At the Paris show they displayed their latest version of their Active Wheel technology. This is not exactly new, as Michelin has been experimenting with this intent for several years.

Essentially the Active Wheel is nothing more than a normal wheel that houses two electric motors. One of the motors transmits power to the ground, whereas the other controls the suspension to wage comfort, handling and stability. It’s designed for battery or fuel-cell powered electric vehicles. So-equipped vehicles will no longer need any gearbox, clutch, transmission shaft, universal joint or anti-roll bar.

The compact drive motor and integrated suspension system have allowed engineers to fit a standard brake disc between the motors, which means the braking, drive and suspension components are all fitted within the single wheel.

Full story here.

At the debut of the Mini Crossover concept it was learned that the next generation of Minis will be smaller.

Mini spokesman Dr. Wolfgang Armbrecht, states: “While I am working in this job no Mini will be longer than 4.10 [i.e. four meters and ten centimeters, or 162 inches].” That’s exactly the length of the Crossover concept.

Here’s Inside Line’s take: 2008 Paris Auto Show: Mini Shows Crossover, Says It’s Going Smaller in 2012

Helio Castroneves, two-time winner of of the Indy 500, and winner of Dancing with the Stars, has along with two others, been indicted for tax evasion.

Castroneves, a U.S. resident, was indicted by a grand jury on charges of conspiracy to defraud the United States of income taxes and with six separate counts of income tax evasion for tax years 1999 through 2004. Also charged in the indictment were Helio Castroneves’ sister and business manager, Katiucia Castroneves of Miami, and his attorney, Alan R. Miller of Michigan.

It’s alleged that Castroneves, by using an offshore Panamanian shell corporation — Seven Promotions Corporation (Seven Promotions) — fraudulently concealed from the IRS income received from two sources: Coimex Internacional SA (Coimex) and Penske Racing Inc. (Penske).

Castroneves, if convicted, could be covering serious slammer time.

“Taxpayers, small and large, famous and not famous, should be aware of the enormously severe consequences they grappling if they fraudulently use offshore accounts to hide income, including potentially going to prison, paying back all their taxes plus interest and penalties, and being branded a felon for the rest of their lives,” said Nathan J. Hochman, Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Tax Division.

Full story here.

If you live in France and want to drive some serious American muscle, I’ve found your candy store. It’s called American Car City and I stumbled upon its booth about an hour ago. How could anybody miss it? Mustangs. Challengers. Hummers. American Car City has them all. According to their catalog they’d also sell you any Chevy, Ford or Dodge truck, any Cadillac or new Corvette you desire. Even a Ford GT is ready for purchase, and it looks like they’re taking orders on Camaros.

See, the French aren’t so bad. Atleast the ones that are into le muscle.– Scott Oldham, Inside Line Editor in Chief

No need for me to waste your time here with a bunch of contrived humor and unnecessary explanation. Earlier today was a Lamborghini Fashion Show at the Lamborghini stand right in front of the awesome Estoque supersedan. I was there. I took photos. Enjoy. — Scott Oldham, Inside Line Editor in Chief

We’ve already had some seat time behind the wheel of the new Audi RS6, but seeing in again under the lights of a Paris Auto Show stage reminded us of just how tough the new four-door looks. It didn’t hurt that this particular example had what Audi calls the “black optical pack”, an option that replaces all the chrome on the car with flat black trim.

Would a Cadillac CTS-V look as good with a similar package? Yes.

Will we ever find out? No. - Ed Hellwig, Lead Senior Editor, Inside Line

Many in the auto industry are counting the Senate and Congress financial rescue to stem the bleeding at car dealers crossways the country. To say that most folks are freaked out is like saying vanilla cover cream is white in color. Nobody is buying, and if something isn’t done soon, those infamous unchartered waters will be upon us.

For those in a good financial position, this is a great time to buy. The problem is there are too few buyers out there that can claim that.

Full story here.

Here’s Inside Line’s take: Industry’s Future May Hang on Rescue Vote, Execs Say

Many in the auto industry are counting the Senate and Congress financial rescue to stem the bleeding at car dealers crossways the country. To say that most folks are freaked out is like saying vanilla cover cream is white in color. Nobody is buying, and if something isn’t done soon, those infamous unchartered waters will be upon us.

For those in a good financial position, this is a great time to buy. The problem is there are too few buyers out there that can claim that.

Full story here.

Here’s Inside Line’s take: Industry’s Future May Hang on Rescue Vote, Execs Say

The official unveiling of the 2011 Chevy Cruze has had all the pomp and circumstance of a Tuesday. No press conference. No diversion girls. No nothing. Just the car sitting in the Chevy stand on a plain white platform.

This understated approach could not be more appropriate for GM’s soon to be small sedan, which will be sold around the world and will replace the Cobalt in the States. The car itself displays a welcome simplicity. Sobriety in the center of an auto show filled with machines that are simply trying too hard.

Well, almost. Somebody at Chevy fitted the show car with oversized rubber and a massive set of crossdrilled brakes (pictures after the jump). Something tells me the production model will get a different set of stoppers. Just a hunch. — Scott Oldham, Inside Line Editor in Chief

Lotus wins. — Scott Oldham, Inside Line Editor in Chief