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Nissan’s new lightweight philosophy revealed

The leaked official drawings of the new Nissan Micra might have revealed the conventional styling of the company’s new supermini, but they gave little clue to the dramatically lightweight new platform that underpins it. The new Micra will be significantly lighter and more fuel efficient than the outgoing car due to a ruthless pursuit of weight reduction on the new V-platform (V = versatile), which on average has slashed 50kg from the new car's weight, and up to 70kg on some models. Project leader Noritaka Tsuru described the new package as a 'breakthrough car' that required a complete 'change in mentality' in how Nissan makes cars.

Alfa at the Paris motor show 2008

By Ben Barry Motor Shows 02 October 2008 20:29 It’s all quiet at Alfa, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to look at. The girls are of an even higher standard than those over the road at Fiat, while the 8C Spider – standing proud in pearl white amid a sea of red – and the recently revised 159 look stunning. We’ve seen the updated saloon and sportwagon a while back, but seeing it in the metal under the spotlights just reinforces how breathtakingly handsome it is.

New Audi Quattro at Paris – The UrQuattro Concept

Audi UrQuattro Concept - Car Magazine's apparently 'On the Money' rendering It’s thirty years since the Audi Quattro stormed the world and changed the perception of Audi forever. No longer the son of NSU, but a premium maker with rally heart; in many ways the real beginning of the Audi world domination plan. At Geneva this year Audi payed homage to its history, but word is reaching us that the Paris Motor Show will go one step further, with a full-blown, ready to produce 21st century Audi UrQuattro Concept.