Paris PreShow: Infiniti Performance Line G Cabrio Concept

While we're still trying to find out if Infiniti's freshly sketched dedicated EV (see here) will make its debut at next week's 2010 Mondial de l'Automobile, here's an Infiniti concept that has been confirmed for the show. The Infiniti Performance Line (IPL) G Cabrio Concept is the second car to wear the Japanese firm's sporty IPL badge after the introduction of the G Coupé in North America in the summer.

As you'd expect, the IPL version of Infiniti's four-seat hardtop cabriolet shares many of the coupe's styling and performance enhancements.

Under the hood, you'll find a modified version of the standard car's 3.7-liter V6 delivering 338 PS at 7,400 rpm and 374Nm of torque. The regular Euro-spec model gets by with 320 PS at 7,400 rpm and 360Nm. For the record, the US-market IPL G Coupe's V6 produces 348-horsepower.

Infiniti says the tuned convertible accelerates from zero to 100km/h (62 mph) in under 6 seconds, while top speed of the de-restricted concept car, which has a seven speed automatic transmission with magnesium paddle shifts, is more than 270 km/h or 168mph.

The concept model's suspension has also been upgraded with 10% stiffer springs and recalibrated dampers, while body sits a little lower to the ground.

In the looks department, the Paris Show model's exterior is finished in a new a pearlescent black paint with red hints called "Malbec Black" while the interior is covered in Monaco Red leather.

Exterior upgrades include a new front bumper, blacked-out grille and headlight surrounds, sculptured side sill extensions and a boot lid spoiler. The huge exhaust tail pipes and 19-inch 7-spoke rims complete the list of changes.

As for the interior, the centre console is finished with black lacquer while the dashboard area above the glove box and doors are adorned with a decorative trim called KACCHU, which according to Infiniti, is a name given to the armour used by Japan's feudal warlords, or samurai, in the Middle Ages.

Although billed as a concept, we all know that an IPL flavored G Cabrio will be offered sooner or later in the States. As for Europe, here's what Infiniti stated: "A decision on launching IPL Infinitis in Europe will be taken later after reaction to the IPL G Cabrio Concept has been considered."

Paris PreShow: Infiniti Performance Line G Cabrio Concept

While we're still trying to find out if Infiniti's freshly sketched dedicated EV (see here) will make its debut at next week's 2010 Mondial de l'Automobile, here's an Infiniti concept that has been confirmed for the show. The Infiniti Performance Line (IPL) G Cabrio Concept is the second car to wear the Japanese firm's sporty IPL badge after the introduction of the G Coupé in North America in the summer.

As you'd expect, the IPL version of Infiniti's four-seat hardtop cabriolet shares many of the coupe's styling and performance enhancements.

Under the hood, you'll find a modified version of the standard car's 3.7-liter V6 delivering 338 PS at 7,400 rpm and 374Nm of torque. The regular Euro-spec model gets by with 320 PS at 7,400 rpm and 360Nm. For the record, the US-market IPL G Coupe's V6 produces 348-horsepower.

Infiniti says the tuned convertible accelerates from zero to 100km/h (62 mph) in under 6 seconds, while top speed of the de-restricted concept car, which has a seven speed automatic transmission with magnesium paddle shifts, is more than 270 km/h or 168mph.

The concept model's suspension has also been upgraded with 10% stiffer springs and recalibrated dampers, while body sits a little lower to the ground.

In the looks department, the Paris Show model's exterior is finished in a new a pearlescent black paint with red hints called "Malbec Black" while the interior is covered in Monaco Red leather.

Exterior upgrades include a new front bumper, blacked-out grille and headlight surrounds, sculptured side sill extensions and a boot lid spoiler. The huge exhaust tail pipes and 19-inch 7-spoke rims complete the list of changes.

As for the interior, the centre console is finished with black lacquer while the dashboard area above the glove box and doors are adorned with a decorative trim called KACCHU, which according to Infiniti, is a name given to the armour used by Japan's feudal warlords, or samurai, in the Middle Ages.

Although billed as a concept, we all know that an IPL flavored G Cabrio will be offered sooner or later in the States. As for Europe, here's what Infiniti stated: "A decision on launching IPL Infinitis in Europe will be taken later after reaction to the IPL G Cabrio Concept has been considered."

New Range Rover Evoque: First Video Footage of 3d SUV on the Move

Land Rover just released some new videos of its upcoming Evoque in motion, and it continues to convince. Interested? Hit the jump for the vids, or head over to our previous post for all the details.

Debuting at next week's Paris Auto Show as a 3-door model (the 5-door's on the way, don't fret), the new mini-Range will get turbocharged 4-cylinder diesel and gasoline engines; the 2.2-liter diesels will come in 150-horsepower and 190-horsepower flavors, while the 2.0-liter gasoline engine will put down a still-undisclosed output (where you at, Rover?).

Not only that, but the diesels post some impressive fuel economy numbers as well. How do you feel about 50 mpg Imperial / 41.6 mpg US from the low-output diesel with 4-wheel drive? Good, that's how.

It will be available in both 4-wheel driver and front-wheel drive (a Rover first), come in three trim levels, and provide owners with one very attractive interior. Live shots are on the way.

By Phil Alex

New Range Rover Evoque: First Video Footage of 3d SUV on the Move

Land Rover just released some new videos of its upcoming Evoque in motion, and it continues to convince. Interested? Hit the jump for the vids, or head over to our previous post for all the details.

Debuting at next week's Paris Auto Show as a 3-door model (the 5-door's on the way, don't fret), the new mini-Range will get turbocharged 4-cylinder diesel and gasoline engines; the 2.2-liter diesels will come in 150-horsepower and 190-horsepower flavors, while the 2.0-liter gasoline engine will put down a still-undisclosed output (where you at, Rover?).

Not only that, but the diesels post some impressive fuel economy numbers as well. How do you feel about 50 mpg Imperial / 41.6 mpg US from the low-output diesel with 4-wheel drive? Good, that's how.

It will be available in both 4-wheel driver and front-wheel drive (a Rover first), come in three trim levels, and provide owners with one very attractive interior. Live shots are on the way.

By Phil Alex

2011 Forester Info released, First Subaru to Gain New 2.5-liter Boxer

While pics of the 2011 Forester have yet to make it out the gates (the car pictured above is a 2010MY) , here is a run-through of the new lineup for the U.S. market. Other than some minor styling updates such as the new grille design and a revised instrument panel with softer materials, the big news is Subaru's brand-spanking new boxer engine we first told you about earlier today.

The new naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder boxer unit gets different bore/stroke dimensions to increase displacement from 2,457 cc to 2,498 cc and a chain-driven cam (instead of a belt-driven one).

Output remains the same as before at 170-horsepower but at slightly lower rpm, while peak torque is up to 174 lb.-ft. at 4,100 rpm, versus the outgoing boxer unit's 170 lb.ft. at 4,400 rpm.

Subaru says fuel economy is improved with both 2011MY manual and automatic models returning 21 mpg city and 27 mpg highway vs. the 2010MY's 20/27 for manual and 20/26 for automatic.

The 2011 Forester's available trims will include the 2.5X (in base, Premium, Limited, and Touring), and the 2.5XT (in Premium and Touring), which keeps the current model's 224-horse turbo four.

The Touring trim option is new as well, making it the new high-line Forester.

For a list of pricing and standard features, scroll on down.

By Phil Alex

2.5X (starting at $20,495 for manual, $21,695 for automatic)

- Interior: single disc CD player (4 speakers with jack), three 12-volt outlets, carpeted floor mats, center console with sliding arm rest, fold-down rear seat
- Exterior: daytime running lights, rear window wiper / washer
- Tech: Brake Assist, Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), engine immobilizer, remote keyless entry
- Optional alloy wheels

2.5X Premium (starting at $23,195 for manual, $24,195 for auto)

- Interior: 10-way power driver's seat, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, reclining rear seat, automatic driver's power window with Anti-Pinch Protection, tilt / telescopic steering wheel
- Exterior: privacy glass, panoramic power moonroof, roof rails, 17-inch wheels
- Tech: Bluetooth phone/audio, iPod connectivity, USB port, Sirius Satellite Radio capability
- Optional TomTom Navigation

2.5X Limited (starting at $26,495 for auto)

- Interior: leather seating surfaces, leather-wrapped steering wheel / shifter, automatic climate controls, cargo area tray
- Exterior: stainless exhaust tips, fog lights
- Tech: HD radio, 4.3-inch LCD screen, 6 speakers
- Optional rear-view camera, touchscreen GPS with 7-inch screen

2.5X Touring (starting at $27,995)

- Interior: one-touch folding rear seat backs, dual-zone automatic climate control, Sirius satellite radio, electroluminescent instrumentation
- Exterior: HID headlights, mirrors with integrated turn signals, silver finish roof rails,

2.5XT Premium (starting at $26,995 for auto)

- Interior: telescopic steering column, aluminum-alloy accelerator / brake pedal covers, a 10-way power driver's seat
- Exterior: stainless exhaust tips, fog lights, rear spoiler, unique17-inch alloy wheels, hood scoop

2.5XT Touring (starting at $29,995)

- see 2.5X Touring info

_______________________________________________________________________

Breaking: Infiniti Sketches New Pure Electric Model and Confirms 2013 Launch

We just got our hands on the first official teaser sketch of Infiniti's forthcoming dedicated electric vehicle. The image was shown by Infiniti's Senior Vice President, Andy Palmer, during a special ceremony held to mark the opening of the Infiniti Centre Piccadilly in London. Along with the release of the teaser, the Japanese automaker confirmed that the EV will be launched into the market in 2013.

For now, all we know about the as-of-yet unnamed car is that it's powered by electricity and can seat five passengers. The sketchy picture doesn't allows us to make out the body style of the car as it could be a four door sedan, a five-door hatchback/liftback or even a coupe; we're just not sure.

"Befitting the brand’s promise of “Inspired Performance” , the Infiniti EV will be a stylish, compact, high performance, five-seat luxury car with zero emissions technology," the company said in a statement.

There's a strong possibility Infiniti may lift the covers off the EV in Paris, but this has not yet been confirmed. In any case, we'll keep you updated on any new information we receive.

Breaking: Infiniti Sketches New Pure Electric Model and Confirms 2013 Launch

We just got our hands on the first official teaser sketch of Infiniti's forthcoming dedicated electric vehicle. The image was shown by Infiniti's Senior Vice President, Andy Palmer, during a special ceremony held to mark the opening of the Infiniti Centre Piccadilly in London. Along with the release of the teaser, the Japanese automaker confirmed that the EV will be launched into the market in 2013.

For now, all we know about the as-of-yet unnamed car is that it's powered by electricity and can seat five passengers. The sketchy picture doesn't allows us to make out the body style of the car as it could be a four door sedan, a five-door hatchback/liftback or even a coupe; we're just not sure.

"Befitting the brand’s promise of “Inspired Performance” , the Infiniti EV will be a stylish, compact, high performance, five-seat luxury car with zero emissions technology," the company said in a statement.

There's a strong possibility Infiniti may lift the covers off the EV in Paris, but this has not yet been confirmed. In any case, we'll keep you updated on any new information we receive.

Low, Low Mileage Ferrari F40 Goes to Auction at Historics at Brooklands

A Ferrari F40 with just 10,500 miles (16,898 km) on the clock is set to go under the hammer at the Historics at Brooklands Auction in Surrey, England. Organizers believe interest in the vehicle will be high, valuing this particular example between £280,000 and £320,000 (US$439,432 and US$502,208).

Once the world's fastest street-legal production car, the F40 was the most powerful, most expensive and fastest car Ferrari had produced at the time.

It was also the last model commissioned by company founder Enzo Ferrari, built to celebrate 40 years of production at the brand's Maranello factory. 1,315 were built between 1987 and 1992. This example - appropriately finished in red - was built in 1989.

The F40 featured a 2,400 lb (1,089 kg) body made from a combination of carbon fibre, Kevlar and aluminium and a mid-mounted, twin turbo V8 that was good for 471 bhp (346 kw) and 200 mph (322 km/h). It had an impressive-for-1987 Cd figure of 0.34, which it shares today with the more down-to-earth Chevy Tahoe Hybrid...

The Historics at Brookland auction starts at 3pm on September 25th, with viewings starting on the day at 10am.

By Tristan Hankins

Low, Low Mileage Ferrari F40 Goes to Auction at Historics at Brooklands

A Ferrari F40 with just 10,500 miles (16,898 km) on the clock is set to go under the hammer at the Historics at Brooklands Auction in Surrey, England. Organizers believe interest in the vehicle will be high, valuing this particular example between £280,000 and £320,000 (US$439,432 and US$502,208).

Once the world's fastest street-legal production car, the F40 was the most powerful, most expensive and fastest car Ferrari had produced at the time.

It was also the last model commissioned by company founder Enzo Ferrari, built to celebrate 40 years of production at the brand's Maranello factory. 1,315 were built between 1987 and 1992. This example - appropriately finished in red - was built in 1989.

The F40 featured a 2,400 lb (1,089 kg) body made from a combination of carbon fibre, Kevlar and aluminium and a mid-mounted, twin turbo V8 that was good for 471 bhp (346 kw) and 200 mph (322 km/h). It had an impressive-for-1987 Cd figure of 0.34, which it shares today with the more down-to-earth Chevy Tahoe Hybrid...

The Historics at Brookland auction starts at 3pm on September 25th, with viewings starting on the day at 10am.

By Tristan Hankins