Click above for high-res gallery of fourth-gen Astra sneak peek
We just told you about Bob Lutz' comments that the Saturn Astra is too expensive and not making any money in the U.S., but that may change when the next iteration arrives. Of course, the next Astra will debut in Europe first as an Opel (and Vauxhall in the UK), but we suspect that GM will offer it in the U.S. again, especially if the automaker can build it locally so that it's not dogged by a weak currency exchange like the current model. Though not scheduled to debut until late next year at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, the fourth-gen Astra is making an appearance today in a couple of sketches released by General Motors Europe. The design is said to take direct inspiration from the new Insignia, which itself will become the next-gen Saturn Aura. The all-new Astra will be based on the Delta II platform with vehicles like the Chevy Cruze and Volt and feature a new range of fuel efficient engines, clever packaging solutions and trick technology like the Insignia's Front Camera System that recognizes road signs. Check out the sneak peeks in our gallery below.
The BMW Progressive Activity Sedan (PAS or possibly V5) is on its way, whether the world wants it or needs it. According to Auto Motor und Sport, the 5-series based sedan will debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2009, and is expected to be very reminiscent of the recently released X6, with plummeting C- and D-pillars, a hatchback, a higher ride height (think Audi's Allroad) and measuring in at approximately 4.9 meters (192 inches), about an inch longer than the X6. There's no indication about which markets the PAS will be sold in when it arrives in late 2009 or early 2010, but it's safe to assume that the success of the X6 will be a factor in the PAS' distribution.
When Ferrari decides to make a special edition of an already exclusive vehicle, the results are typically quite stunning. It should come to no one's surprise that the F430 Scuderia is not the exception to the rule. 510 horsepower and 5.6 lbs for every HP will provide plenty of thrills at the track or on the open road, as will the 60 millisecond shift time. The scribes over at Avto Magazin has a beautiful motion picture starring the F430 Scuderia that we had to share. The F430 Scuderia doesn't disappoint either, as it sounds as beautiful as it looks, and looks right at home on the track. Click the Read link below to view the video. It may play a bit choppy the first time through as it's somewhat high-def, but just hit pause and let the buffer build up for skip-free playback.
We're back with Autoblog Podcast #77, and it's a Frankfurt-recap extravaganza. We discuss our favorite picks, as well as touching on some of the numerous highlights from the monster-sized show. We got a glimpse of the Jaguar XF in person, and it's better in person, but can it save Jaguar? BMW unveiled the X6, it's own AMC Spirit ripoff, not to be left behind by the Audi Cross Coupe Quattro from Shanghai. We continue on about exotic sheetmetal from Brabus, Schnitzer, Bentley, and Aston Martin, to name a few. On the more mundane tip, the Mazda 6 rocked, the Aveo was ugly, the Journey landed on its face, and could we please, please knock it off with the front quarter panel vents? After Alex's speed-round wrapup, we discuss a solitary piece of non-Frankfurt news, the Jeep J8. Yes, it's awesome, no, you can't buy one. Damn, that's stupid, Chrysler. Onward!
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Click the image above for a 60-shot high-res gallery
The BMW X6 productionconcept CUV blends the looks and driving dynamics that aficionados expect with the high seating position and extra cargo space of a crossover. The X6 appears to be more of a fashion statement than it is a fully functioning "Sport Activity Vehicle," as that steeply raked butt dooesn't look like it can hold too many golf bags inside.
One look at the X6 reveal comments shows how polarizing the big utility "coupe" is, but the video of the X6 after the jump makes the concept look like a world-beater. Chris Bangle and his design team give us a peek at the new sports crossover, as well as the thinking behind BMW's next big idea. Take a look after the jump.
Last month, BRABUS teased everyone with a photo of a covered vehicle they said would be the ultimate "wolf in sheep's clothing." Today, they officially announced what that vehicle is. Say hello to the BRABUS Bullit, a Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan that is the beneficiary of the utterly monstrous BRABUS SV12 S Biturbo engine transplant. Put plainly, that makes this rather understated-looking (for BRABUS, at least) sedan one of the fastest cars in the world, period.
Power from the twin-turbocharged V12 is a staggering 720 horses and an even more mind-numbing 974 lb-ft of torque. For the sake of tractability, BRABUS electronically limits the peak available torque at "only" 811 lb-ft. Still, you'd better have a substantial tire budget set aside, as you'll (literally) be burning through it very quickly. A heavily-modified 5-speed automatic with a BRABUS locking rear differential sends power rearward. Two different final drive ratios are offered, as well -- 2.65:1 or 2.24:1. Naturally, the exhaust, suspension and brakes are all modified as well.
Performance numbers are blistering: 0-62 in 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 224 mph. If have €348,000 handy (and you live in Europe), you can consider yourself to be in the market for one. For complete details and specs on the Bullit, just follow the jump.
We forgot how long the plane ride is to Frankfurt, but now have a sore ass to remind us during our week long stay in Germany to cover the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show. A few of us are here and the rest are en route, so barring a detour by the Dharma Project, our entire Autoblog team for Frankfurt should be well rested for the show tomorrow.
You can check out our non-stop coverage from the front page of couse, or keep an eye on this link that will display only the posts we're throwing up from Frankfurt. Our goal is to bring you coverage of every major reveal, complete with our own color commentary and live shots from the show floor to accompany official pics and press releases. Below is a list of just some of the reveals we plan to cover.
UPDATE: Larger image and press release added. click above for larger image
Though not officially announced yet, the Hyundai i-Blue Concept will debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month, according to Automotive News. The i-Blue Concept is a hydrogen-powered exercise in being green and practical at the same time. It uses Hyundai's third-generation hydrogen fuel cell. While past Hyundai hydrogen concepts were SUVs, the i-Blue mirrors the trend of the day by sitting atop a new car-based crossover platform. No more news is available on the i-Blue Concept since Hyundai hasn't officially announced it yet. We don't know where Automotive News got the above image, and we're interested since the i-Blue may contain future Hyundai styling cues. Look for those on the vehicle's front end, as that giant C- and D-pillar combination at the vehicle's rear would make for one hellish blind spot on a production vehicle.
Citroën has officially released everything its got on the C5 Airscape Concept that leaked out a few days ago, and it turns out our guess that it incorporated a soft top beneath its tonneau cover was wrong. The C5 Airscape will actually shade its occupants with a folding hard top made out of lightweight, strong and certainly expensive carbon fiber.
Billed as an "executive cabriolet", the C5 Airscape is a four-seat hard-top convertible with expressive styling that looks less like a concept and more like a production ready prototype. Its length is accentuated by a sharp crease running the vehicle's length that also incorporates a strip of chrome acting as a door handle for both sets of doors. The cabin is covered in rich looking Chocolate Brown leather and reportedly features just as many chrome accents as the exterior, though Citroën didn't provide any interior shots.
The concept rides on unique 19-inch alloy wheels that are turned by a 2.7LHDi V6 engine producing 208bhp and augmented by what Citroen calls an 'UrbanHybrid' system. Much like the mild hybrid system used by GM, Citroën's set up incorporates a reversible alternator-starter and super capacitors that can both power accessory systems like the A/C and stereo, as well as give the diesel engine a shot of extra torque when needed.
The C5 Airscape will officially debut in Frankfurt next month and gives us a preview of the new C5 sedan, which we expect to meet next March in Geneva.
click above image for high-res gallery of the Volvo C30 Efficiency
Volvo would like you to know that the path to improved emissions and higher fuel economy is not entirely paved with hybrids and hydrogen. The Swedish automaker is still working on improving its engines that are powered by dead dino juice, and will be showcasing a new version of its C30 hatchback at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September aimed at promoting the idea that piston power isn't obsolete just yet.
Called the C30 Efficiency, this special car will sip diesel fuel at the rate of 4.5L per every 100 kilometers. That's 52.26 mpg to us Yanks. It achieves these numbers using a variety of techniques. For the engine, efficiency was increased by using low-friction transmission oil and optimizing the engine management software. An age old trick for good gas mileage, higher gearing, was used on 3rd, 4th and 5th gears to eek out a few more kilometers, as well. Low rolling resistance tires, another common strategy for higher mileage, were also used. Finally, Volvo made the C30 slipperier through the air by reducing its ride height, adding a special rear roof spoiler, new rear bumper, and even adding underbody panels to smooth out the car's belly. Even the new 16-inch rims are aero-optimized!
The C30 Efficiency's engine is a 1.6L turbodiesel producing 105 hp. Not only does it achieve 52.26 mpg, but it also emits less than 120g of CO2 per kilometer. We certainly dig Volvo's idea here of applying simple, well known off-the-shelf ideas to a traditional automobile to get back every percentage of efficiency possible. It makes you wonder why most automakers don't offer a high-mileage variant of their less expensive IC-powered cars.
We're back with Autoblog Podcast #77, and it's a 
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