Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Ferrari GT heading to Paris, teaser site launched]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/09/ferrari-gt-heading-to-paris-teaser-site-launched/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/09/ferrari-gt-heading-to-paris-teaser-site-launched/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/09/ferrari-gt-heading-to-paris-teaser-site-launched/#commentsFiled under: , ,



It's been photographed for months and referred to alternately as Dino and F149, but for now at least, the newest stallion from Maranello goes by the generic moniker, Ferrari GT. Today, the automaker launched www.ferrarigtcountdown.com where the car will be gradually revealed during the runup to the Paris Motor Show this September. Ferrari promises to feed us technical details, sound files and photos of the car between now and Paris. Right now you can see a few teaser images and hear the engine sing its sweet, sweet song as it starts up, runs up and down through the gears, and screams by at full tilt. The countdown timer on the site currently shows 10 days and 22 hours until something else is revealed. Looks like we can put those Dino-branded rumors to rest for good; whatever this car is officially named, it is most definitely a Ferrari. See you in ten days, when the next puzzle piece hits the web.

[Source: Ferrari]

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]]>dinof149ferrariferrari dinoferrari grand tourerferrari gtFerrariDinoFerrariGrandTourerFerrariGtparisparis 2008paris motor showParis2008ParisMotorShow2008-05-09T16:02:00+00:00<![CDATA[Blurry images of Infiniti 1-series fighter surface]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/07/blurry-images-of-infinitis-1-series-fighter-surface/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/07/blurry-images-of-infinitis-1-series-fighter-surface/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/07/blurry-images-of-infinitis-1-series-fighter-surface/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



While Jonathan's shots of the new 370Z were seductively cryptic, these newest images from Car do more to confuse than enlighten. Car was attending a presentation by Nissan design chief Shiro Nakamura, and with their camera phone at the ready, snapped off a few shots of Infiniti's upcoming small sports car that looks more like Han Solo in carbonite than a swoopy coupe.

The Infiniti two-door is expected to debut sometime later this year in concept form, and is poised to take on the BMW 1-series in the compact coupe segment. The shape, even in the grainy pic, is decidedly different from anything else in its class, with a long hood and a cab-backward design that has plenty of potential.

Car also grabbed a shot of the Nissan 370Z, which appears to get some seriously styled wheel arches and a steeply raked windshield. But according to the Brit buff book's sources, the new Z will take several cues from the GT-R when it's unveiled later this year at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

[Source: Car]

 

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]]>370zinfinitinissan 370zNissan370z2008-05-07T18:11:00+00:00<![CDATA[Mazda2 MPS and 280 hp Mazda6 MPS on their way]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/30/mazda2-mps-and-280-hp-mazda6-mps-on-their-way/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/30/mazda2-mps-and-280-hp-mazda6-mps-on-their-way/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/30/mazda2-mps-and-280-hp-mazda6-mps-on-their-way/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click either image for a high-res rendering of each model from AutoExpress.

The Mazda Performance Series, or MPS, is what we've come to know in the U.S. as "Mazdaspeed." It's quickly becoming one of the defining characteristics of modern-day Mazdas, and with the releases of the new Mazda6 and its baby brother, the Mazda2, we've been anxiously awaiting Mazdaspeed's tweaked versions of both vehicles.

In addition to getting the scoop on the new Evo MR and STI Spec C, AutoExpress has got the goods on Mazda's two new hot offerings. A concept version of the Mazda6 MPS will be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in October, complete with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four, sending 280 hp to all four wheels, and sprinting to 60 in six seconds. Naturally, the Mazda6 MPS (or Mazdaspeed6 when it makes the trek to U.S. shores) will be sporting an aggressive front clip, spoiler, side skirts, bigger wheels, a stiffer suspension and upgraded brakes when it goes on sale in 2010.

Less information is available about the Mazda2 MPS, but expect a turbo'd 1.5-liter mill sending around 170 hp to the front wheels, a sport-tuned suspension and some exterior and interior tweaks to bring it up to Mazda Performance standards. If and when the Mazda2 makes it to the States, we'd expect the Mazdaspeed2 version to follow shortly thereafter.

[Source: AutoExpress]

 

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]]>mazdamazda2mazda2 mpsMazda2Mpsmazda6mazda6 mpsMazda6Mpsmazdaspeedmazdaspeed2mazdaspeed6mpsparisparis motor showParisMotorShow2008-04-30T13:29:00+00:00<![CDATA[Renault Megane leaked in French mag]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/29/renault-megane-leaked-in-french-mag/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/29/renault-megane-leaked-in-french-mag/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/29/renault-megane-leaked-in-french-mag/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click to view more of the upcoming Renault Megane

Renault has been hard at work on the replacement for the current Megane. Following the new Clio, which came out three years ago, the Megane is an important model for the French automaker, designed to face off against volume leaders like the Volkswagen Golf/Rabbit and Ford Focus. French magazine Auto Plus has managed to obtain some undisguised shots of the car, presumably obtained from a Renault employee in exchange for a case of wine, a carton of Gauloise and/or a joke about Americans.

As promised, the new Megane will be substantially more subdued in its styling than the love-it-or-hate-it current model, with its curved upright rear window. The front end borrows heavily from the new Laguna, hinting at a common design language for the company. There's certainly some similarity between the production version and the Megane Coupe Concept unveiled at the Geneva show this year. Although the production Megane will predictably be considerably more conservative than the show car, the three-door appears further differentiated from its five-door stablemate with more sporting lines. See for yourself in the scanned magazine pages in the gallery below. The car looks just about ready to hit the market, so a debut at Renault's home-turf Paris Auto Salon this fall would be a good bet.

Gallery: Renault Megane magazine scans

[Source: AutoPlus.fr via theCarfanatic.com and Autoblog Spanish]

 

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]]>auto plus magazine renault meganeAutoPlusMagazineRenaultMeganemagazinemegane magazineMeganeMagazinerenault meganeRenaultMeganespy shots renault meganeSpyShotsRenaultMegane2008-04-29T15:57:00+00:00<![CDATA[More details on Audi's forthcoming 350 hp, supercharged S4]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/more-details-on-audis-forthcoming-350-hp-supercharged-s4/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/more-details-on-audis-forthcoming-350-hp-supercharged-s4/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/more-details-on-audis-forthcoming-350-hp-supercharged-s4/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



After a report yesterday that the next S4 would be benefiting from a supercharger, Volkswagen AG's powertrain head, Wolfgan Hatz, presented the automaker's new 3.0-liter TFSI engine at the Vienna Motor Symposium. According to Auto Motor und Sport, the new engine will be fitted with a blower and putting out around 350 hp when fitted to the next generation S4. The supercharged six is expected to return better fuel mileage than its V8 counterpart and will also be fitted to the refreshed A6, due out towards the end of this year, although output will be reduced to 290 hp and 310 lb.-ft. of torque. Additionally, both models will benefit from a Magna-sourced sports differential that will migrate to the Q5 and S5 down the line. No timeframe was provided about the release of the S4, but we'd expect to see the A6 replacement in Paris, with the S4 debuting at the LA Auto Show in November.

[Source: Auto Motor und Sport via MotiveMag]

 

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]]>2009 audi2009 audi a62009 audi s42009Audi2009AudiA62009AudiS420102010 audi s42010AudiS4audiaudi a6audi s4AudiA6AudiS4s4supercharged audi s4SuperchargedAudiS42008-04-25T13:28:00+00:00<![CDATA[Rendered Speculation? Is this the new BMW 7-Series?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/16/rendered-speculation-is-this-the-new-bmw-7-series/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/16/rendered-speculation-is-this-the-new-bmw-7-series/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/16/rendered-speculation-is-this-the-new-bmw-7-series/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click image to enlarge

We don't know if the shot you see above is an official picture of the new F01 BMW 7 Series or not, but it looks to be a pretty accurate rendition of what we've seen so far in spy shots. The front of the car apes the design language of the BMW CS Concept rather nicely, with dual oversized kidney-shaped grilles dominating the rather sedate-looking headlights. The sides are mostly devoid of flame surfacing, with a high character line drawing the eyes to the rear where the bangle-butt of the old model gets major lipo. We also note that the design mimics the current high-beltline trend, reducing the total surface area of glass considerably.

All-in-all, this appears to be a rather conservative design as compared with the CS Concept, along with BMW's other efforts over the last few years. We'll reserve final judgement for the day we get to see the new 7 Series in the flesh, of course, perhaps in September at the Paris Auto Show. Thanks for the tip, Brett!

[Source: BimmerFile]

 

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]]>2009 7 series2009 7-series2009-7-series20097-series20097Seriesbmwbmw 7bmw 7 seriesbmw 7-seriesbmw-7Bmw7Bmw7-seriesBmw7Series2008-04-16T16:28:00+00:00<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Lamborghini working on RWD Murcielago SV?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/10/spy-shots-lamborghini-working-on-rwd-murcielago-sv/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/10/spy-shots-lamborghini-working-on-rwd-murcielago-sv/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/10/spy-shots-lamborghini-working-on-rwd-murcielago-sv/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Lamborghini has kept its promise to unveil a "new" model at every major auto show this year, and it's not stopping even though the show season has is pretty much wrapped up. Autocar has spied what's believed to be the Lamborghini Murcielago SV, a lightweight version of the Italian automaker's top model that will be sending its additional ponies to the rear wheels alone.

Based off the current range-topping LP640, the SV will putting out around 680 hp from its mid-mounted V12 and will tip the scales under 3,500 pounds. The weight savings will come from the abandonment of the front differential and drive shafts that would normally also power the front wheels, along with nixing the ICE stereo and the system that raises and lowers the rear spoiler. Naturally, plenty of carbon fiber is part of the equation, including the doors, smaller rear wing and other assorted parts.

There's no word on when the Murcielago SV will debut, but we've got a five-spot on the Paris Motor Show later this year.

[Source: Autocar]

 

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]]>lamborghinilamborghini murcielago svLamborghiniMurcielagoSvmurcielagosv2008-04-10T15:56:00+00:00<![CDATA[Paris 2008 Preview: Mercedes CLK Shooting Brake concept]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/09/paris-2008-preview-mercedes-clk-shooting-brake-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/09/paris-2008-preview-mercedes-clk-shooting-brake-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/09/paris-2008-preview-mercedes-clk-shooting-brake-concept/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Emerging reports suggest that Mercedes is gearing up to preview the new CLK coupe with a shooting brake concept at the upcoming Paris Auto Salon in October. For those unfamiliar, "shooting brake" is Euro-speak for a three-door estate wagon or extended hatchback, originally coined by coachbuilders for custom motor carriages made for hunting.

Although the CLK Shooting Brake is expected to show up as a concept car, reports suggest that Mercedes could actually build it in that form as an alternative bodystyle to the more conventional coupe and convertible variants replacing the ones we have now. Otherwise styling is expected to follow along the lines laid down by the S-Class sedan, like the E-Class sedan which the CLK is made to accompany in Merc's mid-range line-up.

[Source: Auto Motor und Sport]

 

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]]>2009 mercedes clk2009MercedesClk2010 mercedes clk2010MercedesClkmercedes-benz clk shooting brake conceptMercedes-benzClkShootingBrakeConcept2008-04-09T18:02:00+00:00<![CDATA[Spy Shots: 2010 Mazda3 caught testing in New Mexico]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/08/spy-shots-2010-mazda3-caught-testing-in-new-mexico/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/08/spy-shots-2010-mazda3-caught-testing-in-new-mexico/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/08/spy-shots-2010-mazda3-caught-testing-in-new-mexico/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for a series of spy shots of the 2010 Mazda3.

We've been all but assured that the covers will be pulled off the next generation Mazda3 before the end of the year, possibly in Paris, with sales expected to begin in the Spring of 2009. So it was just a matter of time before we started seeing spy shots of the new Mazda3 undergoing testing. Our new friend Chris came upon two heavily-camoed prototypes in northern New Mexico and was kind enough to send them along for our inspection.

Chris points out that while it was difficult to snap photos of the mules at 80 mph, he was able to get several shots that tipped us off to their origin. The central-mounted binnacle on the dash has been a fixture of late-model Mazdas, and the CX-9 leading the parade pretty much confirmed our suspicions.

When the new Mazda3 is finally revealed later this year, expect a similar fascia as that found on the recently redesigned Mazda6, along with a few cues pulled from Mazda's recent run of "Nagare"-inspired concepts. Four- and five-door variants are planned, with engines spanning the range from 1.5- to 2.5-liters.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2010 Mazda3

 

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]]>2008-04-08T19:36:00+00:00<![CDATA[Prius fighter: Honda reveals details about new global hybrid]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/29/prius-fighter-honda-reveals-details-about-new-global-hybrid/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/29/prius-fighter-honda-reveals-details-about-new-global-hybrid/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/29/prius-fighter-honda-reveals-details-about-new-global-hybrid/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click on the image for more shots of the Honda FCX Clarity

Honda's upcoming dedicated hybrid model is expected to debut at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, and a recent interview with Honda CEO Takeo Fukui revealed that the car will look similar to its hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, the FCX Clarity. Although many upcoming hybrid models use lithium ion batteries (including the Chevy Volt and Honda's own FCX), Honda plans to stick with the tried-and-true nickel metal hydride technology for its new machine along with an engine derived from the Civic's, though smaller, lighter and with newly programmed electronics. Also like the Civic and Accord, the new hybrid model will use the same nameplate the world over; what that nameplate will be remains a mystery. Insight, anyone?

Expected to be priced below the Civic Hybrid, Honda hopes to sell 200,000 of its new hybrid model per year. We expect that the new machine will start an epic battle between Honda and Toyota for supremacy in the entry-level hybrid market, much as they already duke it out in the midsize sedan range with the Accord and Camry. Consumers only stand to benefit from the competition, so we look forward to more information as it becomes available.


[Sources: Hybrid Cars, Automotive News (sub. req'd), AutoblogGreen]

 

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]]>civic hybridcivic-hybridCivicHybridglobal hybridglobal-hybridGlobalHybridhondahonda cr-zhonda hybridhonda insighthonda-cr-zhonda-hybridhonda-insightHondaCr-zHondaHybridHondaInsighthybridinsight2008-03-29T11:01:00+00:00<![CDATA[Don't call it "Dino": Ferrari bringing new model to Paris]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/17/dont-call-it-dino-ferrari-bringing-new-model-to-paris/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/17/dont-call-it-dino-ferrari-bringing-new-model-to-paris/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/17/dont-call-it-dino-ferrari-bringing-new-model-to-paris/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Ferrari officials have supposedly confirmed that their new mini-model is coming to the Paris Motor Show this fall and in keeping with the company line, it won't be sporting a "Dino" badge when it's unveiled.

We've seen more camo-clad spy shots of the new model undergoing testing in recent months and it's assumed that the small Ferrari will be built atop the Maserati GranTurismo's platform, powered by a 4.7-liter V8. The new model's name is still open to speculation, but The Car Connection is reporting that a "GT" moniker will likely be used, something along the lines of GT420 or GT470. Pricing is expected to be set so that the Ferrari will slot in between the Maserati Gran Turismo and the Ferrari F430.

[Source: The Car Connection]

 

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]]>dinoferrariferrari dinoferrari gt420ferrari gt470FerrariDinoFerrariGt420FerrariGt470gt420gt4702008-03-17T13:25:00+00:00<![CDATA[Paris '08 Preview: New small Ferrari F149 to debut?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/04/paris-08-preview-new-small-ferrari-f149-to-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/04/paris-08-preview-new-small-ferrari-f149-to-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/04/paris-08-preview-new-small-ferrari-f149-to-debut/#commentsFiled under: , ,

F149 ?As Ferraris have achieved progressively higher performance, the automotive world has been rife with speculation about a new, smaller model from Maranello. All the while, Ferrari has continuously thrown cold water on the idea, saying that such a new model would push production volumes beyond where the company wants to go. Never content to let official denials ruin the party, auto writers continue to press ahead.

Autoweek is reporting that the new sub-F430 model is code-named F149 internally at Ferarri and that it may break out into the open as early as the Paris Motor Show in September. The speculation is that the F149 will be the first Ferrari (if it even carries that badge) to feature a direct-injected engine -- a 4.3L V-8 based on the F430 block -- and a folding hardtop. The new model is expected to be based on the Maserati GranTurismo platform. If the F149 joins the party as a new model, it could push Ferrari volumes up from the current 6,000 to 10,000 annually.

[Source: AutoWeek]

 

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]]>californiadinoferrari-f149paris-motor-show2008-03-04T19:10:00+00:00<![CDATA[REPORT: Alfa Romeo hatch named MITO, launch <i>after</i> Geneva show]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/28/report-alfa-romeo-hatch-named-mito-launch-i-after-i-geneva/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/28/report-alfa-romeo-hatch-named-mito-launch-i-after-i-geneva/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/28/report-alfa-romeo-hatch-named-mito-launch-i-after-i-geneva/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Whether by design or just poor timing, the latest reports have Alfa Romeo presenting its highly-anticipated upcoming MINI rival to local dealers on March 18, just after the Geneva Motor Show where it was expected to debut. Following the first orders that will be taken in Italy in June and initial deliveries in September, the new Alfa hatch will be officially launched at the Paris Motor Show in October.

And now, the moment you've all been waiting for: after scrapping the names Junior and Furiosa, Alfa Romeo will reportedly call its new entry-level model "MITO". The name is a combination of the cities Milano and Turino, where Alfa Romeo and Fiat are respectively based. Pre-production prototypes are just about ready but, according to reports, will have to be destroyed in compliance with new Italian laws - which means we won't be seeing any more Enzo-powered Ferrari 348s up for auction. The production MITO, meanwhile, will offer a range of engines starting with the base 1.4-liter four producing 95 or 105 horsepower, followed by turbocharged versions with 135 or 165 hp, topped by a 230-hp 1.8-liter turbo and a 120-hp 1.6-liter JTDM turbodiesel. A host of electronic wizardry will be offered, including a Ferrari-style Mannetino switch on the steering wheel, stability control, and Alfa's Q2 electronic differential, all in a package designed to ape the 8C Competizione - not a bad place to start.

[Source: Italiaspeed]

 

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]]>alfa hatchalfa romeo furiosaalfa romeo junioralfa romeo mitoAlfaHatchAlfaRomeoFuriosaAlfaRomeoJuniorAlfaRomeoMitoalfasud2008-02-28T17:32:00+00:00<![CDATA[Rendered Speculation: next-gen Mazda3]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/21/rendered-speculation-next-gen-mazda3/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/21/rendered-speculation-next-gen-mazda3/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/21/rendered-speculation-next-gen-mazda3/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

With the Mazda2 and Mazda6 selling successfully abroad, the Zoom-Zoom crowd is turning its attention to the Mazda3, with this rendering surfacing in good company of the wealth of RX-9 sketches that were popping up everywhere last month. The rendering borrows cues from its little and big brothers to forecast what the upcoming 3 could look like, while ostensibly reasonable predictions place four-cylinder engines underhood ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 liters, as well as the availability of four- and five-door variants like the current and previous models.

The current Mazda3, although facelifted just a couple of years ago, has been on the market for five years now, making it a prime candidate for a total redesign. Reports suggest that the new 3 could bow in Paris this September ahead of a spring 2009 market launch, so we'll keep an eye out for it when we land in the City of Lights.

[Source: Winding Road]

 

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]]>mazda 3 renderingMazda3Renderingnext generation mazda 3NextGenerationMazda3rendered speculation mazda3RenderedSpeculationMazda32008-02-21T14:32:00+00:00<![CDATA[Honda to preview new hybrid in Paris]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/18/honda-to-preview-new-hybrid-in-paris/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/18/honda-to-preview-new-hybrid-in-paris/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/18/honda-to-preview-new-hybrid-in-paris/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Honda's plans to regroup its hybrid efforts are well documented. In addition to a new Civic hybrid, the automaker revealed that a production hybrid based on the sharp CR-Z concept is also in the works. We also know that a third hybrid model is being developed from the ground up, and we'll get to see it this September at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. This third hybrid will be smaller than the Civic Hybrid and Toyota Prius, the benchmark for hybrids the world over, and use a new version of Honda's "mild hybrid" Integrated Motor Assist system that can aid the car's gas engine in acceleration but not power the car on its own. In addition to great fuel economy, Honda is also targeting lower carbon-dioxide emissions than gas- or diesel-powered competitors. As has been noted before, Honda is betting that selling hybrids at a lower cost will create the demand it never saw for the relatively expensive Civic Hybrid. Its new hybrid will have an estimated base price of €16,000 to €20,000 (the Prius starts at €24,000 in Europe, the Civic Hybrid at €23,800). Production plans call for 200,000 units to be produced annually, with half earmarked for North America.

Gallery: Honda CR-Z Concept


[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd]

 

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]]>hondahonda hybridhonda hybrid parisHondaHybridHondaHybridParis2008-02-18T14:02:00+00:00<![CDATA[Rumormill: Nissan to unveil updated 370Z next October]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/27/rumormill-nissan-to-unveil-updated-370z-next-october/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/27/rumormill-nissan-to-unveil-updated-370z-next-october/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/27/rumormill-nissan-to-unveil-updated-370z-next-october/#commentsFiled under: , ,


click above for more high-res pics of the 2007 Nissan 350Z

Speculation is circulating around the automotive media that Nissan is preparing a revised version of the Z-car. According to reports, the 350Z will turn into the 370Z when Nissan updates the sportscar with the 3.7-liter V6 in its recently-revised sibling, the Infiniti G37 coupe. Whether the Japanese automaker will use this opportunity to facelift the model altogether as anticipated remains to be seen.

The reports suggest that the 370Z will be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show, home turf to Nissan's sister-company Renault, this coming October. That's still months away, so stay tuned for more information.

[Source: Autocar magazine via Winding Road]

Gallery: 2007 Nissan 350Z


 

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]]>370Znissan 350znissan 370zNissan350zNissan370z2008-01-27T19:07:00+00:00<![CDATA[<i>Quattro Quarterly</i> lays out Audi's five-year plan for world domination]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/04/i-quattro-quarterly-i-lays-out-audis-five-year-plan-for-worl/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/04/i-quattro-quarterly-i-lays-out-audis-five-year-plan-for-worl/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/04/i-quattro-quarterly-i-lays-out-audis-five-year-plan-for-worl/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,



The Audi Club of North America puts out a publication aptly titled the Quattro Quarterly that gives Audi owners the inside skinny on everything from future products to how to swap bigger brakes into their B5 S4. One of our intrepid readers, Kevin, sent us a few scans of the QQ's latest issue, where it outlines Audi's product plans for the next five years. While some of it has already been confirmed, other interesting factoids, including the future of the R8, RS-TT and the development of an R4, have long been rumored on these very pages. Follow the jump for the full breakdown on what Audi has in store, but be aware that we're handing out grains of salt below the fold.

Continue reading Quattro Quarterly lays out Audi's five-year plan for world domination

 

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]]>a1a2a3a4a5a6a7a8audiq3q7rs-tttt-rstt-s2007-12-04T10:02:00+00:00<![CDATA[Renault Alpine coming in 2010 with midship turbo-power]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/29/renault-alpine-coming-in-2010-with-midship-turbo-power/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/29/renault-alpine-coming-in-2010-with-midship-turbo-power/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/29/renault-alpine-coming-in-2010-with-midship-turbo-power/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Renault hasn't done much to tap into its Formula One successes, nor has it provided credible competition to the RX-8s and 350Zs of the world. That's all going to change come 2010. Renault is expected to revive the much-loved Alpine name and slap it on the back of two-door coupe powered by a turbocharged engine mounted amidships. AutoExpress has it on good authority that designers are wrapping up the exterior and that a Megane-bodied mule caught testing on the Nurburgring is actually the new Alpine being put through its paces. Renault is confident that the new coupe won't go the way of the Sport Spider that was dropped in 1997 after it was maligned for offering little refinement and even less practicality. We're hoping to see the Alpine make its concept debut in Paris next year.

[Source: AutoExpress]

 

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]]>alpineparisparis motor showParisMotorShowrenaultrenault alpineRenaultAlpine2007-11-29T09:03:00+00:00<![CDATA[Mazda considering CUV based on MX-5]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/27/mazda-considering-mx-5-based-cuv/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/27/mazda-considering-mx-5-based-cuv/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/27/mazda-considering-mx-5-based-cuv/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



The idea of an MX-5 derived CUV/SUV might seem like a bit of a stretch (literally), but Mazda's European head, James Muir, says that a concept of the rear-wheel-drive crossover is bound for the Paris Motor Show next year. The basis for the concept stems from Mazda's assertion that SUVs are going to shrink in size over the coming years with a focus on car-like driving dynamics that still have many trappings of their high-riding counterparts. Lightweight components, including high-tensile steel and smaller engines with higher outputs (read: new diesels and hopefully more turbocharged mills) should strike a balance between engaging the driver while keeping fuel-consumption and emissions in check.

Muir goes on to say that an environmental focus "is the best thing that has happened to the automotive industry in 50 years," and that a city car concept might share the stage with the MX-5, or what might be called the CX-5, in Paris in 2008.

[Source: Just Auto - Sub. Req.]

 

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]]>mazdamx-5mx-5 cuvmx-5 suvMx-5CuvMx-5Suv2007-11-27T14:26:00+00:00<![CDATA[Unique Pininfarina Corvette headed to Scottsdale]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/03/unique-pininfarina-corvette-headed-to-scottsdale/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/03/unique-pininfarina-corvette-headed-to-scottsdale/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/03/unique-pininfarina-corvette-headed-to-scottsdale/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Retrofitting Corvettes with bespoke Italian sheetmetal is a cherished trade in the coachbuilding industry, revived recently by cars like the Spada Codatronca and Castagna Aznom. But these rare machines owe their lineage to customs like this one: the 1963 Pininfarina Rondine Corvette.

The one-of-a-kind coachbuilt sportscar was shown at the '63 Paris auto show, and has remained in Pininfarina's collection since, recently re-appearing at the Concorso at Villa d'Este in 2005 in celebration of the famous design house's 75th birthday. Now it's headed for the auction block, scheduled to go under the hammer at the upcoming Barret-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Calling the classic "an American in an Italian suit", the organizers at Barret-Jackson haven't disclosed the estimated value, but it's sure to fetch a pretty penny or two.

[Source: Corvette Blogger]

 

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]]>1963auctionbarrettcorvettejacksonpininfarinarondinescottsdale2007-10-03T13:31:00+00:00