Paris Motor Show Goes Green

Although the IS hardtop and sedan share certain body components, other elements have been tailored to blend with the retractable’s curvaceous profile. Lexus promises “class-leaving” trunk space and backseat access for the IS 250C. When this potentially sun-drenched model reaches American dealerships in late spring of 2009, both IS 250 and IS 350 versions are planned. The IS 250 gets a 2.5-liter, 204-horsepower engine and either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. Only a six-speed automatic will come with the IS 350 edition.


Before introducing the open IS, Andy Pfeiffenberger, newly named vice-president of Lexus Europe, stressed the importance of hybrid technology. “Today, hybrid is the right solution at the right time,” he said, pointing to the latest SUV hybrid concept. Hybrids emit “hardly any nitrogen oxides or particulates.” Pfeiffenberger noted that in Europe, 60 percent of Lexus RX models sold are the gasoline/electric version.

Italian Retractable for Four: Ferrari California

Despite the emphasis on emissions in Paris, performance wasn’t ignored. To help introduce its brand-new model, Ferrari unleashed a lengthy racing video, full of screaming engines and blazing speed. All this fanfare led to the Ferrari California—the Italian sports carmaker’s first retractable-hardtop model. Developers wanted a sports car that would be significantly different from the current F430, but no less significant. The resulting retractable contains two seats in the back, in contrast to what was dubbed the “extreme” F430 with its two-seat cockpit. Ferrari also sought to pay homage to the state of California, acknowledging the importance of the American market.


Built with a totally different architecture than the F430, the California has an all-new dual-clutch transmission to cut shift times, mating with a 460-horsepower V-8 engine. The metal top will go up or down in 13 seconds, while the car itself can accelerate to 100 kph (62 mph) in 3.9 seconds. Ferrari’s claim of 305 grams/kilometer of CO2 output dwarfs the figures issued by other automakers in Paris; but then, they aren't issuing cars in Ferrari's league. In order to “maintain exclusivity,” no more than 2,700 California coupes will be built next year. Deliveries begin in January, but two years' output is already sold.

smart fortwo—electrified: smart ED

Right around the time that the first “official” smart fortwo cars went on sale in the U.S., during the winter of 2007-08, the smart company—a subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz—was promoting a prototype electric edition. Paris, in October, served as the site of the world debut of the smart ED. Using specially developed batteries, the smart ED promises up to 150 kilometers (93 miles) per charge. Production could begin “as early as next year,” according to Mercedes-Benz. A pilot-testing program has been underway in London for the past year, using first-generation smart cars. Additional pilot programs are planned, before an electric model would go on sale.


Considering its minuscule dimensions, the regular gasoline-engine smart car is not the most frugal small model of the lot. Substituting a fully electric powertrain would give the smart ED an unquestioned—indeed unique—peak position in the fuel-economy race. Already, smart cars are marketed in 37 countries, on five continents. Next year, they go on sale in China. The smart organization recently celebrated its 10th anniversary.

Twin GM Near-Future Ideas: Chevrolet Orlando Concept and Coming-Soon Cruze

Both of the Paris vehicles from General Motors wear Chevrolet badges, but one is real (at least for European customers), while the other is, well, uncertain, like most concept models. European sales of the new Cruze sedan begin in March 2009. Expressing what GM calls a new “global design language,” the Cruze features a steep windshield, sloping rear pillars, arching roofline, and short rear end. Longer and wider than its likely class rivals, the Cruze also uses a “Twin Cockpit” interior—an idea pioneered in Corvettes. Two gasoline engines and a turbodiesel will be offered under European Cruze hoods. Will it ever reach American dealerships? GM advises that the European debut will be “followed by other global markets.” No word yet on whether the list includes North America.

GM’s second world premiere, the Orlando show car, is a seven-passenger multi-purpose vehicle that displays an SUV-like design. According to Chevrolet, its presence signals a new segment for the company, though no claims for near-future production have been stated. Essentially based upon the forthcoming Cruze sedan, its five-door Orlando cousin features flat fenders, to help emphasize the lack of flatness on the vehicle’s body sides. Built on a 2760-mm (108.7-inch) wheelbase, the Orlando holds a 150-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine.

City Car Concept Resembles Sci-fi Ride: Mazda Kiyora Show Car

Mazda has its own take on the reduced-emissions issue, promising “sustainable zoom-zoom.” The company seeks 30-percent greater fuel economy by 2015, along with 23-percent CO2 reduction. Among other advances mentioned, a hydrogen-powered RE (rotary-engine) model is under development.