New Peugeot 508: Photos from the Paris Motor Show Floor

Peugeot has decided to take a more elegant approach with the design of its top-of-the-line 508 model, ditching the old and odd Peugeot nose in favor of a more attractive new design language. Competing with Volkswagen's B7 Passat and Kia's Optima, which we showed you earlier, the 508 is the first attractive Peugeot saloon in a while.

For consumers in Europe, the new 508 will be available next spring. Its eight engine choices are decidedly diesel-heavy; there are five diesel units and three gasoline options, while in 2012, Peugeot will launch a diesel-electric hybrid version using the same technology found on the 3008 Hybrid4 crossover. For the powertrain and performance info, check out our previous story here.

As far as body styles go, there will be a sedan and a station wagon. The new 508 has to be one of the nicest-looking cars in the mid-size segment; it's a real shame we don't get something like this in the States.

By Phil Alex

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New Peugeot 508: Photos from the Paris Motor Show Floor

Peugeot has decided to take a more elegant approach with the design of its top-of-the-line 508 model, ditching the old and odd Peugeot nose in favor of a more attractive new design language. Competing with Volkswagen's B7 Passat and Kia's Optima, which we showed you earlier, the 508 is the first attractive Peugeot saloon in a while.

For consumers in Europe, the new 508 will be available next spring. Its eight engine choices are decidedly diesel-heavy; there are five diesel units and three gasoline options, while in 2012, Peugeot will launch a diesel-electric hybrid version using the same technology found on the 3008 Hybrid4 crossover. For the powertrain and performance info, check out our previous story here.

As far as body styles go, there will be a sedan and a station wagon. The new 508 has to be one of the nicest-looking cars in the mid-size segment; it's a real shame we don't get something like this in the States.

By Phil Alex

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Seat IBE Coupe Concept 2 in the Flesh from the Paris Motor Show

Following on from our preview of Seat's latest IBE Concept model, we now have live pictures of the compact sports coupe from the 2010 Paris Motor Show. Improvements over the first IBE Concept, which was shown in Geneva earlier this year, include refinements to the design and technology, while the Paris Show car now also sports an interior.

Measuring in at just 3.83 meters (12.5 ft) in length, the IBE Paris is smaller than Volkswagen's Scirocco. Utilizing a 75 kw (102 hp) electric drive system, the concept is good for 130 km (81 miles) on a single charge. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 60 mph) can be achieved in 9.7 seconds

"The IBE shows SEAT's vision for a car of the future that is as emotional as it is ecologically responsible and affordable," said Seat's design boss of former Lamborghini fame, Luc Donckerwolke.

"The IBE is a concentrated version of our design DNA. Both exterior and interior are characterised by their focus on key elements, by a clear and precise architecture, by modern technology and by materials that are as high-quality as they are ecological."

By Tristan Hankins

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