Autoblog

Move along, hardly anything to see here. Still, it's always interesting to chart the changes. KGP photographers demonstrated the importance of keeping the glovebox stocked with trailmix, which allows these sharp shooters to outlast their quarry driving around in preproduction mules of upcoming models. Mazda's new 6 has already had its exterior snapped (see gallery below), but the interior has also received some attention. A new steering wheel is the most noticeable change compared to the already-revealed European model, though the instruments are also tweaked and the start button has been relocated closer to the shifter. Hopefully we'll meet the new 2009 Mazda6 in person in just a couple weeks at the 2008 New York Auto Show, because if not, we'll have to wait until at least the end of year at the next LA Auto Show.


[Source: Inside Line]

If such a thing is possible, Volvo 240s have an even mustier image in Australia than they do in the United States. That's good for those of us who know that they're anvil tough and respond well to modifications. Being front engine, rear wheel drive and European, the ingredients for a stormer are there, if you care to do some work. Additionally, 240s are super easy to work on, and there's a decent enthusiast base, especially now with the interweb tubes in full swing.

Engine swaps into RWD Volvos are nothing new, Converse Engineering and Jags That Run have been selling kits to provide your "Brick" with a small-block heart transplant for years. A particularly determined Aussie has swapped in a twin-turbo Toyota Supra engine good for 284 horsepower. Sure, the V8s will bump out that pony count all day, but they won't have that inline-six wail. Of course, there's something equally alluring about the rhythm of a V8 doing its work, too. Decisions, decisions. Guess we'd just have to get a few and go swap-crazy. Good thing old Volvos are cheap!

The dyno run video is posted after the jump.

Gallery: Supra powered Volvo

[Source: Carscoop]

The 2007 BMW 6-Series will feature a minor facelift, and an undisguised mule has been snapped undergoing testing at the Nurburgring. How minor a facelift? Well, you'd probably have to put the new one next to an old one to tell the difference.

Purely cosmetic changes seem limited to a revised front bumper, with the integrated fog lights moving slightly closer to the center. Mechanically, the car is expected to remain the same, though the twin-turbo six might find its way into the lineup.

The 6's styling is a love-it-or-hate-it affair, so if you like the Bangle design you won't be disappointed, but if you were hoping for a revolutionary redesign, you'll be waiting a while longer.

[Source: Motor Authority]

Volga is known mostly for small Soviet-era sedans used by the KGB and as limos for the communist party central committee members – a little less so for customized German luxury cars. But in a revolution against Western propaganda, the Russian automaker has unveiled its second coachbuilt BMW.

The Volga V8 roadster starts life as a BMW 650i cabriolet before being treated to custom body panels to give the car 60's retro styling in tribute to the (charismatically-named) Volga GA3-21P. Aside from the bodywork, the car's mechanicals seem to carry over from the stock BMW, which is probably a smart move.

The V8 Roadster follows the path of the V12 Coupe, based on the BMW 850 CSi, which was built in 2001 as a throwback to the Volga GA3-219 (with a 9, the roadster has a P).

Not much additional information is available on the cars, unless you're fluent in Russian, but follow the jump to find a full gallery of images.

Volga may be in danger of folding, but not before joining Fisker in crafting an exclusive coachbuilt BMW.

[Source: CarDesign.ru]

Mazda owners can't have all the fun can they? Volkswagen's answer is a resounding "Hell no!" And with that, the possibility of an extra-spicy version of their mid-sized, grocery getter is on the table.

AutoExpress reports that an uprated Passat may come to market, equipped with the 3.6-liter V6 found in the R36 and, it's safe to assume, a six-speed manual or DSG feeding power through all four wheels.

When, where and how much is all up in the air, but we'd expect more information before year's end.

[Source: AutoExpress]