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While we’re gearing up for the 2012 Detroit Auto Show next month, Ford is getting read to take on the Delhi Auto Expo with a gamut of production and concept vehicles. The company has released a teaser for what is likely the company’s next EcoSport CUV to stir up interest.

The second-generation production vehicle is likely based on the same platform as the Ford Fiesta (the outgoing EcoSport is based on Ford’s foreign market Fusion crossover) and will make its way around the globe in select markets as part of the automaker’s “One Ford” strategy. That means European buyers will get a shot at taking home an EcoSport of their own, though we don’t expect the model to show up on our shores anytime soon.

Ford will also show off the company’s Figo, Fiesta, Ford Classic and Endeavour to the Indian market. The Delhi Auto Expo kicks off on January 7 and runs through January 11. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Ford teases next EcoSport ahead of New Delhi

Ford teases next EcoSport ahead of New Delhi originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Dec 2011 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Omni Auto reports that Mercedes-Benz will debut the F 125! gullwing coupe concept seen here at this week’s Frankfurt Motor Show.

According to Omni Auto, the F 125! concept showcases M-B’s design direction for the 2025 CL-Class. It’s unknown if the German automaker intends to make a production CL that’s fueled by hydrogen, but if the German automaker does, then Omni Auto says its likely that the setup featured in the F 125! that will be used. In this case, that means four electric motors cranking out a combined 231 horsepower. That level of grunt allows the F 125! to hit a top speed of 137 miles and zip from 0 to 62 mph in 4.9 seconds. According to Omni Auto’s leaked information, Benz says the F 125! consumes 0.79 kilograms of hydrogen per 100 kilometers and that the stylish coupe can travel up to 621 miles on a full tank.

As you can probably tell, the F 125! draws styling cues from the automaker’s F800 Style concept, a four-door sedan that debuted at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. However, the prototype F 125! features a chassis made from a mix of carbon fiber, aluminum and plastics along with a unique carbon fiber tank to hold hydrogen at 700 bar. The gullwing’s 10-kWh lithium-ion battery pack allows the 125 F! to travel approximately 31 miles before activation of the on-board fuel cell is required.

Look for us to post live shots and more details on the Mercedes-Benz F 125! concept when it debuts in Frankfurt, but for the moment, be sure to check out the image gallery to see the concept’s trick slide-out trunk and stylized design.

Mercedes-Benz F125! gullwing fuel cell concept leaks ahead of Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Sep 2011 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Of all of the divisions under the Volkswagen Group’s vast corporate umbrella, Skoda‘s wouldn’t exactly be what you’d call the most exciting. But the Czech automaker is working on improving that. Skoda plans on releasing a new product every six months for the next two years, and this is the first in its new model offensive.

Called the MissionL, what you see here is a concept car, but one in which – according to Skoda, at least – will lead directly to a new production model. The styling already looks edgier than the company’s existing range of models, and will be unveiled next week at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

After that, the MissionL is set to be turned into a new production five-door liftback targeted at the European, Russian and Chinese markets, with a sedan version headed to India. We’ll reserve judgement for when we see the show car up close, but if this is a sign of what’s to come from Skoda, it looks to be a rather sharp sign indeed.

Continue reading Skoda teases MissionL concept ahead of Frankfurt debut

Skoda teases MissionL concept ahead of Frankfurt debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Sep 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Peugeot has released a few images of its HX1 Concept car ahead of the vehicle’s debut at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show. The low-slung MPV can seat up to six adults while retaining a remarkably low drag coefficient of just 0.28. That’s thanks to a few clever design tricks like wheel blades that open up to form a flat surface, as well as some clever side skirt and spoiler work.

As you might expect, that’s not the only show-circuit wizardry that the HX1 has to offer. Occupants enter and exit via five rear-hinged half-scissor doors. Additionally, a center row of seating can be created by a set of pull-out buckets integrated into the front seats.

Not surprisingly, the HX1 gets its power from a plug-in hybrid drivetrain. A 204-horsepower 2.4-liter turbo-diesel engine provides power to the front wheels while an electric motor takes care of spinning the rear tires. All told, the vehicle produces 299 horsepower while returning 88.2 miles per gallon. Hit the jump for the press release.

Continue reading Peugeot HX1 concept revealed ahead of Frankfurt

Peugeot HX1 concept revealed ahead of Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Aug 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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