Autoblog

Spy Shots: Mini working on diesel "S" versions of Cooper, Clubman?

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:42:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Mini, Diesel

Mini Cooper and Clubman S Diesel - Click above for high-res image gallery

Spy shooters posted outside Mini's testing facility in Germany snagged a duo of prototypes heading out for testing, but something seemed amiss. Both models -- a standard Cooper and a mildly camo'd Clubman -- sported the tell-tale exterior elements found on the S versions, specifically a central-mounted dual exhaust on the Cooper and the twin-tips and hood scoop on the Clubman. However, the exhaust note was decidedly diesel, causing us to wonder: Is Mini working on hotted-up S versions of its oil-burners?

If they are -- and we're not convinced either way -- then a Cooper S and Clubman S diesel would need to benefit from more than a few design tweaks and an uprated suspension. Considering that the standard Mini D puts out around 90 horsepower and the Cooper D boasts another 20 bhp, then these S-ified models could be packing upwards of 140 to 150 hp and, more importantly, over 200 lb.-ft. of torque from their 1.6-liter turbodiesels. If they do make it to dealers, we'd expect them to debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March, with sales beginning in Europe late next year.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Mini Cooper and Clubman S Diesel

Spy Shots: Mini working on diesel "S" versions of Cooper, Clubman? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2011 Audi A7 caught in production form

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:56:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Spy Photos, Sedan, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Audi, Luxury

2011 Audi A7 Spied - Click above for high-res image gallery

The intrepid spy shooters at KGP have caught the 2011 Audi A7 uncovered in a testing lab in Germany ahead of its official reveal next year, and the sleek, low-slung saloon/coupe hasn't lost much of its flavor in the transition from showcar to production.

Although the shots don't give us a clear view of the front fascia, the headlamps and front clip have obviously been toned down from its conceptual predecessor shown earlier this year the Detroit Auto Show. However, its sloping roofline and well-integrated hatch would appear to prove that at least one automaker can create a five-door hatch that's simultaneously attractive and functional.

If our tea leaf-reading is accurate, we'd expect to see the A7 make its production debut either in Detroit this January or at the Geneva Motor Show in March. Powertrain options should include everything from Audi's turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four to the S4's supercharged six, along with a V8 option further down the line. And if the BMW 5 Series GranTurismo proves to be a hit in the States, we won't be at all surprised if Audi follows suit and by offering the A7 in North America.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2011 Audi A7

Spy Shots: 2011 Audi A7 caught in production form originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Ferrari preparing hardcore 599 GTO?

Noah Joseph — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Ferrari, Rumormill

Ferrari 599XX - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ferrari often uses its World Finals event to unveil exclusive new versions of its most enticing road cars. The FXX Evoluzione was unveiled there a couple of years ago, and the 16M Scuderia Spider made its debut at the event last year. But aside from a mishap involving Fernando Alonso, Felipe Massa and Luca di Montezemolo in a California convertible, this year's event at Valencia came and went with nothing new to offer. However, the latest churns from the rumormill indicate Maranello could be working on an exciting new project.

Supposedly leaked pre-order sheets reportedly refer to a "599 GTO Limited Edition", named in deference to the iconic 250 GTO (to say nothing of the ground-pounding 288 GTO). Based on the 599 GTB Fiorano, the GTO could be Maranello's answer to arch-rival Lamborghini's Murcielago LP670-4 SuperVeloce.

Incorporating design cues and technologies from the 599XX program, the 599 GTO could benefit from a weight-reduction program to cut some 100-150 pound off the curb weight thanks to the extensive use of carbon fiber, while squeezing out as much as 700 horsepower from the Enzo-derived 6.0-liter V12. Pricing would be expected to jump by as much as a quarter to nearly $400,000, and if the reports prove accurate, the 599 GTO could be ready for debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March with the first of just 500 examples slated for delivery by this time next year.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Ferrari 599xx

[Source: Autogespot]

Rumormill: Ferrari preparing hardcore 599 GTO? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Quattro Shock: Forthcoming Audi A1 lineup reportedly to arrive without AWD

Chris Shunk — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:27:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Audi

Audi Metroproject Quattro Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Audi and Quattro go together like peanut butter and jelly, but Autobild is reporting that the four-ringed automaker's fabulous all-wheel drive system will be excluded from the forthcoming A1 mini car. We're a little surprised to hear that the Quattro tech won't be added considering that the A1's design study, the Audi Metroproject Quattro Concept, includes the word "Quattro" in its name. Regardless, while this news might be a problem for purists, on the practical side, the inclusion of AWD means additional weight and cost, something that's antithetical to the A1's stated mission.

The A1 will reportedly only be available with one gearbox: a seven speed S-Tronic automatic transmission. Autobild reports that the A1 will be available throughout Europe in August or September of next year, with a sportback version coming online in late 2011 and a cabriolet in early 2012. The S1 will reportedly hit production in February of 2011 with a 1.4-liter TFSI powerplant capable of a very respectable 180 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of 6.9 seconds. There's no word on whether Audi plans to offer the A1 in the U.S., but we should know more when the compact runabout is revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

Gallery: Audi metroproject quattro concept

[Source: Autobild via German Car Blog]

Quattro Shock: Forthcoming Audi A1 lineup reportedly to arrive without AWD originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pics Aplenty: Maybach drops full slate of Zeppelin images

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Maybach, Luxury

Maybach Zeppelin 62 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Hi everybody! You're looking at the $612,000 Maybach Zeppelin 62. We've already given out opinion as to why the new Zeppelin range of Maybachs probably ain't worth the extra money. So never mind the economics of the car -- at least for a few minutes. What we have here is a big old gallery worth of images of the new ultra-exclusive top of the line Maybach in its natural habitat. That's right, running around the French Riviera. We'll get to sneak a peak at the new Zeppelin's interior come Geneva. Maybe even sit inside it if we can catch a security guard dozing on the job.

We've been hearing rumors of Maybach's demise for quite some time, but as soon as some pundit yells game over, Daimler's uber-luxury brand goes and releases another model -- like the kooky Landaulet. And we don't mean kooky in a derogatory way. We mean it in a "We're kooky and we'd love to pull up to a roller derby game in a white-on-white Landaulet with half a dozen of our closest friends" kind of way. Failing that, we wouldn't mind rolling 'round town in a Zeppelin. Especially if we're not paying.

Gallery: Maybach Zeppelin

Gallery: 2010 Maybach Zeppelin in SoCal

[Source: Daimler]

Pics Aplenty: Maybach drops full slate of Zeppelin images originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Are you the 2011 Audi A8? Or are you the 2011 Audi A6?

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Spy Photos, Sedan, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Videos, Audi, Luxury

2011 Audi A6 or 2011 Audi A8 - Click above to watch the video

Well, is it? Hard to say. We do know that both a new Audi A8 and A6 are headed our way sooner rather than later. Sooner, as in the South Florida International Auto Show for one of the new Audis, and/or Geneva for the other. We're pretty sure that the car captured in the video you'll soon be watching after the jump is the same sedan wearing the BMW-style psychotropic body wrap in our earlier post. Only now, watching the car in motion and especially seeing it next to other vehicles, we're just not sure the Audi in question is large enough to be an A8.

Which means we might just be looking at the 2011 Audi A6. And we have to say, it almost looks too small to be an A6. Watch as the test mule passes various hatches and economy cars and seems to be about the same height, if not over all size. Maybe the mule's black paint is playing tricks on us. Or maybe - just maybe - the new A6 is going to be smaller than the current car. Time will tell. Thanks for the tips, everyone!

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Are you the 2011 Audi A8? Or are you the 2011 Audi A6?

VIDEO: Are you the 2011 Audi A8? Or are you the 2011 Audi A6? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lookin' Swede: Volvo reveals Geneva-bound 2010 S60 sedan

Noah Joseph — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:27:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Geneva Motor Show, Volvo

2010 Volvo S60 - Click above for high-res image gallery

A company's image can be a burden and a blessing. Volvo, for example, remains keen on ditching its image for boxy, lackluster automobiles, but it's eager to capitalize on its reputation for safety. With its sale from Ford's empire looming on the horizon, the Swedish automaker has been hard at work to spruce up its image, and this is the latest result.

Though predictably toned down for public consumption, the production-ready Volvo S60 sedan bears close resemblance to the stunning S60 Concept that debuted at the Detroit Auto Show nearly a year ago. Gone are the suicide rear doors and the flashy panoramic roof, and the shape of the headlights have been toned down just a touch, but the coupe-like roofline and the aggressive overall styling stay.

On the safety front, the new S60 features a new Pedestrian Detection system that - you guessed it - detects pedestrians and brakes the car to a full stop from up to 30 mph if the driver fails to react.

The new sedan will debut at the Geneva Motor Show next March, with production slated to begin at Volvo's plant in Belgium early next summer. Once out on the road, the new S60 will be gunning for the likes of the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, Acura TL and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, all of which comprise of the most competitive segments in the industry. In the meantime, Trollhattan has released a pair of images you can view in the gallery below and a short press release which we've posted after the jump. Thanks for the tips, everyone!

Gallery: 2010 Volvo S60

[Source: Volvo]

Continue reading Lookin' Swede: Volvo reveals Geneva-bound 2010 S60 sedan

Lookin' Swede: Volvo reveals Geneva-bound 2010 S60 sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mitsubishi sketches out Concept-cX-influenced compact crossover for 2010

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Geneva Motor Show, Japan, Crossover, Mitsubishi, Diesel

Mitsubishi Compact Crossover - Click above for high-res image

It's been two years since Mitsubishi took the wraps off its Concept-cX crossover at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, but before we see the production version at next year's Geneva Motor Show, Mitsubishi has released a teaser sketch of its all-new compact CUV.

Aimed at competing with segment stalwarts like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, the Compact Crossover will be built atop Mitsubishi's new mid-size global architecture with power likely provided by a 1.8-liter turbodiesel channeling around 140 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque through Mitsubishi's Twin-Clutch SST gearbox and all-wheel drive system.

Sales will begin in Japan this February, and we'd expect a petrol-powered version to be released in the States later in 2010. Full details available in the press release below the fold.

Gallery: Mitsubishi Concept-cX

Continue reading Mitsubishi sketches out Concept-cX-influenced compact crossover for 2010

Mitsubishi sketches out Concept-cX-influenced compact crossover for 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Volvo gives sneak preview of new S60 sedan... to a blind artist

Noah Joseph — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Sedan, Geneva Motor Show, Videos, Volvo

Click above to watch the video after the jump

With debuts for new vehicles scheduled months in advance, automakers like to keep us on our proverbial toes with sneak previews. Sometimes they give them to us, and we in turn pass them on to you. Sometimes they give previews to its top customers, who are sworn to secrecy. But whoever they want to show the car to in advance, those people need to, you know...actually see the car.

Volvo, on the other hand, has decided to do things a little differently. The Swedish automaker invited an artist by the name of Eşref Armağan to see the upcoming new S60 sedan, scheduled for its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show next March. The catch? Armağan is blind, and has been since birth.

In order to captivate our imaginations, Volvo's released a series of blurry videos chronicling Armağan's encounter with the S60, the first of which you can view after the jump with more available on Volvo's Facebook page. As far as social media campaigns go, they're worth a watch. And if you squint, you can almost make out what the sedan might look like.

[Source: Volvo via YouTube and Facebook]

Continue reading VIDEO: Volvo gives sneak preview of new S60 sedan... to a blind artist

VIDEO: Volvo gives sneak preview of new S60 sedan... to a blind artist originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Exclusive: Hennessey shows off CFD drawings of Venom GT supercar

Drew Phillips — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Design/Style

Hennessey Venom GT CFD renderings - Click above for high-res image gallery

At the Quail Motorsports Gathering in Monterey, CA we happened to run into a Mr. John Hennessey admiring the same Lamborghini LP670-4 SV we were drooling over. With the Venom GT set to debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, we asked how the project was going. He promptly produced an iPhone and gave us a sneak preview of dozens of CFD (computational fluid dynamics) renderings. At the time, we had no way to show you the photos, but John was kind enough to send a few our way.

As you can see by the renderings, the Venom GT features an adjustable rear wing that also acts as an air brake. We were informed that the Venom GT should be capable of 1.5 negative g's under braking, and that with the carbon ceramic brakes it will be able to stop from 200 mph in seven seconds flat.

We also learned the Venom GT is actually based on a stretched Lotus Exige chassis, making sense of the visual similarities between the two cars. Hennessey told us that he wanted to keep the car as light as possible, and the Exige was the best platform available to help him achieve that goal. The switch from the Viper V10 to the LS9 V8 was done for the same reason, and John liked the idea of an American V8 in an English car -- the same formula that was so successful for Carroll Shelby back in the 1960s. Expect more details to be revealed in the run-up to the Venom's Geneva unveiling, but until then, check out the high-res gallery of CFD renderings below.

Gallery: Hennessey Venom GT CFD renderings

Exclusive: Hennessey shows off CFD drawings of Venom GT supercar originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hennessey Venom GT to debut at 2010 Geneva Motor Show

Drew Phillips — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show

Hennessey Venom GT - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's been two long years since John Hennessey announced plans to build his very own supercar, and we were beginning to wonder if it was ever going to happen. Apparently, Hennessey's plans are still a go as the Texas tuner just announced through its newsletter that the Venom GT will make its official public debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show in March.

Since the initial press release, Hennessey has made a few changes to the car's proposed specs. Listed curb weight has dropped from 2700 to 2400 lbs and the engine is now a "Hennessey V8" rather than a twin-turbo Viper V10. Power rating is "up to 1,200 bhp" rather than the initially stated 1,000 and top speed has been listed as 272 mph. No matter what the final specifications, it sounds like the Venom GT will be sure to impress.

Gallery: Hennessey Venom GT

[Source: Hennessey Performance Engineering]

Hennessey Venom GT to debut at 2010 Geneva Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Aug 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: Alfa Romeo 8C GTA

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 19:27:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Alfa Romeo

Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione - Click image above for a high-res gallery

We have an old saying: there's no such thing as too much Alfa Romeo news. With that in mind, why is the world's hottest Alfa sporting a "Got Milk?" mustache? Because the Photoshop warlocks at Britain's favorite automotive tabloid have no idea what the new 8C GTA is actually going to look like. Here's what we think we know. Alfa Romeo is going to release a carbon fiber intensive 8C Competizione variant called the GTA to celebrate the marque's centenary next year.

Thanks to all the exotic weave, the GTA will be over 300 pounds lighter than the "regular" Competizione, and with a new ECU and stouter internals, the 4.7-liter F430 derived V8 should produce more than 500 horsepower -- just in time to not upstage the 458 Italia's 562 hp. All that power will get neutralized by optional carbon-ceramic stoppers and naturally, expect the GTA's suspension to be much stiffer than the current car's GT tuning.

If it sounds like Alfa might be considering a return to the race track we can only give the thumbs up, smile and mutter under our breath, "about time." And it might help explain the white mouth. Price? Over $300,000. How many? Just 100 examples, total. We're expecting to catch an actual glimpse of the 8C GTA at the Geneva Motor Show this coming March.

Gallery: 2009 Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione

[Source: AutoExpress]

Rendered Speculation: Alfa Romeo 8C GTA originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Aug 2009 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dealer accidently unveils Audi R8 Spyder in classified ad?

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Spy Photos, Convertible, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Marketing/Advertising, Audi, UK

Stafford Audi, a U.K. Audi dealer, placed an advertisement on the popular website Pistonheads for the forthcoming R8 Spider. For a picture of the car, they used an uncamouflaged picture of an R8 Spider from the Iron Man sequel, as you can see from the California license plate that reads "Stark." According to the ad, though, the car was "spotted testing in Germany."

The ad copy goes on to say that the production car will differ from the coupe in the lack of side blades, extra air intakes behind the rear seats, a different location for the fuel filler cap, and the addition of rollover hoops that we assume are hidden until needed.

The car won't make its debut until the Geneva Motor Show in March 2010, but you can deposit down on one right now with Stafford. Estimated price: £105,000 ($177K U.S.).

Gallery: 2010 Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro

[Source: Pistonheads]

Dealer accidently unveils Audi R8 Spyder in classified ad? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Aug 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alfa Romeo MiTo too small for the U.S.?

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Alfa Romeo

Alfa Romeo MiTo - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Small cars have historically struggled in the land of the free, home of the brave. Typically regarded as an afterthought by Detroit, our current domestic crop (Focus, Aveo, Caliber) needs more fertilizer. Imported "penalty boxes" fair somewhat better, but for every Honda Fit there's a Daihatsu Charade. Long story short, profit margins are slim and Americans are big people with big families that drive big distances. However, BMW's new Mini made serious and surprising inroads by giving small car buyers lots of content and high style (and a high price tag). BMW's sold 1.5 million of them, and given the Mini's success, it seems like a no brainer that Alfa Romeo (maybe via Chrysler) would bring the sexy little MiTo to our shores. Italian styling, sporty handling and high MPGs seem like a winning combo. Sadly, no -- maybe.

According to Alfa Romeo CEO Sergio Cravero, the MiTo is, "probably too small for today's U.S. market." In case you're wondering, the MiTo is the size of a Honda Fit. He goes on to say that, "A preliminary product assessment for a sporty three-door small hatchback showed potential volumes in the U.S. right now are roughly 20,000 units a year. That is not enough to make it a viable business case." Worrying about business cases in the U.S. is definitely a new paradigm for Alfa. But we're not going to fret too much, as Alfa Romeos will be making their way to American dealerships sometime in 2011. The first of which will probably be the Milano, a five-door mid-sized hatchback that we'll see at the Geneva Motor Show. Still, regarding the apparent no-show of the MiTo, we're a little bummed.

Gallery: First Drive: Alfa MiTo

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Alfa Romeo MiTo too small for the U.S.? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Jul 2009 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Spyker D12 SSUV to get Cadillac CTS-V supercharged V8?

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, SUV, Geneva Motor Show, Spyker

It's been two-and-a-half years since the Spyker D12 Peking-to-Paris SSUV debuted at the Geneva Motor Show, and although the recent spate of spy shots indicate work is well underway, Spyker won't make its self-imposed release date this year.

Instead, the high-speed luxo-'ute will likely appear at next year's Geneva expo and when it does, it will like drop its "D12" moniker for "D8" thanks to the supercharged V8 lying under its sculpted hood.

Coinciding with earlier reports, Spyker plans to utilize an American-sourced V8 to power the D8 SSUV, and if Autoblog.nl's sleuthing abilities are to be believed, it's none other than General Motor's supercharged 6.2-liter LSA - the mill that powers the Cadillac CTS-V.

The Dutch site caught the same Land Rover mule we saw earlier this year, and after investigating the prototype's license plate, discovered the engine met the same specifications as the LSA. That would mean at least 550 hp and 550 lb-ft of torque, which should allow the SSUV to hit 60 mph in around five seconds and max out around 174 mph. If all goes according to plan, we'll see the production version in Geneva this March with sales beginning later in 2010.

Gallery: Pre-Production Spyker D12 Peking-to-Paris

[Source: Autoblog.nl via GTSpirit]

REPORT: Spyker D12 SSUV to get Cadillac CTS-V supercharged V8? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Jul 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Lexus' A3, 1 Series competitor coming to Europe in 2010

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Hybrid, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Lexus

As previously reported, Lexus will unveil a new concept at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show that aims to compete with the Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series in Europe.

The new model - rumored to carry either the "BS" or "CS" nameplate - won't be built atop the Lexus HS250h's architecture, but it will utilize the gas-electric hybrid's 2.4-liter four-cylinder to deliver around 185 hp to the front wheels.

Although the model we'll see in Frankfurt is technically a concept, according to Lexus insiders, it will be "a 90% match for the real thing" which will debut in production form at the Geneva Motor Show in March, with sales beginning in Europe in the fall of 2010.

[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: Lexus' A3, 1 Series competitor coming to Europe in 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Jul 2009 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Aston Martin puts the Lagonda on hold

Noah Joseph — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 18:25:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Aston Martin, Luxury

Aston Martin Lagonda Concept - Click above for high-res gallery

Aston Martin has grown accustomed to success. Since the DB7, its sports cars have only gotten better, while on the track the British automaker continues to rack up trophies. The Lagonda SUV concept which the company unveiled this past March in Geneva, however, was another story. The awkwardly-shaped crossover got a cold reception at its unveiling, and Aston pulled it off the show stand before the public even got there. Now reports indicate that the entire project has been put on hold.

Chief executive Ulrich Bez reportedly proclaims that the decision to axe the Lagonda venture was purely financial. And in this economic climate, that's a reasonable claim. But other sources suggest that the automotive media's reaction to the concept dictated its demise. Will Aston give it another shot? Aston Martin Lagonda chairman David Richards reportedly wants to get a new concept on the stands before the end of the year. We wouldn't be surprised if he gets his way.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Aston Martin Lagonda Concept

[Source: Inside Line]

REPORT: Aston Martin puts the Lagonda on hold originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Jul 2009 18:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Production-ready Dacia crossover spotted?

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 19:02:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Geneva Motor Show, Crossover, Nissan, Renault

Spy shots of the 2010 Dacia crossover -- Click above for high-res image gallery

These are said to be pictures of Dacia's coming crossover, caught in a Dacia facility in Romania. Said to be based on the Nissan Qashqai platform and using four wheel drive tech from the Nissan X-Trail, this is another in a line of vehicles with which Dacia wants to take its brand to the world. Names mentioned include Duster and Steppe, and production plans call for one million units per year at a price of €12,000. It is expected to be officially unveiled at next year's Geneva Auto Show. You can have a closer look at it in the gallery of high-res photos below. Hat tip to Ironick

Gallery: Dacia CUV Spy Shots

[Source: Dacia Club via Automarket]

Spy Shots: Production-ready Dacia crossover spotted? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Jul 2009 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Could Koenigsegg's purchase of Saab bring electric Quant concept to production?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Geneva Motor Show, Green, Technology, Saab

NLV Quant by Koenigsegg - Click above for high-res image gallery

Now that Koenigsegg's purchase of ailing fellow Swedish automaker Saab is all but officially official, our attention naturally turns to the the current product lines and possible future vehicles from the two automakers. At least a few people are wondering out loud if there's a possibility that Koenigsegg's involvement with Saab could bring the gorgeous Aero X concept car from 2006 to life, but at least some of us are a bit more interested in reports that Koenigsegg's Quant from this year's Geneva Motor Show may see production via the use of some of Saab's leftover production capabilities.

Powered by an electric motor at each wheel for a total of 512 hp and 527 lb-ft of turqoe, the Koenigsegg Quant concept featured a new kind of battery that is supposedly capable of providing a range of over 300 miles after a short 15-20 minutes charge. Futher, a set of solar panels on the Quant's exterior can reportedly keep accessories running without draining the main battery. If there's any truth to the rumors, we could see the Quant hit production in low volumes within the next few years.

Gallery: NLV Quant by Koenigsegg

[Source: Green Car Advisor]

Could Koenigsegg's purchase of Saab bring electric Quant concept to production? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Jun 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2011 BMW 1 Series gets closer to production

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 15:33:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Spy Photos, Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, BMW

2011 BMW 1 Series - Click above for a high-res image gallery

The BMW 1 Series is due for a thorough overhaul, and judging by these recent spy shots, the entry-level Bimmer is on track to be released late next year. This second generation prototype was caught running between BMW's test centers in Germany wearing the roundel's patented psychedelic camo, and appears to blend some of the new X1's slab sides with the upright grille and fascia that debuted on the redesigned 2009 BMW 7 Series. The 2011 model is expected to be offered in an assortment of body styles, ranging from the coupe and convertible we get here in the States, to a traditional five-door hatch, sedan and possibly a three-door shooting brake.

As for powerplants, it's already been confirmed that BMW is working on a range of four-cylinder engines that may make it to the U.S., and recent rumors suggest a three-cylinder mill packing 1.35-liters of displacement and putting out between 163 and 241 hp is in development for the European market. Naturally, expect both the three- and four-cylinders to have a turbo dangling from the exhaust manifold, and the upcoming SuperSports model - a send-off to the current 1 series due out next year - could be a good indication of what to expect. Informed speculation says the SuperSports will be equipped with a twin-turbocharged 2.0- to 2.2-liter four-cylinder with an output of 300 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque. We half-expect the SuperSport to debut at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show, with the fully redesigned 1 series bowing at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2011 BMW 1 Series

Spy Shots: 2011 BMW 1 Series gets closer to production originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Jun 2009 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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