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[Spy Shots: 2009 Mercedes-Benz E63]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/12/spy-shots-2009-mercedes-benz-e63/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/12/spy-shots-2009-mercedes-benz-e63/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/12/spy-shots-2009-mercedes-benz-e63/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The launch of the next Mercedes-Benz E-class is right around the corner and Car's spies were able to catch a mildly camo'd mule undergoing testing. The prototype is unmistakably M-B, with a new front fascia that appears to split the difference between the swoop CLS's headlamps and the more conservative eyes of the C- and S-class. Underneath the cloaked sheet metal is Mercedes' new W212 mid-size sedan platform, which ditches the electronic braking system of the last generation (Benz dealers rejoice!) in favor of conventional hydraulic stoppers, and utilizes a four-link front suspension and a multi-link rear arrangement coupled with M-B's Active Body Control (ABC) system. Naturally, there will be gizmos galore, including a new electronic road sign reading system, night-vision pulled from the S-class and a host of gasoline- and diesel-powered engines that will top out with the 6.2-liter V8 from AMG.

According to Car, the new E will make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show next March, with sales beginning later that summer.

[Source: Car]

 

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]]>2010 mercedes benz e-class2010MercedesBenzE-classbenze classe-classe63 amgE63AmgEClassmercedesmercedes benzmercedes-benzMercedesBenz2008-05-12T16:28:00+00:00<![CDATA[Spy shots: Fisker Karma makes an appearance in California]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/09/spy-shots-fisker-karma-makes-an-appearance-in-california/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/09/spy-shots-fisker-karma-makes-an-appearance-in-california/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/09/spy-shots-fisker-karma-makes-an-appearance-in-california/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Up until now, the Fisker Karma hasn't really been much more than a pretty face to go along with a promise. That changes today, thanks to a spy photographer who was lucky enough to catch the upcoming plug-in hybrid sedan out testing in California. Lawsuits often seem to have a dampening effect on enthusiasm, so it's good to see the Karma out and about. We can clearly see that the body is the same shape as what we all saw at its introduction earlier this year in Detroit. What we don't know yet is what's powering those shapely curves down the road. The first inclination from Autocar is that a Volkswagen 1.4-liter four-banger will provide power to the lithium ion batteries via a generator, but we really can't be sure what's being tested. Still, given the amount of electric know-how that Quantum Technologies, the electric powertrain supplier to Fisker, already has, we wouldn't be too surprised if something close to final-spec components were being run through their paces.

UPDATE: For what it's worth, these photos were not captured by a photographer hiding in the bushes. They were apparently actually put out by Fisker's Beverly Hills PR agency Rogers & Cowan. We still don't know anything about the mechanicals of the car in question, only that Fisker is trying to generate some buzz.

[Source: Autocar via AutoblogGreen, Autoweek]

 

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]]>fiskerfisker hybridfisker karmafisker karma spiedfisker-karmaFiskerHybridFiskerKarmaFiskerKarmaSpiedkarmakarma hybridkarma phevkarma-hybridkarma-phevKarmaHybridKarmaPhevspy shotsspy-shotsSpyShots2008-05-09T18:31:00+00:00<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Baby Cayenne caught on 'Ring!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/08/spy-shots-baby-cayenne-caught-on-ring/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/08/spy-shots-baby-cayenne-caught-on-ring/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/08/spy-shots-baby-cayenne-caught-on-ring/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of Baby Cayenne spy shots

Porsche almost slid a fast one by spy photographers recently when it began testing a new baby Cayenne SUV prototype at the famed Nurburgring race track in Germany. The thing looks for all the world like an actual Cayenne SUV, but photographers first noticed its diminutive proportions, then its sharply raked D-pillar, and then the different cut lines around its door. Soon it became apparent that this was no Cayenne, but rather a prototype for a new, smaller Porsche SUV that's likely based on the upcoming Audi Q5. Like most people, we've always thought the idea of a Porsche SUV is kind of silly, but make it smaller and lighter and we get commensurately more interested. Click after the jump for more analysis from the spy photographers themselves.

Gallery: Porsche Baby Cayenne - spy shots


[Source: KGP Photography]

Continue reading Spy Shots: Baby Cayenne caught on 'Ring!

 

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]]>baby cayenneBabyCayennebreakingporsche baby cayennePorscheBabyCayennespy picsspy shotsSpyPicsSpyShots2008-05-08T11:53:00+00:00<![CDATA[Rendered Speculation: Is it SHOtime for the next Ford Taurus?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/08/rendered-speculation-is-it-shotime-for-fords-new-taurus/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/08/rendered-speculation-is-it-shotime-for-fords-new-taurus/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/08/rendered-speculation-is-it-shotime-for-fords-new-taurus/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the BringBacktheSHO Concept V2

We heard yesterday from a group of Ford Taurus SHO fans who were questioned in a focus group by Ford employees working on the next Taurus program, so we know that the Blue Oval is at least considering a high performance version of the next Taurus. Combine that with a grainy cell phone pic we posted of what could be a design study for the next Taurus and you've got fertile elements for our friends over at BringBacktheSHO.com who specialize in letting their imaginations run wild. Ryan Pasch who runs the website actually attended the focus group in question earlier this week, so these renderings based off of that grainy camera phone pic may be more accurate than we realize. Pasch calls the car in his renders the BringBacktheSHO Concept V2, and judging from the pics in our gallery below, we're as ready for the SHO's triumphant return as he his.

Gallery: BringBacktheSHO Concept V2


[Source: BringBacktheSHO]

 

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]]>bringbacktheshobringbackthesho concept v2BringbacktheshoConceptV2ford taurus shoFordTaurusShoshotaurustaurus shoTaurusSho2008-05-08T10:27:00+00:00<![CDATA[Spy Shots: 2010 Chevy Cobalt]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/08/spy-shots-2010-chevy-cobalt/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/08/spy-shots-2010-chevy-cobalt/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/08/spy-shots-2010-chevy-cobalt/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

When the Chevy Cobalt first hit the scene as a 2005 model, it was a much better car than the basic transportation it replaced, but it was still a bit too Cavalier-looking for some. All that is scheduled to change for the 2010 model year, as the bow-tie will unveil a new Cobalt based of the same global Delta platform that will also underpin the Volt and next Saturn Astra.

Brenda Priddy and her voyeur minions caught a well-disguised 2010 Cobalt roaming the streets, and while it looks like it was doused in silly-string, we can still see plenty of promise. Most noticeably, the 'Balt's profile looks much more refined than that of the current model, with a more graceful greenhouse and prominent nose. Thankfully, the handsome two-tier grill looks to be making its way over from the Malibu, which will help further separate the Cobalt from its economy car past. A sedan and coupe will be available, and we're assuming that we'll see a new, faster Cobalt SS, as well.

High gas prices already have the Cobalt selling in record numbers, and if GM can pull off a better Cobalt by next summer, the amount of them leaving dealer lots should grow considerably. Hit the read link below to see the spy shots. Thanks for the tip, noe!

[Source: Motor Trend]

 

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]]>2010 Cobalt2010CobaltBrenda PriddyBrendaPriddyGMSpy shotsSpyShots2008-05-08T09:44:00+00:00<![CDATA[First Peek: 2009 Dodge Ram R/T]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/08/first-peek-2009-dodge-ram-r-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/08/first-peek-2009-dodge-ram-r-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/08/first-peek-2009-dodge-ram-r-t/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2009 Dodge Ram R/TYou know those videos that sometimes automatically start playing when you visit automaker websites? You know how you usually click right past them? Sometimes, they're worth paying attention to. If you visit to the 2009 Dodge Ram website, you're treated to a tour of the truck by Ralph Gilles and Mark Allen. Before the design guys give their spiel, however, you get a very brief glimpse of a poster showing '09 Ram body styles and options/accessories. There, clear as day, is a shot of the forthcoming Ram R/T.

When the new Ram was initially unveiled, PickupTrucks.com confirmed that the R/T was indeed on the way. Word at the time was that the R/T would be a standard-cab, 4x2, short-bed truck with a HEMI, 5-speed auto, and a 4.10 rear axle ratio. As you can see in the photo at right, the truck gets a monochrome treatment (a la the Ram Sport), a deep chin spoiler, and a hood reminiscent of the one used on the Challenger R/T and SRT8. As PickupTrucks.com reported, expect the Ram R/T's powertrain combo to deliver a sub-7 second 0-60 time. It'll be interesting to see the R/T's marketplace reception, given that gas prices are likely to continue climbing for the foreseeable future. Unfortunately for Chrysler, it's a less-than-perfect environment for welcoming a new performance-oriented truck. Nothing a little cash on the hood and a locked-in gas price can't fix, right? Thanks for the tip, David!

[Source: Dodge]

 

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]]>09 dodge ram rt09DodgeRamRt2009 dodge ram2009 dodge ram rt2009DodgeRam2009DodgeRamRtbreakingdodge ramdodge ram rtDodgeRamDodgeRamRtramram rtRamRt2008-05-08T08:30:00+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[Spy Shots: Corvette ZR1 attacking the Nurburgring]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/07/spy-shots-corvette-zr1-attacking-the-nurburgring/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/07/spy-shots-corvette-zr1-attacking-the-nurburgring/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/07/spy-shots-corvette-zr1-attacking-the-nurburgring/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of ZR1 on the 'Ring spy shots

Corvette Chief Engineer (and Autoblog commenter) Tadge Juechter said last week that the new ZR1 "will be able to take the production-car track record at any racetrack" and should lap the famed Nurburgring race track in Germany in "seven minutes, twenty-something seconds." Considering Nissan just posted a new official lap time of 7:29 for the GT-R and that the GT-R V-Spec is reportedly clicking off laps in 7:25, them sounds like fightin' words. Well, the ZR1 is officially being flogged around the Ring as we speak, though no one has yet to report a lap time for this gorgeous red prototype that was spotted by KGP photographers. BridgetoGantry.com reports that yesterday there was a helicopter over the track "chasing something that sounded very V8 and awfully supercharged," so perhaps lap times will soon be forthcoming. We imagine the supercharged LS9 V8's 628 horsepower and the ZR1's 205-mph top speed will not disappoint.

Gallery: Corvette ZR1 on the 'Ring - spy shots


[Source: KGP Photography]

 

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]]>breakingcorvette zr-1corvette zr1corvette zr1 picturescorvette zr1 spy shotsCorvetteZr-1CorvetteZr1CorvetteZr1PicturesCorvetteZr1SpyShotsspy picsspy shotsSpyPicsSpyShotszr1zr1corvettezr1topspeed2008-05-07T14:26:00+00:00<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Ferrari F149 spotted, sans butt-camo]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/06/spy-shots-ferrari-f149-spotted-sans-butt-camo/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/06/spy-shots-ferrari-f149-spotted-sans-butt-camo/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/06/spy-shots-ferrari-f149-spotted-sans-butt-camo/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a gallery of Ferrari's Project F149.

With the debut of the Ferrari 149 GT California (or something like that) just around the corner, new shots of the Ferrari mule have surfaced at Autogespot, revealing a few more details about the entry-level Fezza. Unlike some spy pics we've seen that obscure everything from the B-pillar back, these newest images show a steeply raked rear windscreen that terminates into an artificially elongated trunk, rumored to house a folding hard top. The front clip is sporting a large radiator intake and the hood stretches back in true Ferrari style. As reported before, Project F149 is rumored to be powered by a 4.7-liter V8 producing 480 to 500 hp. More details are expected soon. We're standing by.

Gallery: Ferrari F149 Spy Shots


[Source: Autogespot via Jalopnik]

 

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]]>149ferrariferrari california gtferrari dinoferrari f149FerrariCaliforniaGtFerrariDinoFerrariF149spy shotsSpyShots2008-05-06T14:31:00+00:00<![CDATA[Spied? BMW M1 Prototype caught undisguised (maybe)]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/04/spied-bmw-m1-prototype-caught-undisguised-maybe/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/04/spied-bmw-m1-prototype-caught-undisguised-maybe/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/04/spied-bmw-m1-prototype-caught-undisguised-maybe/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for high-res version

We've been debating whether or not this is a real photo or an expert rendering, but if it is a photoshopped image of a BMW M1 prototype, then it is very convincing. According to FreshTarmac.com, this photo was taken in a hangar in Spain. It shows a sleek two-door, probably mid-engined coupe with attributes of the new M3 incorporated into its design, especially the front fenders and hood. With BMW introducing the M1 Hommage Concept at the Concorso d'Eleganza at Villa d'Este last week, we hope this means that is already considering a production version. Come on BMW, build it! Thanks for the tip, John!

[Source: FreshTarmac.com]

 

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]]>BMWBMW M1BMW M1 ConceptBMW M1 PrototypeBmwM1BmwM1ConceptBmwM1Prototypebreakingbreaking newsBreakingNewsM12008-05-04T20:59:00+00:00<![CDATA[Aerial photos of test tracks on display at Minneapolis & NYC museums]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/02/aerial-photos-of-test-tracks-on-display-at-minneapolis-and-nyc-mus/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/02/aerial-photos-of-test-tracks-on-display-at-minneapolis-and-nyc-mus/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/02/aerial-photos-of-test-tracks-on-display-at-minneapolis-and-nyc-mus/#commentsFiled under: ,


Volvo test track in Wittman, AZ

Autotechnogeoglyphics. If you didn't have to read that term at least a couple of times, slowly, to decipher it, you're probably some sort of freak. But that's the name of a display of aerial photographs taken of automotive test facilities across the United States. The show will be on at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota, until August 17 before it moves to the Carnegie Museum of Art from October 4 through January 18.

Among those proving grounds being displayed in the show are GM's facility in Milford, Michigan, and Caterpillar's equipment test mountain. The images were taken by the Center for Land Use Interpretation, which previously displayed photos of parking lots under the heading "Pavement Paradise: American Parking Space".

[Source: NYT Wheels]

 

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]]>Autotechnogeoglyphicscarnegie museumCarnegieMuseumcenter for land use interpretationCenterForLandUseInterpretationwalker art centerWalkerArtCenter2008-05-02T09:32:00+00:00<![CDATA[SPY VIDEO: 2010 BMW Z4 replacement at the 'Ring]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/01/spy-video-2010-bmw-z4-replacement-at-the-ring/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/01/spy-video-2010-bmw-z4-replacement-at-the-ring/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/01/spy-video-2010-bmw-z4-replacement-at-the-ring/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


UPDATE: Video removed at request of spy videographer. Click here to view.

BMW is hard at work on the replacement for the current Z4 roadster, and a developmental test mule has been caught on video running laps around the vaunted Nurburgring. Despite the heavy camouflage, we can tell from the footage - which seems to follow the test mule around the Ring and into a nearby garage with conspicuous "look at me" accuracy - that the new roadster, due in 2010, will retain the current model's long nose and short rear decklid. Styling is expected to follow the theme set down by the Concept CS unveiled in Shanghai last year, but the real clincher is that the new roadster will feature a retractable hard top. That means it will be heavier than the outgoing model, but will keep up on the marketplace with hard-top competition from above (Mercedes SLK) and below (Mazda MX-5). Follow the jump to watch the video.

[Source: Motor Authority via PistonHeads]

 

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]]>2010 bmw z42010BmwZ4bmw roadsterbmw z4BmwRoadsterBmwZ4nurburgring spy videoNurburgringSpyVideospy video 2010 bmw z4SpyVideo2010BmwZ42008-05-01T07:57:00+00:00<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Audi RS6 sedan to debut A4/5-style rear end?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/30/spy-shots-audi-rs6-sedan-to-debut-a4-5-style-rear-end/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/30/spy-shots-audi-rs6-sedan-to-debut-a4-5-style-rear-end/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/30/spy-shots-audi-rs6-sedan-to-debut-a4-5-style-rear-end/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Few companies do wagons like Audi does. Take, for example, the RS6 Avant - the supercar-crushing super-estate with the 580+hp twin-turbo V10. The combination of "wagon" and "exotic" in the same sentence make for a real attention-grabber, as far as family-haulers go, but push comes to shove, we're not sure we share our European counterparts' love for estate wagons. That's why Audi has been preparing a sedan version of the RS6. The undisguised spy shots of the sedan we caught back in February suggested the car was just about ready, but another set of spy shots now surfacing - a month and a half later - show that Audi may have gone back to the drawing board.

The new candids show a beefed-up A6 - complete with aggressive front end, bulging fenders, side skirts and jumbo wheels, suggesting the RS6 despite the lack of badging - but with a little surprise around back: a rear end styled like that of the newer, smaller A4 sedan and A5 coupe. The shots suggest that Audi is preparing a little butt-lift for the entire A6 range to fall in line with its new posterior styling direction, but is using the RS6 to showcase it first. Like we said with the last round of spy shots, this makes perfect sense when you consider that most drivers won't be seeing much else of the RS6 as it thunders down the left-hand lane.

[Source: World Car Fans]

 

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]]>audi rs6 sedanAudi V10 TFSIAudiRs6SedanAudiV10Tfsispy audi rs6spy shotsSpyAudiRs6SpyShots2008-04-30T17:58:00+00:00<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Supercharged Audi S4 caught testing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/30/spy-shots-supercharged-audi-s4-caught-testing/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/30/spy-shots-supercharged-audi-s4-caught-testing/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/30/spy-shots-supercharged-audi-s4-caught-testing/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

It is, of course, no secret that we here at Autoblog like our horsepower. But what we like even more than that is good automotive sense and a great driving experience. And if we're honest with ourselves, we can admit that those don't always require a 580-hp V10.

Audi appears to feel the same way when it comes to the next S4. For the next generation model due in 2010, Audi doesn't plan to boost the output of the current model's V8. Instead, a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 is supposed to be pulling this mule caught lapping the 'Ring in Germany.

Autocar's sources say that Audi wants the next car to be lighter and get better gas mileage, and be able to compete with the BMW 335i. A more frugal car that can still do the business when asked and has better handling thanks to its lighter weight represents the kind of goal we can really get behind. To keep the S4 distinct from the next RS4 due in 2011, the top shelf super sedan is expected to keep its V8 lump.

[Source: Autocar]

 

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]]>a4audiaudi a4audi s4AudiA4AudiS4next generationNextGenerationnurburgrings4spy shotsSpyShots2008-04-30T11:28:00+00:00<![CDATA[eBay Find of the Day: 2009 BMW 7 Series front bumper?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/29/ebay-find-of-the-day-2009-bmw-7-series-front-bumper/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/29/ebay-find-of-the-day-2009-bmw-7-series-front-bumper/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/29/ebay-find-of-the-day-2009-bmw-7-series-front-bumper/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Well, waddaya know... you really can find anything on eBay. We have no way of knowing for sure if this front bumper offered for auction on eBay Germany is really from a preproduction 2009 BMW 7 Series, but it sure looks the part based on spy shots and renderings that we've seen. We can't imagine just how somebody would end up with this particular piece, but we're having fun imagining a bit of dumpster-diving around the BMW design studio. One can't help but wonder where the rest of the car may be. Didn't anybody notice the missing front end?

The seller claims that the front bumper comes from a prototype next-gen 7 Series and prefers that the item be picked up in Munich. Want it? As of this writing, the high-bid is just 25.5 euros. Seems worth at least that much, assuming it's for real.

[Source: eBay.de via Piston Heads]

 

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]]>2009 7 series2009 7-series2009 bmw 7 series2009-7-series2009-bmw-7-series20097-series20097Series2009Bmw7Seriesbmw ebay auctionbmw-ebay-auctionBmwEbayAuction2008-04-29T17:05:00+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[Spy Shots: Cadillac CTS Wagon!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/spy-shots-cadillac-cts-coupe-wagon/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/spy-shots-cadillac-cts-coupe-wagon/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/spy-shots-cadillac-cts-coupe-wagon/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of Cadillac CTS Wagon spy shots

Codenamed internally as the GMX 206, the Cadillac CTS Wagon has clearly gone beyond the consideration phase within GM's hallowed halls and is actively being developed. This prototype was just caught by spy photographers and the profile is unmistakable evidence that the CTS will soon get some extra cargo space. Cadillac's plan to expand the CTS into a full-fledged lineup that can compete with the likes of the the BMW 3-Series and Audi A4 hinges on producing more variants than just the sedan. The CTS Coupe Concept was introduced at the Detroit Auto Show in January, so it's no surprise that we're seeing the wagon in development now and we would expect a convertible version of the coupe eventually, as well. Sources say that Cadillac will build around 10,000 - 12,000 units of the CTS wagon at the same Lansing Grand River Assembly Plant as the sedan and coupe, with most of those being earmarked for sale in Europe. And we have to say that the Family Truckster has never looked so sharp.

Gallery: Cadillac CTS Wagon - spy shots


[Source: Chris Doane for Brenda Priddy & Co.]

 

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]]>cadillaccadillac ctscadillac cts wagonCadillacCtsCadillacCtsWagonctscts wagonCtsWagonspy picsspy shotsSpyPicsSpyShots2008-04-25T14:54:00+00:00<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Alfa MiTo interior]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/spy-shots-alfa-mito-interior/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/spy-shots-alfa-mito-interior/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/spy-shots-alfa-mito-interior/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Since revealing exterior shots of its upcoming MiTo hatchback, Alfa Romeo has kept the wraps over the car's interior. Maybe they were still working on the cabin, or maybe they wanted to keep something a mystery until the car's official unveiling this summer. Either way, the cat is apparently out of the bag, with this shot found circulating the internet.

Although the picture is a little grainy and poorly lit, from the looks of things, the MiTo's interior looks like a nice place to be. The center console with its large circular vents closely mirrors that of the 8C Competizione that inspired the MiTo's exterior styling. The dashboard has an intriguing swoosh to it and the steering wheel looks fittingly aggressive and modern, though this example seems to be lacking the manettino switch tipped to come on the more powerful versions.

[Source: Progetto955 via CarScoop]

 

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]]>alfa mi.toalfa mitoalfa mito cabinalfa mito interioralfa romeo mitoAlfaMi.toAlfaMitoAlfaMitoCabinAlfaMitoInteriorAlfaRomeoMitospy shot alfa mitoSpyShotAlfaMito2008-04-25T09:57:00+00:00<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Ford Fiesta Sedan snapped]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/24/spy-shots-ford-fiesta-sedan-snapped/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/24/spy-shots-ford-fiesta-sedan-snapped/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/24/spy-shots-ford-fiesta-sedan-snapped/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for gallery of high-res Ford Fiesta spy shots

The question of whether or not Ford will offer the upcoming Fiesta in the U.S. as a three- or five-door hatchback is still unanswered, but we do know that a four-door sedan version is on the way. And here it is, recently snapped by spy photographers in Dearborn, MI. Though this prototype is wearing heavy cladding, its clear that the design will stick closely to what was previewed with the Verve sedan concept. Also note the sharp forward rake of the beltline, which gives the car a very high rear trunk lid and might lead to a sense of claustrophobia for rear seat passengers who can barely see out. Nevertheless, we're ready for Ford to reenter the small car market with a bang when the production Fiesta sedan arrives sometime later next year.

Gallery: Ford Fiesta Sedan - spy shots


Gallery: 2009 Ford Fiesta


[Source: KGP Photography]

 

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]]>2010 ford fiesta2010FordFiestafiestaford fiestaford fiesta five-doorford fiesta from eur...Ford fiesta sedanford fiesta spy shotsFordFiestaFordFiestaFive-doorFordFiestaFromEur...FordFiestaSedanFordFiestaSpyShotsspy picsSpyPicsspyshots2008-04-24T16:56:00+00:00<![CDATA[SPY VIDEO: Ferrari F149 GT California at Fiorano]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/24/spy-video-ferrari-f149-gt-california-at-fiorano/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/24/spy-video-ferrari-f149-gt-california-at-fiorano/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/24/spy-video-ferrari-f149-gt-california-at-fiorano/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above to view the spy video

Sound the alarm and turn up your speakers - Ferrari has a security breach. Someone managed to get a good vantage point with a video camera over the company's private Fiorano test track in Maranello and caught the oft-photographed test mule of the upcoming new Ferrari model lapping the track at full throttle.

Known internally as project F149 and alternatively referred to externally as the Dino or GT California, the new model is expected to feature four seats and a retractable hard top. Although rumor has it that Maserati may be delegated the assembly (including the 4.7-liter V8 it makes for the GranTurismo S and Alfa 8C), this beast sounds every bit like a purebred stallion. Follow the jump to see for yourself.

[Source: YouTube via Autoblog.nl]

Continue reading SPY VIDEO: Ferrari F149 GT California at Fiorano

 

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]]>ferrari 470 gt californiaferrari dinoferrari f149ferrari gt californiaFerrari470GtCaliforniaFerrariDinoFerrariF149FerrariGtCaliforniafioranospy videoSpyVideo2008-04-24T08:32:00+00:00