Paris Preview: BMW 7 Series ActiveHybrid

Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Sedans/Saloons, Green, Paris Motor Show, BMW

Click above for high-res shots of the BMW 7 Series ActiveHybrid

With the arrival of the BMW 7 Series ActiveHybrid, which will make its initial debut at the Paris Motor Show, both BMW and Mercedes-Benz are set to enter the luxury hybrid market that has so far only seen action in the form of the Lexus LS600h. Although BMW was one of the brands that helped develop the sophisticated Two-Mode hybrid system that's currently being used in the full-size 'utes from both GM and Chrysler, the Bavarian automaker has chosen instead to equip its 7 Series with the same mild hybrid architecture that it helped to develop and is used by cross-country rival Daimler. Like the S400 BlueHYBRID, a 120-volt lithium ion battery will be kept underhood along with a small helper motor that's hooked up to the engine, in the case of the BMW, a twin-turbocharged, direct injected 4.4-liter V8. Expect well over 400-horsepower from the gas/electric combo along with combined fuel mileage in the low 20's.

Gallery: BMW 7 Series ActiveHybrid

[Source: AutoblogGreen]

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Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Paris Motor Show

Click above for hi-res gallery of the Pininfarina Sintesi

Italian carrozzeria Pininfarina and French battery manufacturer Bollore have been hard at work developing a new plug-in electric car to bring to market, and reports now indicate that their joint venture will be unveiled next week at the Paris motor show.

Rather than designing the vehicle - which could borrow some themes from the Sintesi concept unveiled this past March at the Geneva Motor Show - for an established automaker, as Pininfarina has done for decades, the new electric car will be sold under their own name. The source of power in the new green creation will be a bank of lithium metal polymer batteries, and is the result of a 150 million euro joint venture between the two firms. It is expected to become available in Europe, Japan and even here in the good old US of A by late 2010, starting with an initial run of 2000 vehicles. In 2011, that number is targeted to increase to 8000 units, 11,000 in 2012 and 15,000 in subsequent years. Those are some ambitious but reasonably staggered targets for the upstart initiative, and we'll be on hand next week to bring you the latest from its unveiling.

[Source: Automotive News Europe - subs. req'd]

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GM's new ad campaigns focus on small cars, SUVs

Filed under: Car Buying, Marketing/Advertising, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM, Saturn

With oil hitting $100 per barrel and customers clamoring for more fuel-efficient vehicles, GM is dropping coin to showcase its smaller transportation. Now is a good time for the General to tout its lighter fare, as the Detroit automaker has some real winners in its stable. The new Chevy Malibu and Cadillac CTS have received critical praise from the automotive press, and early sales receipts show that both vehicles are a hit with the public as well. In fact, GM is looking to increase Malibu production in a soft market due to brisk demand at Chevy dealers around the country. Saturn will also receive ad dollars, as newer products like the Vue could use a boost, and the hot new Astra will benefit from a coming out party.

GM is also concentrating more of its cash on web advertising, and it will also pony up ad dollars to tout Chevrolet as its environmentally friendly brand. While automotive enthusiasts know GM has come up with a string of solid vehicles, the general public may not be as informed. Nothing spreads the word quite like money.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

 

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