Filed under: Convertibles, Infiniti

A second teaser shot for the upcoming Infiniti G37 Convertible has found its way onto the web, and the timing couldn’t be better considering the debut of the Lexus IS250C today at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. Both cars will be setting their sites on the BMW 335i convertible, and the G37 ‘vert will be packing a 328-horsepower 3.7L V6 in its holster when the time comes. Other features include a three-piece folding hardtopIts and a seven-speed automatic transmission, as well as a completely redesigned rear end to accommodate the new roof. The G37 Convertible’s official debut isn’t until the LA Auto Show in November, at which time we’ll get to fully see how the G37 Coupe translates into a convertible. Until then, check out the teasers in our room below.

[Source: Motor Authority]

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Despite the Volkswagen group’s apparent disdain for hybrids, the latest A1 Sportback concept is in fact, a hybrid. It combines a 1.4-liter TSFI gasoline engine with a 20 kW electric motor that’s healthy to deliver as much as 110 pound-feet of torque for short bursts of acceleration. Audi also claims that the A1’s electric motor is powerful enough to propel it up to 62 miles on electric power alone thanks to its powerful lithium-ion batteries.

And that’s not all. How does a 0-to-60 time of 7.9 seconds sound? What about a top speed of 124 mph? Still not enough? It gets 60 mpg, too. Well, at least that’s what Audi says, and when it comes to concepts, who’s checking?

Expect to see an A1 similar to this concept on the roads of Europe in the not-too-distant future. Given its subcompact dimensions, there’s little chance Audi will bring it to the U.S., unless of course that hybrid drivetrain actually works. – Ed Hellwig, Lead Senior Editor, Inside Line

Mini will debut a not-so-mini Mini Crossover concept at the Paris auto show. The vehicle is quite a bit larger than the already large (by original Mini dimensions) Mini Clubman. It’s wider, higher, has more ground clearance, and has a 102.6-inch wheelbase, which is 2.4 inches more than that found on the Clubman.

Perhaps the most interesting design innovation is that it has a minivan-like sliding door on the driver’s side and a conventional rear door on the passenger’s side. In addition, the Clubman’s double rear door has been ditched in favor of a large refrigerator-like rear door.

It’s powered by a 1.6L engine, and of course, has AWD. The car will go on understanding here in 2010.

Full story here.

Here’s Inside Line’s take: 2008 Paris Auto Show Preview: Mini Crossover Concept