2010 paris auto salon

Ferrari SA Aperta

After much trepidation and anticipation, Ferrari has finally released details and photos of its latest model. Called the SA Aperta, it's based on the 599 GTB Fiorano, only it's missing the roof.

In its place, Ferrari has increased the car's rigidity and installed a makeshift folding cloth roof. The name pays homage to Sergio and Andrea Pininfarina (the heads of the eponymous design house, hence the SA) while indicating its open-air body-style (Aperta). Only 80 examples will be made, making the SA Aperta one of the most exclusive Ferraris ever produced.

The SA Aperta follows a long line of limited-production V12 convertibles from Ferrari that has included such recent examples as the 550 Barchetta Pininfarina and the 575 SuperAmerica. Ferrari is also expected to unveil an environmentally-oriented concept based on the California at the upcoming Paris Auto Salon.

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Porsche Exclusive Celebrates with Limited Edition 911 Speedster

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

Another day, another new variant of the Porsche 911. Joining the recently announced 911 Carrera GTS on the company's Paris show stand – to say nothing of the dozen or so other models in the line-up – is the new 911 Speedster.

A favorite among Porschephiles, the 911 Speedster features two seats (instead of four), a double-bubble rear deck and a chopped down windscreen for a svelter look that recalls the 356 Speedster of 1950s vintage. In fact Porsche will only be making 356 examples, specially crafted by the Porsche Exclusive division that celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.

Gallery: 2011 Porsche 911 Speedster

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Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

If you've had your eye on a new Maserati but wanted something a little more hard-core in its performance delivery, look no further than the new GranTurismo MC Stradale.

Bridging the gap between the existing GranTurismo S and the race-spec GT4 model, the MC Stradale increases the performance quotient considerably. The chassis has been tuned to near-competition standards, the engine has been squeezed up to 450 horsepower and the aerodynamics have been optimized to increase downforce without increasing drag at the same time. In short, a racing car for the road.

Gallery: Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale

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Lotus Unveils Paris-Bound Elite

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

Lotus is about to embark on a new direction,and this is the model which will spearhead it. Aptly called the Elite, this is a new kind of Lotus, and will debut at the upcoming Paris Auto Salon next week.

Unlike the brilliant, but cramped, mid-engined vehicles currently in the Lotus stable, the Elite is a commodious 2+2, its engine mounted up front, yet close to the vehicle's center, with a retractable hard-top. The 5-liter V8 comes from the Lexus IS F, providing enough power (611 horses, to be precise) to propel the Elite to 62 mph from a standstill in 3.6 seconds and on to a top speed approaching 200 mph.

Although this model – set to debut next week in Paris – is technically a concept, a production version is expected to arrive on market by 2014 with a £115,000 ($180k) price tag.

Gallery: Lotus Elite

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Citroen Lacoste Concept to debut at Paris Show

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Two of the biggest French names in their respective fields have teamed up for a new take on the motor vehicle in advance of the upcoming Paris Auto Salon, and the product is what you see before you.

A collaboration between French automaker Citroën and French sportswear label Lacoste, the show car eschews such frivolities as doors and a roof in favor of a more open-air approach in keeping with Lacoste's design ethos. In designing the concept, Citroën says they adopted "a simplified, no-nonsense approach to motoring - without forgetting refinement - and transports passengers to a lighter, fresher world."

The compact vehicle is (in concept at least) powered by a small 3-cylinder engine, which they reckon would be plenty to propel the vehicle at a brisk pace without unnecessarily polluting the air it so embraces.

Gallery: Citroen Lacoste concept

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BMW 6 Series Coupe Concept Heading to Paris

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

With the current BMW 6 Series growing long in the tooth and due for replacement, Bimmerphiles have been waiting anxiously for the next-generation model, and we've just gotten our first glimpse.

Although technically this is a concept car, the production version – expected to hit the market sometime next year – is anticipated to look very close to what you see here. The styling eschews the awkward lines pioneered by former BMW styling chief Chris Bangle in favor of a more flowing shape, taking its lead from the new 5 Series sedan but in a more svelte coupe package. The concept will debut in just a couple of weeks at the Paris Auto Salon.

Check out our review of the BMW 650i Convertible.

Gallery: BMW 6 Series Concept

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Porsche Introduces New 911 GTS

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

If you're in the market for a Porsche 911 – one of the most iconic sportscars of all time – then you've got no lack of choices. Between the basic Carrera, the all-wheel-drive Carrrera 4, the forced-induction Turbo and the track focused GT3 and GT2 (never mind unique models like the Targa and Sport Classic), plus S or RS variants of each and many of them available in either coupe or convertible body-styles, there are well over a dozen variants to choose from. And now there's one more.

Called the Carrera GTS, the latest 911 is slated to be unveiled at the upcoming Paris Auto Salon. The model adopts the wider body from the Carrera 4, but retains the rear-drive set-up, with a 408-horsepower 3.8-liter Flat-Six engine that bridges the gap between the standard and GT3 models. It's available in either coupe or convertible, with either manual or semi-automatic dual-clutch transmissions. Prices start at $103,100.

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Abarth 500C & Punto Evo EsseEsse heading to Paris Salon

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

In a perfect world, maybe everyone who wanted a fast little Italian car could get his hands on one. For better or worse, though, not all of us can afford a Ferrari or Maserati. That's where their little brother comes in. Abarth starts out with humble enough little Fiats, then tinkers with 'em until their on the verge of breathing fire. And they've just announced their latest.

Based on the Abarth 500C and Punto Evo unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year, the EsseEsse versions pack even more muscle: 160 and 180 horsepower, respectively. Which may not seem like much, but it's plenty to move these nimble little creatures along at an impressive pace. Both will be unveiled at the Port de Versailles later this month during the Paris Auto Salon.

Gallery: Abarth 500C & Punto Evo EsseEsse