Volkswagen XL Sport Concept

Putting a high-performance spin on the original, efficiency-oriented XL1 that was shown last year in Geneva, Volkswagen surprised the crowds in Paris by unveiling this boldly recast variation on the theme: the XL Sport Concept.  While sharing a good deal of its lightweight engineering with VW's limited-production mileage-maxing plug-in hybrid that delivers 261 mpg, this new concept matches bolder looks and a redesigned chassis with a 197-horsepower Ducati motorcycle engine that ups the performance quotient.

Although retaining the XL1's largely polycarbonate structure and an extremely clean aero profile, the new XL Sport does have the look of a serious racer. Longer and wider, it carries over the swing-up door configuration and remains a mere 45.5 inches tall. However, the wheelbase has been stretched by 7.8-inches and the revamped fenders are more aggressively contoured to house 205/40 tires on 18-inch ultralight forged magnesium wheels up front and 265/35 rubber at the rear. The rest of the XL Sport's bodywork also has been redone to emphasize its go-fast character. An edgier front fascia features new cooling vents, while functional intakes ahead to the rear wheel arches are complemented by five louvers in the rear roof that automatically deploy to extract engine heat. Rounding out the exterior redo is a large articulated rear spoiler and prominent lower diffuser flanked by a pair of chrome exhaust outlets.

To ensure the XL Sport lives up to its name, this exhilarating VW one-off has a rear-mounted 1,199cc Ducati Superleggera V-Twin engine matched to a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission. Developed by the famed Italian motorcycle manufacturer presently owned by the Audi group, the world's most powerful 2-cylinder revs to 11,000 rpm and makes over 100 more horsepower than the XL1's turbodiesel hybrid setup. That output can send the XL Sport sprinting from 0-62 mph in 5.7 seconds and carry it on to a 168 mph top speed. As a finishing touch, the XL Sport also features a fully retuned/revamped suspension and is fitted with race-spec carbon-ceramic disc brakes. 

The 2-place cabin of the new Volkswagen XL Sport Concept builds off of the XL1's basic design theme but gains a number of unique cues and performance-oriented trim accents to reinforce its more competitive character. These include a carbon fiber cowl panel that eliminates reflections, well-formed Alcantara-trimmed sport buckets and a flat-bottom steering wheel with racing-style shifter paddles along with a new digital instrument cluster that incorporates a lap timer and oil pressure readout. So far, VW has not said if it will produce a limited run of XL Sport models for the street. 

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Volkswagen Golf Alltrack

In what would be a Subaru Outback competitor, Volkswagen launched the new Golf Alltrack model in Paris. While company execs won't comment on its future as part of the U.S. lineup, we're led to believe there's at least a 50/50 chance we'll see some variation of this stylish on/off-roader turn up here at some point, as either a 2017 or 2018 model. 

A key ingredient of the Alltrack formula is its standard 4Motion all-wheel-drive setup that includes off-road profile mapping and specific suspension tuning that adds nearly an inch more ground clearance than a Golf Sportwagen. Incorporating the latest Haldex-5 center differential, 4Motion facilitates near-instant engagement of the rear wheels when traction conditions warrant. The electro-hydraulic clutching mechanism can direct nearly 100 percent of the available engine torque to the rear axle. The new Golf Alltrack also features VW's XDS electronic differential locking on both axles that uses selective braking to optimize steering response when one of inside wheels loses grip in a corner.

Raising its curbside profile 

Like its larger Passat Alltrack sibling seen in concept form at the 2012 New York Auto Show, the new Golf Alltrack features a host of cosmetic touches including more boldly shaped front/rear fascias, new grille inserts, Reflex Silver mirror caps, undefined "underbody protection" elements, protective black wheel arches, side-sill and bumper trim, Silver anodized roof rails, bespoke 17-inch alloy wheels, chrome exhaust tips and the requisite Alltrack badges. Inside, this new Golf crossover-estate boasts a sportier look that includes unique seat coverings, chrome accents, a Composition Touch infotainment system and a Driver Alert System.

At launch, the new Alltrack will be available with four different turbocharged engine choices culled from the existing Euro-spec Golf and backed by a 6-speed DSG automatic transmission. The lineup includes a gasoline-fired 178-horsepower/1.8-liter TSI 4-cylinder and as well as three TDI diesel alternatives: a 108-horse/1.6-liter, a 148-horse/2.0 liter and a range-topping 181-horse/2.0-liter that develops a stout 280 lb-ft of torque from just 1,750 rpm. The most potent motivator ever to be fitted to a Golf wagon of any kind, it lets the Alltrack tow up to 2,000-pounds. We'll have to wait to see if this new Golf offshoot ends up doing any trailering duty here in the States. 

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Toyota C-HR Concept

Providing a look at what may be a compact crossover addition to the next generation Prius family, the Toyota C-HR Concept made its Paris debut. Spun from the automaker's New Global Architecture and showcasing visual cues that "hint at a future design direction for Toyota vehicles," the C-HR Concept also is fitted with Toyota's next-gen hybrid powertrain that will deliver "significantly improved fuel efficiency." 

Styled primarily for European consumers under Toyota's Global Vision philosophy, this C-segment crossover was a cooperative effort that involved teams in Europe as well as Japan. With its corners literally cut by design, the C-HR's diamond-themed lower bodywork is meant to resemble the faceted surfaces of a gemstone. Bold front and rear fascia sculpting and aero-inspired lighting elements create a pronounced 3D look that's reinforced by the C-HR's prominent fender contours and unique wheel design. Crowning the low-profile shape of this 3-door hatch is a floating roof that incorporates a series of patterned openings that create a unique lighting effect inside the C-HR's cabin.

Next-gen hybrid

While Toyota offered no specific no details on the C-HR's gas/electric setup, it's virtually certain to be the same Hybrid Synergy Drive system touched on by TMC's Managing Director Satoshi Ogiso at last year's Toyota Hybrid World Tour 2013. Set for use in the next-gen Prius, it's lighter, smaller and less expensive than the current HSD package. Ogiso confirmed that it will incorporate several advanced battery technologies and pair trimmer but more power-dense electric motors with a new gasoline engine that promises to have the world's best thermal efficiency rating, matchups that should put its combined EPA mark well north of 55 mpg. 

While Toyota continues to aggressively move ahead with launch plans for its Fuel Cell Vehicle that's due to go on sale here next year, the world's leading producer of hybrid vehicles remains fully committed to that technology in the near to mid-term. Recently, it announced that global sales of its Toyota and Lexus Hybrid models had passed the 7 million mark.

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Smart Fortwo 2016

 Completely redesigned, the all-new Smart Fortwo and Forfour were unveiled today in European trim. The new Smarts will go on sale in several markets this fall following their public debut at the Paris Auto Show. While Smart has confirmed we'll see at least the new Fortwo here in the fall of 2015, it has yet to determine the fate of a 4-passenger 4-door Forfour for the U.S. While maintaining the same relative exterior dimensions, the second-generation makeover endows this iconic microcar with "more of just about everything - more space, more color, more equipment -- and even more fun in the city," Smart ceo Annette Winkler said at the Berlin debut.

Developed with technical partner Renault, the new Smart set shares a good deal of the platform and powertrain engineering with the new Renault Twingo. Visually, the remake maintains the car's current size and rear-engine/rear-drive configuration, but the styling has a decidedly more substantial and upscale appearance thanks to its more pronounced nose, bolder grille and LED-infused taillamps. The Smart's signature tridion safety cell that surrounds the passenger compartment also underwent further development to improve its formidable crash protection -- which were once again validated in testing against Mercedes-Benz C-Class and S-Class models. The new Smart also adds a Crosswind Assist feature to enhance stability. 

Better ride promised

All-new underpinnings that match MacPherson struts up front with a DeDion rear axle promise to greatly improve ride comfort for the new Smart while maintaining crisp responsiveness. Enthusiasts can take things on step further with a Sport package that brings stiffer springs and shocks plus a lower ride height. What hasn't changed is the Smart's ability to easily maneuver through the tightest confines. Despite modestly wider track and width dimensions, it still boasts the tightest turning circle spec of any competitive vehicle.

Initially, motivation for the new Smarts comes from a choice of two 3-cylinder gasoline engines: an 898cc triple that make 70 naturally aspirated horsepower and a 999cc turbocharged alternative that cranks out 90 ponies. Each can be paired with a 5-speed manual or optional Twinamic 6-speed dual-clutch automatic - an all-new design that promises to be better than the transmission in the current car. Shortly after launch, a 60-horse base engine also will join the lineup followed by a new Electric Drive model. 

Available in Passion, Prime and Proxy trim grades on the Continent, the cabin of the new Smart displays a similar step up in character. Prominently sculpted dash and door panels are complemented by improved fit/finish, richer-looking fabrics, expanded color choices and enhanced accent elements that further add to the ambiance. Upscale options include real-time navigation, a premium JBL audio system and heated seats. Too soon to know exactly how much of this will be part of the U.S. mix, but it definitively sounds promising.

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Renault Eolab Concept

A precursor of an ultra-efficient design approach affecting products in the years to come, the Renault Eolab Concept matches a slick exterior, ultra-light construction materials and the firm's super-efficient Z.E. Hybrid technology to deliver an amazing 235 mpg. It was developed to demonstrate what it will take to meet the French government's New Industrial Plan that calls for automakers to produce vehicles by 2020 that can return at least half of that figure - the bogey of those ever-more-frequently touted Euro-spec "2-liter/100-kilometer" cars. Embodying no fewer than 100 technological advances destined to appear in future Renaults, the Eolab offers a vision of what to expect as we move deeper into the 21st Century.

Built around a B-segment platform, the subcompact Eolab's purposefully contoured exterior makes a strong visual and aerodynamic statement. Contributing to its stellar 0.235 coefficient of drag are touches like an active front spoiler and rear fender flaps, articulated wheel-spoke shields, a functional rear hatch spoiler, wider front track dimension, ultra-narrow (145mm) low-rolling-resistance tires and an adaptive suspension. Complementing super-high-strength structural steel with numerous low-mass materials including aluminum, magnesium, advanced thermoplastics and various composites, the 4-passenger Eolab tips the scales at a scant 2,105 pounds. 

The Renault Eolab Concept is fitted with the Z.E. Hybrid system that pairs a 75-horsepower/1.0-liter/3-cylinder gasoline engine with a 67-horse electric motor fed by a 6.7kWh lithium ion battery pack. The motor, which also serves as an on-the-fly generator under coasting/braking, is integrated into the Eolab's innovative 3-speed automatic transmission, a unit Renault says is both smaller and lighter than CVTs found in most of today's hybrids. This futuristic front-drive 3-door can travel up to 37 miles in pure Zero Emissions mode at cruise at speeds up to 75 mph. How much of the Eolab Concept makes it into large-scale production and when remains to be seen.  

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