What did you think of Volkswagen’s Bulli concept, which was just shown for the first time at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show? VW is apparently hoping you liked it, because rumor (via Autocar in the UK) has it that it’s going into production.

The concept version is powered by a 113-horsepower electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack, which can reportedly be charged in less than an hour. We don’t know if the electric powertrain will make it into the production vehicle (our guess would be no, but who knows?), and there is no word on pricing. Still, how cool would it be to once again see a modern Volkswagen Microbus prowling the streets of America? The mind reels at the possibility.

Photos copyright (C)2011 Steven J. Ewing / Damon Lavrinc / AOL

[Source: Autocar]

Rumormill: Volkswagen green lights Bulli for production originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Mar 2011 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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This year’s Geneva Motor Show was as packed as ever with new concept cars that point the way forward for the world’s automakers. And with their debuts now behind us, reports are pouring in on their prospects for production.

First came word that the Alfa Romeo 4C Concept is destined for U.S. showrooms, then reports surfaced of Jaguar passing on Bertone‘s design pitch. Now sources from across the pond are indicating that Mini plans to go ahead with production of its Rocketman concept.

The subcompact show car aimed to pacify purists who bemoan the enlargement of the modern Mini range, and the new model could bridge the gap between the original Mini and the contemporary iteration.

According to Autocar, Mini plans on producing the Rocketman based on the BMW Group’s new front-drive platform and i-initiative technologies. Rather than replace the existing three-door hatchback, however, the production Rocketman would slot in below it (at least in terms of size) in the company’s rapidly expanding range.

Live photos copyright (C)2011 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Source: Autocar]

Rumormill: Mini Rocketman headed for production originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It typically takes months, if not years after a concept car debuts before an automaker confirms whether it will or will not go into production. But in the case of the Renault Captur, it hasn’t even been publicly unveiled yet and reports are already surfacing about its production car future.

According to foreign reports, Renault will build the dynamic crossover as part of the next generation of Clio hatchbacks due next year. Of course, certain elements will be lost in translation from show stand to showroom, but we hope the nifty turn signals integrated into the bodywork make the transition. Those wheels are pretty sweet, too.

We’ll get our first glimpse at the Captur concept at the Geneva Motor Show next week.

[Source: Paultan.org]

Rumormill: Renault to produce Captur concept as a Clio crossover? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Feb 2011 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Fiat Group has got big plans for the upcoming Geneva Motor Show. The Italian automaker will, first of all, be unveiling rebadged versions of existing Chrysler group products for the European market, with a Dodge rebadged as a Fiat and several Chryslers anticipated to debut with Lancia nameplates as well. But what of Alfa Romeo? According to reports, the hottest of Fiat’s core family will roll in with an all-new concept car.

Tentatively dubbeed the 4C GTA, the show car is tipped to pack a 265-horsepower 1.7-liter turbo four into a svelte coupe package. Like the MiTo and Giulietta, the 4C will likely take its design cues after the 8C Competizione (and hopefully a little from the Pininfarina 2uettotanta pictured above) only slotting in below the eight-cylinder supercar in the company’s line-up.

Of course it would have to be approved for production first, and right now all we’ve got are rumors from our unrelated Hellenic compatriots, so stay tuned.

[Source: Autoblog.gr]

Rumormill: Alfa Romeo 4C GTA concept coming to Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Jan 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It sounds like the new Ford Focus lineup is poised to get a little sexier. AutoExpress is reporting that the Blue Oval intends to release a concept coupe version of the newly reworked hatch. Designed to replace the old three-door model elsewhere on the globe, the low-slung ride will take cues from both the Focus ST and ever lust worthy old-school European Capri. The new design is supposedly set to take the stage at the upcoming Detroit Auto Show, meaning that if it makes its way to production, there’s a good chance that American buyers will be able to pick one up.

Details are scarce at the moment, but one unnamed insider says that the design is both lower and wider than the Focus that we’ve seen so far. Otherwise, AutoExpress is speculating that the vehicle will use FoMoCo’s powerful 2.0-liter Ecoboost four-cylinder engine with 247 horsepower. If that’s true, the car should see 0-60 mph runs in the six-second range. Sounds good to us.

With the 2011 Detroit Auto Show right around the corner, we’ll find out soon exactly what Ford has planned for compact fighter.

[Source: AutoExpress]

Rumormill: Ford Focus Coupe concept on the way originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Nov 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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