Infiniti G37 Convertible: New Photo, European Sales Confirmed

As everyone suspected when Infiniti first announced that the new G37 Coupe-Cabriolet would go on sale in the U.S. early next year, the Japanese firm today officially confirmed that its forthcoming hardtop convertible will also be available in Europe from summer 2009. The news coincides with the release of a second image of the car that shows the rear end of the G37 Convertible which accommodates a three-piece automatic retracting hardtop. -Continued

Infiniti’s answer to the BMW 3-Series Convertible will be powered by the same 320PS 3.7-litre V6 engine combined to a standard six-speed manual transmission or optional seven-speed automatic with paddle shift, as its sister G37 Sedan and Coupe models. More pictures and details of the G37 Convertible will be issued at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show in November during the car’s global debut

2010 Ford Mustang Teaser Shot No9: The Headlight

Taking a break from our Paris Show reports, Ford just released the ninth consecutive teaser shot of the 2010 Mustang that's set to be revealed in November at the LA Auto Show. So what else is new? Well, this time FoMoCo decided to add a few blurbs giving us a short description of the changes featured in the Mustang’s front-end design. These include the slimmer headlamps with the integrated turn indicators that are incorporated in a larger grille and the large twin fog lamps fog lamps on the GT model which also features dark headlamp bezels and grille surrounds. Also on the GT, the revised pony badge is finished in dark chrome. -Continued

“We want people to unequivocally know this is a Mustang when they see it,” said Douglas Gaffka, Chief Designer, 2010 Mustang. “The stronger, more-muscular front end of the 2010 Mustang does just that.”

“The 2010 Mustang has a sculpted, crafted look,” said George Saridakis, Design Manager, 2010 Mustang. “The flowing lines are in keeping with Mustang’s heritage and DNA. It conveys the sense and attitude of power and performance.”

Chevrolet Cruze Sedan: Live Pics from Paris Presentation

In a special European premiere event at the “Le Pavillon Dauphine”, located in the heart of Paris, GM showed off its new Chevrolet Cruze to the world press. If you follow the jump you’ll see that apart from the scenic pictures of the Cruze under the Eiffel Tower, we also have a detailed gallery of Chevy’s new global compact sedan’s interior which looks pretty good in terms of design. -Continued

In Europe, the Cruze will be initially offered with 112 HP 1.6-liter and 140 HP 1.8-liter gasoline engines and a new 2.0-liter turbo diesel, developing 150 HP and 320 Nm of torque. The gearbox menu will include a five-speed manual gearbox and an all-new 6-speed automatic transmission.

The 1.6L and 1.8L gasoline engines deliver zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) acceleration in 12.4 and 9.8 seconds, with combined cycle fuel consumption of 6.7lt and 6.8 lt/100 km (35.1 and 34.6 mpg US) respectively. The 2.0 diesel accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 9.4 seconds with a fuel consumption over the combined cycle of just 5.8 lt/100 km or 40.6 mpg US. After the Cruze’s launch, a 125 HP version of the 2.0 Diesel with 300 Nm of torque will also be offered.

Sales of the Chevy’s new compact sedan will start in Europe in March 2009, followed by other global regions including the U.S. in 2010.

SEAT Exeo Official Images: Rebadged Audi A4 Breaks Cover

Click here for the Full Image Gallery and Official Details on the Exeo

The latest in a long line of leaks today comes to us from Spain with the revelation of the first photos of the SEAT Exeo (pronounced ex-ay-o) or shall we say, SEAT’s version of the previous generation Audi A4. The new Exeo that was apparently designed during a short business lunch break somewhere in the central offices of the VW Group, is based on the A4 with the only visible styling differences being the new nose, tail and mirrors. Same goes for the interior but to be completely fair, SEAT’s design team received the okay from high ranking VW officers to enhance the cabin with new trim options and seat materials. -Continued

Details of specifications and powerplant options haven’t been disclosed yet, but expect to see a mix of engines from the previous Audi A4 and VW Group’s current line-up including the 2.0 TFSI gasoline and 2.0 TDi diesel units. SEAT’s new Ford Mondeo and used E46 BMW 3-Series rival will go on sale in Europe in early 2009 first in sedan and then in station-wagon body-styles.

2009 Mercedes-Benz S320 CDi BluEFFICIENCY: Most Frugal S-Class Ever

Who needs a complicated and apparently expensive, hybrid drivetrain when you can achieve an average fuel consumption of 7.6 lt/100 km (31 mpg US) in a fully equipped large saloon like the S-Class simply by using a diesel engine and a few supplementary measures? Even Merc’s own S400 Hybrid isn’t that good sipping an average of 7.9 liters of petrol for every 100 km (29.8 mpg US). -Continued

And even if the S320 CDi is a tad slower than the S400 Hybrid completing the 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) sprint in 7.8 sec instead of 7.2 sec (top speed for both models is 250 km/h), the difference is insignificant for your typical S-Class owner that that will most likely use the vehicle as a highway cruiser and not a highway racer

The latest variant of Merc’s luxury saloon, which is due to take over from the S 320 CDI from the end of this year, is equipped with the same V6 turbo diesel powerplant as before delivering an output of 235 HP and 540 Nm. But thanks to the BluEFFICIENCY package that includes on-demand power steering, a 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission with standstill decoupling, as well as 17-inch light-alloy wheels shod with reduced rolling resistance tires, the German automaker has managed to reduce the standard S320 CDI's average consumption by 0.2 lt /100 km.

Adding to its allure, pricing for the BlueEFFICIENCY S-Class model in Germany remains the same as the S320 CDI at €70,864.50 (incl. VAT) and at €78,718.50 for the long-wheelbase version.