It’s a bird! It’s a plane! Actually, it’s a headlamp, and it belongs to the Nissan Townpod concept, which is set to debut at this month’s 2010 Paris Motor Show.

Apart from a stylish lens, projector optic, and blue-tinted light, the photo doesn’t reveal much about the electric-vehicle show car. Nissan’s release copy isn’t much better, but it does suggest the Townpod is some sort of crossover between car and van, designed to cater to “innovative entrepreneurs.”

Hmm. Sounds to us like the Townpod could be a small electric commercial van, much like the so-called e-LCV Nissan hinted at last November. A preview sketch, which suggested an EV based off the company’s small NV200 van, bears some resemblance to the headlamp shown above. If so, expect the showcar to share parts or all of its EV driveline with the Leaf, as it and the NV200 ride on modified versions of Nissan’s B-platform architecture.

We’ll know for certain by September 30 at the very latest, when Nissan is scheduled to pull the wraps off the Townpod concept at the Paris show. Stay with Automobile Magazine for all the latest news and debuts from the 2010 Paris Motor Show.

Source: Nissan

Toyota’s stepping up its B-segment MPV game at this year’s Paris Motor Show, but they won’t be without competition. Hyundai announced today it will unveil a competitor – the 2011 ix20 — at the same show venue.

It’s hard to glean precise details from the artistic teaser sketch released by the automaker this morning, but it’s obvious the company’s fluidic sculpture design ethos is prominently on display. The mini-minivan appears to be quite curvaceous, with a front fascia that bears significant resemblance to that used on the new Tucson (or ix35, as it’s known in Europe). Those swoopy lines continue down the sides of the ix20, as designers seem to have blessed the ix20 with large, flared wheel wells, a dramatically curved windshield, and a subtly-sloped roofline. Snazzy indeed, and the curvaceous form may be enough to rival the likes of the stylish next-generation Opel Meriva.

Hyundai’s presently mum on the technical details, but we wouldn’t be surprised if the new ix20 rides upon a modified version of the B-segment platform used in the European i20 hatchback. If so, expect the small MPV to be powered by either a 1.4-liter gasoline or diesel I-4.

Although the ix20 will launch in time to battle Toyota’s new Verso-S in Europe, we’re doubtful the little crossover will come our way. Hyundai U.S. spokesman Dan Bedore tells us there are currently no plans to bring the ix20 to the North American market.

Stay with Automobile Magazine online for all the latest news, debuts, and buzz surrounding the Paris Motor Show.

Source: Hyundai

German auto giant Volkswagen may be eyeing Alfa Romeo, but that doesn’t stop Alfisti of all walks of life from admiring the marque’s proud heritage. Although Alfa has been absent from the U.S. market for over a decade, the brand is alive and well across the globe.

In a recent poll to determine which Alfa is most loved in the United Kingdom, the Alfa Giulia GTAm (pictured above) came out on top, beating out the modern 8C Competizione supercar, among others. With Fiat’s tentative plans to reintroduce Alfa Romeo to America, we want your input: Which Alfa is your favorite?

Among the likely candidates for modern favorite are the ice-cool 159 sedan and sleek Brera hatchback and spider. Or, you might prefer to venture into Alfa’s heritage collection, to classics like the Alfasud or the convertibles that earned the brand a reputation for sportiness throughout the decades.

Which Alfa earns the top spot in your heart (or a place in your garage)?

Today’s Snap Judgment:

Which Alfa reigns supreme?

Did the Brits get it right? Let us know what you think in the comments section and on the Automobile Magazine Facebook page.

Source: Alfa Romeo