This is more like it. The official release for the Elan reads as if it were written with all heart. According to Lotus’ PR speak, the Elans design is inspired from an athlete with a muscular physique and perfect poise. It goes on to describe this sports car as a thoroughbred – rigid with tension, ambitious, and addictive.

The motoring world wasn’t really prepared to see this one coming, so the Elan was a surprise for everyone. A 450bhp, 4.0 litre V6 means that this Elan will be all about high-octane drama. It’s the Porsche alternative that the world has been ever-so-desperately waiting for. The Elan is capable of doing 100km/h from a standstill in just 3.5 seconds. Keep the throttle pinned to the floor, and you’ll witness a top whack of 310km/h.

The Elan is almost production-ready, and rumours have it that it’ll be available in showrooms by 2013. The sticker price will be about $120,000 (Rs. 54 lakhs). But, what’ll happen to their current flagship, the Evora, we wonder – food for thought!

“It’s worth noting that total 2+2 production represented over 20 percent of Lotus build between 1948 and 1996, and 11 percent over all. This sector has been very successful for us in the past.”

This was Lotus Group CEO Dany Bahar’s statement that zipped every critics mouth when questioning Lotus’ move to enter segments beyond just small and focussed sport cars – the kind that the company is mainly recognized for. The Elite weighs in at more than 1,630 kilograms – so it isn’t exactly a feather-weight sports car. And one of the features that add to the Elites girth is a retractable hardtop.

But, to move all that bulk, the Elite will make use of the same monster of an engine found lurking beneath the bonnet of Lexus IS-F – only slightly modified. The result is a fire-breathing 5.0 litre, 611bhp, V8 good for 314km/h. 0-100km/h will be dealt with in approximately 3.7 seconds.

Like the Eterne, the Elite, too, will come with an option of a hybrid drivetrain with KERS.

Earlier this year, in Geneva, the Prancing Horse showed off its first ever hybrid – named the Hy-Kers. And now in Paris, the Italians are reinforcing their stand on being environmentally friendly.

The new Ferrari California has High Emotion and Low Emissions, or HELE. In other words, HELE represents the company’s move to lower its CO2 emissions, without taking away that ‘oomph’ when behind the wheel of a Ferrari. The new HELE system utilizes a variety of technical measures, such as intelligent fan and fuel pump control, electronically controlled variable displacement air conditioning, adaptive gear shifts, and a start-stop system capable of restarting the car in 230 milliseconds. What you end up with is a 23% reduction in carbon emissions, while boosting torque by 25Nm to further enhance the cars sporting virtues. And although all Ferraris are unique in their own way, California HELE owners will be offered with a large selection of personalization options such as a carbon-fiber on the inside, wheel rims in different sizes and finishes, and other special touches.

Despite its 63 tag, the 2011 CL63 AMG will loose its brutal 6.2 litre V8 engine. Instead, in keeping with the current trend of increasing efficiency and lowering displacement, the 2011 model will feature a direct injection, twin-turbo, 5.5 liter V8 that has 544 horses on tap and 800Nm of torque. If that’s not enough for you, there’s always the special option of an AMG Performance Package, which upgrades the power output to 571bhp and a whopping 900Nm of torque. Even with that much power, the newer engine boasts a 25% increase in fuel efficiency, which is now claimed at 9.7km/l. Mercedes also claim that carbon emissions are reduced by 30%. The start-stop system, and the AMG Speedshift MCT seven-speed sport transmission, are partly responsible for the improved fuel economy and lowered emissions. The car also features Active Body Control with crosswind stabilization, Direct Steer, Torque Vectoring Braking, and regenerative braking. The Performance Package also includes double spoke wheels and carbon-fiber trim. The standard CL63 can reach 100km/h in 4.4 seconds, while the upgraded engine manages it in a tenth less.

Audi introduced a limited edition version of the R8 high-performance sports car. The R8 GT is lighter, faster, more powerful, and, of course, more expensive. Only 333 units will be assembled.

This limited edition R8 will have a more powerful 5.2 liter V10 engine that produces 560bhp – enabling it to accelerate from 0-100km/h in 3.6 seconds, and from 0-200km/h in 10.8 seconds. The original R8 is already known for its lightweight construction – nevertheless, the weight of the R8 GT has been reduced by a further 100 kilos. The use of strong lightweight polycarbonate, thinner glass and sheet metal materials, carbon-fiber and carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic contribute to the cars tremendous weight loss. The exterior design has some modifications that further sharpen its appearance, reduce weight, and enhance the aerodynamics. The R8 GT also produces more downforce than the production model. Gear changes are still made via the six-speed, R-tronic sequential manual transmission. The electro-hydraulic clutch and switching unit can swap gears within a tenth of a second. And if this isn’t enough for you, a racing package is also available.

Say hello to Audi’s topless hybrid concept. The two-seater is equipped with a 300bhp twin-turbo V6 TDI at the rear axle, and two electric motors producing a total of 86bhp at the front axle. The car accelerates to 100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds, and its top speed is electronically governed at 250km/h. The vehicle can combine the powerful torque of its TDI diesel engine, which generates 650Nm, and the total of 352Nm from its two electric motors during acceleration in a process known as ‘boosting.’ What’s more, the TDI engine consumes only 2.2 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers.

Thanks to its low weight, short wheelbase, and perfect 50:50 weight distribution, the Audi e-tron Spyder is guaranteed to provide excellent drivability and control. The car looks astonishing, and uses design elements borrowed from racecars. To keep weight down, the functional elements of the chassis, as well as the vehicle body, are constructed in carbon-fiber.

The new Aveo 5-door is one of four Chevrolet world premieres at the Paris Motor Show. Entering the highly competitive global small car segment, design elements of the new Chevrolet Aveo include the vibrant looking twin-headlamps and Chevy’s signature dual port grille, compact taut body panels with a rising shoulder line, and short rear overhangs. The rear door handles are hidden in the C-pillar, which resemble that of the recently launched Beat for the Indian market. Electronic power steering, electronic stability control, and ABS brakes will be standard. A line-up of four-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines will be available in Europe, boasting the latest technologies such as variable valve timing, double continuous variable cam phasing, and common-rail fuel injection for the diesels. The gasoline engine range includes two 1.2 liter versions at 70bhp and 86bhp, a 1.4 liter unit producing 100bhp, and a 1.6 liter with 115bhp. The new Aveo, for the first time, will be offered with two versions of a 1.3 liter diesel engine producing 75bhp and 95bhp, which will also feature start-stop technology. Also, for the first time, a 6-speed automatic transmission on a small car will be featured on the Aveo 1.4 and 1.6 as an option in most European markets. The Aveo is likely to go on sale in the United States and Canada in 2011.

Currently being sold in 70 countries around the world, the Cruze has turned out to be a real success story for Chevrolet. The Cruze recently surpassed the Aveo as Chevy’s top selling passenger car globally, and now with the launch of the hatchback, Chevy is aiming to capture the European market – 65% of which is small cars. With its attractive sweeping coupe roofline and short overhangs at both the front and rear, the new Cruze hatchback has the same dynamic stance as the sedan. Cargo capacity for the Cruze hatchback is close to 400 liters, and will feature 60/40 split rear seating. The engine will probably be the same as the petrol powered Cruze sedan, powered by either a naturally aspirated 1.8 liter four-cylinder, or a 1.4 liter turbocharged Ecotec four-cylinder – both with the choice of either a six-speed automatic or manual transmission. The new 5-door hatchback will go on sale across Europe in mid 2011.

Hyundai is planning to shake things up in the MPV segment this year by launching the all new ix20. The ix20 is the latest Hyundai model to join the company’s vastly popular ‘i-range’ of vehicles, and it’s also the latest Hyundai to come with the company’s groundbreaking Five Year Triple Care package – which includes a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, five years of roadside assistance, and five years of free vehicle health checks. The car will be available with a choice of two petrol and two diesel engines, covering a power spread from 77 to 125bhp – offered with both manual and automatic transmissions. Every engine, except the 1.6 with an automatic transmission, will be available in Blue Drive form, which includes Integrated Stop & Go technology, low rolling-resistance tyres, and an alternator management system. The ix20 will also feature the latest active and passive safety technologies, including Electronic Stability Program, ABS, and Hillstart Assist Control. Hyundai hopes to continue the company’s excellent safety record, and become the first B-segment MPV to attain the maximum 5-Star result under Euro NCAP’s impact assessment. Production of the ix20 is underway at Hyundai’s newest European plant in Nošovice, Czech Republic.

A couple of months ago, we brought you the story of the smallest, lightest, and most fuel efficient Range Rover ever slated for production – but its specifications were kept under the hood. Well, the Range Rover Evoque went on display in Paris, and now we can bring you the specs behind this fascinating compact SUV.

The Evoque will be powered by an all-new 2.0 litre Si4 turbocharged engine combining six-cylinder refinement and performance with four-cylinder fuel economy. The company is planning to target a new group of customers for the Range Rover brand using its luxurious coupe design with a compact and more efficient footprint than any other Range Rover model. The bold exterior, with its lightweight materials, is an evolution of Range Rover design language. The car is also loaded with goodies like MagneRide, which helps deliver dynamic and agile handling across varied terrain, as well as all-weather, all-surface capability with the legendary Land Rover Terrain Response system. The Evoque will be sold in 160 countries worldwide, with deliveries starting from Fall 2011.

The previous generation X3 never really made much of an impact. It had curious looks that only a mother could love. Well, all that has changed with the all-new X3 that you see here, which is much more in keeping with the new BMW family look – with its contoured hood, imposing kidney grille, and large headlight assembly. Plus, BMW’s signature ‘Corona Rings’ are again illuminated to function as daytime running lights.

Two versions of the X3 will be available – the xDrive20d and xDrive35i. The 20d features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine, which can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 8.5 seconds. The 35i, meanwhile, uses BMW’s turbocharged 3.0 liter petrol straight-six that produces 306bhp and 399Nm of torque. Consequently, the sprint from 0-100km/h takes just 5.7 seconds. To improve efficiency though, it also features stop-start technology.

Having trouble deciding between the Carerra S or the 911 GT3? Well, you might want to consider Porsche’s new Carerra GTS. Fitted with a 3.8 liter flat-six engine that now delivers 408bhp, the GTS is positioned bang in the middle of the Carerra S and the GT3. Maximum torque of 420Nm is unchanged, but is now available at 4,200 rpm. A sport exhaust system with dual-tipped tailpipes, which have their outer shells painted black, with polished inner tubes, come as standard – as does a six-speed manual transmission, but the seven-speed PDK is also available. The GTS runs on black 19-inch, center-mount, RS Spyder wheels with massive 305/30 R19 tyres on the rear axle. It also features a SportDesign front apron with a black spoiler edge, special side-skirts, also in black, and the Carrera GTS logotype on the doors and rear lid – in black or silver. The center sections of the driver and passenger sport seats are covered with black Alcantara, and the high-quality Alcantara is also used on the rim of the new three-spoke SportDesign steering wheel, as well as on the gear and handbrake levers. The 911 Carrera GTS Coupe and Cabriolet could well be the swansong for the current generation 911 (997), before an all-new 911 debuts in the near future.

The seventh generation of one of VW’s most successful cars, the Passat, was unveiled in Paris. Head of VW design, Klaus Bischoff, has given the car a new look with an elegant, yet imposing, stance. The new Passat also features a new line up of engines with a range of advanced and highly efficient petrol and diesel motors. The petrol engines start with a 1.4 liter TSI engine developing 120bhp, a 1.8 liter TSI unit with 158bhp, a 2.0 liter TSI 207bhp engine, and a top-of-the-line 3.6 liter V6 producing 296bhp. The 3.6 has six cylinders, while all the other motors are charged four-cylinder engines.

The diesel range will include a 1.6 TDI, the most efficient engine. This variant includes aerodynamic modifications, stop-start, and battery regeneration, which helps it achieve a combined 30km/l while emitting just 109g/km of CO2. There is also a 2.0 BlueTDI engine with two different power outputs – 138bhp and 168bhp. The new Passat is also stocked with many new safety and comfort technologies, which were only seen in the Touareg and Phaeton luxury models before.

The new 2011 Volkswagen Passat will not be offered in North America. Rather, in this market, at the beginning of 2011, Volkswagen will be introducing the New Midsize Sedan – specially developed
for America.

If looks could kill, we’d all be dead. Lamborghini’s Sesto Elemento (sixth element) is the cause for your salivating mouths. Lamborghini believes that carbon is the sixth element – hence the name of this new stunning concept, which is intended to demonstrate Lamborghini’s global expertise in carbon-fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP). As a 100% subsidiary of Audi AG, the Italian carmaker also benefits from the undisputed expertise of the German manufacturer when it comes to lightweight construction.

Benefiting from this lightweight construction, thanks to advanced carbon-fiber technology, the Lamborghini Sesto Elemento has an overall curb weight of just 999 kilograms. And propelling that limited girth is, of course, a V10 power unit that provides drive to all four wheels. The suspension, and the area around the engine, has also been optimized with lightweight engineering. Alongside the many aluminum components, there are also carbon-fiber control arms, which are 30% lighter than aluminum parts.

With its amazing output of 570bhp, sensational power-to-weight ratio of only 1.75 kilograms per hp, and resulting 0-100 km/h acceleration of only 2.5 seconds, the Sesto Elemento guarantees the drive of your life. At the same time, fuel consumption drops because of the extreme lightweight engineering applied throughout. The concept is definitely a car for the future – good thing, then, that it appears production ready in the present.

As you know, the French can be a little over-the-top when it comes to aesthetics – Paris is, after all, one of the fashion capitals of the world. No wonder then that Renault’s design department worked around three keywords – ‘simple, sensuous, and warm,’ to create this new all-electric concept.

Feast your eyes, ladies and gentleman, on Renault’s latest concept vehicle, the DeZir. The creative thinking behind the design of the front end is aimed at recalling Renault’s styling heritage – it also previews the new front-end identity, which is poised to become a feature of all Renault models in the future. DeZir stands out as an illustration of Renault’s commitment to more ‘emotional’ styling, and the sensuous lines and bright red finish express passion and love.

As soft and considerate as it is on the outside, the DeZir is just that on the drive too. Powered by an electric synchronous motor which is mounted in a mid-rear position to optimize weight distribution over the front and rear wheels, the DeZir is that special friend our environment always wanted.
The vertically-mounted 24kW/h lithium-ion battery is located behind the bench-like seat, and enables the car to cover a distance of 160 kilometers on a single charge. The electric motor also generates 150 horses, and torque of 226Nm, which allows the car to reach 100km/h in under 5 seconds, and obtain a top speed of 180km/h. The battery can be charged using a conventional household plug, but will take up to 8 hours. A fast charge using a 400V three-phase current charges the battery to 80% of its capacity in just 20 minutes. The quickest method however is a fast battery exchange thanks to Renault’s Quick Drop technology.

The absence of a rear window is overcome by the fitment of two rear-facing cameras, which provide the driver with a panoramic view of all that’s happening behind the car. The car also features KERS, and an enhanced driver interface system with a graphic display of data and Smart Navigation.

The moment we saw it, we wanted one. Simply put, it’s perfect. It’s small, looks astonishing, and, if Ford’s rally experience is anything to go by, packs in stonking punch.

Showing off their new machine for the 2011 FIA World Rally Championship, Ford unveiled this beauty of a hatch – using, as its base, the Ford Fiesta S2000 rally car, which has won many legendary rally championships. The Fiesta rally car will, of course, have four-wheel drive. To comply with the new regulations, it’ll also have a 1.6 liter turbocharged motor, which is based on the all-new Ford EcoBoost engine family that features direct petrol injection and turbocharging to maximise performance and efficiency. The Fiesta RS WRC will replace the record-breaking Focus RS WRC as Ford’s championship challenger.

When you lay your eyes on Jaguar’s new EV concept vehicle, your heart rate may rise so high that you could very well pass out. The C-X75 concept is both a celebration of 75 years of iconic Jaguar design, and a look into the future of beastly automotive technology. Designed as a range-extended electric two-seater supercar, this beauty explores the outer limits of both performance and sustainability. The Tata-owned company claims 0-100km/h in 3.4 seconds, a top speed of 330km/h – not to mention 80-145km/h in just 2.3 seconds.

The design of this car is so out of this world and sporty that it looks like it could take off into outer space. Shorter, slimmer, and lower than the current crop of supercars, its exterior design is about pure performance with a simple central fuselage surrounded by prominent wheel arches. The car uses a unique propulsion system with two 94bhp micro gas-turbines, and plug-in lithium-ion batteries, which provide power to four independent electric motors – each rated at 195bhp and 400Nm of torque. Each wheel is driven by its own electric motor, thereby providing the traction and safety benefits of four-wheel drive. The innovative, lightweight, micro gas-turbines are capable of very quickly and efficiently recharging the lithium-ion batteries – giving the car a theoretical range of 900 kilometers. They can also automatically provide supplementary power directly to the motors when in Track mode. We can’t wait to see a production version of the C-X75.

Mercedes-Benz owned Smart has been famous for producing tiny four-wheeled machines for a few years now – so-much-so that they could even be called the scooter makers of the car world. You could say that the company warmed up to this identity to the extent that they went ahead and created an actual scooter – a plug-in electric one at that!

The two-wheeled electric scooter is being displayed as a concept with a possible production future lurking ahead. The scooter is traditional in its style, and is a part of the company’s strategy to broaden the Smart line-up in the years to come. This strategy is part of Mercedes’ objective to focus on offering a wide variety of mobility solutions that will also include two-wheelers. There are no official technical details yet, but the Smart scooter will use a lithium-ion battery and will be capable of traveling up to 100 kilometers on a single charge.

And if Mercedes-owned Smart is venturing into unchartered territory, and capturing the imagination of people, then BMW-owned Mini can’t be very far behind. Thus, you have Mini revealing its own take on the plug-in electric scooter theme at the Paris Motor Show – with three different variants, including one that resembles the Mini E. Although, since they are still very much in the concept stage, few details have been revealed – with the exception being that the Mini scooter also uses a lithium-ion battery pack, and can be charged using a retractable lead in the rear fairing.