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Jeep Patriot Back Country & Jeep Compass Overland

Two new concepts at Paris Auto Show

 |  Jan 02, 2:58 PM

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Jeep used the Paris Motor Show to display two concept versions of its popular compact SUVs, the Patriot and Compass.

The Jeep Patriot Back Country is a rugged vehicle designed for a more active lifestyle. Looking familiar from the outside, the inside receives a significant update with earthy colors and textures. The SUV also features a list of authentic Jeep accessories by Mopar.

As for the Compass Overland concept, it moved the compact SUV up-market with a classy design and superior safety, connectivity and audio features. Many of the style highlights on the Compass Overland have been adapted from the popular Grand Cherokee Overland and Commander Overland production SUVs.

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Both SUVs feature improved sound-deadening, an improved ride quality, redesigned instrument clusters, center consoles and door trim panels, as well as custom interior materials and colors. We expect Jeep will add these two vehicles to its lineup in 2010.

Jeep Patriot Back Country:

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Jeep Compass Overland:

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Official release after the jump:
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UNVEILED: 2009 Ferrari California

Hard-top convertible a user-friendly exotic thanks to double-clutch tranny, torque and creature comforts

 |  Dec 29, 11:35 AM

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Unveiled at the Paris Motor Show, the Ferrari California is designed to appeal to a broader market. This is due, mostly, to the fact that is has been designed to be better suited to regular use. It is still an exotic, however, and the proof is in the engine, a high-revving 4.3L V8 that makes 460hp at 7750 rpm and 358-ft-lbs of torque at 5000 rpm. It’s the same engine found in the F430 but with direct injection and tuned for slightly less hp and slightly more torque.

The California also has tons of creature comforts including a stunning interior and a 6.5-inch display screen. All the interior amenities, combined with the retractable hardtop (which takes just 14 seconds to open or close) make for a hefty curb weight of 3,825 lbs. Still, the California can hit 60 mph in four seconds and race on to a top speed of 196 mph. This is all achieved through a new (and more user-friendly) seven-speed double clutch gearbox.

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Official release after the jump:
Continue Reading…