Bonnes Nouvelles! Citroën Boss Says Metropolis Concept will Spawn DS9 Limo Made in China

Citroën's CEO of Asian operations, Gregoire Olivier, has revealed that the company is planning a production version of the beautifully styled Metropolis concept car to compete against German luxury brands, primarily in China.
The sporty looking limousine, which will most likely be called the DS9, will be built by PSA/Peugeot-Citroën's joint venture with Changan Automobile Group in China.
"The Metropolis will happen -- it will become a real car," Olivier told Autonews China on the sidelines of an industry conference in Shanghai. "The same styling elements will be used for a high-level Citroen car to be developed in China. We want to build up the premier line in China -- the Metropolis is emblematic of our approach."
Olivier did not reveal production volume estimates or a market launch date for the production version of the Metropolis. Also, no word on when and which other markets (aside from China) the DS9 will be offered. However, PSA executives have noted that they are not sure if they'll sell a hybrid version of the car in China, which leads us to assume the DS9 could be offered in other markets including Europe as the firm's flagship model.
The Metropolis concept car is the creation of Citroën's international design team that is based in Shanghai since 2008. Even though it is built on the same platform as the Citroen C6 and Peugeot 508, the imposing limousine measures an impressive 5.3m in length, 2.0m in width and 1.4m in height, meaning its larger than the long wheel-base version of the new Audi A8.
In concept form, the Metropolis features a hybrid powertrain comprising of a 2.0-liter V6 engine connected to a 7-speed, dual-clutch electronic gearbox, and an electric motor.
At low speeds, the concept can run in pure electric mode with the battery-powered motor delivering a continuous 55bhp (40kW) and a peak output of 95bhp. According to Citroen, at steady speeds on main roads and motorways, the V6 engine provides 272bhp (200kW) and 375Nm of torque, but when additional performance is required, the car uses both the powerplants to deliver a maximum output of 460bhp (345kW) and 430Nm of torque. It also features a four-wheel drive mode for when extra grip is needed.
Source: Autonews China

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2011 Car of the Year: 7 Finalists Announced

There were 41 candidates eligible for the European 2011 Car of the Year (COTY) award, with quite a few big names being mentioned, such as the Audi A7 Sportback and A8, BMW 5-Series and X3, Jaguar XJ and Mercedes Benz CLS. This week, the list was narrowed down to just seven finalists and, as in previous years, some of them weren't really expected to make it this far.
Our summary presents the remaining candidates in alphabetical order, with the winner set to be announced on November 29. We'd really like to know which of the seven cars would get your vote, though, so comment away below.
And the nominees are…


Alfa Romeo Giulietta
No COTY final should be without an Alfa Romeo. The Italian manufacturer builds some of the most beautiful and sexy cars on the planet. For this alone they deserve a nomination. The Giulietta is no exception, as it revives the name of the first mass-produced Alfa. Fortunately, unlike its 1950s predecessor, the modern day Giulietta is a much more reliable and safer car (it has a 5 star EuroNCAP rating), with a wide range of engine choices, of which the 235 hp (175 kW) 1.8-liter turbocharged version really stands out.

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Citroën C3/DS3
Citroën is also known as a design reference, though its creations don't stir as much passion as Alfas. They're more eccentric, weird even, but mostly in a good way. The new C3/DS3 pair continues this trend, albeit with better interiors, more standard equipment and excellent petrol and diesel engines. The panoramic Zenith windscreen deserves special recognition, as it not only looks cool, but it also significantly improves the angle of vision from inside the cabin.

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Dacia Duster
I grew up around Dacias and it's obvious that Renault did a good job revitalizing the Romanian brand, but I wasn't expecting this. Sure, it is the most affordable European SUV, it does have a larger-than-expected interior (and boot), surprisingly good off-road capabilities and decent engines (especially the 85 hp [63 kW] 1.5-liter diesel), but I didn't think its image was strong enough to be a COTY finalist (though it's getting stronger every day). Still, sometimes it's good to be proven wrong.

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Ford C-Max/Grand C-Max
The original C-Max was criticized for not having seven seats. Enter the Grand C-Max, now suitable for 7 passengers thanks to its stretched wheelbase and a foldable third row of seats. This generation of C-Max also showcases Ford's new direct injection, force inducted Ecoboost engines, with ample power (up to 180 hp/134 kW) and torque, plus good fuel efficiency.

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Nissan Leaf
Nissan's EV is quite a technological marvel that's set to get a lot of political backing in the following years, as many governments try to change people's opinions on alternative fuels. With a range of more than a 100 miles (160 km), the Leaf can be used as an everyday car without any major impediments, the 110 hp (80 kW) electric motor being more than up to the task, reviewers say.

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Opel/Vauxhall Meriva
The new Meriva wants to build on its predecessor's success (it was the leader of the small MPV segment), by using a bigger platform for more interior space and increased boot capacity. Access to the cabin has been dramatically improved by the rear "suicide" (or rear-hinged) doors, which also add a stylish note to the Meriva's design. Multiple engine choices are available, with strong, economical diesels taking center stage.

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Volvo S60/V60
The S60 is a truly beautiful car, a tribute to the so-called IKEA design, one that seems to signal Volvo's renaissance (now under Chinese ownership). Contrary to its predecessor, the new model is meant to compete with the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes C-Class & Co. Measuring 4.63 meters in length, it easily trumps the Germans and we haven't mentioned yet the V60's even more versatile interior. Younger buyers could be persuaded by the 3.0-liter turbocharged I6 petrol engine, with 304 hp (227 kW) on tap, while the more "mature" public can opt for frugal 4 or 5-cylinder diesel engines. Volvo's excellent safety record is another good point for the S60.

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So, there you have it, the last seven standing gringos. But only one can survive this shootout and if you're asking for my take, that would be the Alfa Romeo. I'm happy that the Duster made it this far, I can appreciate the insane amount of engineering showcased by the Leaf and Volvo's comeback with the new S60, but, in my opinion, the winner must "speak" to you on a more personal level. And for me, the Giulietta does that best.

By Csaba Daradics

Skoda Yeti in India - Specifications, Reviews and Prices

Skoda Yeti variants in India, Ambiente & Elegance - Features and Details


Skoda, an automobile manufacturer from Czech republic, also a subsidiary unit of the world famous brand, Volkswagen group is now all set to launch it's new Crossover model, Skoda Yeti in the ever growing D segment of the Indian automobile field. This is the first ever Crossover model by Skoda in the Indian market and it will be available mainly in two variants, Skoda Yeti Elegance and Skoda Yeti Ambiente.

This new Skoda Yeti comes to India with a 1968cc, TDi, 4 Cylinder Diesel engine and it gives a Maximum Power of 140 Bhp @ 4200 rpm and Maximum Torque of 320 Nm @ 1750 rpm. This new Skoda Yeti features a Top speed of 190 km and the Mileage of this new Skoda Crossover is about 17.00 kmpl in highway and 13.00 kmpl in cities. Also, the maximum fuel tank capacity is about 60 km.

It should be noted that the main difference between the two variants of Skoda Yeti, elegance and ambiente is that Elegance has 6 airbags in comparison to 2 in ambiente variant and it has 12 speakers with music system in comparison to 8 in ambiente variant. This new Skoda Yeti features a Six Speed Manual Transmission and also comes with a suspension of McPherson Suspension, Multi-element Axle and a tyre size of 215/60 R16.

This new Skoda Yeti, a 5 seater is available in India in six shades: Mato Brown, Candy White, Brilliant Silver, Corrida Red, Magic Black and Aqua Mist. This new Skoda Yeti Ambiente is available for Rs. 15.40 lakhs and Elegance is available for Rs. 16.62 lakhs (ex-showroom New Delhi).

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Rossin Bertin Vorax Sports Cars Concept

Rossin Bertin Vorax Sports Cars Concept

The first ever Brazilian sports cars was recently unveiled at the 2010 Sao Paulo auto show in Brazil and its name – Rossin-Bertin Vorax. Manufacturers of Rossiné Bertin Vorax went for a healthy diet for a motor that must ensure their supercars just – the V10 engine of the BMW M5.

The car itself is a dramatic and menacing looking coupe (a convertible is to follow later). The lines are fairly unique, and Rossin has done a good job of making the car look different from most other generic supercar prototypes. It features a carbon fiber body over an aluminum chassis, cradling the Bavarian ten-pot in two states of trim: naturally aspirated with 570 horsepower, or supercharged with 750.

Rossin Bertin Vorax Sports Cars Concept

The standard V10 version accelerates up to 62mph in 3.8-second and has a top speed of 205mph (329km/h). The supercharged motor has a better acceleration time of 3.6 and its 180 extra horsepower pushes the car up to a much higher top speed of 231mph (371km/h).

The two men behind the Vorax are CEO and designer Fharys Rossin and (presumably lead investor) Natalino Bertin Jr. The former is a 37-year-old ex-GM designer and the latter is the 29-year-old, car-mad heir to the Bertin Group of slaughterhouses. Mr. Rossin wanted to build a supercar that could compete with the likes of Ferrari, Lamborghini and Porsche; a heady goal.

Rossin Bertin Vorax Sports Cars Concept

Bankrolled by meat industry scion Natolino Bertin, Jr. and realized by former General Motors designer Fharys Rossin, the Rossin Bertin Vorax Sports Cars Concept coupe is targeted to hit the market late 2011 or early 2012.

Production of the Vorax coupe will begin at a proposed plant in Blumenau, Brazil in late 2011 or early 2012. A convertible is set to follow twelve months later. Rossin-Bertin expect to sell between 500 and 1,000 Voraxes for around R$700,000 (US$409,836) each. In addition, in 2013, Rossin-Bertin plans to launch a series of open-source version Vorax.

Rossin Bertin Vorax Sports Cars Concept

Rossin Bertin Vorax Sports Cars Concept

Rossin Bertin Vorax Sports Cars Concept

The first ever Brazilian sports cars was recently unveiled at the 2010 Sao Paulo auto show in Brazil and its name – Rossin-Bertin Vorax. Manufacturers of Rossiné Bertin Vorax went for a healthy diet for a motor that must ensure their supercars just – the V10 engine of the BMW M5.

The car itself is a dramatic and menacing looking coupe (a convertible is to follow later). The lines are fairly unique, and Rossin has done a good job of making the car look different from most other generic supercar prototypes. It features a carbon fiber body over an aluminum chassis, cradling the Bavarian ten-pot in two states of trim: naturally aspirated with 570 horsepower, or supercharged with 750.

Rossin Bertin Vorax Sports Cars Concept

The standard V10 version accelerates up to 62mph in 3.8-second and has a top speed of 205mph (329km/h). The supercharged motor has a better acceleration time of 3.6 and its 180 extra horsepower pushes the car up to a much higher top speed of 231mph (371km/h).

The two men behind the Vorax are CEO and designer Fharys Rossin and (presumably lead investor) Natalino Bertin Jr. The former is a 37-year-old ex-GM designer and the latter is the 29-year-old, car-mad heir to the Bertin Group of slaughterhouses. Mr. Rossin wanted to build a supercar that could compete with the likes of Ferrari, Lamborghini and Porsche; a heady goal.

Rossin Bertin Vorax Sports Cars Concept

Bankrolled by meat industry scion Natolino Bertin, Jr. and realized by former General Motors designer Fharys Rossin, the Rossin Bertin Vorax Sports Cars Concept coupe is targeted to hit the market late 2011 or early 2012.

Production of the Vorax coupe will begin at a proposed plant in Blumenau, Brazil in late 2011 or early 2012. A convertible is set to follow twelve months later. Rossin-Bertin expect to sell between 500 and 1,000 Voraxes for around R$700,000 (US$409,836) each. In addition, in 2013, Rossin-Bertin plans to launch a series of open-source version Vorax.

Rossin Bertin Vorax Sports Cars Concept

Family Ties: Chrysler and Dodge Group Shots

We're still waiting for the Chrysler Group to release some decent photo galleries of its newest models - and in particular, of the Dodge Charger and the Chrysler 200 - but until then, here are two group shots, one including all of the 2011MY Dodge models such as the Avenger, Charger, Challenger, Durango, Journey and Grand Caravan, and the other, the updated Chrysler 200 sedan and Town & Country.

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