The Lexus UX concept that debuted at the Paris Motor Show in September 2016 represented the Toyota luxury brand's probe of the subcompact crossover segment. It previewed a possible new model that would slot below the current NX in Lexus' lineup. While Lexus didn't say so explicitly, such a model could be based on the Toyota C-HR, which went on... Lexus UX small crossover utility still being studied for U.S. (update)
The Lexus UX concept that debuted at the Paris Motor Show in September 2016 represented the Toyota luxury brand's probe of the subcompact crossover segment. It previewed a possible new model that would slot below the current NX in Lexus' lineup. While Lexus didn't say so explicitly, such a model could be based on the Toyota C-HR, which went on...
As any experienced journalist knows, you hear lots of good stuff in the corridors and private conversations of any large industry event where media are present. That applies to auto shows too. Which is how we came to hear an intriguing rumor about the possible production direction of the next-generation Volkswagen Beetle. DON'T MISS: VW ID: more...
To meet stricter global emissions standards, carmakers are trying to squeeze every last bit of efficiency out of internal-combustion engines. That has led Infiniti to turn to a technology engineers have toyed with for some time, one that so far hasn't been used in production cars. General Motors, Mercedes-Benz, and Saab have all experimented with...
In 1968, Citroën unveiled a rather curious utility vehicle. Called the Mehari, it featured minimalist bodywork made of ABS plastic, and an air-cooled two-cylinder engine and front-wheel-drive components shared with the Citroën 2CV. It went on to become something of a cult classic, with around 150,000 built before production ended in...
Auto shows are sometimes hot, sometimes not. A lot of it has to do with what cars are shown, whether they're pure design studies, concepts pointing toward future vehicles, or actual production cars. And whether a show has "buzz" largely depends on the cadence of when automakers choose to release those different types of vehicles. DON'T MISS: 2017...
After multiple teases, the next-generation Kia Rio made its global debut at last week's media days for the 2016 Paris Motor Show. While the subcompact Kia model isn't a particularly big seller in the U.S., it's part of a segment that's hugely important in the rest of the world. With this latest redesign, Kia has tried to make the Rio more stylish...
One of several new electric cars and concepts at last week's Paris Motor Show was the electric version of the second-generation Smart minicar. As Smart pointed out, it's the only maker that offers the option of gasoline or electric powertrains in every model it makes. Those are the ForTwo two-seat coupe, the ForTwo cabriolet with its roll-back...
Mitsubishi unveiled the latest in a series of plug-in electric SUV concepts at the 2016 Paris Motor Show. As with other recent concept from the Japanese automaker, though, it is unclear whether this one will translate into a future production model. The Mitsubishi GT-PHEV concept is a large and fairly luxurious plug-in hybrid utility vehicle...
While Nissan sells many different types of vehicles in the U.S., there's one that's globally very popular that has never shown up in the States. That would be the Nissan Micra, a smaller car than the Versa sedan and Versa Note hatchback, the largish subcompacts that are its smallest U.S. offerings. The Micra is, however, sold in Canada—and...
Automakers often use concept cars to preview future styling for much more restrained production models. Even when a concept car doesn't make it into production, elements of its styling can. Providing a styling template for future models is the main mission of the Renault Trezor electric sports car concept, which debuts this week at the 2016 Paris...
The Lexus UX concept debuting this week at the 2016 Paris Motor Show represents the Toyota luxury brand's probe of the subcompact crossover segment. It previews a possible new model that would slot below the current NX in Lexus' lineup. While Lexus didn't say so explicitly, such a model could be based on the Toyota C-HR, which is finally set to go...
Mercedes-Benz took to the stage at the 2016 Paris auto show with a quirky new concept car that the German automaker says serves as a forerunner to its upcoming lineup of electric cars. Mercedes chief Dr. Dieter Zetsche said that one of the biggest hurdles automakers will face in the future is e-mobility. Although it looks rather like the company's...
The Renault Zoe electric car is by far the best-selling plug-in vehicle in Europe. Now in its fifth year, the Zoe received a significant battery capacity upgrade at today’s Paris Motor Show. The Zoe will now have a 41-kilowatt-hour battery pack, up from 22 kwh in earlier versions, giving it a range of 300 to 400 kilometters (185 to 250...
This morning, Volkswagen held one of the first press conferences at the Paris Motor Show, unveiling the first of several electric cars from different makers. Its Volkswagen I.D. Concept is a preview of a high-volume battery-electric hatchback that will hit the market in 2020, priced "par with comparably powerful and well-equipped Golf models," the...
Mercedes-Benz is expected to debut an electric SUV concept at the 2016 Paris Motor Show this fall. The concept will likely preview one of what could be up to four all-electric models Mercedes plans to launch over the next few years. This lineup of electric cars will help Mercedes compete with Tesla Motors, as well as German rivals that are now...
The gasoline Smart ForTwo hardtop was redesigned for the 2016 model year, and now Smart is transitioning other variants to its new platform. First came the 2017 ForTwo Cabrio soft-top version, which will arrive in U.S. showrooms shortly, and now Smart is unveiling a redesigned Electric Drive model. The 2018 Smart ForTwo Electric Drive will debut...
Today, Volkswagen sells one all-electric car under its own brand in multiple markets—the e-Golf electric variant of its well-known five-door compact hatchback—and another in Europe only, the e-UP, a battery-electric minicar. But in the wake of continuing fallout from the Volkswagen diesel scandal, the company is wrenching itself toward...
Fall is approaching, which means it's time for the auto-show season to get underway once again. Press days for the 2016 Paris Motor Show begin at the end of this month, and we already know several notable green production and concept cars will make their debuts in the French capital. The show's organizers say no fewer than 24 electric cars will...