Nissan CEO Says Company Will Always Build Sports Cars

Nissan didn’t particularly field a strong lineup of cars at the 2016 Paris Motor Show – it was really just the fifth-generation Nissan Micra – but the company’s CEO did leave an impression during the event when he remarked that sports cars is still a commitment for Nissan despite the recent trend in the industry to SUVs, electric cars, and autonomous driving vehicles.

Carlos Ghosn made that pronouncement during a press conference in Paris, assuring fans of the brand that cars like the Nissan 370Z, GT-R, and whatever future sports car it ends up building will always have a seat in Nissan’s table. This is good news because by going on record, Ghosn is essentially telling us that whatever trends there are today or in the future, sports cars are still integral to the company’s identity.

Here’s the thing though. Telling us this and showing us are two entirely different things. Nissan’s sports car lineup is currently made up of just the two models with each getting subtle updates every year. There were plans to build production versions of the two IDx Concepts that were introduced at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show, but those plans were axed when it was determined that they didn’t merit enough of a “business case” to justify producing en masse. Stretch to consider Nissan’s premium sub-brand, Infiniti, and you’ll notice a similar pattern. Remember the Q50 Eau Rouge that was supposed to be Infiniti’s version of the GT-R? Yeah, no one’s making that now.

The track record doesn’t say much, but there is some weight to Ghosn’s proclamation. It wouldn’t make sense for Nissan to abandon sports cars when the model it’s best known for – the GT-R – is the epitome of what a sports car should be. The only relevant question here is what does Nissan have in store for the future besides the endless updates on the 370Z and GT-R?

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Hyundai i20 WRC

Introduced in 2008 as a replacement for the Getz, the Hyundai i20 was redesigned for 2014, when it received a brand-new exterior design with more angular features and a new, turbocharged three-cylinder in addition to revised version of the previous engines. Unlike its predecessor, the second-generation i20 also spawned a race car, marking the company’s return to the World Rally Championship.

Updated for each new competition season since its introduction in 2014, the i20 WRC has been once again re-engineered ahead of the upcoming 2017 World Rally Championship. Although not yet ready to hit the difficult gravel and tarmac courses of the WRC season, Hyundai brought a pre-production version of the new race car at the 2016 Paris Motor Show.

Much like its predecessors, the i20 WRC is a heavily modified version of the road car, featuring an aggressive aero kit, an FIA-approved interior, and a race-spec engine and transmission. According to Hyundai, prototypes have been tested since April across numerous locations in Europe and in a variety of different conditions. Testing is set to continue toward the end of the year in order to get the car ready ahead of its debut at Rallye Monte Carlo in January 2017.

"The 2017 WRC regulations have allowed all teams to start from a blank page, which has offered us an exciting engineering challenge. The changes will raise the level of entertainment in WRC on stages around the world with wider and more powerful cars. We have been putting our experience from two full seasons of WRC into practice, as we aim to build on our successful 2016 campaign," said Hyundai Motorsport team principal Michel Nandan.

The final version of the 2017 Hyundai i20 WRC will be revealed by the end of 2016.

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Citroen Highlights Its Future With Cxperience Concept

Citroen has been making headlines with its wild-looking vehicles since the 1950s, and although most of its current production models aren’t very innovative when it comes to styling, its modern concept cars are as wild as they get. The Cxperience concept, which was just unveiled at the 2016 Paris Motor Show, falls in the same category.

Inspired by the "high-tech world on the outside and the furnishings/travel on the inside," the Cxperience is Citroen’s take on the hatchback of the future. But, don’t let the tailgate fool you, this vehicle is nearly five meters long, which makes it larger than any of the company’s production models for the European market (and second to only the China-spec C6).

Could it preview a new flagship model? Anything is possible really, but until we find out more about that, we’re looking at a concept car whose mission is to amaze. And it does a very good job thanks to its futuristic design, concave rear window, rear-hinged doors, and active aerodynamics. Up front, it has V-shaped headlamps with one LED strip extending toward the wheel arches, and the other one toward the bumper. The light signature is unique to the Cxperience and may preview a look that Citroen will adopt in the near future. Three more directional LED headlamps are mounted into massive cutouts in the bumper, above the mobile flaps designed to open and close depending on how much air the drivetrain needs.

The rear end was designed in a similar fashion and sports beefy wheel arches, V-shaped taillights with LED strips and slim indicators with clear covers in the middle. The taillights and part of the bumper are integrated into massive, triangular cutouts that mimic those seen in the front.

The interior is a mix of flowing design lines, clean features, and premium materials. The wooden dashboard features a tubular cutout that become wider toward the door panels, while the steering wheel, center stack, and instrument cluster look clean and simple. The seats are upholstered in a flashy Citrus Yellow fabric, as is the dashboard cutout, the door panels, and the center console. The massive, 19-inch, 16/3 format touchscreen groups all the on-board functions, including air conditioning, driving aids, navigation and media sources. The car also features a range of connected services, enabling the driver to open the gate or garage door from a distance or receive home deliveries. The center console houses a dedicated smartphone stand with inductive recharging.

As you’d expect from a 21st century concept car, the Cxperience gets its juice from a hybrid drivetrain. The unnamed gasoline engine generates "between 150 and 200" horsepower, while the electric motor adds "up to 80 kW" (107 horsepower) of additional energy. Total output is estimated at 300 horsepower, while the all-electric range is rated at 60 km (about 37 miles).

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Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce Slots Nicely Between The Base And Quadrifoglio Variants

With so many models debuting at the 2016 Paris Motor Show, it’s easy for something like the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio to get lost in the shuffle. But as a fan of the hatchback, I’m not going to let this moment pass without at least acknowledging something that Alfa Romeo did right for a change.

The truth is, the Giulia is probably Alfa’s best chance at making an impression in the market. The 4C, as awesome as I thought it was, has been a massive disappointment for the company. The Mito has barely made a blip and the Stelvio SUV is still a few years away from arriving. So the Giulia is really what Alfa Romeo has going for it, and the more variants it has, the better the automaker is for it.

That’s where the Giulia Veloce comes into the picture. As the mid-range model slotted between the base Giulia and the range-topping Giulia Quadrifoglio, the Giulia Veloce finds itself in a place that can appeal to those who want more power out of their Giulias but don’t necessarily have the inclination or the money to afford the Giulia QV. The Giulia Veloce even holds its own in the power department, thanks to a pair of engines options, including a 2.0-liter turbocharged gas engine that pumps out 280 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Refinements on the exterior and interior of the sedan round out the features of the Giulia Veloce.

The Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce isn’t the most important car to hit Paris, but it sure is that and more for Alfa Romeo.

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Honda Civic Type R Concept

When you go to an event like the Paris Auto Show, you expect some crazy exotic or some new luxury car to steal the spotlight, but at the 2016 Paris Auto Show, it was a Honda that was in the limelight. Specifically, it was this Honda Civic Type R Concept, which serves as a preview of the upcoming production model. This concept is all about looks, but it’s widely believed that there’s an uprated 2.0-liter, turbocharged, VTEC hidden away under the hood – the same engine that will eventually make it into the road-going Type R. And, that engine could produce upward of 350 horsepower.

It’s hard to believe that a concept car from Honda is getting such a following, but Honda has finally tapped back into the hot hatch market in a big way with the new Civic Hatchback. Mainly because the new Civic Hatch is built on a global platform, which means we’ll finally get it, and the Type R all of us tuners have been dying to have, here in the U.S. With the aggressive styling seen on this concept from the gnarly front bumper all the way back to that meticulously designed spoiler, this concept proves that Honda is finally listening to its fan base again.

So, with that said, let’s dive on into the best Civic we’ve seen from Honda in a long time and go over the details that make this Type R concept one of the coolest cars to roll into the Paris Auto Show.

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The SsangYong LIV-2 Proves That You Don't Have to Sacrifice Luxury to go Off Road

SsangYong Motor Company just publicly unveiled its LIV-2 (“Limitless Interface Vehicle 2”) concept at the 2016 Paris Motor Show, and according to the automaker, it offers substantial off-roading capability. At the same time, the exterior body panels carry the marque’s new “Dignified Motion” design language, which at first glance, might appear at odds with the crossover’s off-road worthiness, right? Because after all, how does one appear dignified while slogging through the great outdoors? SsangYong says it has a solution.

SsangYong is the self-proclaimed leader when it comes to producing SUVs and 4x4s in its native land, so the LIV-2 has a few pretty big expectations set up for it right at the off. That said, it does come with a few very good features to enhance its off-road worth.

Under those slick body panels, you’ll find classic body-on-frame construction. Providing the stick is the company’s very own four-wheel drive system, which is fed by a diesel engine producing as much as 420 Nm (310 pound-feet of torque) at 1,500 rpm. So far, so good.

Mounted under the nose and tail, you’ll also find silver skid plates to protect vulnerable mechanicals, while inside is an “intelligent interface” for better car-driver communication when out on the rough stuff.

Now for the luxury half of the equation. Ingress and egress is assisted by electric side steps, while the whole cabin uses a layout that emphasizes the individual seats positioned in the rear. Speaking of seats, expect reclining seatbacks and a massage function, as well as leather upholstery. Piano black trim, adjustable mood lighting, and copious tech round out the package. Finally, that off-roader rubber you see in the corners is outfitted with a “differentiated angle and layered tread pattern” to keep it quiet.

Still, the proof is in the pudding. We’ll withhold our final judgment until we get a real look at this thing’s cabin space – not to mention how it handles a little rock crawling action.

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Peugeot Breaks New Ground With New 5008 SUV

French automaker Peugeot is in the middle of a comprehensive reorganization of its lineup. The strategy saw two important vehicles being overhauled, with both the 3008 and 5008 ditching their MPV roots to become full-fledged SUVs. The 5008 just made its public debut at the 2016 Paris Motor Show, where it displayed its new, imposing appearance with sculpted body lines integrated into the company’s latest design language.

On the outside, the new 5008 is quite the looker. No longer a spacious, yet ugly MPV, the 5008 has everything it needs to compete against crossovers like the Volkswagen Tiguan and the new Skoda Kodiaq. It’s also the better looking proposition (to me, at least) and has the advantage of a seven-seat layout. The third-row seats are foldable and easy to remove, which will give the 5008 an impressive cargo capacity of 37.4 cubic-feet.

Besides the dramatic change of appearance and the versatile interior, the 5008 also comes with numerous luxury options. Highlights include a panoramic glass roof, massage-function seats, and a premium sound system. It also features a comprehensive package of safety and driver assist features such as hill ascent/descent control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and advanced grip control. Adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree parking camera are also offered in order to make driving long distances and parking easier.

As usual, the engine lineup includes the already familiar small-displacement, four-cylinder engines. Gasoline options include the 1.2- and 1.6-liter units, while the diesel lineup consists of 1.6- and 2.0-liter mills. These can be paired to five-speed manual, six-speed manual, and six-speed automatic transmissions. The only downside is that the 5008 can’t be had with an all-wheel-drive system. Peugeot offers a clever traction control function, but the lack of a proper AWD system will leave some potential customers disappointed.

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GLM G4 Is The "Japanese Tesla" We Never Saw Coming

Raise your hand if you didn’t see this one coming. Yep, I count myself in this group. Who would’ve expected a startup Japanese auto brand founded by a former Sony CEO to make serious waves at the 2016 Paris Motor Show? Expecting the unexpected is one of the best things about auto shows and all of us were clearly thrown in for a loop when Green Lord Motors – who? – stopped by Paris to unveil its first creation, the G4 Electric Super Sedan.

For those who don’t know too much about GLM, the company was founded by ex Sony boss Nobuyuki Idei and it has been hailed as the “Japanese Tesla,” a claim that might be described as a little premature given that the company has yet to make anything remotely close to what the real Tesla has done. But Paris is where the GLM stakes its claim, and it’s first offering, the G4 Electric Super Sedan, is a promising start towards getting more recognition.

Basically, the G4 is being touted a four-door electric supercar. It certainly has the look of one, which can be partly attributed to Dutch automaker Savage Rivale, which had a hand in designing and building the G4. It shouldn’t come as a surprise then that the G4 draws some striking similarities to Savage Rivale Roadyacht GTS, right down to the “blooming flower” doors. In fact, the only physical difference between the G4 and the Roadyacht GTS is the latter’s rear door actually folds itself to turn the car into a four-door GT convertible.

The two cars do have different powertrains. Thanks to some assistance from former Toyota and Nissan engineers, GLM was able to install the G4 electric supercar with electric motors split between the front and rear axles, providing a total output of 540 horsepower and 737 pound-feet of torque. That’s enough to propel the car from 0 to 62 mph in 3.7 seconds to go with a range of 248 miles, putting it as close as possible to the 250-mile range of the Tesla Model S 90D.

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New Kia Rio Arrives In Paris with Autonomous Emergency Braking

While concept cars and sports cars are usually the ones that steal the show at events like the Paris Motor Show, sometimes it’s the smaller and less powerful vehicles that deserve the extra attention. Such is the case with the fourth-generation Kia Rio, which broke cover at the French event with two first-in-class safety features.

Specifically, Kia’s small hatchback will be the first car in its class to offer Autonomous Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Recognition when it arrives in showrooms. Not only that, but it will also come with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration. Granted, the latter are already common on larger cars, but the Rio is among the first to get both connectivity apps. Owners will also find a "floating," high-resolution touchscreen on the dashboard, smoother plastic surfaces, and a varied selection of upholstery colors. The hatchback still doesn’t get real leather in its more expensive models, but this should be good news for buyers looking for an affordable sticker before comfort.

Interior and technology aside, the new Rio also benefits from a new exterior design with styling features borrowed from the company’s larger vehicles. The result of a collaboration between Kia’s design centers in Germany and the U.S., the hatchback features more straight lines and smoother surfaces, which give it a sportier appearance. With the new bodywork, Kia also managed to get rid of the somewhat cheap look of the outgoing model.

Under the hood, it will get both gasoline and diesel engines, with the most important addition being the new turbocharged, 1.0-liter three-cylinder. A revised version of the previous 1.6-liter four-cylinder and the 1.4-liter diesel should also be offered. All these units are shared with the Hyundai i20.

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Cosmetic, Technology Upgrades Highlight 2017 Infiniti Q50

The Infiniti QX Sport Concept may be the highlight of Infiniti’s participation at the 2016 Paris Motor Show and the introduction of the company’s new VC-Turbo variable compression engine may have the most long-term importance. But sitting in the corner of the automaker’s booth is the 2017 Infiniti Q50, arguably the most important car in the company’s entire lineup. See, the Q50 belongs in the premium compact sedan segment where it competes against some industry titans, including the BMW 3 Series and the Mercedes C-Class. For the Q50 to make an impression, it has to stand out against those models and for the 2017 model, Infiniti is banking on some exterior and interior upgrades, as well as some new tech offerings to get the job done.

It’s a tall task to ask for the Q50 to line up against the 3 Series and the C-Class, but expect it to hold on its own. For the most part, the Q50 has done just that with impressive sales totals, enough at least to become the best-selling Infiniti in North America in 2015. To keep that momentum going, the Japanese automaker has rolled out a fresh batch of new exterior colors, ranging from Midnight Black, Pure White, and Dynamic Sunstone Red. The sedan’s interior also benefitted from a new Designer Pack that comes with new colors – Graphite or Java Brown – for the quilted semi-aniline leather upholstery, a new open-pore dark wood veneer, dark chrome trim, and black roof lining.

On the tech side, Euro-spec models of the Q50 will be able to get the company’s new Telematic Control Unit system, allowing owners the opportunity to remotely control various functions of the car through the convenience of their own smartphones. It’s not a revolutionary tech by any stretch, but it’s a first for Infiniti. That counts in the grand scheme of things, right?

Outside of these upgrades, the Q50 still has the 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 engine that puts out 300 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque or 400 horses and 350 pound-feet of torque depending on the trim level.

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BMW i3 And i8 CrossFade Concepts Get Trippy Body Paints

BMW is no stranger to aftermarket partnerships, having established key tie-ups with some of the segments most known tuners. The 2016 Paris Motor Show played host to one such alliance as BMW and Garage Italia Customs unveiled the BMW i3 and i8 CrossFade concepts.

The two i models don’t carry any engine upgrades, but they do have a rather peculiar exterior feature that allows for the color of the i3 and i8 bodies to evolve between two unique colors. Up front, the i3 and the i8 are dressed in Protonic Dark Silver. But as color gradually moves to the back, triangle designs on the side of the cars somehow creates a smooth transition to the Protonic Blue paint finish in the rear of the two cars.

From a distance, the transition looks really smooth, but once you take closer look, you’ll notice that the triangle colors and patterns create a visual trick that allows the two colors to blend together and transition from silver to blue the way it does. The method is actually similar to pointillism, which the artistically-inclined among us will recognize as a painting technique that uses small distinct dots of color that are patterned to create a unique image. Even better, the same application was given to the door panels and the Alcantara headliner on the cabins of both the i3 and i8.

The results are unique to say the least. I’m not sure that it’s for everybody, but for those who are intrigued about owning either of these two models, BMW actually has plans to offer both versions to the public by early 2017. The respective prices are yet to be released, so stay tuned for updates on that end.

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Infiniti QX Sport Inspiration Concept Shows Off Restyled Design

Infiniti’s presence at the 2016 Paris Motor Show was highlighted by its new VC-Turbo, the first production-ready variable compression engine, but the luxury brand also brought the QX Sport Inspiration with it. Revealed for the first time at the 2016 Beijing Auto Show, the SUV made its European debut in Paris, but arrived in France with a mildly restyled exterior and extra features inside the cabin.

In case you’re wondering what’s with the changes all of a sudden, Infiniti says that they add to the vehicles confident look. And besides, it’s not the first time that the Japanese brand updates its concept cars for new auto shows.

So what’s new for Paris? Well, the first things that catch the eye are the larger, 22-inch wheels. The new rims feature the same intricate design as the first concept, but they are now finished in a bronze hue. The second big change on the outsite is the matt grey, which replaces the silver seen on the first show car. The larger wheels give the concept a more powerful stance, while the dark grey color provides an interesting contrast with the bronze wheels and the chrome trim.

Infiniti also meddled with the interior, adding kick plate lighting at the base of every door and brown leather inserts for the black and white upholstery. Other than that, the QX Sport Inspiration Concept remains identical to the Beijing model and will inspire the next generation of Infiniti QX SUVs and crossovers.

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Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Brings Its High-Tech Features to Paris

Unveiled earlier in September 2016, the brand-new Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid just made its official public debut at the Paris Motor Show. Based on the redesigned, second generation Panamera, Porsche’s new hybrid arrived in France with several new features, state-of-the-art technology, and a more powerful drivetrain.

Having already seen the standard Panamera earlier in 2016, the hybrid’s exterior design wasn’t a mystery, but the sedan has plenty of other features to brag out. It’s most important highlight is the new hybrid drivetrain that combines a twin-turbo, 2.9-liter V-6 gasoline engine, an electric motor, and a lithium-ion battery. The combo cranks out 462 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, a 52-horsepower and 81-pound-foot increase over the previous model. Thanks to the extra power, the Panamera E-Hybrid is also more than a half-second quicker from 0 to 60 mph, needing only 4.4 seconds to hit the benchmark, while top speed increased from 168 to 172 mph.

The new drivetrain also makes the Panamera E-Hybrid a better part-time electric car. The sedan can cover 30 miles on electricity alone, while reaching a top speed of 86 mph (up from 20 miles and 84 mph, respectively). The sedan also benefits from a new hybrid module with shorter response times and a larger battery with shorter charging times.

More goodies can be found inside the cabin. First up, the analog rev counter is flanked by two seven-inch screens with bespoke power meters for hybrid operation. The new display function is similar to that used in the Porsche 918 Spyder supercar and provides data such as the amount of electrical energy being used, as well as the amount recovered through the sedan’s regeneration systems. The 12.3-inch touchscreen in the center dashboard also provides access to various items of hybrid-specific information. For instance, there’s a boost assistant that shows the energy available for boosting and a hybrid assistant that emits various visual signals for regulating the electrical drive power.

Look for the new Panamera 4 E-Hybrid in dealerships starting 2017.

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Ferrari Launches 70 New Liveries To Celebrate 70th Anniversary

Although Enzo Ferrari founded the company in 1939 as Auto Avio Construzioni, Ferrari wasn’t recognized as a full-fledged automaker until 1947. Maranello is getting ready to celebrate its 70th anniversary next year and the celebration began at the 2016 Paris Motor Show, where the Italian brand announced the introduction of 70 special liveries that pay tribute to iconic Ferraris from the past.

Five models were selected for the livery feast: the F12beriletta, 488 GTB, 488 Spider, GTC4Lusso, and California T. Each sports car is available with any of the 70 liveries, but there’s a catch. Ferrari will only build one of each model in that livery, meaning there’s won’t be two identical cars with the same paint scheme. For instance, once someone orders a F12berlinetta in livery, that same livery won’t be offered on the same car again. However, it will be available on any of the remaining models (as long as they haven’t been ordered already, that is!).

As a result, Ferrari will build only 350 cars with the special, 70th anniversary liveries.

At the Paris Motor Show, Ferrari showed off four of its new liveries. There was an F12berlinetta inspired by Stirling Moss’ 250 GT SWB race car, a brown California T painted like Steve McQueen’s 250 Lusso, a 488 GTB that pays tribute to Michael Schumacher’s 2003 Formula One racer, and a Ferrari 488 Spider inspired by the 365 P2 that won the Nine Hours of Kyalami in 1965. The latter features the race car’s atypical metallic green paint.

The remaining 66 liveries also include several iconic paint schemes from the company’s past. There’s a red, No. 56 livery paying tribute to the first Ferrari race car from 1947, a red paint with yellow and blue accents on the nose based on Juan Manuel Fangio’s F1 car, as well as liveries inspired by the many Ferraris raced at Le Mans in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Ferrari offers Can-Am- and Sunoco-inspired liveries, as well as paint schemes based on car built for celebrities back in the day.

Each livery comes with its very own name, and some of them are quite interesting. Customers can order "The Heartthrob," "The Patriarch," "Gran Turismo Perfection," "The Lucybelle", "California Dreaming," "The Lauda," "The Wedding Gift," or "The Pro."

There’s no word on pricing, but expect these models to be significantly more expensive than their standard counterparts since they will be unique. Also expect them to sell out quickly, as Ferrari has already received inquiries about matching sets of five cars in one livery.

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Audi RS3 LMS Comes Track Ready with 330 Horsepower on Tap

Audi is offering a fresh racing car for apex-oriented customers with the new track-ready RS3 LMS, transforming the updated four-door sedan into a bona fide competition vehicle. The RS3 LMS joins the Audi R8 LMS in the automaker’s lineup of out-of-the-box grid stars.

The Audi R8 LMS was first introduced in 2009, offering privateers a chance to rocket around in genuine GT3 style at events like the 24 Hours of Nurburgring. However GT3 racing is expensive, and as an alternative, the RS3 LMS arrives primed and ready for the TCR International Series, which is considered a more cost-effective entry to the world of touring car racing.

Drawing on experience gained in such high-profile series as the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and Germany’s Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM), the RS3 is outfitted with all the usual go-faster goodies. The suspension was massively upgraded, while large wheels and enormous brakes were fitted in the corners. The fenders were hugely flared, and new aero keeps it planted.

Inside, it’s all business, all the time, with a back-to-basics layout, carbon-fiber steering wheel, and digital instrumentation.

Behind the polished rings on the grille, you’ll find a 2.0-liter four-cylinder TFSI engine that’s turbocharged to 330 horsepower. Acceleration looks like 4.5 seconds to hit 62 mph from a standstill, while top speed is rated at roughly 150 mph. Interestingly, that’s quite a bit slower than the road-going RS3, which uses a 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine to make 400 horsepower and hit 62 mph in 4.1 seconds, with a top speed of 174 mph.

But don’t worry – this thing will still melt your face in the corners, and as such, it needs to be safe. That means it’s got an FIA-spec fuel tank, safety cell, PS3 safety seat, FIA-approved window nets, and a rescue hatch in the roof.

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The Audi Q5 Drops Some Weight, Gains Some Power, and Gets an Updated Quattro AWD System

Quick! Which Audi model just got a reduced curb weight, bump in engine output, and a few updates to its legendary, motorsport-derived AWD system? Surprisingly, I just described some of the new stuff on the German brand’s compact SUV, a.k.a. the Q5.

First up, thanks to the utilization of materials like high-tensile strength steel and aluminum in the body, the Q5 cuts upwards of 200 pounds from the curb weight, depending on the trim level. And that’s on top of an increase to the Q5’s exterior dimensions, by the way.

Next up is the drivetrain, where we see the inclusion of something called “ultra technology” to the quattro AWD system. Equipped as standard on models sporting a 2.0-liter TDI oil burner (and offered as an available option on the 150-horsepower diesel trim), ultra tech essentially ups fuel mileage by disengaging the rear axle while cruising, transforming the Q5 into a front-wheel driver. The rear axle will then automatically reengage when more traction is called for, making for a nice mix between FWD efficiency and AWD grip. No word yet on whether or not U.S.-spec models will get ultra technology, but it’s doubtful considering the only engines offered here will be the gas units.

Further AWD upgrades include torque vectoring tech, new driving modes for a little soft-roader action, and a sportier rear differential for models equipped with a diesel V-6 engine.

Speaking of engines, Audi says it’s making the various powerplant options both more powerful and more efficient. There will be four TDI specs and one TFSI engine on the table, but again, don’t expect the diesels to make it to these shores (thanks, Dieselgate). All in all, we can expect up to 27 extra ponies, plus a substantial increase to mpg. The 2.0-liter turbocharged gas burner, for example, will produce 252 horsepower (up from 220 horsepower) and return nearly 35 mpg (up from 27 mpg on the highway).

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Ram Appeals to Texans With Lone Star Silver Edition

Ram is adding a special edition to its Ram 1500 Lone Star trim level. It’s called the Lone Star Silver Edition and its new for 2017 and exclusive to the state of Texas. The special edition gets premium upgrades like a new wire-mesh chrome grille, bright belt moldings, chrome mirror caps, chrome wheel-to-wheel side steps, polished 20-inch wheels, and front tow hooks. Of course, special badging on the grille and tailgate help identify the truck.

“The Ram Lone Star Edition is the original Texas truck,” said Mike Manley, Head of Ram Brand, FCA – Global. “It’s impossible to overstate the significance of the role Texas plays in the pickup truck segment. At the same time, Ram trucks are an iconic part of the Texas landscape. As the longest-lasting truck in Texas, there are literally millions of Ram pickups still on the roads.”

Other unique features include cloth and vinyl high-back bucket seats colored in either Canyon Brown and Light Frost Beige or Black and Diesel Gray. Of course, other options like the front buckets seats with full center console, power-operated moon roof, 32-gallon fuel tank, rear-window defroster, trailer brake controls, the tri-fold tonneau cover, Ram Box bed, spray-in bedliner, upgraded Uconnect with navigation, all-weather floor mats, and the Alpine sound system can be had as well.

Powertrain choices include the 3.6-liter V-6, the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8, or the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6. RWD and the eight-speed automatic transmission come standard in with all engine choices. 4WD can also be had. Cab and bed configurations are limited to the Crew Cab with either the short or long bed option.

The Lone Star Silver Edition will arrive in showrooms sometime within the fourth quarter of 2016 and cost an additional $900 over the standard Lone Star trim. That pushes the base price for the Lone Star Silver Edition to $38,995 plus destination charges of $1,320.

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Rumors Turned Fact: The 2017 Ford Raptor Makes 450 HP, 510 lb.-ft of Torque!

The early rumors are confirmed – the 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor’s 3.5-liter high-output EcoBoost V-6 makes 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. This comes as Ford makes the official announcement at the 2016 Texas State Fair. The new EcoBoost is the crown jewel of the all-new, second-generation Raptor, headlining other awesome mechanical, software, and design achievements.

What’s more, Ford announced the EPA estimated fuel economy for the Raptor. It stands at 15 mpg city, 18 mpg highway, and 16 mpg combined. That’s a 23-percent improvement in fuel efficiency over the first-generation’s 6.2-liter V-8.

On top of the 39 additional horsepower and 76 pound-feet of additional torque, the 2017 Raptor is also 500 pounds lighter than the first-generation truck. That’s thanks to its aluminum body and lighter weight, yet high-strength, fully boxed steel frame. This huge increase of power to weight should make the 2017 Raptor one of the hottest performing trucks in history.

The boost in power comes from a new direct and port fuel injection system, lighter crank assembly components, a redesigned twin-turbocharger system with an electronic wastegate and an increased boost calibration, stainless steel manifolds, a full dual exhaust system, oil-cooled pistons, a reworked valvetrain system, and a more aggressive ECU tune.

Of course, Ford’s new 10-speed automatic transmission likely helps the Raptor get better EPA fuel economy ratings. It also gives the EcoBoost more gears to choose from, optimizing the gearing for more circumstances – from low gearing at slow speeds to tall gearing at high speeds. The transmission even features a one-way clutch that allows for non-sequential shifting, meaning you’re not shifting through all 10 speeds every time. Integrated into the engine and transmission electronic controls is Ford’s new Terrain Management System. Its drive modes include Normal, Sport, Weather, Mud/Snow, Rock/Crawl, and Baja settings.

The 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor will hit showrooms this fall and carry a starting price just under $50,000.

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Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Debuts with New Engine and Aerodynamic Enhancements

In its never-ending search for quicker and quicker lap times, Porsche has updated the highly popular 911 GT3 Cup racing car with a new, more powerful engine, enhanced reliability, and extra aerodynamic tricks along the body panels.

The update coincides with the release of the second-generation 991, a.k.a. the 991.2. Porsche unveiled the 991.2 last year, but the GT3 Cup stands apart from its road-going brethren as the track-only, race-ready variant aimed at hitting the starting grid right out of the box.

Per usual, you’ll find a flat six-cylinder engine mounted in the rear. This time around, the powerplant comes packing with direct fuel injection, an even four liters of displacement, and 100 percent naturally aspirated induction (cue cheering fan boys).

The 4.0-liter powerplant replaces the outgoing model’s 3.8-liter flat-six, with peak output rated at 485 horsepower – an increase of 25 ponies. Not bad for a car that weighs less than 2,700 pounds.

In addition to being more powerful, the 4.0-liter six-cylinder is also more reliable, offering a valve drive with rigidly mounted rocker arms and a central oil feed – a first for the model. There’s also an integrated oil centrifuge for enhanced oil defoaming, and a more rigid crankshaft.

Making the most of the newfound power is upgraded aero, which takes a few cues from the most recent 911 facelift. There’s a new front bumper apron, and a new rear end. Porsche declined to specify exactly how it managed to “improve” the aero, but did mention “enhanced traction and performance,” so I’m guessing there’s just more downforce. Meanwhile, you’ll find the same rear wing as the outgoing model, measuring in at 184 cm in width. That’s over six feet, by the way.

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The Most Powerful Kia Soul Ever Built Rolled into the Paris Motor Show

Kia put a lot of work into the Soul for the 2017 model year. Highlights include restyled front and rear fascias to go with a new metallic skid plate, HID headlights, LED running lights, and an all new finish to the Tiger Nose grille. A few new exterior paint finishes are available to go with a new pair of optional 10-spoke 16- or 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels. Inside, new upholstery can be hand in a single or two-tone color scheme to go with the customer’s choice of a 5-, 7-, or 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone connectivity. But, Kia didn’t stop there, as it also brought a new trim level into the lineup – on that boasts 201 horsepower from a new turbocharged gasoline engine.

Dubbed the Soul T-GDI, it is quite literally the most powerful Soul every created by Kia. That 201 horsepower is enough to get the Soul to 62 mph in 7.8 seconds on the way to a top speed of 124 mph. The front wheels are driven forward with this power via Kia’s new seven-speed dual clutch transmission that is only available on the T-GDI. But, the engine and performance isn’t the only unique thing about it. IT also gets a more aggressive front fascia and air intake to go with twin exhaust exits out back and a pair of 10-spoke, 18-inch aluminum wheels. The front fascia and side sills get red accents while the Soul logo is finished in red as well. Inside, the car gets black cloth and leather upholstery that is all held together with orange contrast stitching. There are other orange highlights throughout the passenger cabin, and the steering wheel takes on a D-shape, further differentiating this model from the rest of its stablemates.

All told, it’s a pretty big move for Kia, and while 201 ponies or the 124 mph top speed might not sound too appealing, you’ve got to remember this thing is a little SUV. That kind of performance is certainly commendable, and this new model will surely turn a lot of heads when it finally hits showrooms. For now, the ordering books are open, so even though you can see it in the metal at your local Kia dealer quite yet, you can still get your hands on one.

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Hyundai RN30 Concept Features a Powerful Engine, AWD, and Lots of Lightweight Materials

The slick little speed hatch you see here is called the RN30 Concept, and it just broke cover at the 2016 Paris Motor Show. Using the latest-generation i30 as a foundation, Hyundai built the RN30 as a track-only specialty that showcases the company’s performance chops.

Making it go is a modified 2.0-liter engine, the same powerplant slated for use in a forthcoming high-performance production model. Extra grunt is added courtesy of a larger turbocharger, with forged engine components installed to handle the increased boost. All told, Hyundai says output peaks at 375 horsepower and 333 pound-feet of torque, far surpassing the current road-going i30’s 138 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque.

Complementing the high-strung 2.0-liter is a variety of weight saving measures, including a stripped-down interior, and extensive use of a new high-performance plastic. Hyundai says it wasn’t satisfied with the current crop of carbon fiber-reinforced polymers out there, so it developed its own material with the chemical company BASF to create something that’s strong, lightweight, and funny enough, environmentally friendly.

Cog swaps are handled by a wet-type dual-clutch transmission, which sends the muscle to the pavement via a high-performance AWD system and electronic limited-slip differential setup. There’s also a “sport mode” and Electronic Variable Exhaust, although I don’t know why you’d need anything other than max attack for a race car.

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Infiniti Debuts the VC-Turbo: The World's First Production-Ready Variable Compression Engine

The Paris Motor Show opened its doors to the press today, and over at the Infiniti booth we got to lay eyes on a new evolution of design for the 2016 QX Sport Concept, along with the 2017 Infiniti Q50. But, more importantly, Infiniti also broke cover on its brand new VC-Turbo variable compression engine. We’ve talked about this engine back in August when Infiniti first announced this new technology, but at the time we didn’t know very much about it. Now, Infiniti has spilled the beans, or at least a few more of them, anyway.

To put it simply, this engine is basically a 2.0-liter, turbocharged, gasoline mill that can deliver the torque and efficiency of an advanced diesel engine without all the nasty noxious gasses normally associated with oil burners. Shown in operating condition in the Infiniti QX Sport Inspiration Concept, the engine has a targeted output of 268 horsepower and 287 pound-feet of torque. Its compression ratio can be changed from 8:1 to 14:1 depending on the conditions at the time. 8:1 compression is used when there is a need for high performance while 14:1 comes into play when fuel economy is of the utmost importance.

In order for this variable compression technology to work, Infiniti designed a special multi-link system that can raise or lower the height of the pistons on demand. According to Infiniti, this little 2.0 little will be able to deliver the same power of V-6 units while remaining rather compact and significantly more efficient.

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Ram Just Debuted A Hellcat-Powered Raptor Killer!

The Paris Motor Show might be happening, but half a world away, the 2016 Texas State Fair is the epicenter for truck debuts today. Impressive stuff is debuting from the Big Three, but nothing competes with Ram’s new concept truck – the Ram Rebel TRX. It’s a Hellcat-powered Ram 1500 with 37-inch tires, a fully custom suspension with 13 inches of wheel travel, a six-inch wider track, and a one-off interior that showcases just what Ram engineers and designers want to build.

First off, the engine. Okay, so it might be a Hellcat Hemi V-8 displacing the familiar 6.2 liters, but it’s been tuned for high-speed off-road truck duty. That means dropping the horsepower and torque figures to keep from snapping axles or exploding the transfer case. The supercharged V-8 makes a still-respectable 575 horsepower. Torque figures aren’t release, but expect a drop from the 650 pound-feet in the standard-tune Hellcat. Nevertheless, the Rebel TRX Concept is the most powerful Ram ever built – even more powerful than the 500-horsepower, Viper-powered Ram SRT10.

There’s so much more to this truck, though, so keep on reading for the full run-down.

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GM Officially Debuts Next-Gen 6.6-liter Duramax Turbodiesel

The wait is over and the anticipation is now satisfied – GM has officially debuted its heavily revised 6.6-liter Duramax V-8 turbodiesel. Actually, “heavily revised” might be an understatement. GM says only the stoke and bore remain unchanged over the outgoing LML Duramax, letting the new engine retain the familiar 6.6-liter displacement. Nearly every other component is updated or completely new for the 2017 model year.

The benefit? An increase of 48 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque, along with cooler operating temperatures leading to increased durability during sustained high-load events, strong cylinder heads, a stronger main block, increased oil flow capacity, a new electronically actuated and controlled turbocharging system, and an acoustically tuned oil pan and valve covers that dramatically reduce engine noise.

“Nearly everything about the Duramax is new, designed to produce more torque at lower rpm and more confidence when trailering or hauling,” said Gary Arvan, chief engineer for the new Duramax. “You’ll also notice the refinement improvements the moment you start the engine, and appreciate them as you cruise quietly down the highway — with or without a trailer.”

The advancements allow the turbodiesel to generate 90 percent of its peak torque at only 1,550 rpm and maintain it through 2,850 rpm. It’s at 1,600 rpm that all 910 pound-feet is realized. Within that power band at 2,800 rpm, the engine reaches peak its horsepower of 445. This sustained torque curve gives the Duramax a wider power band for hauling and towing. The new torque spec represents a 19-percent increase from the previous engine. Despite the added power, the Duramax is 38 percent quieter at idle.

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Mercedes-AMG's Growth Proves That Pure Performance Cars Are Still Thriving

The announcement of a Mercedes-AMG hybrid hypercar may have grabbed the headlines during Mercedes-AMG’s Media Night presentation of the AMG GT and GTC Roadsters, but lost in the hoopla surrounding the hypercar’s announcement is the other new model that AMG is preparing to add to its growing AMG GT family: the AMG GT C Coupe.

AMG boss Tobias Moers confirmed the arrival of the GT C Coupe moments before unveiling the GT C Roadster. He didn’t dive into the details behind the next model up in the AMG GT family, but it is reasonable to at least expect some striking similarities to the GT C model. Moers did say that it will carry identical technical specifications to the roadster model so at the very least, expect it to carry a 4.0-liter, biturbo, V-8 engine that spits out 557 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque. Likewise, the GT C Coupe is also likely to get some of the technology that was used on the roadster version. That includes, among other things, a modified front axle and an all-new rear axle with rear-wheel steering.

The upcoming AMG GT C Coupe also touches on an even bigger point that Moers made during the GT C Convertible’s presentation. Despite the interest and the time spent pursuing electrification and autonomous driving (Mercedes even counts itself in this group), pure performance brands are still thriving, and AMG is living proof of that. AMG-branded models are selling like crazy with almost 70,000 units being sold in 2015 and this year, the company is expected to have 48 different performance models in the market, with at least 10 newcomers slated to arrive this year. That’s the widest range of any performance brand in the business today. That success is a testament to the company’s pursuit of giving its customers the best performance cars on any price range, but just as important, it also shows that there’s still plenty of room for these ball-busting machines in the garages of customers all over the world.

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Lexus UX Concept Showcases Vision for an "Inside-Out" Future

Lexus joined this year’s Paris Motor Show with no fewer than four vehicles, but none is as intriguing as the UX Concept. Essentially a preview for the company’s upcoming compact crossover, which will slot under the NX and compete against the newly-launched Audi Q2, the UX Concept also showcases some of Lexus’ future styling language. The Japanese brand calls it "inside-out" and describes it as a "synergy between exterior and interior styling" represented by an "X-shaped movement in the architecture from the cabin outwards and vice-versa."

Sounds pretty confusing huh? Well, in order to make it simple, let’s skip the PR talk and have a closer look at the UX’s design.

The first thing that catches the eye is massive "Spindle" grille up front. Granted, this isn’t a new feature, but if you look closely you’ll notice that its quite different from the element seen on production cars. First, the mesh is new and features a spectacular 3D-like layout that makes the grille look like it’s wearing hedgehog spines. Second, the upper arms extend well into the hood, giving the engine more room to breathe on top of making the front fascia seen downright menacing.

Another feature we have yet to see on production Lexus cars are the way the front fenders flow seamlessly into the cabin to form housings for the screens that display images from door-mounted cameras. The wheel arches are also incredibly muscular, while the the rear fenders are shaped like an armored truck. Granted, we probably won’t see a production UX with such aggressive lines, but some of these features could make it into dealerships in a less exaggerated form. The rear is also pretty wild with its high-mounted red LED strips and big, rectangular exhaust pipes.

Inside, the UX Concept looks like a spaceship. The cabin is made of organic design features that look as if they could catch life in any given moment. The spaceship-like atmosphere is also fed by the blue displays in the dashboard and center console. I can’t decide whether it’s cool or scary, but this interior definitely won’t be approved for production anytime soon.

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