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Italian design house I.DE.A unveiled its new SOFIA concept at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. The concept shows a 4-seater sedan designed to be powered by a hybrid powertrain.

“SOFIA is a concentration of sportiness and elegance, I.DE.A said in a statement. “The curves are graceful, the lines smooth and supple, the shape and profile are as enchanting and alluring as a female figure. The front and rear light clusters convey a captivating and inviting look. Sculpted lines emphasize the front and rear wings with the bird’s eye view showing off the car’s hourglass figure.”

While no firm technical details are available, I.DE.A says that the SOPHIA Concept was designed to accommodate an 8-cylinder engine with a front or rear-wheel drive system. It said that an electrical alternator/actuator setup is also possible.

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Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram production start dates have found their way onto the Internet far ahead of their planned releases. Among the tidbits of information leaked are confirmations of name changes, and contradictions to past information concerning the order of new model releases.

Most of the “leaks” that recently worked their way onto the internet before the start of the Geneva Motor Show were likely more akin to backdoor releases than actual leaks. But when it comes to production schedules, that type of information is generally kept fairly tight to the chest in order to avoid potentially damaging sales numbers for current models.
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Carlos Ghosn, Renault/Nissan CEO said that he is still looking for another strategic partner to cut costs on global technology and vehicle costs. Speaking at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, Ghosn said that he still wants to expand the Renault/Nissan alliance and pursue partnerships.

General Motors turned down a deal more than three years ago and Chrysler canceled its vehicle-sharing deals after it partnered up with Fiat SpA.
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Chrysler is back at the 80th Geneva International Motor Show with the Chrysler 300C design study, Chrysler 300C eco style, PT Cruiser Couture Edition, Chrysler Sebring Cabrio and versatile Chrysler Town & Country image vehicle – prestigious cars that showcase the best of American style – along with Lancia vehicles (for Lancia brand information visit www.lanciapress.com).

For the first time the two brands are displayed in one exhibition area designed to move away from more traditional motor show stand, favoring a symbolic representation of the future convergence of both brands.

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There’s a rare triple treat for Victorian Heritage number plate collectors at Shannons Melbourne Autumn Classic Auction on Monday March 15.

The very desirable black and white numeric plates ‘171’, ‘172’ and ‘173’ are going under the hammer in consecutive lots – the first time three consecutive numeric plates have gone to auction in Victoria since 1998.

At the Shannons Melbourne Motor Show Auction in 1998 the numbers 14, 15 and 16 sold on average for $75,000 apiece.

Today, just 12 years later, they could be expected to bring $400,000-$500,000 if again offered for sale.

Shannons expect 171, 172 and 173 to sell in the range of $95,000-$110,000 each.

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