Rüsselsheim — Opel's Vice President of Design Mark Adams gave his team the briefing: “show me the most emotional side of Opel's new design language, ‘sculptural artistry meets German precision’.” What they created, the GTC Paris concept car, will be shown for the first time at the Mondial de l'Automobile 2010 (October 2–17).

Coming close on the heels of the new generation Astra Sports Tourer, which will also debut at the Paris motor show, the GTC Paris is the next bold step of a newly shaped Opel line-up.

Inspiration for the concept was partly derived from a quote from Richard Bach's famous novel, Jonathan Livingston Seagull “… and the speed was pure beauty.” This phrase is embodied throughout the character of the car with dynamic sweeping lines, beautiful sculptural surfaces, and a wide muscular stance. This three-door compact is bold yet pure and is very iconic in presence. The GTC Paris is conceived to be the obtainable dream car delivering German engineered precision and innovation, matched with eye-popping design.

“We wanted to express the most emotional side of the Opel brand and we believe this vehicle creates an appropriate visual impact to reinforce our dynamic sporty character,” Adams said.

Distinctly a new Opel — with an emotional tribute to performance

At 4.46 meters, the GTC Paris is the ideal size for a compact, sporty car, but it still offers room for five passengers. Most iconic cars have been drawn from the side. Many can be sketched with two or three sharp lines. So, too, with Opel's new concept car: In profile, the designers have maximized tension by limiting the amount of lines in the GTC Paris. Similar to tendons in a sprinter, these lines create tension and provide a sculpted shape. They serve as the foundation to which the highlights and surfacing react and press to the wheels in a very athletic fashion.

The Opel signature blade is introduced in the same direction as first seen in the Insignia — a fine, tense crease along the rocker panel. A second line shoots from the door handle to the rear, emphasizing the vehicle's dramatic stance by spreading the surfaces to a fine undercut and a broad shoulder. The third line following the silhouette of the roof is finished in finely brushed aluminum that accentuates the window graphic, guiding the eye to the sharply distinct integrated spoiler.

The front is clean yet full of character and features Opel's typical centerline crease. It is further accented by intense, very slim eagle-eye shaped headlamps acting as parenthesis between the refined chrome emblem bar and the dramatic low trapezoidal grill which hints at its sporty character. Signature LED daytime running lights are outlined with finely crafted chrome inserts that can stand as a piece of sculpture by themselves.

The wide stance is accentuated in the rear, where the proportion of the vehicle is most imposing. This is further enhanced with the LED taillights showcasing a long, stretched “wing” nighttime graphic.

Innovative technology enhances performance

The best of Opel's compact car technology is brought to its sportiest level on the GTC Paris. The chassis has a special design with an extra-wide stance. It features a compound crank with an Opel-exclusive Watt's link in the rear, a new, updated execution of the adaptive mechatronic FlexRide suspension and a front electronic limited slip differential. The GTC Paris is planted to the ground with dynamic 21-inch wheels.

The powertrain in the GTC Paris is a four-cylinder, 2.0 liter Turbo with direct injection, packing maximum horsepower and torque. It is fitted with Start/Stop technology, proving that drivers can combine high performance with maximum fuel efficiency in urban driving conditions. The transmission is a six-speed manual gearbox.

There is no shortage of world firsts for Chevrolet at the forthcoming Paris Motor Show, and joining the Orlando MPV and Cruze hatchback show car will be the eagerly awaited Chevrolet Aveo 5-door, which like the Orlando makes its world production debut.

The Aveo RS show car was displayed at the Detroit and Geneva motor shows earlier in 2010, and with the final production-ready model, Chevrolet has a car that looks every bit as good as the earlier concept.

Entering the highly competitive global small car segment, striking design elements of the new Chevrolet Aveo include the aggressive looking front with its exposed twin-headlamps and dual port grille, compact taut body panels with a rising shoulder line and short rear overhangs, the ‘hidden’ rear door handles which now feature in the c-pillar and a ‘body in, wheels out’ profile which is now very much part of the new Chevrolet design language.

Reminiscent of the recently introduced Spark, the new Aveo is unquestionably a car that will appeal to younger customers with its sporty hot-hatch look. A four-door sedan variant will launch alongside the hatch next summer. Both hatch and sedan are practical small cars with good interior space and Chevrolet expects the new Aveo also to appeal to families, for whom the current model has been a popular purchase.

The new Chevrolet Aveo has benefited from an extensive development program, resulting in a small car that will meet European drivers' tastes both in terms of design and dynamics. Final specifications of the new Aveo will be carefully tailored to each European market.

Wayne Brannon, president and managing director of Chevrolet Europe says: “It's just such an exciting time to be at Chevrolet; not only do we have new entries into the MPV and compact classes, in Aveo we have a car which is ready to compete against the best in the small car segment, which is also Europe's largest segment.”

The story of the Chevrolet Cruze goes from strength to strength with the latest chapter heralding the launch of a new 5-door hatchback model, further evidence of Chevrolet's intention to bring value for money to all mainstream segments in Europe.

A show car version of Chevrolet's compact contender will be seen for the first time at the Paris Motor Show, on September 30. It will be one of four world Chevrolet premieres at the show.

With the introduction of the new Cruze hatchback, customers have an alternative body style to the traditional sedan and Chevrolet has raised the bar again with a vehicle that brings new levels of value against some of the more established competition.

According to Wayne Brannon, president and managing director of Chevrolet Europe, the potential for meeting further customer demand is significant. “Cruze is turning out to be a real success story. We are selling it in 70 countries around the world and it has recently surpassed the Aveo as our top selling passenger car nameplate globally.

“Hatchbacks play a critical role in many markets. The total compact segment in Europe represents around 4.8 million units which is over a quarter of the total market, with hatchbacks representing around 65% of that volume. We therefore expect to see increased business in a number of regions, while sending out a signal that Chevrolet is now a serious mainstream player in Europe.”

Since its launch in the spring 2009, the Cruze sedan has been warmly welcomed by markets all over the world, greeted as a step change for the brand with customers attracted to its coupe style, build quality, 5-star NCAP rating and driving dynamics. It was also elected the AUTOBEST car of 2010 by a jury of leading auto writers in Central and Eastern Europe.

The Chevrolet Cruze is a car particularly well suited to European driver tastes, a fact borne out by sales success across many of markets. So far in 2010, Cruze tops the compact sedan sales charts in many of the larger European markets including Denmark, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Portugal and the U.K., where it is exceeding forecasted sales.

Outside of Europe, Cruze's sales momentum is equally evident. In China alone, Chevrolet has sold nearly 90,000 Cruze since the start of the year, while the sedan is also selling well in Russia, parts of South America, and in India and other emerging markets.

Hatchback design
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 and will be instantly recognizable. It will benefit too from the same taut body 'feel' on the road, being built using the new body-frame integral system (BFI) which is complemented by the final tuning to chassis components. The BFI system results in high levels of stability and solidity.

Cargo capacity for the Cruze hatchback is close to 400 liters and will feature 60/40 split rear seating.

Chevrolet's participation in the World Touring Car Championship with the Cruze is also currently paying great dividends. With four races left in the season, it currently leads both the drivers' and team championships while also showcasing the dynamic qualities of the car to great effect.

The new Chevrolet Cruze 5-door hatchback will go on sale across Europe mid 2011 with prices announced nearer the launch date.

Citroën has released first details for the new DS4, a unique and attractive blend of creativity, dynamism, exclusivity and versatility. DS4 is the second model in Citroën's distinctively-styled DS line.

DS4 brings an alluring mixture of premium design codes and a bold approach to automotive styling, with an emphasis on driving pleasure and advanced vehicle architecture. DS4 is a model with a multitude of talents, effortlessly responding to a broad range of owner needs, while enhancing the appeal and vitality of the motoring experience.

DS4 combines sophistication and refinement with a dynamic coupé-like body, creating exceptional versatility and day-to-day practicality within a compact design — 4.27 m (l), 1.81 m (w) & 1.53 m (h).

DS4 delivers a “new at-the-wheel” experience with unrivalled driving sensations and outstanding agile on-road handling. With its slightly raised stance and taut lines, DS4 is a unique and eye-catching addition to the segment.

Finely crafted to convey a prestigious presence both inside and out, DS4 offers meticulous detailing from carefully applied chrome touches to premium cabin materials — such as the finest quality leather seats. A large panoramic windscreen, offering enhanced occupant visibility, illuminates the driver-focused cockpit, creating a bright and welcoming environment.

Combining coupé style with 2+2 door practicality, DS4 offers three full-sized rear seats, accessed by rear doors with hidden handles that are seamlessly integrated into the body's flowing lines. DS4 also benefits from a capacious 370-liter boot and a host of clever storage solutions.

DS4 comes with a choice of five refined and efficient engines — two HDi diesels and three petrol powerplants.

All engines deliver a combination of powerful performance — including a new to Citroën 200 PS petrol unit — and ecologically sensitive motoring. Citroën's new e-HDi drivetrains for example deliver improved fuel economy and lower CO₂ emissions.

DS4 will be revealed at the 2010 Paris Motor Show and is expected to go on sale later in 2011.

Unique Styling
An example of truly creative design, DS4 boldly blends a mix of the most desirable styling references to create an exciting new automotive proposition. Marc Pinson, DS4's chief stylist, comments, “Reinterpreting cues opened up new possibilities, bringing practical and surprising solutions to automotive mobility.”

Chevrolet's first entrant into the European MPV/family van segment, the Orlando, will be one of the star attractions at the Mondial de l'Automobile in Paris on September 30, when the full production model makes its world debut. It will be one of four Chevrolet world premieres at the show.

Based on the show car concept first seen at Paris in 2008, the Chevrolet Orlando is a true family car for the times, combining 7-seater practicality and interior flexibility with striking crossover style design.

Chevrolet's new compact MPV eschews the bland designs sometimes seen in the segment, and instead adopts a bolder look with its low roofline and crossover inspired silhouette, while retaining the distinctive and recognizable Chevrolet ‘face’ depicted by the split radiator grille and bow-tie badge.

The Orlando's low swept roof line is complemented by the muscular, protruding wheel-arches, housing 16, 17 or 18 inch wheels.

The new Orlando MPV has a key role to play in Chevrolet's continued product offensive in Europe, as Wayne Brannon, president and managing director for Chevrolet Europe explains. “The new Orlando MPV kicks off an ambitious seven-product launch program over the next 15 months.

“We're confident the Orlando not only brings great value for money to the MPV class but also something fresh — function with attitude if you like — and the opportunity for us to continue building our volume across Europe. I believe it will also bring more new customers to the Chevrolet brand.”

While the exterior of the new Orlando is sure to draw plenty of attention, the interior too features the latest design cues from Chevrolet such as the Corvette inspired dual cockpit and ambient blue backlighting to the center console. However, it's the theater style seating arrangement of the Orlando's three rows of seats, the generous load area and the numerous storage solutions that will also grab the attention of family motorists.

In spite of the sweeping roof-line, the designers have succeeded in raising the second and third row of seats, which means Orlando's occupants get an even better view both forwards and to the side. And with a wide variety of seating configurations possible, the Orlando can be quickly transformed into one of the most voluminous vans in the class when it comes to carrying loads.

Any hard working family car needs plenty of interior storage space for all the ‘paraphernalia’ that builds up. Like the Orlando concept car, the Orlando obliges with a range of compartments of different shapes and sizes situated in the center console, front and rear doors, rear cargo area and even the roof.

However, perhaps the most ingenious is a storage area hidden behind front fascia of the audio, and within easy reach of the both the driver and passenger. Seen originally on the Orlando concept car, the designers have been able to integrate a usefully large area which is revealed by flipping up the face of the audio, and large enough for such items as an MP3 player, sunglasses and wallets. Within the space itself, there is also a USB port — ideal for re-charging the MP3 or iPod when on the move.

The Orlando is based on Chevrolet's successful and award winning Cruze sedan, already proven to offer excellent ride and handling. Under the hood there will be a choice of three of Chevrolet's latest fuel efficient engines: one gasoline engine will be available, a 1.8 liter with power output of 141 PS and two diesel units, the latest version of Chevrolet's 2.0 liter engine with outputs of 131 PS (low output) or 163 PS (high output).

Customers will also be able to choose from three trim levels with standard equipment on all cars including electronic stability control, six air-bags, air conditioning and power mirrors.

Full production of the Chevrolet Orlando starts in October with the car going on sale across Europe in early 2011.

Shanghai, China — General Motors Co. and SAIC Motor Corp. Ltd. (SAIC Motor) are expanding their partnership to develop a new small-displacement gasoline engine family and an advanced transmission.

The agreement, signed today in Shanghai by GM Vice Chairman of Global Product Operations Tom Stephens and SAIC President Chen Hong, represents a significant milestone that expands GM and SAIC's relationship into powertrain development. It's another key step in providing propulsion solutions to build the world's best vehicles.

“The co-development of these new engines and transmissions builds on a strong history of innovation and collaboration between GM and SAIC Motor,” Stephens said. “Together, we will continue to quickly provide our customers leading-edge technologies that improve vehicle fuel efficiency and deliver robust performance.”

The new small gasoline engine, which will be offered in displacements from 1.0 liters to 1.5 liters, hits right at the heart of the global vehicle market. Its compact, lightweight design combines direct injection and turbocharging, providing customers unparalleled fuel efficiency and performance. The engine will be used by GM and SAIC Motor in China and future vehicles worldwide, providing further fuel efficiency advances beyond traditional technologies.

Engineering and development of the new engine will be carried out jointly by GM and SAIC engineers in Detroit and at the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC), the automakers' engineering and design joint venture in Shanghai.

The new front-wheel-drive transmission will incorporate the latest innovations for improving fuel economy and performance. The transmission alone will provide upward of 10 percent improvement in fuel economy over today's conventional six-speed automatic transmissions. The co-developed transmission will feature dry, dual-clutch technology. It will provide shift comfort equal to a conventional fully automatic transmission, with superior quality, while reducing CO₂ emissions.

When combined, these technologies can provide up to 20 percent improvement in CO₂ emissions, compared to engines and automatic transmissions in production in China today.

“These development agreements open an exciting new chapter in the partnership between SAIC and GM,” said Hu Maoyuan, Chairman of SAIC Motor. “Not only will they add critical green technologies to our next-generation vehicles, they will also build on the strong engineering capabilities forged as a part of GM and SAIC's corporate responsibility.”

Dearborn, MI — Ford Explorer — the vehicle that defined a segment — has been completely reinvented, raising customers' expectations of sport utility vehicle (SUV) fuel efficiency, safety, technology, capability and quality.

“The all-new Explorer will deliver today's SUV buyers the attributes they really want and value, and a few they might not even have dreamed of,” said Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas. “We're proud to introduce the new Explorer to customers and fans around the world today and pleased to begin a whole new era that blends strong SUV fuel economy and performance.”

The all-new Explorer launches today to its Facebook friends in a unique social media initiative, followed by reveal events throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Shattering SUV fuel economy and performance expectations
“The new Explorer simply does everything well,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development. “It raises the bar for ride and handling on the road and transforms the off-road experience. It's the hands-down winner for towing capability and ease. All this capability — and three rows of seating — with amazing fuel economy will make Explorer the absolute right choice for families with a sense of adventure.”

The 2011 Explorer with V6 power is expected to deliver more than 20 percent better fuel economy than the 2010 model, shattering conventional expectations for SUV fuel efficiency. When equipped with the available 2.0-liter EcoBoost™ I-4 engine, Explorer fuel economy is expected to improve by more than 30 percent and exceed the 2010 Honda Pilot and 2010 Toyota Highlander V6.

Chief Nameplate Engineer Jim Holland said the team targeted two key objectives when developing the 2011 Ford Explorer.

“It had to look modern and contemporary — inside and out — yet be instantly recognizable as an Explorer,” said Holland. “Next, the new Explorer needed to deliver the fuel economy today's customers want, combined with the performance, capability and empowerment they expect from an SUV.”

Ingolstadt, Germany — Emotion-packed design, sporty character and innovative technology: Audi is targeting a new market segment with the A7 Sportback. The large five-door model with the dynamically accentuated rear end brings together the best of three worlds: the sporty elegance of a coupe, the comfort of a sedan and the practicality of a station wagon.

The A7 Sportback is pure high-tech. Its body is very lightweight thanks to numerous aluminum components. The elegant interior shows a craftsman's level of workmanship. The four V6 engines combine refined power with groundbreaking efficiency. The 3.0 TDI with 150 kW (204 PS) and multitronic has CO₂ emissions of just 139 grams per kilometer (223.70 g/mile). The sporty chassis comes with new solutions, such as electromechanical power steering. When it comes to assistance and infotainment systems, the luxury-class coupe exhibits all of the innovative power expected of Audi.

The five-door coupe from Audi combines supreme, long-distance comfort with a sporty character. The interior noise level is very low even at fast highway speeds, with the V6 engines providing refined acoustic feedback as their power unfolds.

The excellent vibrational comfort likewise contributes to the atmosphere of cultured tranquility on board. This is the result of painstakingly tuning all components, systematic hydraulic damping in the axle and drivetrain bearings and the extremely stiff body. The body is comprised primarily of aluminum and high-tech steels, making it extremely lightweight and safe. The large rear hatch opens wide to reveal a large, extremely usable luggage compartment that is very easy to load. Its 535-liter (18.89 cu-ft) capacity swells to a volume of 1,390 liters (49.09 cu-ft) with the rear seat backrests folded down.

With the A7 Sportback, which will be rolling into dealerships in the fall at a base price of €51,600, Audi is taking up a new design line representing elegance on a grand scale. The five-door coupe is 4.97 meters (16.31 ft) long and 1.91 meters (6.27 ft) wide, but only 1.42 meters (4.66 ft) high. Its long hood, the short front overhang, the long wheelbase, the sportily flowing C-pillars and the sharply dropping rear create a dynamic overall impression. The five-door coupe is an aesthetic athlete with a wide, powerful road stance.

Optional LED headlights reinforce the unmistakable expression of the A7 Sportback and provide all light functions with light-emitting diodes while minimizing energy consumption. Bi-xenon headlights and LED tail lights come standard. The innovative all-weather light function has also been integrated into the headlights, replacing the classic fog lights.

The sinewy sportiness of the exterior carries over into the interior of the A7 Sportback, where Audi again demonstrates its leading role in automotive design. The salient element is the “wrap-around,” a horizontal line that encircles the driver and front-seat passenger in the interior to provide a feeling of safety and security. The wave-shaped application strip with its integrative dynamics is the salient element of the dashboard.

The utmost care has been devoted to every last detail in the interior. Workmanship is at a craftsman's level. Optional climate-control and massage functions are available for the front seats covered in high-grade Audi leathers. The optional ambient lighting fills the entire interior with atmosphere.

With the 508, the Marque reaffirms its presence and its ambitions in one of its traditional strong markets, the large touring car segment. Each model in the “40X” and “50X” series has left an indelible mark in its time.

The 508 is a modern, next generation vehicle, perfectly attuned to the aspirations of customers who have moved with the times: being dynamic, responsible, and increasingly demanding.

Quality, purity and efficiency are the watchwords that guided its creation and have filtered through the entire project, offering a multi-faceted appeal to its owners.

• through its exterior design, elegant, balanced and timeless, revealing the evolution of the Marque's stylistic codes first unveiled on the SR1 Concept Car,
• through its streamlined hi-tech interior and its high quality finish. Rewarding for its driver and its passengers, it has exceptional interior space, a very generous boot, and a level of specification offering the promise of interior comfort and convenience of a very high level;
• and last but not least, its environmental efficiency, based on the optimization of its weight, its aerodynamics, and of course its engines.

Under the bonnet, the 508 benefits from engines that are particularly well positioned in their categories in terms of performance and responsiveness, but also for fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions. The range, equipped with all the latest technologies, will include in particular the new e-HDi system (new-generation Stop & Start with improved driveability and economy). It will also feature, a few months after launch, HYbrid4 technology, with its 147 kW (200 CV) and all-wheel drive potential. with a rate of emissions of just 99 g/km of CO₂ (or zero in electric mode).

Emotion also means driving pleasure, a concept prized by the Marque, therefore the suspension set up has been optimized to ensure both high levels of comfort and road holding.

The 508 is available in two body styles: the saloon (with a length of 4.79 m) and the SW (4.81 m). They will be presented to the public for the first time at the beginning of October at the Paris Motor Show and are scheduled to go on sale at the beginning of 2011.

Based on PSA Peugeot Citroën's platform 3, the 508 will be produced in Rennes-La-Janais, in France, for the European market.

From 2011, the 508 saloon will also be produced in Wuhan, in China, where the Marque also has big ambitions with a car that is particularly well suited to this market’s special requirements.

Pooling the expertise of two industry leaders, one Chinese and the other European, the joint venture will produce and market light commercial vehicles and passenger car line-ups in China. The partners will initially focus on introducing the Citroën DS line in China and launching a dedicated new brand for the venture. The contract also allows for the joint venture to market, at a later date, further vehicles under the partners' other brands, Peugeot and Changan.

Based in Shenzhen, in Guangdong Province, the joint venture will have initial annual production capacity of 200,000 vehicles and engines: these will meet the highest environmental standards. It will operate two production lines, through the renovation of an existing line and the building of a new line. Each will produce a specific range of vehicles. The joint venture will also have an R&D center.

The new company will be capitalized at RMB 4 billion, to be shared equally by the two partners, and backed by an initial investment of RMB 8.4 billion.

The first vehicle is scheduled to be launched in second-half 2012.

The joint venture remains subject to final approval by the relevant authorities.

* Change : 1 € = 9 RMB