Autoblog

Rendered Speculation: BMW S.X. Concept

Dan Roth — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, BMW, Rendered Speculation, Luxury

BMW S.X. Concept - Click above for image gallery

Looking at some of the controversial recent designs coming out of BMW, many enthusiasts might think that it's not hard to imagine that study hall doodles would be preferable. Not exactly a schoolboy anymore, Iulian Bumbu has applied skills learned at a Milanese automotive design program to a BMW etude.

The car looks like it could actually be possible, wearing design cues that echo the recently redone Z4. The renderings call to mind the recently scuttled Concept CS from BMW's own pens, depicting a car that's extra-wide, super-low, and ultra aggressive. In any case, BMW could do worse than this flight of fancy.

Gallery: BMW Concept SX Proposal

[Source: 0-60]

Rendered Speculation: BMW S.X. Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Jul 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jaguar XJ Coupe may be under consideration

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Jaguar, Rendered Speculation

The man behind the team that penned the new Jaguar XJ, Ian Callum, has let slip that his crews drawing instruments are again at work again, this time on an XJC. That would be a coupe version of the XJ, something not seen since 1978. In an interview with Motoring Sky during the new XJ's unveiling, Callum admitted that the English automaker hasn't just thought about it: "We've actually drawn one already, but who knows."

That's probably as solid an indication that buyers might get a crack at a coupe model as we're likely to get for some time. If the car Callum's posse draws looks anything like the rendering shown here, then we almost think it's worth buying the sedan just to be able to help Jag build the business case for the coupe.

In the interview, Callum also talks about the car's controversial blacked-out rear pillars and a series hybrid in the works. Click the link for the interview, and if you're keen on the idea of a XJC, then get your wallets out to cast your vote.

[Source: Motoring Sky]

Jaguar XJ Coupe may be under consideration originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Jul 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered speculation: 2011 Audi A6

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 07:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Audi, Rendered Speculation

The next generation Audi A6 sedan is about a year away from its debut, but if this rendering is anything to go by, this year's Sportback concept will be the primary influence for Audi's redesigned mid-sizer. The Sportback provided the biggest evolution of Audi's design language since the debut of its massive shield grilles earlier in the decade.

The updated look includes more surface development in the nose and the possible production debut of a new hexagonal grille. The headlight clusters have a shape that's pinched toward the center of the car, in a similar fashion to the taillights on recent models like the A4 and Q5. At this point we don't know what the greenhouse will look like, but a change from the rounded shape of the last generation seems likely -- and overdue.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Audi Sportback Concept

Gallery: Audi Sportback Concept

[Source: AutoZeitung via AudiBlog.nl]

Rendered speculation: 2011 Audi A6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Jul 2009 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Google phone designers plot for "The End of Driving" with autonomobile

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Etc., Green, Lifestyle, Rendered Speculation

Mike and Maaike's Autonomobile - Click above for high-res image gallery

In Possible Future Scenario #317-B, San Francisco industrial design firm Mike and Maaike presents the atnmbl (get it? - "autonomobile"). Less a car than an autonomous, seven-person mobile living room, the atnmbl is billed as a complete redesign of the car for those who believe that the ideal driving experience is not driving.

Essentially an all-wheel-drive Internet sitting room, the solar and electric atnmbl asks you where you want to go and then takes you there. Speed and acceleration are "irrelevant considerations," time savings is the key - that is, unless you ask the atnmbl to take the scenic route. Since you're not driving, you'll need something to do during the trip, hence the Internet browsing screen and open-source software architecture to download apps, social networking capabilities, and... a bar.

Mike and Maaike don't predict seeing the atnmbl until 2040, which gives you some time to enjoy having to leave your couch to go camping. As for such a thing actually materializing, coming from the folks who designed the Google Phone, and with, perhaps, the ears of Google's muckamucks, well, hey, who knows. In the meantime, you can read what the firm has to say about its creation after the jump.

Gallery: Mike and Maaike Autonomobile

[Source: Core77]

Continue reading Google phone designers plot for "The End of Driving" with autonomobile

Google phone designers plot for "The End of Driving" with autonomobile originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: Mazda preparing sub-Miata MX-2?

Noah Joseph — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 19:28:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Mazda, Rendered Speculation

We've seen it happen a million times: a small car is successful, then the automaker ruins it by making it larger and heavier to satisfy what it thinks the average buyer is after. Fortunately, that hasn't been the case with the Mazda MX-5, which - retractable hardtop option notwithstanding - the Japanese automaker has always been careful not to spoil the core elements of the MX-5. So we'll take reports that Mazda is preparing an even smaller MX-2 with a grain of salt. But a small one.

According to the speculation, a future MX-2 would come in noticeably smaller than the full-size Miata, and therefore require smaller engines. Something between 700cc and 1.6-liter engines are reportedly in store, with a turbo at the top end delivering 160 horsepower. No word on layout, but we'd grudgingly expect a front-drive set-up when the purported MX-2 is unveiled as early as 2012.

[Source: Auto Express]

Rendered Speculation: Mazda preparing sub-Miata MX-2? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: Is this the new Saab 9-5?

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 10:07:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Spy Photos, Sedan, Wagon, Saab, Rendered Speculation

Saabs United procured some rendered versions of the coming Saab 9-5 that are purportedly from Saab itself. While computer renderings must be viewed with a few packets of salt sprinkled on the screen, if you compare the 9-5 sedan render with a spy shot of the rear end of the actual car, the similarities look promising.

The wagon rendering is simply too brutally sexy to be believed, and so -- only in order not to have our hopes dashed -- we refuse to believe it. If Saab did have the gumption to design such a car, and Koenigsegg does have the wherewithal to properly market it, then we might just have a proper Swedish car company on our hands again. The 9-5 sedan arrives at this year's Frankfurt Auto Show and goes on sale this year, with the wagon following next year.

[Source: Saabs United via Autoblog.nl]

Rendered Speculation: Is this the new Saab 9-5? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 10:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Retrotastic Render: Bugatti Stratos Concept

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 19:28:00 EST

Filed under: Bugatti, Rendered Speculation

Bugatti Stratos Concept - Click above for a high-res image gallery

French graphic designer Bruno Delusso didn't want to be bothered with the engineering and mechanical issues that plague the average concept car - he just wanted to create something stunning. So by throwing production feasibility, drivetrain components and caution to the wind, he succeeded.

Inspired by the Bugatti Type 57, Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Mille Miglia and Raymond Loewy's locomotive designs, Delusso rendered up this: the Bugatti Stratos. Aside from the rear window and grille, it's difficult to peg the Stratos as anything more than futuristic, Photoshop-enhanced navel-gazing, but the design speaks for itself, so check it out in the image gallery below.

Gallery: Bugatti Stratos

[Source: Delusso via Carscoop]

Retrotastic Render: Bugatti Stratos Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Jun 2009 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: Vauxhall Astra droptop to get more rakish

Chris Paukert — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Opel, Vauxhall, UK, Rendered Speculation

If you're like us, you can't help but smile at the breathless optimism and certainty that the folks at Auto Express have for not-yet-released models. The latest car to catch their rendering artist's eye is the forthcoming Vauxhall Astra droptop.

According to AE, the new convertible Roadster variant will forgo the rear seats of the current TwinTop and instead adopt a more rakish two-seat design. The folding metal roof will reportedly integrate a pair of rollover fairings in its tonneau cover, and tighter overhangs with more aggressive ground effects.

Interestingly, AE claims that the Astra Roadster will not get a VXR performance variant, but it will receive the hot hatch's 2.0-liter turbo engine, reportedly good for 270 bhp and a 0-60 mph time in six seconds. Lesser engines will apparently include a 1.4-liter turbo giving 150 bhp and a 170 bhp 2.0-liter CDTI diesel.

Due to General Motors selling off Vauxhall and its twin brand Opel to Magna, the likelihood of seeing such a model Stateside would appear to be even slimmer than normal. Either way, the U.K. publication says the world will have to wait a while for the topless Astra, as the automaker will first roll out the five-door, followed by the three-door and wagon models and later an MPV. Only after the rest of the lineup is revealed will Vauxhall break out the suntan lotion.

[Source AutoExpress]

Rendered Speculation: Vauxhall Astra droptop to get more rakish originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Jun 2009 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Return of the 'Runner: Plymouth Road Runner Concept shackled to the virtual world

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 14:57:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Videos, Chrysler, Dodge, Rendered Speculation

Plymouth Road Runner Concept - Click above for image gallery

Nearly a year ago, the cover of Mopar Enthusiast asked the question: Could the Plymouth Road Runner be reborn? The obvious answer: No. But that didn't stop the buff book from publishing a host of gorgeous renderings by Michael Leonhard, an independent artist hailing from Austria.

Based on the Dodge Challenger, the Road Runner concept takes its cues from the '71-72 models, and in Leonhard's active imagination, it would be powered by a choice of 5.7-, 6.1- or 7.0-liter engines, each available with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox, complete with paddle shifters. The 20-inch (front) and 22-inch (rear) wheels combine a little old-school nostalgia with a new-school flavor, along with a glowing Roadrunner logo placed between the LED tail lamps. We'll let the artist and his work speak for themselves, so check out the gallery below and make the jump for Leonhard's own description, along with a brief video of the concept.

Gallery: Plymouth Road Runner Concept

Continue reading Return of the 'Runner: Plymouth Road Runner Concept shackled to the virtual world

Return of the 'Runner: Plymouth Road Runner Concept shackled to the virtual world originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Jun 2009 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: M Concept evisions BMW's future R8 fighter

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Supercars, BMW, Rendered Speculation

BMW M Design Concept - Click above for a high-res image gallery

We never tire of seeing unobtanium rendered by talented Photoshop jocks, and the BMW M Concept is yet another example of an adept artist bringing his vision to the small screen.

Penned by Idries Noah, the M Concept was designed as BMW's answer to the R8, packing a 540 hp 5.0-liter V10 mounted amidships and drawing inspiration from the Ferrari Dino, 250GTO and, of course, BMW's own M1 Homage. According to Noah, many of the Concept's elements were pulled from nature, particularly the sides, "where the wave is hollow when it breaks." Rhetorical flourishes aside, we're partial to the rear and side views, while the front end is more than a bit overwrought for a modern Bimmer. Still, it's better than we could do and judging by some of the Homage's detractors, Noah might be more gifted than BMW's own design studio.

Gallery: BMW M Concept Design

[Source: idi3d via Serious Wheels]

Rendered Speculation: M Concept evisions BMW's future R8 fighter originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Jun 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: Ford Kuga crossover to get rakish coupe counterpart?

Dan Roth — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Crossover, Ford, Rendered Speculation

Could CUV coupes (coupe-UVs?) be the next big thing? BMW and Acura have both introduced fastback crossovers, and AutoExpress has tossed up some renderings of a super-sharp Ford Kuga that could do battle in this new arena. While the styling on the regular Kuga is attractive enough, a two door taking even more cues from the Iosis X concept is pretty damned delectible.

Style might rule above substance, but that's not much to complain about, considering that Ford's EcoBoost engines ported from the Fiesta are what AE suggests will spin a PowerShift dual-clutch unit. The rest of the details, such as stop-start and superb dynamics, could all just be fantastical dreaming predicated on some good looking altered images; Ford's concentrating on the Focus and C-Max, with an MPV following on the heels of those two. If it does happen, we should see something on the show circuit for 2011.

[Source: AutoExpress, Photo:Miroslav]

Rendered Speculation: Ford Kuga crossover to get rakish coupe counterpart? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Jun 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: More Toyobaru scuttlebutt comes to the surface

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 19:31:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Subaru, Toyota, Rendered Speculation

A "Toyota insider" has supposedly spilled a few more beans to 7Tune about the upcoming front-engine, rear-wheel drive coupe the automaker is collaborating on with Subaru, and according to the source, the 2+2 will carry a few of the Lexus LF-A's design cues when it hits the market next year.

Although Lexus' "L-Finesse" styling has remained exclusive to Toyota's luxury brand, certain elements of the language have begun to filter down to the automaker's mainstream models, specifically the recently released Venza CUV. The rendering above hints at some of the lines that could make the cut on the production version of the "086A," but contrary to past reports, 7Tune's tipster says that the Toyota and Subaru versions won't be remarkably different - only the front grille, headlamps and taillights will be unique. The report goes on to say that Toyota is desperately trying to keep the price below the two million yen mark (a little over $20,000) and, coinciding with earlier rumors, Subaru is actively considering offering an STI version of the coupe.

In a related story, ToMoCo's new president, Akio Toyoda - the exec who recently piloted the LF-A around the Green Hell during the 24 Hours of Nürburgring - told Auto Motor und Sport, "This sports culture, which we have neglected for so long, will again be maintained." Toyoda clearly wants to see the automaker back on the radar of enthusiasts and the first example of this newfound focus could find its way onto the stage at this year's Tokyo Motor Show.

[Sources: 7Tune, Auto Motor und Sport via Japanese Nostalgia Car]

Rumormill: More Toyobaru scuttlebutt comes to the surface originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Jun 2009 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: Would an Audi A1 Targa look like this?

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Audi, Rendered Speculation

The history of the Audi A1 is a great deal of talk and renderings capped by one confirmed sighting. We've seen the A1 Sportback and been told that an A1 Cabrio is coming, after which we were told that the A1 wouldn't be coming to the U.S. Now everyone is in on the game, with forum user The Pretender at RS6.com posting one idea of what a targa version of the A1 could be -- even though it seems much more in line with what an Audi version of the VW Bluesport could be.

Of course, if the A1 isn't coming to America, an A1 targa - a dedicated two-seater, mind you - would have to make a strong price case for itself against an A1 Cabrio, A3 Cabrio, a possible Bluesport Audi, bog standard versions of the TT, plus cross-country competition from the Mini convertible and BMW 1-Series (both four-seaters). But if we ignore all of that and simply consider the rendering above, the questions are: Do we need it and would it tempt you?

[Source: RS6.com]

Rendered Speculation: Would an Audi A1 Targa look like this? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Jun 2009 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered (Again) Speculation: Yet another crack at Toyobaru

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 07:55:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Subaru, Toyota, Rendered Speculation

The Toyobaru deserves a place in the mythical creature pantheon with vampires and the Loch Ness Monster -- every official denial is followed by another sighting. The latest speculation on Toyota and Subaru's coupe project provides more details, suggesting specs of 200 hp and 145 lb-ft, MacPherson struts forward and a multilink suspension aft on a 2,700-pound vehicle.

Supposedly the car's mechanicals are Subaru's work; Subaru's 2.0-liter engine is mentioned, but not the Toyota-designed heads that have been mentioned before. The look of the car is on Toyota's shoulders and will come in two slightly different flavors for each marque to sell. The car should cost around $20,000, and expect it to arrive in 2011. Or not. Hat tip to Ben D.

[Source: Road & Track]

Rendered (Again) Speculation: Yet another crack at Toyobaru originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 07:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: New Mustang gets the virtual Mach 1 treatment

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Performance, Ford, Rendered Speculation

2011 Ford Mustang Mach 1 renderings by Edmundo Cano - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Few Mustang variants are as legendary or desirable as the classic Mach 1. Introduced in 1969 as a high-performance package to slot below the range-topping models from Shelby, the Mach 1 was the every-man's Mustang, and after the pony car lost its way in the late '70s, the Mach 1 wasn't seen again until 2003, when Ford reintroduced the package as the top performing 'Stang this side of the GT500.

We already know there's no Mach 1 for the 2010 model year, but there's at least a little speculation that the historic moniker could be revived for 2011, coinciding with the expected launch of Ford's latest 5.0-liter 400-horsepower Coyote V8 engine. What better excuse could there be for a performance edition? Fortunately for us, Edmundo Cano put mouse to Photoshop and created an enticing rendering of what a factory 2011 Mach 1 might look like.

We're particularly fond of the flat black paint running down the center of the Mustang's hood, which now features the obligatory shaker scoop. Similarly blacked-out 20-inch Torq-Thrust-style wheels look the part, and the whole package is rounded out with Hugger Orange paint and Mach 1 graphics package. We wholeheartedly approve and can't wait to see what Ford has in store in 2011. Thanks for the tip, Carl!

Gallery: 2011 Ford Mustang Mach 1 renderings by Edmundo Cano

[Source: MyAutomovil.com]

Rendered Speculation: New Mustang gets the virtual Mach 1 treatment originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Jun 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: Jaguar C-Type draws its claws

Noah Joseph — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Jaguar, Rendered Speculation, Rumormill

Jaguar's owner Ratan Tata has made it clear that he wants to expand Jag's sportscar offerings beyond the scope of the current XK, and this is what the British rumormill has cooked. Dubbed the C-Type, the renderings depict a compact two-door roadster to rival the likes of Porsche's Boxster, BMW's Z4, Mercedes' SLK and Nissan's 370Z. With a lightweight aluminum chassis and powertrain options to potentially include a 235hp V6, 380hp V8 and 3.0-liter turbodiesel, the C-Type could offer exciting performance in a compact package, like Aston's Vantage, but at a fraction of the price. Although in the present climate Jaguar would do well to take things one step at a time, the report speculates that the diminutive C-Type could come in addition to a 911-rivaling E-Type successor and an R8-battling supercar. Likely? Not quite. Exciting? Most definitely. Hat tip to Mo for the news!

[Source: Auto Express]

Rendered Speculation: Jaguar C-Type draws its claws originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Jun 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: Lamborghini Murcielago successor not coming until 2012

Noah Joseph — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 16:27:00 EST

Filed under: Supercars, Lamborghini, Rendered Speculation

Lamborghini supercars tend to have a relatively long lifespan. The Countach stayed in production for sixteen years from its introduction in 1974 until the Diablo replaced it in 1990, which in turn anchored Sant'Agata's line-up for eleven years until the Murcielago was introduced in 2001. Now eight years in production, the steel-bodied Raging Bull has grown pretty long in the tooth, even if it can still hold its own against its contemporary competition.

In order to keep it fresh, the Murci has spawned a seemingly endless succession of variants, from the original through the LP640, 40th Anniversary and Versace editions, fixed roof and roadsters versions, the Reventón, LP650-4 Roadster and LP670-4 SuperVeloce. Lambo's done a good job of keeping its biggest, baddest fighting bovine with the times, but they know it's about time this aging bull be put to pasture. However if the latest reports are any indication, it may yet be a couple of years more before the Murci meets its replacement.

When it does come along, though, Auto Motor und Sport says we can expect the new flagship Lambo to ditch the Murci's outmoded steel chassis in favor of an aluminum one - likely based on the Audi R8's. Draped in aluminum and carbon fiber, the chassis will, in all likelihood, carry a revised version of the Bizzarrini-designed V12 that was the company's first engine and which has, with considerable modification, carried on in the company's supercars ever since. While the wheelbase is expected to carry over from the outgoing Murcielago, the front overhang is expected to shrink, while all-wheel-drive will continue to put the power down to the tarmac.

[Source: Auto Motor und Sport]

Rendered Speculation: Lamborghini Murcielago successor not coming until 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Jun 2009 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GRID Iron: Honda S2000 successor independently rendered

Chris Paukert — Thu, 28 May 2009 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Honda, Rendered Speculation

Lars Martensson's Honda S2000 concept - click above for a high-res gallery

Late yesterday, we showed you the handiwork of 3D rendering guru Lars Martensson (a.k.a. 'GRID'), who had applied his skills to a future vision of a new Subaru WRX STI. Today, we bring you the skilled Swede's take on what a next-generation Honda S2000 roadster might look like.

While this concept has no basis in reality (and rumors of an S200 successor have thus far amounted to nothing), as with the Subie, we find a lot of merit in what we see. Click on the gallery below to see if you don't agree.

Gallery: Martensson Honda S2000 Concept

[Source: 3DLuvr]

GRID Iron: Honda S2000 successor independently rendered originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 May 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: Ford Capri to return next year?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 28 May 2009 10:26:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Ford, Rendered Speculation, Rumormill

The Ford Capri is to Europe what the Ford Mustang is to the United States... with at least one major exception. Unlike the quintessentially American pony car, which has been in nearly continuous production since its inception way back in 1964, the Capri nameplate has been conspicuously absent from European showrooms since 1986 - making it ripe for a remake.

According to the fearless rumormongers at Auto Express, the next Ford Capri may be right around the corner. In this guise, the Capri would basically be a three-door hatchback version of the Ford Focus with a sporty take on Ford's so-called Kinetic design language. The car would be earmarked to do battle with the revived Volkswagen Scirocco and Renault's latest Mégane Coupé.

Inside, the new Capri would share the same basic guts as the Focus and feature the latest version of Ford's Human Machine Interface. Underhood would sit the buyer's choice of an EcoBoost gasoline-fed four cylinder in either 1.6-liter or high-performance 2.0-liter sizes - or perhaps one of Ford's TDCi turbodiesel engines mated up with a Powershift twin-clutch gearbox.

If there is indeed any truth to these rumors, we can expect the next-gen Capri to debut at an unknown auto show sometime in 2010.

[Source: Auto Express]

Rendered Speculation: Ford Capri to return next year? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 May 2009 10:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hire Him: Next-gen Subaru WRX STI is privately rendered awesomeness [w/VIDEO]

Chris Paukert — Wed, 27 May 2009 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Performance, Etc., Europe, Videos, Hatchback, Subaru, Rendered Speculation

Lars Martensson's Subaru Impreza WRX STI concept - click above for a high-res gallery

It's fair to say that Subaru has enjoyed a run of strong product in recent years, as well as an exponential credibility increase in enthusiast's eyes, essentially ever since the automaker began shipping over the Impreza WRX back in 2001. Those considerable achievements aside, it's likewise fair to say that Subaru has yet to well-and-truly crack the aesthetics portion of the modern carbuilding equation, having produced some daring (if ungainly) entries like the origina B9 Tribeca and a series of aggressive yet unpretty Impreza variants. And while we applaud originality, we think the folks at Fuji Heavy Industries could use a consistent design force, a man (or woman) with a mission that's out in the public eye as something of a known quantity. Think: General Motors' Ed Welburn, former Mazda-turned-Tesla wunderkind Franz von Holzhausen, former BMW lightning rod Chris Bangle, etc.

All of this is not to say that the man behind the WRX STI rally car renderings shown here has the answers, but we know one thing: When passing these images around Autoblog's (virtual) offices, we all couldn't help but say something to the effect of: "Oooooh, damn that's hot!" - a phrase we can't remember associating with Subaru, much as we love driving the vehicles themselves. In any case, these images come courtesy of one Lars Martensson (apparently better known on the interwebs by his handle 'GRID)', a man who spends his days crafting 3D renderings for videogames (Rallisport Challenge 2 for xBox, Battlefield 2 for PC). To us, this Swede has a handle on what the STI needs to be: Squat, mean, and purposeful. Okay, so perhaps the cut-down greenhouse wouldn't leave much room for taller folks (much less a helmet), but if one of these were parked in our driveway, well... we'd happily squat a little.

Check out the high-res image gallery below, and click on the jump for the video.

Gallery: Martensson Subaru WRX STI Concept

[Source: 3dluvr.com via Jalopnik]

Continue reading Hire Him: Next-gen Subaru WRX STI is privately rendered awesomeness [w/VIDEO]

Hire Him: Next-gen Subaru WRX STI is privately rendered awesomeness [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 May 2009 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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