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Price cut boosts Dodge Viper sales dramatically

It may go without saying that slashing the price on a new car - especially one this enticing - would only serve to boost sales. But in case you needed hard evidence, look no further than the Dodge Viper.
Last month Chrysler announced it was chopping a solid $15k off the price of a new Viper, dropping the MSRP of a base model to under $85k, the Viper TA to just over $100k and the top-of-the-line GTS to under $108k. The result has been more than a doubling in sales: According to Yahoo! Autos, Dodge sold 108 Vipers last month, which emerged as the best results the model has racked up in its current iteration. This compared to only 38 units sold in August, 48 in July and 36 in June - or, for year-to-year comparison, just 45 units in September 2013.
The sales initiative - which also saw recent buyers compensated with a $15k voucher towards the purchase of a new Viper - came in response to lagging sales. Back in March, with sales plummeting and stock piling up, Chrysler idled the Conner Avenue plant that builds the Viper. It then extended the shut-down in July for another few weeks. But with production back online, prices adjusted and sales picking up, hopefully we'll have seen the last hiccup in the life of one of America's finest performance machines - especially with the MY2015 enhancements in store.

New Mini Cooper only just now being delivered due to EPA certification

The Mini brand and its products have typically been a runaway success for BMW, but sales of the retro hatchback dropped a drastic 20.5 percent last month, and have been doing such pretty much all year.
The reason, according to Jalopnik, is that the new model has been held up due to EPA certification. Mini told our compatriots, "Sales have dropped because our supply has been so limited. MY 2015 Mini Hardtops have also not been able to go on sale pending the final results of federal fuel economy certification."
Mini goes on to clarify that "as of October 1st, three out of the four 2015 Mini Hardtop 2 door models, the Cooper with manual transmission, the Cooper with automatic transmission, and the Cooper S with manual transmission, have been released for retail sales and deliveries."

Average Bugatti owner has 84 cars, 3 jets, 1 yacht

Between Audi, Porsche, Lamborghini, Bentley and Bugatti, the Volkswagen Group has no lack of prestige marques under its umbrella. And while some of these marques may produce models that compete against each other, each seems to be profitable enough in its own right to justify its existence. But what about Bentley and Bugatti? Surely these marques cater to the same customers, right?
Not according to their shared CEO. "The clientele between Bentley and Bugatti is remarkably different," said Wolfgang Dürheimer in an interview with Bloomberg. "The Bentley customer on average owns 8 cars. The average Bugatti customer has about 84 cars, 3 jets and 1 yacht."
That may be a slight exaggeration (we'd have expected three yachts and one jet), but it puts things into perspective: Bentleys are for the one percent. Bugattis are for the one percent of that one percent. Which only goes to show why it's taken Bugatti over eight years to sell 450 Veyrons - a number of units it would take Bentley about two weeks to move, albeit at about one tenth the price.

Ford GT to be revived, Le Mans battle upcoming

Ford dominated the 24 Hours of Le Mans from 1966 to 1969, scoring four consecutive wins. Wouldn't it be great if the Blue Oval could go back to France for the 50th anniversary of that performance and show it can still compete in international endurance racing? Actually, the latest rumors indicate that could be exactly the case, and the car taking that checkered flag could be another revival of the Ford GT.
As the rumblings go, Ford wants to use a new supercar to take another crack at Le Mans, after considering some other possible alternatives. Substantiating these musings are reports that a Blue Oval rep was reportedly on hand for a recent meeting about 2016 GTE-Class rules, according to Road and Track. That would put the new GT in the same racing class as the Corvette, Ferrari 458 Italia, Porsche 911 and others.
It's not all about racing, though. If you win on Sunday, you want something to be able to sell on Monday. The revived GT is reportedly still a mid-engine supercar, but the exact engine is unclear. It's possible that it could even be shown or announced at the Detroit auto show in January, according to Motor Trend.

GM recalls 61k more vehicles in three campaigns

Following a stop-delivery order for its new midsize trucks and a rash of recent recalls, General Motors is issuing three more campaigns covering 60,575 vehicles in North America with 57,182 of them in the US. As of October 1, the automaker has issued a total of 74 recalls (see the ridiculously long chart to the right) this year covering 26,495,070 units in the US.
The largest campaign covers 46,873 examples in the US of the 2008-2009 Pontiac G8 and 2011-2013 Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle imported from Australia. It's possible for the driver's knee to hit the key and make it move from the "Run" to "ACC" position while driving. GM says its Holden division is developing a fixed-blade key that's supposed to fix the problem by only allowing it to rotate toward the "On" position. There has been one crash caused by this fault but no injuries or fatalities.
The second recall is for 10,005 units of the 2004-2007 Cadillac CTS-V and 2006-2007 Cadillac STS-V because "the fuel pump module electrical terminal may overheat." This can cause a flange to melt and allow the pump to leak fuel. GM specifies that the remedy for the CTS-V is replacing the fuel module and fuel tank jumper harness, but it doesn't specify how the STS-V is being repaired.

Hennessey unleashes 2015 HPE700 supercharged Ford Mustang

Thanks to the 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat there is a new magic number in the muscle car world - 707. To raise eyebrows these days in the power war, a vehicle needs to match or preferably exceed that palindromic figure. The tuners over at Hennessey took a look at it for their 2015 HPE700 Mustang and decided to go one better. Well, ten actually, because they bestowed their latest creation with 717 horsepower and 632 pound-feet of torque.
The HPE 700 Mustang takes the standard Mustang GT with its 5.0-liter V8 and turns up the power a few hundred notches with a Roots-type supercharger running at 7.25 psi. Hennessey claims that this boosted 'Stang can rocket to 60 miles per hour in about 3.6 seconds and cover the quarter-mile in 11.2 seconds at 131 mph. For those keeping score at home, those figures are very similar to Challenger Hellcat.
To cope with all of the added boost, the engine gets a high-flow throttle body, upgraded injectors, new fuel pump, stainless steel exhaust and Hennessey's calibration for the engine management. Pricing for the package is $59,500, including the base 2015 Mustang GT, but the company is limiting production to 500 units for the 2015 model year. Founder John Hennessey told Autoblog that he has already received about a dozen orders for them.

Meet the inventor of the first dune buggy, the Meyers Manx

"I think the message of the car is fun."
So says Bruce Meyers, the man who invented the Meyers Manx, which you may more readily recognize as the dune buggy. Based upon the humble underpinnings of the long-running, air-cooled Volkswagen Beetle, the Manx offers beauty in the form of simplicity. Its tub-like fiberglass shell sits on a rolling chassis that houses trailing-link suspension that allows it to travel on smooth roads, rough roads and no roads, and it stands as an icon of the Swingin' 60s, as does its creator.
Want to hear how the original Meyers Manx dune buggy came to be out of the mouth of the man who spawned it? Of course you do.

Ferrari developing V-twin motorcycle engine?

When we read reports that Ferrari had applied for a patent on a V-twin engine design, our first thought was to check the date: this says the first of October, right... not April? And so here we are, entertaining the notion that Ferrari could be developing a motorcycle engine.
The report comes from Autocar, which claims to have dug up the application to patent the design for an "internal combustion engine having two cylinders, which are arranged in a 'V' configuration." In other words, a motorcycle engine. The application reportedly goes on to describe a balancing shafts to reduce vibration. Our own research did not lead us to find the application in question, so we'll have to take it with a grain of salt for the moment. But supposing it's all on the up and up, and that Ferrari was actually developing a motorcycle engine. Would that be so out of the ordinary?
Well, yes and no. Parent company Fiat, which is taking increased direct control of Ferrari, is undoubtedly looking at rival Volkswagen and its recent acquisition of Ducati (putting it in close proximity to Lamborghini) and would be keen to get in on that action. However tenuous the relationship, Lotus has also recently authorized a motorcycle bearing its name. And of course automakers like BMW and Honda, with which Ferrari has competed on and off the race track, also make motorcycles.

Sebastian Vettel to leave Infiniti Red Bull at end of 2014

Things are going to look very different in the Formula 1 paddock come 2015. Official word came down from Infiniti Red Bull Racing that Sebastian Vettel, who won four driver's titles while with the energy-infused fizzy drink and marketing company, will be leaving the team after the 2014 season comes to an end. Taking Vettel's well-worn seat at Red Bull will be Daniil Kvyat, who will join Daniel Ricciardo for 2015. Feel free to read that official announcement below.
While no official announcement has yet been made, rumors swirl that Sebastian Vettel will drive for Ferrari in 2015, taking the place of Fernando Alonso, who many believe will end up at McLaren, which itself is in line for a major driver and team shakeup next year as it switches to Honda power. It's not clear where the rest of the current crop of F1 drivers will land, but as this first blockbuster domino falls into place, expect the rest to fall in line in the coming weeks and months.

Weekly Recap: Ram doubles down on diesels

Chrysler now expects about 20 percent of Ram 1500s will be sold with the EcoDiesel engine for the 2015 model year.
Chrysler is ramping up production of the EcoDiesel engine for the Ram 1500, as consumer demand has far outstripped availability. Chrysler now expects about 20 percent of Ram 1500s will be sold with the EcoDiesel engine for the 2015 model year.

Citroen presents new C3-XR crossover for China

At its flagship showroom on the swank Avenue des Champs-Elysées in Paris, Citroën revealed the new C3-XR. The compact crossover joins the C3 range alongside the five-door hatch and C3 Picasso minivan, but is targeted specifically at the Chinese market.
The C3-XR closely follows the lead set by the C-XR concept presented in Beijing earlier this year, with a higher riding stance than the conventional C3 and a more robust design. Details are few and far between, but the French automaker confirms that it will be launched with a gasoline-burning 1.6-liter turbo four with 160 horsepower and stop/start system mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox.
The new model launches at the end of the year in China, a market which accounts for a quarter of all the brand's sales and where it has already introduced such dedicated models as the C-Elysée and C4 L. The launch today in Paris coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between France and China.

Citroen C1 Urban Ride imagines a more rugged city car

The French auto brands certainly haven't been afraid to display a plethora of concepts at the 2014 Paris Motor Show. We've seen everything from the imagined future of CUVs to a very weird looking hatchback. Citroën is adding one more to the tally with its C1 Urban Ride that tries to make a European city car look a bit more rugged, highlighting the model's customization potential in the process.
Whether the concept succeeds at tough-looking goal is up for debate, but the Urban Ride has its suspension lifted a whole 0.6 inches, with a 0.4-inch wider track. To show off its aspirations, the front bumper, wheel arches and side sills all get some black cladding for claimed protection, and there's a set of black wheels, too. The rest of the concept gets some eye-popping yellow paint.
There are actually two versions of the Urban Ride on display - the 5-door hardtop and the Airscape (pictured above) with a retracting roof. Citroën is taking votes at the show to see which one people like more. Scroll down to read more about this rugged little hatch concept.

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Concept-S shows what a facelift can do [w/video]

Sometimes you need a second chance to get things right. Technologically, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a pretty cool vehicle, with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder and additional electric motors providing more thrust. However, the CUV never really looked the part for all of its innovation. The Mitsubishi designers are taking another crack with the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Concept-S at the 2014 Paris Motor Show, and the vehicle shows what a massive improvement some tweaks can make.
The most obvious of these changes is the completely different front end with a more vertical design. The headlights are reshaped with LED running lights outlining them, and the new airdam that puts a massive X right on the front grille in black and chrome with some more LEDs down below. The designers don't stop there and have a major revision to the rear with taillights running all the way across. Inside, there's black wood grain trim and leather seats.
The update takes the CUV from boring to somewhat exciting, and the even better news is that some of these updates might make it to a rumored refresh in 2016 that could even come here. Scroll down to watch Mitsubishi's teaser video for the Concept-S with more views of it and the company's full press release.

Renault Clio Initiale Paris does the classed-up compact thing

Citroën has seen some success with its DS cars, announcing the line as a new, premium sub-brand. Now, it looks like French rival Renault could be set to launch its own luxury trim group, with the Clio Initiale Paris as its first entry.
With xenon headlights and unique seventeen-inch wheels as the big upgrades to the exterior, Renault also fitted a gloss-black bumper skirt and mirror caps, for a bit more exterior panache. A prominent "Initiale" badge adorns the trunk and side skirts, as well.
In the cabin, contrasting, heated, Nappa-leather-adorned seats have been fitted, while faux leather with contrast stitching can be found on the dash and door panels. Piano-black trim is added in sections, while aluminum pedals contribute a bit of extra brightwork to the space.

Renault Eolab Concept pursues a 1L/100 km future [w/video]

In the contest for ultra-high fuel efficiency, France is coming up with a seriously tough lineup of concepts. Both Peugeot and Citroën have concept cars on display at the 2014 Paris Motor Show that blend aerodynamics, low curb weights and cutting edge powertrain technologies to return 141 miles per gallon on the European cycle. And now Renault has just unveiled its fuel-saver to the world's press, showing off the Eolab, a concept hatch that promises to use only one liter of fuel for every 100 kilometers traveled.
For the math averse, that works out to about 282 miles per gallon, or a lot. Like the PSA concepts, a low curb weight is key to the Eolab's efficiency. With an overall weight at just about 2,100 pounds, the gas-electric hybrid powertrain, which can run up to 37 miles on electric power alone, isn't forced to work too hard.
While PSA based its concepts on actual production models - the Peugeot 208 and Citroën C4 Cactus - the Eolab is more of a pure concept. According to Renault, it employs "100 new, realistic technological developments" that could make their way onto French roads.

Rolls-Royce Phantom Metropolitan Collection wafts into the annals of exclusivity

Limited-edition, hand-built cars are kind of a bizarre thing. On the one hand, people pay umpteen amounts of money for bespoke cars, with the manufacturer adding that iconic descriptor to all its press materials, but then the company goes and produces 20 of the exact same car and sells them as a "special edition." It seems kind of contradictory.
Rolls-Royce must not see it that way, though, as it has just unveiled one of 20 Metropolitan Collection Phantom sedans at the 2014 Paris Motor Show. As the latest member of the brand's Bespoke Collection, the Metropolitan joins the Phantom Drophead Coupe Waterspeed Collection, the Pinnacle Travel and the Ghawwass Edition.
According to Rolls-Royce, the Metropolitan Collection pays "homage to the world's great metropolises" by way of the company's well known craftsmen. The veneers, particularly on the second row picnic table, get extensive attention, with just the table using 500 individual pieces of wood.

2015 Opel Corsa hatches slinky new style

Opel's slinky answer to the Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Polo debuted on Thursday at the Paris Motor Show, ahead of its launch in European markets late this year. The long-running Corsa - 32 years and counting - getting its first major refresh in eight years.
Opel dialed up the design for the 2015 Corsa, and the new front end has chiseled headlights with LED daytime runners, a trapezoidal grille and a prominent Opel badge. In back, there are wide split taillights and sculpted fenders. The Corsa will come in three- and five-door configurations.
The Corsa will offer a wide range of engines, including a three-cylinder, two four-cylinders and a diesel. Opel markets the Corsa for young families, and pricing starts around 11,980 euros, or about $15,000, in Germany.

The Carlos and Dieter Show promises more collaboration

Daimler and Renault-Nissan said Friday the automakers have expanded their four-year-old alliance to include putting a Renault diesel in the Mercedes C-Class, a Mercedes gasoline engine in an Infiniti and possibly will involve automated driving technologies in the near future. At a joint Paris Motor Show press conference dubbed 'The Carlos and Dieter Show' by European media, Renault-Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn and Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche said the alliance between the automakers is running strong and will expand into any area that makes financial sense for both companies.
Ghosn and Zetsche said the alliance between the automakers is running strong and will expand into any area that makes financial sense for both companies.
Daimler and Renault-Nissan began their partnership in 2010 with plans to collaborate on three projects. They've since expanded that and are working on 12 projects together, including building a joint plant in Aguascalientes, Mexico. Renault-Nissan and Daimler are launching their first vehicles developed together from scratch: the Renault Twingo (which went on sale in September) and the new Smart Fortwo and Smart Forfour, which go on sale in November.

2016 Smart Fortwo and Forfour show their smiling new faces [w/videos]

The 2016 Smart Fortwo and Forfour are at the 2014 Paris Motor Show showing off their brand new looks for their latest generations, and the company hopes that an extensive list of changes can give the brand a much-needed boost.
The redesign definitely gives siblings a personality while keeping Smart's traditional looks. These happy-go-lucky hatchbacks have a slight upward curve with headlights in either corner that make both of them appear to be smiling. With about 40 different available color schemes, buyers should have no problem finding just the right shade to fit their style.
Underneath the jovial look is an all-new platform shared with the similarly quirky Renault Twingo. Mounted in the rear are a trio of available three-cylinder gasoline engines with 60-, 71- and 90-horsepower on offer. Gearbox options amount to either a five-speed manual or Smart's "twinamic" dual-clutch transmission.

2015 Opel Adam S dons a red cap, gets turbo boost

We had a chance to drive the tiny Opel Adam following the Frankfurt Motor Show last fall, and what we found was a cute little city car that's decently fun, but hardly sporty. But that's about to change, as Opel has thrown a dose of sport at its plucky little runabout, and the finished result, the Adam S, makes its debut here at the Paris Motor Show.
Under the hood, the hatch's 1.4-liter inline-four gets turbocharged boost, increasing output from 87 horsepower to a healthy 150. Opel is supporting all that extra power with revised suspension geometry, and an improved braking system from its OPC division. It's added a bit of style, too, with larger wheels, an aero kit, and a contrasting red roof (Opel calls it "Red 'n' Roll" design).
This little guy looks like a ton of fun. Maybe Opel will let us drive this turbo wonder at next year's Frankfurt expo...

GM issues stop-delivery for 2015 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon

General Motors is issuing a stop-delivery order for its latest midsize pickups, the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon, because the driver's side airbag might not be wired correctly. The total number of vehicles affected is still being determined.
According to the statement from GM, the problem, "affects the vehicles' two-stage airbag system by reversing the deployment sequence and disrupting the deployment timing of the driver airbag stages." That means in an accident the bag may not work correctly.
Most of the affected trucks are still on the assembly line, in transit or unsold at dealers, says GM. Until a way to repair the problem is found, customer deliveries are stopped. However, "a small number" of them are in the possession of buyers. GM is contacting these people by phone and by FedEx letter to have the vehicles returned to dealers. In the meantime, they'll be given a loaner to drive.

Rolls-Royce starts a turf war in the Garden of Wraith

The Rolls-Royce Wraith would not be our first choice for hooning. Sure, it's god 624 horsepower channeled to the rear wheels, but it's an automatic, it costs the better part of $300,000 and it's laden with more leather, wood and carpeting than Harrod's. Leave it to Tax the Rich to toss it around then.
For those unfamiliar, the YouTube channel sporadically features videos of some of the most powerful and expensive pieces of automotive machinery being put up to no good. They've done the Ferrari 288 GTO, F50 (two of 'em, in fact) and Enzo and even the Jaguar XJ220 - twice - but now they've turned their attention to the most powerful Rolls ever, tossing it around the grounds of an old-world mansion estate like it was a Subie.

Mini Superleggera Vision Concept keeps us hangin' on [w/video]

Mini's Superleggera Vision Concept may not be a Paris Motor Show debut, but this is the first time we've seen this stunning all-electric roadster in the metal, having been first shown on the tony shores of Lake Como at Villa D'Este in May. While it's small in stature, it's still big on both presence and detail, from its overall stubby yet sleek proportions to its Union Jack taillamps, Jaguar-esque rear fin and elegant rearview mirrors.
We still don't know much more about what powers this Touring Superleggera coachbuilt showcar, as any powertrain specifics are conspicuous by their absence, but we'd welcome both a pure electric version and something powered by the BMW/Mini turbocharged three-cylinder currently making the rounds in the new Mini Cooper.
Last we heard in September, any decisions on a production future for the Superleggera Vision have been tabled, with word being that a further six months of study is planned before Mini decides to greenlight or nix the project. We'd love to tell you that the fact that it's here in Paris is a great sign, but we wouldn't believe us, either.

Renault Espace is the minivan that isn't [w/video]

A one-box shape, three-rows of seating, a huge feature set and sliding rear doors: these are the elements that make up what we know as "minivan." That's a category that the Renault Espace has headlined, in Europe, for decades now. Well, until the new generation's launch at this year's Paris Motor Show, where the French automaker has - sort of, kind of - changed up the minivan formula in favor of something distinctly more crossover-flavored.
Not that family buyers are going to be devoid of function now that Espace has ditched the sliders and added a tiny bit of ride height. Renault still presents seating for seven and ample, configurable cargo space, but with this new hauler said space is presented in a more attractive and higher-design space than we've yet seen.
The forward cabin is dominated by light, with the sloping windshield meeting up with a gigantic glass roof - both serving to make the space feel open and airy. Espace drivers will see a Tesla-sized touchscreen in place of traditional instrumentation on the center stack, an elegant, leather and metal shift lever, and substantial-looking wood and brightwork just about everywhere. The instrument cluster is digital and completely configurable, too, with Renault even offering a slew of colorways for the display lighting.

2015 Volvo XC90 proves Sweden's auto industry is alive and well [w/video]

The most important new Volvo in quite some time has made its first auto show appearance, with the second-generation XC90 debuting at the 2014 Paris Motor Show.
As we discussed in both our original post and Deep Dive feature, the new XC90 remains a three-row crossover for 2015, although it ditches the first-gen model's top-end, turbocharged six-cylinder in favor of a single twin-charged, 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine. By pairing that with a plug-in-electric powertrain, the king of the XC90 range, the T8 TwinEngine, will offer up 400 horsepower. So yeah, performance should be brisk.
Also appearing on 2015 XC90 will be an entirely new, Apple CarPlay-compatible infotainment system with a big, vertical touchscreen display at its heart. Based on the videos we've seen, the new system looks responsive, feature-laden and quite attractive.

GM recalling 524k vehicles over hood latches and toe link nuts

Just hours after confirming to Autoblog its intention to recall 97,540 vehicles in the US (117,651 in North America) for a possible manufacturing defect in the chassis control module of several models, General Motors is issuing two more campaigns that affect another 379,401 units in the US (524,384 in North America).
One campaign covers 290,107 US examples of the 2010-2015 Cadillac SRX and the 2011-2012 Saab 9-4X because the "rear toe link adjuster lock nuts" may be improperly torqued. If not up to spec, the toe adjuster link could separate and allow the wheel to shift while driving, making the handling unstable. GM says that it knows of three crashes and two injuries as a result of this problem. Dealers are inspecting the nuts and installing a new link assembly, if necessary. Autoblog first reported about this potential issue when it showed up on a list of recalls from Transport Canada.
The second recall is for 89,294 examples of the 2013-2015 Chevrolet Spark in the US manufactured from January 17, 2012, through July 29, 2014. According to GM, "corrosion can cause the secondary hood latch striker to stick in the open position." If this happens, and the primary latch also isn't engaged for some reason, the hood could fly open while driving. About 13,000 of these affected Sparks are at dealers and are being held until repaired. The fix requires replacing the hood striker. GM isn't aware of crashes, injuries or fatalities caused by this problem.

2015 Volkswagen Passat brings plug-in power to Europe

Volkswagen (and many other European automakers) have a storied history of launching products in their home market before bringing those wares over to the United States. Look at the seventh-generation Golf, for example, which just arrived in the US as a 2015 model but first debuted at the Paris Motor Show back in 2012. So while you might assume that the slick new Passat seen here will show up in US showrooms in another year or two, you'd actually be wrong. Sorry, folks - we're missing this one.
That's kind of a shame, too, as this Passat is one handsome - if conservative - automobile. It has more of a rakish, CC-like appearance, and it's built on Volkswagen's scalable MQB architecture, so it's a fair bit lighter than its predecessor. Powertrain options include VW's 1.4-, 1.8-, and 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engines, as well as diesel mills in 1.6- and 2.0-liter displacements. There's also the 215-horsepower Passat GTE, which can operate as an EV for up to 31 miles. That GTE will even be offered as a sexy wagon variant (called the Variant, actually).
Check out the not-for-US Passat in our gallery above, then scope out the press blast below to learn more about that plug-in GTE.

Citroen C4 Cactus Airflow 2L brings the fuel-sipping funk [w/video]

Full disclosure: I love the Citroën C4 Cactus. Really, I just love French automakers. Kudos to them for flexing their design muscles, creating products that compete in the mass market while not looking like anything else on the road. This C4 Cactus, for example - it's a small hatchback that's about the same size as a Ford Focus, designed to take on small crossovers like the (also weird) Nissan Juke and Renault Captur. But it looks radical, what with its funky Airbump door trim (think of it as aerodynamic, protective Braille), extensive and imaginative color palette, and decidedly weird styling. It's just plain cool.
This specific C4 Cactus, however, takes things a step further with a massive focus on emissions and fuel economy. Much like the Peugeot 208 with which it shares a powertrain, the Cactus 2L Airflow uses PSA Peugeot Citroën's Hybrid Air powertrain, comprised of a three-cylinder PureTech gasoline engine and a compressed air storage unit. There are three different operating modes for the Hybrid Air system, including "air power," where the compressed air motor runs things, "petrol power," which is pretty self-explanatory, and "combined power," where the combustion engine works with the compressed air system to move things along.
The end result? A five-door hatch that weighs just 2,100 pounds (you know, lighter than a Mazda Miata) and is capable of getting 141 miles per gallon on the European cycle, or two liters per 100 kilometers (that's why it's got "2L" in its name). And it's all wrapped in colorful, textured, uniquely French package. Sign me up.

2015 Ford S-Max adds all-wheel drive, adaptive steering

The Blue Oval's 'One Ford' mantra has seen rapid commonization of the automaker's products across markets, but North America still has to look from afar at most of the company's Max-branded people movers, including this new S-Max. That's a bit of a shame - we like the space efficiency and above-average driving dynamics of the C-Max models we do get, but seeing this updated seven-seat small minivan makes us want the One Ford initiative to extend even further.
The new model's changes include an updated powertrain range including a 1.5-liter EcoBoost four with 158 horsepower, and a larger, 237-horsepower, 2.0-liter model, along with a pair of revised lower-emissions 2.0-liter diesels. The big news, however, is the advent of available all-wheel drive, something that hasn't been offered since the S-Max first went on sale back in 2006.
On the technology front, the S-Max is the first European model to receive Ford Adaptive Steering, a variable-ratio technology we recently sampled in a prototype Fusion that is expected to go into production on the next-generation Edge. The S-Max also receives a new aluminum-intensive integral link rear suspension, packaged to continue to fit up to 32 different seating combinations. Safety equipment is always a prime concern in kinschleppers like the S-Max, and to that end, this new model receives pre-collision assist technology and LED headlamps.

Peugeot Exalt concept wears a revised look for its home crowd

The Paris Motor Show is Peugeot's big chance to show off its newest wares to the home crowd, and the company has a ton of vehicles on display at this year's exhibition. Unfortunately, the Exalt concept is one of the more lackluster of the bunch. With its long, low body, the sedan certainly isn't ugly. However, Peugeot already showed the Exalt at the Beijing Motor Show earlier this year, and it hasn't done too much to change it for the City of Light.
The latest evolution of the Exalt still wears a unique paint finish over much of its body, but the rear panels are now painted gray, instead of the contrasting red from Beijing. The interior for the Paris version is at least reupholstered to replace the previous light gray and dark wood with pinstripe fabric and a lighter shade of timber.
Under the hood, things are left the same with a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine sending 270 horsepower to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic. There's also an electric motor powering the rear axle for a total system output of 340 horsepower at a full gallop. Peugeot did make one small tweak for Paris by hiding a foldaway, electric scooter in the floor of the trunk. Scroll down to read all about this rehashed concept.