Automotive News - October 13, 2008 - (Page 12) OCTOBER 13, 2008 • 17 Cars Concepts Chevrolet Orlando ▼ ▼ BMW Concept X1 Vehicle type: Compact crossover Engine: 4- and 6-cylinder gasoline Who designed it: Richard Kim What’s cool: 4 inches shorter than BMW’s X3; uses 1-series platform. Will it be built? Yes, in 2010 Show reaction: The shape is unremarkable — it’s a shrunken X3. But the X1 got lots of lookers because of its size and likely high fuel economy. Vehicle type: 7-passenger compact crossover Engine: 2.0-liter, 150-hp turbodiesel Who designed it: Seungwoo Kim What’s cool: Theater-style seating, lots of cargo and passenger space for a small crossover Will it be built? Likely for Europe; a possibility for the U.S. Show reaction: A stylish and efficient small package & PA R I S A U T O S H O W Lexus IS 250C ▼ Vehicle type: Hardtop convertible Seats: 4 Base engine: 2.5-liter, 204-hp V-6 On sale: Late spring 2009 Base price: Not announced, but BMW adds about $8,000 for its 3-series hardtop. The IS 250 sedan starts at $31,980 with shipping. What’s cool: America also gets optional 3.5-liter, 306-hp V-6; top opens in class-leading 20 seconds; additional 2.2 inches of rear overhang allow for more luggage room and roof stowage; front seatbacks were slimmed to allow more rear legroom. PHILIP MEECH PHILIP MEECH BMW’s Klaus Draeger introduces the Concept X1 in Paris. PHILIP MEECH ▲ Volkswagen Golf/Rabbit Vehicle type: Compact hatchback Seats: 5 Base engine: 1.4-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine On sale: 2009 Base price: German pricing will be close to current model; in U.S., that would mean a $16,000-ish base price. What’s cool: Evolutionary design by Walter de’ Silva and Klaus Bischoff gives a wide stance. Upscale options such as touchscreen navigation, parking assist, adaptive cruise control. ▲ Lamborghini Estoque ▲ Renault Ondelios DALE JEWETT PHILIP MEECH Vehicle type: Crossover concept Engine: 2.0-liter, 205-hp diesel mild hybrid (electric motors on wheels) Who designed it: Renault design head Patrick LeQuement’s advanced design team What’s cool: Massive gull-wing doors; mostly nice profile; futuristic grille with light-up badge. Will it be built? Hybrid system may have a future, not the car itself Show reaction: Ghastly rear end sinks this exercise in futurism Vehicle type: Supersedan concept Engine: 500-hp, 5.3-liter V-10 Who designed it: Centro Stile Lamborghini What’s cool: From sketch to concept in just 5 months, the first sedan from this Italian brand (pronounced eh-STO-kay) could double Lamborghini’s volume. Will it be built? It needs VW Group approval, but everyone wants it. Would take 4 years from “go” decision to Job 1. Show reaction: Star of the show http://www.autonews.com/signup http://www.autonews.com
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