The bomb was placed under the driver's seat, causing the lower part of his body to tear apart upon detonation. His body lay slumped on one side after the blast as fire crews arrived on the scene.
A passerby was wounded, several cars were damaged and windows in nearby buildings were shattered by the explosion. Interior Minister Hassan al-Sabaa said the bomb weighed between 500-700 grams and was most likely detonated by remote control.
Witnesses were in shock and disbelief that such a crime could take place, particularly in such a busy and crowded area.
"I was walking into the building when the explosion happened, the glass shattered everywhere and I ran inside to check on my family," neighbor Samir Salim said. "I'm still terrified. It has not sunk in yet."
Kassir has continually criticized Syria and the pro-Syrian Lebanese government and intelligence apparatus. In 2001 the Syrian-backed security services harassed Kassir, seized his passport and threatened him with arrest at Beirut airport. He was said to have received several death threats.
In his last column in An-Nahar on Friday, Kassir criticized the Syrian government for their unwillingness to enact rapid change.
France condemned the killing of Kassir in an official statement: "France reiterates its commitment, and that of the international community, to the stability of Lebanon, particularly during the election period which is underway."
Kassir, 45, also holds a French nationality.
Five previous blasts have rocked Christian areas in and around Beirut since March, killing three people and wounding about 50.
Full coverage from Ya Libnan:
* So who murdered Samir Kassir?
* Lebanon protests another murder: Pictures from Martyrs' Square
* Lebanese Journalists pay tribute to murdered colleague
* Lebanon's murdered journalist: An open letter to the Lebanese
* Vigil held to honor slain journalist in Beirut
* France & Lebanon outraged for assassination of Lebanese Journalist
* Tragedy strikes again in Beirut
* Journalist targeted and killed in Beirut explosion
* Opposition blames Lahoud and Syria for latest assassination
* Anti-Syrian journalist murdered in Beirut
* Photographs of Samir Kassir's tragic crime scene
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