carscoop: 2012

Citroen to Unveil DS3 Electrum Concept at the Paris Motor Show

While the DS3 Cabrio may steal most glances at Citroen’s Paris Auto Show stand, the brand with the double chevron logo will also display another interesting version of its stylish hatchback.

The DS3 Electrum is an all-electric plug-in concept of the firm's chic supermini. Its drivetrain features two 65 kW (87HP) electric motors on the front axle and a Panasonic 17.5 kWh lithium-ion battery that can be charged via a socket hidden under the classic fuel cap.

First Photos of 2013 Dacia Sandero 2 Hatchback

As you may have expected upon seeing the photos of the new Logan small sedan that we showed you earlier today, Dacia has also prepared a replacement for the five-door hatchback version of the series named Sandero.

Set to make its world premiere at the 2012 Paris Motor Show alongside the 2013 Logan 2, the new generation of the Sandero follows the same recipe as its predecessor being based on a shorter version of the sedan's platform.

Suzuki Drops Another Dark Teaser of S-CROSS Concept

The highlight of Suzuki's presence at the Paris Motor Show that runs from September 27 (for the public from September 29) to 14 October will be the S-CROSS concept.

In addition to a shadowy image of the study's front end and a more revealing sketch released by the Japanese carmaker back in August, Suzuki has now dropped a third teaser photo that gives us a look at the crossover model's…very SEAT-like… rear end.

New Dacia Logan Series 2 Sedan Breaks Cover

It has been eight years since the Renault Group re-launched and re-defined the Dacia brand with the introduction of the low-cost Logan small sedan that has since sold some 1.1 million units wearing the Dacia logo and more than 1 million with the Renault nameplate.

Now the time has come for the Romanian automaker to present a successor to its best-selling vehicle series with the Logan 2 to make its public debut at the Paris Motor Show.

Citroen to Launch Refreshed C3 Picasso Mini MPV at Paris Auto Show

Since its introduction in 2008 at the Paris Motor Show, Citroen has sold more than 320,000 units of its C3 Picasso. The French carmaker has decided that it’s time to upgrade its mini MPV and has chosen the same venue for its world debut.

Changes in the "new" C3 Picasso are mostly cosmetic to bring it in line with the rest of the carmaker’s range.

Alfa Romeo to Debut MiTo SBK Limited Edition 1 and MiTo Superbike Special Series in Paris

The Alfa Romeo stand at the upcoming Paris Motor Show will host two world premieres, the MiTo SBK Limited Edition 1.4 170 HP QV and the MiTo Superbike Special Series. As their name suggests, both models were created to celebrate the Italian brand's sponsorship of the Superbike championship.

First up is the MiTo SBK Limited Edition 1.4-liter 170PS QV of which only 200 examples will be built.

Lexus LF-CC Hybrid Concept Heads to Paris, Previews New IS Coupe

At the upcoming Paris Auto Show, Toyota's luxury brand will bring a new concept coupe named the LF-CC that not only previews the styling language of the next generation of the IS but also a new addition to the range that will go heat-to-head with the BMW 4-Series and Audi A5 Coupes.

The Lexus LF-CC is more compact than the LF-LC concept and also looks more production-ready. It features a less steeply raked interpretation of the trademark Lexus “spindle” grille and its headlamps, while not as futuristic as those of the LF-LC, feature 3 LED projectors each and are set quite back compared to the grille creating what Lexus says is a “3D form”.

The proportions of the LF-CC are those of a typical front-engined, rear-wheel drive coupe, with a long front bonnet, a passenger cabin set rearwards and a stubby tail. In fact, its side profile sort of reminds us of the Toyota GT86/Scion FR-S coupes – or it could just be our blurry eyesight…

New Mercedes-Benz CLA Compact Four-Door Coupe Caught Undisguised During Photo Shoot!

For the past year or so, spy photographers have been following Mercedes-Benz engineers all over the world to capture a glimpse of the brand's upcoming CLA premium compact sedan, or as the Germans are likely to describe the car in their press material, a four-door coupe.

Naturally, the brand with the shining star has always been careful to keep the prototype and pre-production models of the CLA well hidden under foil wraps and plenty of plastic cladding.

However, with the official presentation of the CLA coming closer every day, at some point, Mercedes-Benz had to remove the camo to complete the necessary photo and video shoots that always take place in remote locations. Little did they know that when they did, someone would be out there to capture the production car in its…birthday suit.

That someone was Bernhard Kohlmeier who was vacationing with his family in Iceland at the Northern Light Inn situated within walking distance of the famed Blue Lagoon (more on Bernhard's experience and first thoughts on the car's looks after the jump).

This Used to be a 1983 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Before it Entered eBay Hell

The third generation of the Pontiac Firebird will likely be remembered by the masses for its key role in the popular 1980s television series Knight Rider as KITT (Knight Industries Two Thousand), a specially modified version of the Trans AM model with high tech crime-fighting equipment.

In real life, the Trans Am was available as a specialty package for the Firebird usually offering upgraded handling through suspension modifications, more power under the hood and exclusive styling features.

EVO Tries Out Aston Martin’s New Vantage V12 Roadster

It has taken Aston Martin no less than three years to roll out the open-top version of the V12-engined Vantage.

Given that other roadsters, like the Ferrari 458 and McLaren MP4-12C Spiders, which use much more advanced tops than the canvas unit employed by the Aston Martin model, hit the market not long after their coupe versions, this is quite a long time.

Carscoop’s A to Z Guide to the 2012 Paris Motor Show

The European car market may be in trouble because of the financial crisis that’s been dragging on for a long time now, but carmakers are gearing up to display their latest models in the City of Light.

From September 29 until October 14, the Paris Expo at the Porte de Versailles will host some of this year’s most important world premieres.

The French automakers have chosen the 2012 Paris Auto Show to launch models like the all-new Renault Clio, the Peugeot 208 GTi and the Citroen DS3 Cabrio.

This Scooter Mom's Act of Kindness Should Serve as a Lesson to us All

Most of the times, it’s the bad apples and their reckless actions that hog the limelight on the internet, so for a change, here's a dashcam video that records the actions of a kind hearted driver, or to be precise, a scooter rider.

The young woman riding on the scooter with her young child sitting at the front (both wearing their safety helmets), was waiting for the green light in front of a pedestrian crossing when she saw an old man trying to cross the street.

Volkswagen Introduces New and More Tougher Looking Cross Caddy

Volkswagen has applied its "Cross" theme and name to the passenger version of the Caddy that joins the Polo, Golf and Touran models of the same series.

The Cross Caddy is based on the Caddy Edition 30 (introduced last year) adding the usual bits and pieces for a more robust crossover look. That said, you won't be surprised to learn that the Cross Caddy is more of an exercise in style over substance than anything else.

The individualization of VW's people carrier starts with a protective armor that encompasses plastic moldings for the lower parts of the front and rear bumpers, the wheel arches and the side sills.

Spy Shots: Renault Working on Second Sporty Clio, Could Wear the Gordini or GT Badge

If these spy shots are anything to go by, then in addition to the new Clio RS 200 with around 200hp under its hood, Renault is also prepping a "lite" version to fill the gap in the range between the regular models and the RS flagship.

The prototype model entering the Renault facility in Germany featured a restyled front bumper with a larger lower air-intake in a different design than the one seen on the Clio RS test car, along with a new set of wheels, light grey colored mirror caps, a rear diffuser, and an extended roof spoiler.

Catfish Speedster is the Mazda MX-5 You Always Wanted to Have and It's Coming to SEMA

Bauer Limited Production is a new company formed by Cord Bauer’s Bauer Limited Production, Ron Hemphill’s Diversified Products, Tony Woodford’s AWR Racing and Dave Green’s DG Motorsports, with the purpose of using their expertise to design and develop a custom sports car named the Catfish.

The donor vehicle that the Catfish is based on is none other than the Mazda MX-5 (also known as Miata and Roadster). The Japanese carmaker's open top, two-seater model was chosen because of its perfect 50:50 weight distribution, simple and light yet effective construction and affordability.

Being on the Guinness Book of Records as the best-selling two-seat sports car ever means that there are many used and reasonably priced examples to choose from: the MX-5 that was used for the first Catfish prototype cost a mere US$800 (€610).

GM China’s SAIC-GM-Wuling Joint Venture Reaches 1 Million Sales

While General Motor's SAIC-GM-Wuling (SGMW) joint venture in China has sold more than 1 million vehicles before, reaching this milestone at this time of year is a first for the company. In 2011, SGMW sold its 1 millionth vehicle in October.

The automaker said it delivered an average of 3,500 vehicles every day through the first eight months of the year 2012, up 15.2 percent from the same period last year.

Pitiful Insurance Scam has an Unexpected Outcome [Updated]

What begins as another one of those dishonest attempts to fool a road user into thinking (or at least not being able to prove otherwise of his or her innocence) that the driver or rider is to blame for a pedestrian accident and which have been caught on camera, takes a very strange twist.

This incident reportedly occurred on the roads of Honk Kong where we see a motorcycle rider zipping through traffic before he slows down to allow a pedestrian wearing a construction worker's yellow hard hat (you can't say he wasn't being careful for his well-being…) to cross the street.

Alfa Romeo Orazio Satta Study Proposes a BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe and Mercedes CLS Challenger

If you think about it, one of the few marques in Europe that has the dynamics, the name and history to truly compete against the dominant premium carmakers from Germany such as Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, in all categories and on a global scale, is Alfa Romeo. Which is probably why the VW Group has showed such an interest in the firm.

Too bad the Fiat Group never really allocated the sources or the time to rebuild and refocus the famed Italian brand as a real premium automaker.

In fact, last we heard, Sergio Marchionne has kicked the can down the road (again…) postponing Alfa Romeo's re-entry to the U.S. market and delaying many of its planned models like the 159 replacement.

But we're dragging away from our main story that is a design study from an old acquaintance of CarScoop, Italian designer Marco Procaccini, who sent us these renderings and a video of his newest project.

MINI Gives Brand-New Paceman Crossover its Video Debut

Yesterday, MINI unveiled the production version of the Paceman, which is the three-door version of the Countryman crossover, precisely two weeks before it makes its public debut at the Paris Auto Show.

Some of you complained about the absence of any photos of the Paceman's dashboard in our gallery - don't blame us, blame the BMW Group. If you are still interested, we can now show it to you through a video that details the design of the latest MINI model inside and out.

BMW Confirmed as One of the Parties Interested in Buying the De Tomaso Brand

The BMW Group is eyeing the now defunct De Tomaso sportscar brand, after the latter went bankrupt earlier this year and passed into the hands of the Italian government, which is trying to sell the company.

A report from Reuters said that Italy's Industry Ministry confirmed that among the interested parties is the BMW Group adding that talks with the Germans and other companies continue.

Excuse Me While I Drift Right By You Around the Corner

We have seen many videos of Russian drivers trying to overtake motorists at stoplights, but most of those filmed attempts that make it on the internet for our amusement end up in tears and shattered metals.

Not this one, though, as the driver of the black Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG (that's the 6.3-liter V8-powered model with 451 horses and rear-wheel drive) made a sweet pass with a perfectly executed drift without any incident whatsoever.

Check out the short video clip for yourself right past the break.

Thanks for the tip Vassia P.!

All-New 2013 Range Rover Revealed in the States, Prices Start at $83,500 [w/Video]

Loyal Land Rover customers were invited to witness the U.S. launch of the all-new Range Rover at an exclusive reception that took place last night at the 30,000 square-foot Stone Mansion in the Alpine suburb of New Jersey in NYC.

In between “first class catering and cocktails” and having undoubtedly marveled at the 4,000-bottle wine cellar, they got to see the fourth generation of the iconic luxury SUV, which is also the first with an all-aluminum structure, from up close.

Gemballa Tunes the New Porsche 911 Cabriolet S

Longtime Porsche tuning brand Gemballa is calling owners of the latest generation of the 911 Cabriolet S (codenamed 991) to take a look at its new sports package named GT that encompasses aerodynamic as well as brake and wheel components. Read more »

Honda to Debut New 1.6-liter Diesel-Powered Civic Hatchback in Paris

After making the announcement on the development of a new 1.6-liter turbocharged diesel engine at the Geneva Salon, Honda is now ready to show its smaller displacement oil burner on the latest Civic hatchback.

The 1.6-liter i-DTEC is the first engine in Europe to feature Honda's Earth Dreams Technology series (in North America, the automaker introduced the series with the new Accord's 2.4-liter petrol unit).

CAW Makes Some Concessions Over New Contract with Detroit 3, Carmakers Still Undecided

Three days before the expiration of the ultimatum that the Canadian Auto workers’ union (CAW) has issued to GM, Ford and Chrysler, the union has made some concessions over the new contract in order to avert a simultaneous strike at all three carmakers' Canadian plants as it has threatened.

The CAW is proposing a lower starting wage for newly hired workers and a longer time for them to reach the top of the pay scale. Moreover, unlike current workers, new employees will contribute to their pensions but will still be entitled to a defined-benefit, not a defined-contribution pension.

Hyundai Presents Thee-Door Hatchback Version of New i30 (Elantra GT)

Following in the footsteps of sister company Kia and its Pro_cee'd, Hyundai has also introduced a three-door variant of its own compact hatchback model, the i30, which is marketed in North America as the Elantra GT.

Hyundai points out that the i30 three-door was "designed, engineered and manufactured in Europe, for Europe", which means don't expect this body style to be added to the range of the Elantra GT.

Two Girls, a Car and One Very Big Facepalm…

Getting into a parking accident when you are all by yourself is one thing, but to crash when a friend is helping out is quite another…

The driver inside this burgundy-colored Dacia Sandero Stepway was having a hard time figuring out how to exit a parking space so she had one of her lady friends come out of the car and steer her towards the right direction.

Soaring Yen May Bring Nissan Murano Crossover Production to U.S. Plant in Tennessee

With the yen rising to new heights, Japanese car manufacturers are, naturally, willing to move production of some of their models to their plants in other countries in order to make them more cost-effective.

According to a report from Japan’s Nikkan Kogyo daily newspaper, Nissan is currently considering shifting production of its Murano mid-size crossover to its Smyrna, Tennesee US plant which currently assembles the Altima and Maxima sedans.

Mazda Tuner BBR Announces “Super 180” Performance Upgrade for Third-Gen MX-5

Brodie Britain Racing, or BBR as it is commonly known, is a UK-based tuning company that specializes on Mazda models. Some of you may recall the 150HP turbocharged Mk1 (NA) MX-5/Miata, among them a special edition launched in celebration of the 787B winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1991.

More than two decades after the last rotary win in La Sarthe, the MX-5 is currently in its third generation (NC) and BBR is still producing tuning packages for the world’s best-selling two-seater car in history.

BBR has now announced a new, normally aspirated package for the third generation MX-5, which was produced from 2005 onwards.

2011 World Auto Production Sets New Records, Global “Fleet” Could Top 1 Billion by Year’s End

The Worldwatch Institute reports that global production of passenger vehicles, i.e. cars and light commercial trucks, set a new record in 2011 with 76.8 million units compared to 74.4 million in 2010.

This means that at the end of 2011 a total of 691 million passenger cars were on roads all over the world, rising to 979 million if we include light- and heavy-duty trucks.

NHTSA to Test 54 Vehicles from 2013MY Under its New, Tougher Safety Regulations

The US Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released on Thursday a list of new cars that it will test as part of its new, tougher five-star safety ratings program.

The list includes 54 models from the 2013MY including, 33 passenger cars, 16 SUVs, one van and four pickups. The agency says that the crash tests will provide information on almost 85 percent of vehicles sold in the US and its rollover tests will cover an impressive 92 percent of 2013 models.

Vauxhall Gets Artsy with New Adam City Car

Opel's brother-in-arms, Vauxhall, is exhibiting three examples of its new Adam premium sub-compact, each prepared by a different artist.

Fred Butler, Louise Gray and James Small are responsible for what you see in these pictures and video, with the three cars being displayed outside the home of Vauxhall Fashion Scout, Freemasons’ Hall, Covent Garden from Friday, September 14 to Tuesday, September 18, 2012.

Volkswagen Adds Two New Entry Level Powertrains to Beetle Range in the UK

The ever-expanding lineup of the Volkswagen Beetle gains two more engine derivatives in Britain.

This time, the German carmaker has added a 1.2-litre TSI petrol delivering 104HP / 105 PS connected to a six-speed manual gearbox (joining the DSG version of the same powerplant) and the 1.6-litre TDI diesel 104HP / 105 PS with BlueMotion Technology, which is offered with either a five-speed manual or seven-speed DSG transmissions.

Smart ForStars Concept Heads for Paris to Show us the Future of the Brand

The new ForStars Concept will be Smart’s main attraction at the upcoming Paris Auto Show at the end of the month.

According to the company while instantly recognizable as a Smart, the ForStars, previews the design language of the next generation ForTwo while also hinting at possible new addition to the range.

Some notable styling elements include the design of the front and rear lights, which Smart says, “seem to push outwards like arrows – like drips on the cockpit window of an airplane as it takes off”.

2013 Honda CR-Z Facelift Gains Minor Cosmetic Updates and More Powerful Engine

We were right to suspect that the presentation date of the updated CR-Z on Honda's Japanese website was related to the Paris Motor Show as the automaker confirmed the news today while also releasing a full front picture and some initial details surrounding the facelift.

Honda tells us that the refreshed CR-Z hybrid coupe features revisions to the exterior and interior but does not provide additional information.

From the photo, the only change we see is the simplified front grille that drops the three razor-like plastic slabs on the upper half for a more streamlined appearance.

Jeep Driver Uses Sidewalk to Bypass School Bus Only to Find a Cop on the Other Side…

We guess you could say justice was served in the case of 32-year-old Shena Hardin, of Cleveland, who reportedly had the bad habit of using the sidewalk whenever she saw a school bus to avoid waiting for the children to exit or enter the vehicle.

After seeing the same thing happening over and over again, a Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) bus driver decided to take matters in his own hands by calling the police to capture the woman red handed.

Sure enough, Hardin appeared with her silver-colored Jeep Compass and jumped on the sidewalk to go around the bus. Only this time, a patrol car was waiting for her just around the corner…

New Audi SQ5 TDI Exclusive Concept to Enter Limited Production Priced at €92,000 / $120,000

For reasons we will try to explain but don’t promise that you will understand, Audi has prepared a new model called SQ5 TDI Exclusive Concept priced in Germany at €92,000 (US$120,000 at the current exchange rates), or €33,500 (US$43,500) more than the regular SQ5 TDI that will list for €58,500 (US$76,000) when it arrives in German showrooms next year. Read more »

MINI Officially Reveals New Paceman Three-Door Crossover [114 Photos]

Its revelation time for MINI and its brand-new Paceman series, which will make its grand premiere at the Paris Motor Show at the end of September before it goes on sale worldwide next spring.

Originally previewed by the Paceman Concept at the 2011 Detroit Motor Show, the newest addition to MINI's growing (both in numbers and in…size) range of vehicles is billed as a coupé interpretation of the Countryman crossover.

From bumper to bumper, the Paceman measures 4,109mm (161.7-inches) or in the case of the sported-up Cooper S and Cooper SD variants, 4,115mm (162-inches), making it 24mm shorter than the Countryman.

It has a 31mm lower roof height and sits 10mn closer to the ground compared to the Countryman with which it shares the same width.

The styling up to the A-pillar is identical to the five-door model, but the Paceman gains a more rakish roofline, longer front doors, muscular rear fenders and a completely new rear end highlighted by a redesigned set of tail lamps that all work together to offer a sportier appearance.

New BMW Active Tourer Concept Previews the FWD 1-Series Gran Turismo [84 Photos & Videos]

These first official images of BMW's new Active Tourer Concept confirm our suspicions that the photo sourced from the cover of the next issue of Auto Bild magazine that we shared with you earlier today, did indeed show the real thing.

To answer the first question you are most likely to have about the Paris Motor Show-bound Active Tourer study, yes, it is intended for production - likely as a 1-Series model with the Gran Turismo moniker that is used by BMW on its more practical vehicles. One of its more direct rivals will be the Mercedes-Benz B-Class small MPV.

But that's not what makes the Active Tourer Concept really special, what does is its platform that will be shared with the next generation of Mini-branded cars and BMW's decision to break with tradition and enter the realm of front-wheel drive models.

Hyundai Targets Brazilian Market with New 2013 HB20 Supermini, Confirms Sedan and CUV

With its sights heavily set on increasing its footprint in the growing Brazilian market, Hyundai lifted the covers off a new model named HB20 (HB stands for 'Hyundai Brazil'), with which it will enter the biggest and most competitive segment in the country’s car market.

The HB20 was not only designed for Brazil but it will also be the first model to be produced at Hyundai’s fully-owned new plant in Piracicaba, located in the Brazilian state of São Paulo. Production of the sub-compact hatch will begin on September 20, while sales will start in early October.

"For Hyundai, the launch of HB20 means a lot more than simply presenting a new model. Unlike our other models currently offered in Brazil, HB20 is the first model strategically developed and produced exclusively for the Brazilian market," said Chang Kyun Han, President of Hyundai Motors Brazil.

CAW-Detroit Big 3 Negotiations Continue but Still No Deal Reached, Triple Strike Looms

With only four days remaining until the end of the current contract between the Canadian Auto Workers’ union (CAW) and the Detroit's Big Three, the union announced on Wednesday that meetings between the two parties are becoming more frequent, yet they “have not yielded many results”, which is bringing the event of a triple strike even closer.

September 17 has been set as a deadline from CAW. Unless a deal is reached by midnight, then the union members have voted almost unanimously to strike at GM, Ford and Chrysler, all at the same time.

Hennessey Says New Cadillac CTS-V VR1200 Twin Turbo Coupe is the World's Most Powerful 4-Seater

Not the one to shy away from the insane horsepower wars of our time, Hennessey Performance is lifting the bar for tuners with the presentation of the new 2013 Cadillac VR1200 Twin Turbo Coupe based on the two-door version of the CTS-V.

There's a ton of stuff going on under the sheetmetal but the highlight of the tune can be found right behind Cadillac's crest.

GM Reportedly Plans to Reduce Opel’s Administrative Staff by 30 Percent or 1,000 Positions

Despite analysts’ advice that getting rid of Opel/Vauxhall and retaining Chevrolet as its sole European mass-marker brand is in GM’s best interest, the Detroit carmaker is determined to hold on to the German brand.

Doing so, though, involves restructuring the whole operation and making it more cost-effective to stop bleeding massive amounts of cash.

This has already been announced in the “Drive Opel 2022” 10-year plan that is the subject of GM’s negotiations with the workers’ unions.