDI on the way to Denver and will be checking in regularly from the road as we pass through Washington, Cleveland, Chicago, Memphis, Dallas and Amarillo along the way. Audi plans to launch its fifty-state-legal Q7 TDI in the US market next spring and it seems likely that some of the other vehicles on this trip may not be far behind. <br /><br />I'll be on the first two legs and Sebastian, Damon, Drew and Jonathan will take over for the second week of the trip to Los Angeles. You can also follow along at the <a href="http://www.audimileagemarathon.com/">Audi Mileage Marathon site</a> where there's a Twitter feed following the participants as they cross the continent. There is also a live map showing our location on the road along with two blogs, including one from Audi of America boss Johan de Nysschen. Twitter users can <a href="http://twitter.com/audimarathon">follow audimarathon</a> to see what some of the 200 participating journalists are saying. <br /><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/audi-mileage-marathon-1/">Audi Mileage Marathon</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/audi-mileage-marathon-1/1034361/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/09/mm080013_medium-1280_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/audi-mileage-marathon-1/1034360/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/09/mm080006_medium-1280_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/audi-mileage-marathon-1/1034359/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/09/mm080003_medium-1280_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/audi-mileage-marathon-1/1034358/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/09/mm080009_medium-1280_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/audi-mileage-marathon-1/1034357/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/09/mm080017_medium-1280_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />[Source: <a href="http://www.audimileagemarathon.com/">Audi Mileage Marathon</a>]<h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://audimileagemarathon.com/>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/05/follow-the-audi-mileage-marathon-starting-monday-morning/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1333473/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/05/follow-the-audi-mileage-marathon-starting-monday-morning/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>audi mileage marathon</category><category>AudiMileageMarathon</category><category>breaking</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Sam Abuelsamid]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sun, 05 Oct 2008 18:15:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Paris 2008: Fiat 500 Abarth Assetto Corse]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/05/paris-2008-fiat-500-abarth-assetto-corse/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/05/paris-2008-fiat-500-abarth-assetto-corse/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/05/paris-2008-fiat-500-abarth-assetto-corse/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/motorsports/" rel="tag">Motorsports</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/euro/" rel="tag">Euro</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/paris-motor-show/" rel="tag">Paris Motor Show</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/" rel="tag">Hatchbacks</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/fiat/" rel="tag">FIAT</a></p><p align="center"><strong><em><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/fiat-500-abarth-assetto-corse-live/1074424/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/500-abarth-corse_dsc_1730_web.jpg" alt="" /></a><br /></em></strong><small><strong><em>Click above for high-res gallery of the Fiat 500 Abarth Assetto Corse<br /></em></strong></small></p>
<p>With the revival of the Abarth tuning division, Fiat is serious about motorsports. They've been racking up victories in the Intercontinental Rally Championship with the Punto, and have even been sponsoring Valentino Rossi's MotoGP Yamaha. And to drive the point home, while the "<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/03/paris-2008-fiat-500-abarth-esseesse/">esseesse</a>" (read: SS) version of the Cinquecento Abarth was the division's new reveal, it was this racing version, called the Assetto Corse, that took center stage.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/fiat-500-abarth-assetto-corse-live/1074439/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" align="right" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/500-abarth-corse_dsc_1778_web.jpg" /></a>The Assetto Corse is, of course, based on the same Fiat 500 that's been selling like adorable little hotcakes in every market it's hit so far. But the cute factor is gone, replaced by big air scoops, giant wings, roll cages and little scorpion badges everywhere. (And we do mean everywhere.) The little racing car that could is packed with a 1.4-liter 16-valve turbocharged four driving 190 hp through a six-speed shifter to the front set of 17" powder-coated white alloys hiding 4-piston Brembo calipers. The interior has a full roll cage and racing bucket, and an aggressive aero package sets the exterior apart from its street-bound progenitors. Check out the hotness for yourself in the gallery below.</p>
<p><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/fiat-500-abarth-assetto-corse-live/">2008 Paris: Fiat 500 Abarth Assetto Corse LIVE</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/fiat-500-abarth-assetto-corse-live/1074424/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/500-abarth-corse_dsc_1730_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/fiat-500-abarth-assetto-corse-live/1074429/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/500-abarth-corse_dsc_1731_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/fiat-500-abarth-assetto-corse-live/1074430/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/500-abarth-corse_dsc_1734_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/fiat-500-abarth-assetto-corse-live/1074445/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/500-abarth-corse_dsc_1736_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/fiat-500-abarth-assetto-corse-live/1074448/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/500-abarth-corse_dsc_1759_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/05/paris-2008-fiat-500-abarth-assetto-corse/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1332108/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/05/paris-2008-fiat-500-abarth-assetto-corse/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>abarth</category><category>fiat 500</category><category>fiat 500 abarth</category><category>fiat 500 abarth assetto corse</category><category>fiat abarth paris</category><category>Fiat500</category><category>Fiat500Abarth</category><category>Fiat500AbarthAssettoCorse</category><category>FiatAbarthParis</category><category>mondial paris</category><category>MondialParis</category><category>paris</category><category>paris abarth</category><category>paris motor show</category><category>paris salon</category><category>ParisAbarth</category><category>ParisMotorShow</category><category>ParisSalon</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Noah Joseph]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sun, 05 Oct 2008 16:02:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Paris 2008: Fiat 500 DIESEL - it's not what you think]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/04/paris-2008-fiat-500-diesel-its-not-what-you-think/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/04/paris-2008-fiat-500-diesel-its-not-what-you-think/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/04/paris-2008-fiat-500-diesel-its-not-what-you-think/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/euro/" rel="tag">Euro</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/paris-motor-show/" rel="tag">Paris Motor Show</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/" rel="tag">Hatchbacks</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/fiat/" rel="tag">FIAT</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/fiat-500-diesel-edition-live/1074386/"><img hspace="4" border="0" vspace="4" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/diesel_500_paris_450.jpg" /></a><br />
<div align="center"><em><strong><small>Click above for more live shots of the Fiat 500 DIESEL</small></strong></em><br /></div>
<br />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 <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/22/fiat-500-by-diesel-on-sale-in-europe/">Fiat 500 by DIESEL</a> 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 <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/fiat-500-by-diesel/1048689/">upholstered in denim</a> with contrasting stitching. Fortunately, the look is much more upscale than that of the <a href="http://blog.hemmings.com/index.php/2007/06/">Levi's Gremlins</a> and <a href="http://www.sebeetles.com/jeans75.htm">Jeans Beetles</a> of the '70s. Proof is in our complete gallery below.<br /><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/fiat-500-diesel-edition-live/">Fiat 500 Diesel edition LIVE</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/fiat-500-diesel-edition-live/1074377/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/500-diesel-dsc_1688_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/fiat-500-diesel-edition-live/1074378/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/500-diesel-dsc_1697_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/fiat-500-diesel-edition-live/1074379/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/500-diesel-dsc_1698_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/fiat-500-diesel-edition-live/1074380/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/500-diesel-dsc_1700_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/fiat-500-diesel-edition-live/1074381/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/500-diesel-dsc_1703_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/fiat-500-by-diesel/">Fiat 500 by DIESEL</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/fiat-500-by-diesel/1048694/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/09/500bydiesel_hi_01_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/fiat-500-by-diesel/1048693/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/09/500bydiesel_hi_05_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/fiat-500-by-diesel/1048692/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/09/500bydiesel_hi_04_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/fiat-500-by-diesel/1048691/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/09/500bydiesel_hi_03_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/fiat-500-by-diesel/1048690/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/09/500bydiesel_hi_02_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/04/paris-2008-fiat-500-diesel-its-not-what-you-think/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1332078/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/04/paris-2008-fiat-500-diesel-its-not-what-you-think/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>500 DIESEL</category><category>500Diesel</category><category>Fiat 500</category><category>fiat 500 DIESEL</category><category>Fiat500</category><category>Fiat500Diesel</category><category>paris 2008</category><category>paris motor show</category><category>paris motor show 2008</category><category>Paris2008</category><category>ParisMotorShow</category><category>ParisMotorShow2008</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jeremy Korzeniewski]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 04 Oct 2008 10:11:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Paris 2008: Live shots of the Ford Focus RS]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/03/paris-2008-live-shots-of-the-ford-focus-rs/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/03/paris-2008-live-shots-of-the-ford-focus-rs/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/03/paris-2008-live-shots-of-the-ford-focus-rs/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/euro/" rel="tag">Euro</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/paris-motor-show/" rel="tag">Paris Motor Show</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/" rel="tag">Hatchbacks</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/ford/" rel="tag">Ford</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/ford-focus-rs-live/1074663/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/focusrs-paris08_dsc_1857_opt.jpg"  alt="" /></a><br />
<div align="center"><em><strong><small>Click above for more live shots of the Ford Focus RS in Paris</small></strong></em><br /></div>
<br />Ford's new Focus RS has made <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/04/officially-official-2009-ford-focus-rs/">its second</a> European debut and we've managed to snag some live shots of the new car on the stand. Covered in Ultra Green paint as it is, we could hardly miss it. The new hue is meant to be "a modern interpretation of the 1970's Ford Le Mans Green." In that case, perhaps it should be called <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boss_429">Grabber Green</a>? Powered by a turbocharged Duratec 2.5L five-cylinder producing about 300 horsepower and 325 ft-lbs of torque, the new Focus RS is the fastest European Ford ever produced and can hit 60 mph in under six seconds. Front-wheel drive was chosen in lieu of all-wheel as the Blue Oval's 'RevoKnuckle' front suspension system along with the Quaife Automatic Torque Biasing limited-slip differential is said to remove all traces of torque steer. Expect to see the new Focus RS in European dealerships sometime in 2009. <br /><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/ford-focus-rs-live/">Paris 2008: Ford Focus RS LIVE</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/ford-focus-rs-live/1074658/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/focusrs-paris08_dsc_1856_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/ford-focus-rs-live/1074663/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/focusrs-paris08_dsc_1857_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/ford-focus-rs-live/1074664/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/focusrs-paris08_dsc_1858_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/ford-focus-rs-live/1074665/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/focusrs-paris08_dsc_1860_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/ford-focus-rs-live/1074666/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/focusrs-paris08_dsc_1862_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-ford-focus-rs-3/">2009 Ford Focus RS</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-ford-focus-rs-3/901272/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/07/09focusrs_7495a_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-ford-focus-rs-3/901269/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/07/09focusrs_7490a_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-ford-focus-rs-3/901276/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/07/09focusrs_7509a_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-ford-focus-rs-3/901274/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/07/09focusrs_7502a_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-ford-focus-rs-3/901275/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/07/09focusrs_7506a_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/03/paris-2008-live-shots-of-the-ford-focus-rs/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1332157/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/03/paris-2008-live-shots-of-the-ford-focus-rs/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>ford focus</category><category>ford focus rs</category><category>ford focus rs paris</category><category>ford focus rs pics</category><category>ford focus rs pictures</category><category>FordFocus</category><category>FordFocusRs</category><category>FordFocusRsParis</category><category>FordFocusRsPics</category><category>FordFocusRsPictures</category><category>paris 2008</category><category>paris motor show</category><category>paris motor show 2008</category><category>Paris2008</category><category>ParisMotorShow</category><category>ParisMotorShow2008</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jeremy Korzeniewski]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 03 Oct 2008 16:29:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Paris 2008: In love with Kia's funky Soul ]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/03/paris-2008-in-love-with-kias-funky-soul/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/03/paris-2008-in-love-with-kias-funky-soul/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/03/paris-2008-in-love-with-kias-funky-soul/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/economy/" rel="tag">Economy</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/paris-motor-show/" rel="tag">Paris Motor Show</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/" rel="tag">Hatchbacks</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/kia/" rel="tag">Kia</a></p><p align="center"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/paris-2008-kia-soul/1075506/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/00_kiasoulparis_opt.jpg"  alt="" /></a><br /><strong><em><small>Click above for high-res gallery of the Kia Soul</small></em></strong><br /></p>
<p align="left">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. Get the scoop on the Soul after the jump, and the check out the gallery of high-res photos below.</p>
<br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/paris-2008-kia-soul/">Paris 2008: Kia Soul</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/paris-2008-kia-soul/1075506/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/00_kiasoulparis_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/paris-2008-kia-soul/1075498/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/01_kiasoulparis_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/paris-2008-kia-soul/1075500/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/02_kiasoulparis_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/paris-2008-kia-soul/1075486/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/03_kiasoulparis_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/paris-2008-kia-soul/1075489/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/04_kiasoulparis_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/03/paris-2008-in-love-with-kias-funky-soul/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Paris 2008: In love with Kia's funky Soul </em></a></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/03/paris-2008-in-love-with-kias-funky-soul/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1332500/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/03/paris-2008-in-love-with-kias-funky-soul/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>economy cars</category><category>EconomyCars</category><category>hatchbacks</category><category>kia</category><category>kia soul</category><category>KiaSoul</category><category>korea</category><category>paris 2008</category><category>paris motor show</category><category>Paris2008</category><category>ParisMotorShow</category><category>soul</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jonathon Ramsey]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 03 Oct 2008 13:58:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Paris 2008: Fiat 500 Abarth esseesse]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/03/paris-2008-fiat-500-abarth-esseesse/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/03/paris-2008-fiat-500-abarth-esseesse/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/03/paris-2008-fiat-500-abarth-esseesse/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/euro/" rel="tag">Euro</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/paris-motor-show/" rel="tag">Paris Motor Show</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/" rel="tag">Hatchbacks</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/fiat/" rel="tag">FIAT</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/fiat-500-abarth-esse-esse/1075405/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/500-abarth-ss_dsc_1852_opt.jpg"  alt="" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><small>Click above for high-res gallery of the Fiat 500 Abarth esseesse</small></span><br /></div>
<br />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 <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/22/paris-preview-fiat-abarth-500-esse-esse-revealed/">500 Abarth esseesse</a> (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. <br /><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/fiat-500-abarth-esse-esse/">Paris 2008: Fiat 500 Abarth esseesse LIVE</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/fiat-500-abarth-esse-esse/1075405/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/500abarthesseesse1_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/fiat-500-abarth-esse-esse/1075404/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/500abarthesseesse2_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/fiat-500-abarth-esse-esse/1074614/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/500-abarth-ss_dsc_1852_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/fiat-500-abarth-esse-esse/1074613/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/500-abarth-ss_dsc_1850_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/fiat-500-abarth-esse-esse/1074576/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/500-abarth-ss_dsc_1841_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/03/paris-2008-fiat-500-abarth-esseesse/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Paris 2008: Fiat 500 Abarth esseesse</em></a></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/03/paris-2008-fiat-500-abarth-esseesse/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1332174/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/03/paris-2008-fiat-500-abarth-esseesse/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>fiat 500</category><category>fiat 500 abarth</category><category>fiat 500 abarth esse-esse</category><category>fiat 500 abarth esseesse</category><category>fiat 500 abarth ss</category><category>Fiat500</category><category>Fiat500Abarth</category><category>Fiat500AbarthEsse-esse</category><category>Fiat500AbarthEsseesse</category><category>Fiat500AbarthSs</category><category>paris motor show</category><category>paris2008</category><category>parismotorshow</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Noah Joseph]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 03 Oct 2008 13:29:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Paris 2008: Ford unveils three custom versions of Ka]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/03/paris-2008-ford-unveils-three-custom-versions-of-ka/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/03/paris-2008-ford-unveils-three-custom-versions-of-ka/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/03/paris-2008-ford-unveils-three-custom-versions-of-ka/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/economy/" rel="tag">Economy</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/euro/" rel="tag">Euro</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/paris-motor-show/" rel="tag">Paris Motor Show</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/" rel="tag">Hatchbacks</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/ford/" rel="tag">Ford</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/lifestyle/" rel="tag">Lifestyle</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/ford-ka-special-editions/1072675/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/ka_gp_450.jpg" alt="" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><small>Click above for high-res shots of the Ford Ka Digital, Grand Prix and Tattoo</small></span><br /></div>
<br />Ford's Ka has always had an expressive design, and the second generation of the little city car is set to continue that trend with three new custom packages that will debut with the new model in January. All three of them make quite a statement, though we'll leave it to you to decide if that's a good or a bad thing.<br /><br /><strong>Ka Digital:</strong> Hi-Liter green is the name of the game, with an offset stripe across the top of the car and on the sides, along with a glow-in-the-dark colored grille. Inside, that same shocking color is applied liberally throughout, appearing on the dash, doors and seats. <br /><br /><strong>Ka Grand Prix</strong> (above): Traditional red and white racing colors make a more subdued impression than the green of the Digital, and the two colors cover all the same features on the Grand Prix. A rear spoiler and white alloy wheels round out the racing-theme.<br /><br /><strong>Ka Tattoo:</strong> For Ed Hardy fans, Ford rolls out the Tattoo edition of the Ka with a large decal on the roof and a smaller matching one on the fender. Metallic colors and trim cover the interior, which gets tattoo-like embellishments on the seats and floor mats. <br /><br />All three special editions will be available on the Zetec model, though pricing has yet to be announced. If we were forced to choose one as our favorite, it would definitely be the Grand Prix, if only by default. Check out the gallery below for high-res shots of each.<br /><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/ford-ka-special-editions/">Ford Ka Special Editions</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/ford-ka-special-editions/1072669/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/021008for-_thumbnail.jpg" alt="Ka Digital" title="Ka Digital" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/ford-ka-special-editions/1072664/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/021008-a-for-_thumbnail.jpg" alt="Ka Digital" title="Ka Digital" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/ford-ka-special-editions/1072666/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/021008-b-for-_thumbnail.jpg" alt="Ka Digital" title="Ka Digital" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/ford-ka-special-editions/1072675/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/021008-f-for-_thumbnail.jpg" alt="Ka Grand Prix" title="Ka Grand Prix" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/ford-ka-special-editions/1072676/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/021008-g-for-_thumbnail.jpg" alt="Ka Grand Prix" title="Ka Grand Prix" /></a></div><br />[Source Ford]<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/03/paris-2008-ford-unveils-three-custom-versions-of-ka/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Paris 2008: Ford unveils three custom versions of Ka</em></a></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/03/paris-2008-ford-unveils-three-custom-versions-of-ka/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1331416/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/03/paris-2008-ford-unveils-three-custom-versions-of-ka/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>ford ka</category><category>ford ka digital</category><category>ford ka grand prix</category><category>ford ka tattoo</category><category>FordKa</category><category>FordKaDigital</category><category>FordKaGrandPrix</category><category>FordKaTattoo</category><category>ka digital</category><category>ka grand prix</category><category>ka tattoo</category><category>KaDigital</category><category>KaGrandPrix</category><category>KaTattoo</category><category>paris motor show</category><category>paris motor show 2008</category><category>paris2008</category><category>ParisMotorShow</category><category>ParisMotorShow2008</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jeremy Korzeniewski]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 03 Oct 2008 10:58:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Paris 2008: Pininfarina goes from Ferrari to batteries with B0 Concept]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/03/paris-2008-pininfarina-goes-from-ferrari-to-batteries-with-b0-c/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/03/paris-2008-pininfarina-goes-from-ferrari-to-batteries-with-b0-c/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/03/paris-2008-pininfarina-goes-from-ferrari-to-batteries-with-b0-c/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hybrids/" rel="tag">Hybrids/Alternative</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/green/" rel="tag">Green</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/" rel="tag">Hatchbacks</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/pininfarina-b0/1074766/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/066262600_1223034440_opt.jpg"  alt="" /></a><br />
<div align="center"><em><strong><small>Click above for high-res gallery of the Pininfarina B0</small></strong></em><br /></div>
<br />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 Bollor&eacute; to build this electric car. <br /><br />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.<br /><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/pininfarina-b0/">Pininfarina B0</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/pininfarina-b0/1074766/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/066262600_1223034440_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/pininfarina-b0/1074764/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/074075100_1223034417_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/pininfarina-b0/1074765/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/038137600_1223034462_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/pininfarina-b0/1073008/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/pininfarina-b0-01-1280_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/pininfarina-b0/1073006/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/pininfarina-b0-02-1280_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />[Source: <a href="http://www.pininfarina.it/repository/Immagini/auto%20elettrica/BO%20pininfarina.pdf">Pininfarina</a>]<h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.pininfarina.it/repository/Immagini/auto%20elettrica/BO%20pininfarina.pdf>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/03/paris-2008-pininfarina-goes-from-ferrari-to-batteries-with-b0-c/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1331711/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/03/paris-2008-pininfarina-goes-from-ferrari-to-batteries-with-b0-c/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>paris</category><category>paris 2008</category><category>paris motor show</category><category>paris motor show 2008</category><category>Paris2008</category><category>ParisMotorShow</category><category>ParisMotorShow2008</category><category>pininfarina</category><category>pininfarina b0</category><category>pininfarina bollore</category><category>pininfarina bollore paris</category><category>PininfarinaB0</category><category>PininfarinaBollore</category><category>PininfarinaBolloreParis</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Sam Abuelsamid]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 03 Oct 2008 10:28:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Ford to increase common parts in new global vehicles]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/03/ford-to-increase-common-parts-in-new-global-vehicles/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/03/ford-to-increase-common-parts-in-new-global-vehicles/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/03/ford-to-increase-common-parts-in-new-global-vehicles/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/economy/" rel="tag">Economy</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/euro/" rel="tag">Euro</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/" rel="tag">Hatchbacks</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/ford/" rel="tag">Ford</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/first-drive-2009-ford-fiesta/1023626/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt=""  src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/03_fiesta-dsc_1259_opt.jpg" /></a><br />
<div align="center"><strong><em><small>Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Ford Fiesta</small></em></strong><br /></div>
<br />It has long been known that sharing vehicle components can decrease costs through economies of scale while also improving quality by reducing complexity. It makes sense that vehicles in Europe and the U.S. would be built on common platforms with common parts, but until now Ford has kept its North American and Euro auto operations almost completely separate. That changes with the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/21/north-america-ford-fiesta-rumored-to-come-in-under-15k/">upcoming Fiesta</a>, which Ford says will share 78% of its components across the globe. <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/23/ford-to-produce-focus-in-two-plants-in-2010/">The next Focus</a>, which tragically shifted away from the global model for the 2005 model year, will share 90% or more of its content when it goes on sale in 2010. That will be welcomed news to enthusiasts who have been looking longingly at the Euro Focus the past four years.<br /><br />Beyond the highly anticipated Focus and Fiesta, Ford hasn't disclosed which other vehicles would be shared in the U.S. and Europe. The Blue Oval has said, however, that six or more cars and CUVs could be co-located on both sides of the pond, and there has been plenty of speculation as to which vehicles could thrive Stateside. The <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/19/c-max-and-kuga-may-follow-euro-focus-to-the-u-s/">Kuga, C-Max</a>, Mondeo, and S-Max have all been discussed as possibilities. Bring 'em on, Ford.<br /><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/first-drive-2009-ford-fiesta/">First Drive: 2009 Ford Fiesta</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/first-drive-2009-ford-fiesta/1023642/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/09/19_fiesta-dsc_1343_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/first-drive-2009-ford-fiesta/1023641/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/09/18_fiesta-dsc_1333_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/first-drive-2009-ford-fiesta/1023624/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/09/01_fiesta-dsc_1250_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/first-drive-2009-ford-fiesta/1023625/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/09/02_fiesta-dsc_1254_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/first-drive-2009-ford-fiesta/1023626/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/09/03_fiesta-dsc_1259_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />[Source: <a href="http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081001/ANA02/810019942/1128">Automotive News</a> subs req'd]<h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081001/ANA02/810019942/1128>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/03/ford-to-increase-common-parts-in-new-global-vehicles/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1331002/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/03/ford-to-increase-common-parts-in-new-global-vehicles/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>component sharing</category><category>ComponentSharing</category><category>ford</category><category>ford fiesta</category><category>ford focus</category><category>FordFiesta</category><category>FordFocus</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris Shunk]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 03 Oct 2008 08:30:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[VIDEO: It takes two Fiestas to tango]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/02/video-it-takes-two-fiestas-to-tango/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/02/video-it-takes-two-fiestas-to-tango/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/02/video-it-takes-two-fiestas-to-tango/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/coupes/" rel="tag">Coupes</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/economy/" rel="tag">Economy</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/videos/" rel="tag">Videos</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/" rel="tag">Hatchbacks</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/ford/" rel="tag">Ford</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/02/video-it-takes-two-fiestas-to-tango/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt=""  src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/fordfiestatango4_opt.jpg" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><small>Click above to watch video <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/02/video-it-takes-two-fiestas-to-tango/">after the jump</a></small></span><br /></div>
<br />We're really excited for the new Ford Fiesta to hit U.S. shores, but unfortunately we have almost two more years to wait. Our friends overseas don't have to wait at all, though, so marketing for the attractive sub-compact has already started in the UK. One such publicity stunt involved a pair of three-door Fiestas that tore up the dance floor recently near the Tower of London at the <a href="http://blogit.webitpr.com/?ReleaseID=1004">Tango at the Tower</a> event while a 20-piece orchestra jammed the classic tune. That's right - cars doing the tango. <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/02/video-it-takes-two-fiestas-to-tango/">Hit the jump</a> to view the well-choreographed video of the two Fiestas going toe to toe in the rain. We're tempted to quip that these Fiestas have better moves than Kim Kardashian, but we have no desire to admit watching <em>Dancing with the Stars</em>.<br /><br />[Source: <a href="http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=Z58HL0C_6mQ">YouTube</a>]<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/02/video-it-takes-two-fiestas-to-tango/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>VIDEO: It takes two Fiestas to tango</em></a></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=Z58HL0C_6mQ>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/02/video-it-takes-two-fiestas-to-tango/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1331468/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/02/video-it-takes-two-fiestas-to-tango/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>Euro</category><category>ford</category><category>ford fiesta</category><category>ford fiesta video</category><category>FordFiesta</category><category>FordFiestaVideo</category><category>Kim Kardashian</category><category>KimKardashian</category><category>UK</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris Shunk]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 02 Oct 2008 18:59:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[VIDEO: 2009 Volkswagen GTI VI on the move]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/02/video-2009-volkswagen-gti-vi-on-the-move/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/02/video-2009-volkswagen-gti-vi-on-the-move/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/02/video-2009-volkswagen-gti-vi-on-the-move/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/videos/" rel="tag">Videos</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/" rel="tag">Hatchbacks</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/volkswagen/" rel="tag">Volkswagen</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/02/video-2009-volkswagen-gti-vi-on-the-move/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/golfgtivid2_opt.jpg" /></a><br />
<div align="center"><em><strong><small>Click above to watch video <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/02/video-2009-volkswagen-gti-vi-on-the-move/">after the jump</a></small></strong></em><a href="javascript:void(0);/*1222976884047*/"><br /></a></div>
<br />The <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/02/paris-2008-2009-volkswagen-gti/">2009 Volkwagen Golf GTI</a> has made its official debut today at the 2008 <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/Paris-Motor-Show/">Paris Motor Show</a> today, but it will be a few weeks if not months before anyone, let alone us, gets time behind the wheel to sample this rapid rabbit. Fortunately we've found some video of the new GTI being driven somewhere in the world by people other than us, and it looks like they're having fun doing it. GTI-ophiles will get their choice of three- or five-door models when the car arrives, though both will be powered by the same 2.0L TFSI four-cylinder producing 210 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual or DSG is offered, and new for '09 is an XDS electronic limited-slip differential. Feel free to watch it all in action <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/02/video-2009-volkswagen-gti-vi-on-the-move/">after the jump</a>, and don't worry, this video has no janky hair-metal soundtrack from the '80s. All you hear is the engine revving and road passing beneath the tires.<br /><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-volkswagen-gti/">2009 Volkswagen GTI LIVE</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-volkswagen-gti/1069205/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/01_2009_vw_gti_live_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-volkswagen-gti/1069228/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/02_2009_vw_gti_live_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-volkswagen-gti/1069234/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/03_2009_vw_gti_live_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-volkswagen-gti/1069216/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/04_2009_vw_gti_live_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-volkswagen-gti/1069221/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/05_2009_vw_gti_live_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />[Source: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBk1IgVkvtY&amp;eurl=http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2008/10/vw-golf-gti-vi-first-official-video.html">YouTube</a>]<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/02/video-2009-volkswagen-gti-vi-on-the-move/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>VIDEO: 2009 Volkswagen GTI VI on the move</em></a></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/02/video-2009-volkswagen-gti-vi-on-the-move/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1331475/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/02/video-2009-volkswagen-gti-vi-on-the-move/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>2009 volkswagen golf gti</category><category>2009 volkswagen gti</category><category>2009VolkswagenGolfGti</category><category>2009VolkswagenGti</category><category>gti mkVI</category><category>GtiMkvi</category><category>volkswagen gti</category><category>VolkswagenGti</category><category>vw gti</category><category>VwGti</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[John Neff]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 02 Oct 2008 15:58:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Paris 2008: Mitsubishi Colt Ralliart and Colt five-door]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/02/paris-2008-mitsubishi-colt-ralliart-and-colt-five-door/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/02/paris-2008-mitsubishi-colt-ralliart-and-colt-five-door/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/02/paris-2008-mitsubishi-colt-ralliart-and-colt-five-door/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/coupes/" rel="tag">Coupes</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/economy/" rel="tag">Economy</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/paris-motor-show/" rel="tag">Paris Motor Show</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/" rel="tag">Hatchbacks</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/mitsubishi/" rel="tag">Mitsubishi</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/mitsubishi-colt-ralliart-live/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/01_mitsu_colt_live_450op.jpg" alt="" /></a><br />
<div align="center"><em><strong><small>Click above for a high-res gallery of the Mitsubishi Colt Ralliart</small></strong></em><br /></div>
<br />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. Check out the press release on the new Colts after the jump, and the galleries below: one of live shots, the other a massive folder of press shots that even includes some vintage Colt rally action.<br /><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/mitsubishi-colt-ralliart-live/">Mitsubishi Colt Ralliart LIVE</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/mitsubishi-colt-ralliart-live/1069412/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/01_mitsu_colt_live_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/mitsubishi-colt-ralliart-live/1069429/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/02_mitsu_colt_live_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/mitsubishi-colt-ralliart-live/1069432/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/03_mitsu_colt_live_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/mitsubishi-colt-ralliart-live/1069439/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/04_mitsu_colt_live_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/mitsubishi-colt-ralliart-live/1069435/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/05_mitsu_colt_live_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-mitsubishi-colt/">2009 Mitsubishi Colt</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-mitsubishi-colt/1070709/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/colt_paris_lv_38_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-mitsubishi-colt/1070708/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/colt_paris_lv_37_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-mitsubishi-colt/1070707/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/colt_paris_lv_40_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-mitsubishi-colt/1070706/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/colt_paris_lv_39_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-mitsubishi-colt/1070705/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/colt_paris_lv_36_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/02/paris-2008-mitsubishi-colt-ralliart-and-colt-five-door/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Paris 2008: Mitsubishi Colt Ralliart and Colt five-door</em></a></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.autoblog.com/photos/mitsubishi-colt-ralliart-live/>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/02/paris-2008-mitsubishi-colt-ralliart-and-colt-five-door/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1330811/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/02/paris-2008-mitsubishi-colt-ralliart-and-colt-five-door/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>2009 mitsubishi colt</category><category>2009MitsubishiColt</category><category>colt</category><category>colt ralliart</category><category>ColtRalliart</category><category>coupes</category><category>economy</category><category>hatchbacks</category><category>mitsubishi</category><category>mitsubishi colt</category><category>mitsubishi colt ralliart</category><category>MitsubishiColt</category><category>MitsubishiColtRalliart</category><category>paris motor show</category><category>ParisMotorShow</category><category>ralliart</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jonathon Ramsey]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 02 Oct 2008 10:29:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Paris 2008: Mazda Kiyora concept]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/02/paris-2008-mazda-kiyora-concept/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/02/paris-2008-mazda-kiyora-concept/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/02/paris-2008-mazda-kiyora-concept/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/conceptcars/" rel="tag">Concept Cars</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/economy/" rel="tag">Economy</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/green/" rel="tag">Green</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/paris-motor-show/" rel="tag">Paris Motor Show</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/" rel="tag">Hatchbacks</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/mazda/" rel="tag">Mazda</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/mazda-kiyora-live/1069775/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt=""  src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/01_mazda_kiyora_live_450op.jpg" /></a><br />
<div align="center"><em><strong><small>Click above for a high-res gallery of the Mazda Kiyora</small></strong></em><br /></div>
<br />Like so many shows in recent memory, part of the theme in Paris is "green." So in addition to the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/02/paris-2008-nissan-nuvu-ev/">Nissan Nuvu </a>micro EV, Mazda took the wraps off yet another Nagare-themed concept, the Kiyora.<br /><br />Taking inspiration from past design studies and its Japanese name, which translates to "clean and pure," the Kiyora will influence Mazda's next city car, due to replace the Mazda2 in the middle of the next decade. Measuring in at 3,770mm, the four-seat city car features a 1.3-liter gasoline-powered engine with direct injection and more efficient combustion chambers mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox. Weight and aerodynamics are two key elements of the Kiyora, and with a body made almost entirely of carbon fiber and a drag reduced by 10 percent over the current Mazda2, the diminutive city car would put out less than 90g/km of CO2... if it goes into production.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Check the press release below the fold.</span><br /><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/mazda-kiyora-live/">Mazda Kiyora LIVE</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/mazda-kiyora-live/1069775/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/01_mazda_kiyora_live_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/mazda-kiyora-live/1069778/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/02_mazda_kiyora_live_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/mazda-kiyora-live/1069779/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/03_mazda_kiyora_live_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/mazda-kiyora-live/1069776/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/04_mazda_kiyora_live_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/mazda-kiyora-live/1069781/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/05_mazda_kiyora_live_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br /><p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/02/paris-2008-mazda-kiyora-concept/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Paris 2008: Mazda Kiyora concept</em></a></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/02/paris-2008-mazda-kiyora-concept/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1330855/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/02/paris-2008-mazda-kiyora-concept/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>kiyora</category><category>mazda</category><category>mazda kiyora</category><category>MazdaKiyora</category><category>paris</category><category>paris 2008</category><category>paris motor show</category><category>Paris2008</category><category>ParisMotorShow</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Damon Lavrinc]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 02 Oct 2008 06:02:00 EST</pubDate></item></channel></rss>