| See two? |
| The Chinese have got themselves a smart, small car. And it's from Citroen. Based on the Peugeot 206 (not 207, s'il vous plait) platform, the new Chinese-edition C2 is different from its European namesake. Still, it looks futuristic, like an R2D2 on wheels (call it the R2C2?). |
| This Chinky C2, other than those slanted eyes, has two petrol engines on offer "" a 75 bhp/12 kgm 1.5 and a 106 bhp/14.5 kgm 1.6 16-valver. The latter will come with a four-speed automatic option in addition to the five-speed manual. |
| Citroen has been playing in China since 1992, and this made-for-the-market five-door compact joins the ancient Fukang, the Elysee, Xsara Picasso, C-Triomphe notchback, C5 and the to-be-launched C6. |
| Turismo and more |
| When it was shown as a concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2003, nobody was sure whether Alfa Romeo would get it into production. Too dramatic. Too impractical. Not production friendly. And what have you. But it's here, and it's ready for a world premiere at the Paris Motor Show. |
| Behold, the gorgeous Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione. Designed by Alfa's Centro Stile, the breath-taking Gran Turismo car will be built in limited numbers. The name is pretty hallowed too. The 8C comes from the legendary eight-cylinder engines of the 1930s and 1940s designed by the talented Vittorio Jano. |
| The other part of the name comes from the 6C 2500 Competizione sports coupe which was driven by Fangio and Zanardi at Mille Miglia in 1950. So the Alfa 8C Competizione features a brand new 90° V8 displacing 4691cc, with 450 horses at 7000 rpm and a peak torque of over 47 kgm at 4750 rpm. Alfa's transaxle layout "" where the gearbox is placed at the rear "" allows for a fine balance, leading to effective handling. |
| Of course, it also comes with Alfa Romeo VDC, an advanced stability and traction control system. The interiors are also classic Alfa, tuned towards the driver and making him feel he is piloting a very special car indeed. |
| Mitsubusy |
| While the beleaguered Mitsubishi is bravely showcasing various models in Paris, this caught our eye. It's going to be the global debut of the European-spec Pajero. After over 2.5 million produced in about 25 years and sold across 170 countries, the fourth-in-the-series Pajero is true to nature. |
| It gets a new 3200cc turbodiesel or a 3800cc Mivec petrol option, while the 4WD system has been significantly improved. The next-gen Pajero Evolution, all set to take part in the 2007 Dakar, will also give company to the new Pajero in Paris. |
Explore Business Standard