Back in September, BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer announced an ambitious plan to increase production to 1.8 million vehicles by 2012 and to 2 million units by 2020. To reach those goals, BMW is planning several new niche models, including what it referred to as a "Progressive Activity Sedan". But while little in the way of details for the PAS were revealed at the time, a video has surfaced revealing a test mule for the car, which will be based on the next 5-Series with a fastback body-style.

The PAS is anticipated to slot between the 5-Series sedan and 5-Series wagon, with five seats and a hatchback rear end. Currently undergoing testing, the PAS is expected to go into production in 2009 or 2010 after an unveiling as a concept either at the Paris show later this year or in Detroit a year from now. Check out the video after the jump.

[Source: Autocar via Carscoop]

Continue reading Spy Video: BMW Progressive Activity Sedan

Spy Video: BMW Progressive Activity Sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 Jan 2008 19:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Before its highly-anticipated unveiling at the Geneva show in March, Alfa Romeo has been leaking mere glimpses at its upcoming entry-level hatchback. Tentatively known as the "Junior" after Alfa scrapped its own online naming contest, the hatchback is based on sister company Fiat's Grande Punto platform, but with even more sumptuous Italian styling and a range of engines.

These latest images appear to have been prepared for its brochure, but have somehow found their way out of the factory and into cyber-space. None of the images, which can be seen after the jump, reveal anything more than some close-up details, but the when Alfa takes the wraps off its latest, it should give the Mini a run for its money.

[Source: Progretti955 via Carscoop]

Continue reading Alfa Romeo 'Junior' teaser images leaked

Alfa Romeo 'Junior' teaser images leaked originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 Jan 2008 15:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

As more and more artists' impressions of the anticipated Mazda RX-9 surface online, images have leaked showing us what the interim facelifted version of the current RX-8 will look like. The image, as you can see, comes from a scanned Japanese magazine.

The changes appear to be exclusively cosmetic. Up front, the grille has been revised to feature higher-mounted fog lamps under new, wider headlights. Around back the taillamps have been updated with four round LED rings. That's pretty much the extent of it, although the car pictured is a new RS version featuring 19" wheels, Recaro racing buckets and Bilstein shocks.

The facelift is reportedly targeted mainly towards American customers, and may not even make it to other markets. We'll bring you more from the updated RX-8's anticipated launch at the fast-approaching Detroit auto show.

[Source: Mazda-Madness.nl via World Car Fans]

Detroit 2008: facelifted Mazda RX-8 leaked originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Jan 2008 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The North American International Auto Show in Detroit is right around the corner, where Mercedes is anticipated to unveil the vehicle you see here: the Mercedes-Benz GLK Freeside concept. Official images and details are expected in a manner of days, but someone at Daimler headquarters has apparently let the proverbial cat out of the bag.

Like the "Vision" concepts that Mercedes used to give us in the '90s, the GLK Freeside "show-car" is more of a pre-production prototype than a design study, and is tipped to closely mirror what the production GLK will look like. We already got a preview of the production model when the GLK showed up undisguised on the set of Sex and the City, of all places. The "Freeside" moniker, which seems dangerously close to the "Freelander" named used by Land Rover, is not expected to carry over when the little truck goes into production.

This leaked photo comes at a busy time for Mercedes, which recently gave us the new SLK (and SLK 55 AMG), a teaser shot of the new SL roadster and leaked photos of the facelifted CLS-Class all in the past couple of weeks.

[Source: Carscoop]

Detroit '08 Preview: Mercedes GLK Freeside concept image leaked originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Jan 2008 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The mysterious images of a 2012 Mazda RX-9 that we brought you a few days ago appear to be illustrations cooked up by Winding Road magazine's in-house sketch artist Glenn Poblete, who literally drew on Mazda's current design language from the Kabura concept and other recent Mazda showstoppers to come up with a good guesstimate.

As for the heart of the beast, Winding Road figures on a front-engine/rear-drive layout with a limited-slip diff mated to either a rotary engine, in the grandest Mazda tradition, or ditching the Renesis for a more conventional V6 or V8. If Mazda decides to stick with the Wankel engine, it would have to improve on its gas and oil consumption, and it could benefit from a pair of variable turbochargers like in the latest Porsche 911 Turbo. Displacement on an updated Renesis, if chosen, could increase to 1.8-liters (if you consider the current version to displace 1.3-liters) or 3.5 (if you hold the current one at 2.6).

Like our compatriots, we hope Mazda sticks with a purely two-seat set-up instead of trying to squeeze tiny seats in the back, but the RX-9 could gain a suicide rear door to ease access if rear chairs are added. If that were the case, the RX-9 would effectively replace the quasi-four-door RX-8, which is anticipated for a facelift soon.

[Source: Winding Road]

2012 Mazda RX-9: Winding Road adds fuel to the fire originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Dec 2007 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Earlier we brought you a screen shot of Citroen's website that features a countdown meter until the French automaker unveils its latest vehicle. Although we'll have to wait another couple of days to know for certain, the replacement for the Berlingo utility minivan is shaping up as a strong contender for the slot, with an undisguised photo of the new vehicle surfacing on the internet.

The Berlingo, also badged as the Partner by PSA sister-company Peugeot, has been on the market since 1996 and received a facelift in 2002. Competing with the new Renault Kangoo that was unveiled at last September's Frankfurt show, the little vans are a common site overseas where their utility and compact size prove a popular combination.

[Source: World Car Fans]

Spy Shots: Citroen C-something could be Berlingo van replacement originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Dec 2007 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

We've been seeing camouflaged test mules of an updated Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class sedans driving around for some time now, but the German automaker apparently can't keep it under wraps anymore. On Saturday the online motoring press worldwide lit up with two pictures of the facelifted "four-door coupe", reportedly leaked by someone inside Mercedes ahead of its intended debut.

The pictures show an updated top-of-the-line CLS 63 AMG. What we can tell from the images is that the newest AMG rocket gets a new grille split in three sections instead of four; upgraded wheels from 18 to 19 inches, with a style similar to those on the Porsche 911 Turbo; led tail-lights; a carbon fiber rear spoiler; a new rear diffuser; and updated exhaust outlets.

Whether any mechanical changes have been made has yet to be revealed, but we'll be sure to keep you posted. A shot of the rear is included after the jump.

[Sources: Carscoop and Motor Authority]

Continue reading Leaked: facelift for Mercedes CLS

Leaked: facelift for Mercedes CLS originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 30 Dec 2007 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and all that, but it'd take something really spectacular to make a car like the Maserati Quattroporte look anything but elegant. The company's new GranTurismo, itself based on the sedan, managed to do a good job of making its four-door stable-mate pale by comparison, so it should come as no big surprise that the Trident marque is preparing a mid-cycle facelift.

According to these spy shots, the bulk of the visual updates will be on the front, where the grille, (all but non-existent) bumper and headlights are tipped to be reshaped. Also expect a few minor changes to the rear bumper, but that should about do it.

Don't mess too much with a beautiful thing, Maser.

[Source: EVO]

Spy Shots: Maserati Quattroporte facelift originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Oct 2007 09:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Gallery: Ferrari F430 Scuderia

Pics Aplenty! Ferrari 430 Scuderia - inside, out and upside down originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Oct 2007 20:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Manufacturers testing development mules for upcoming models go to great lengths to camouflage their prototypes in order to hide from the public what they're working on. That never stops the motoring press, in print and in cyberspace, from speculating on what that the camouflage is disguising, usually with considerable accuracy. A certain set of spy shots, however, have been enigmatic, resulting in a number of different theories.

The spy shots in question show a two-door sports car being developed by Ferrari. We've speculated that the shots in question show an "entry level" Ferrari model, possibly to be labeled as a new Dino, despite Maranello's repeated denials with which, by now, we're all familiar. Our friends over at Motor Authority say it's a new model from sister-company Maserati, to be positioned below the new GranTurismo. The folks at Carscoop, meanwhile, insist that the prototype is more simply a convertible version of the aforementioned GT.

Continue reading Speculazione: Is this a new Maserati or the Ferrari Dino?

Speculazione: Is this a new Maserati or the Ferrari Dino? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Jul 2007 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

We know, we know... you've already seen spy shots of the upcoming Ferrari F430 Challenge Stradale. But we can't help but get excited for what promises to be one of the most tantalizing applications of the more-power-less-weight battle cry. We've seen what an improvement the formula made to the F430's predecessor, the 360 Modena, so stripping weight off the already faster-than-spit F430, tightening it up and squeezing a few extra prancing horses out of its screaming powerplant should make for an even hotter ride.

To recap, the 430 CS is anticipated to strip an additional 100 kg or so off the curb weight of its "ordinary" sister by stripping out non-essentials and replacing some of the sheet-metal with carbon-fiber body panels, all while boosting output by an extra 20 horsepower or so thanks primarily to a freer-flowing exhaust system with tips placed higher in the rear panel, like on the previous 360 CS.

These latest shots of the 430 CS test mule, which you can see in all their glory by following the link, were snapped at the Nurburgring and show a revised front end with what look like flared nostrils and a track that has apparently been even further widened over the already broad-shouldered F430. Slight changes, to be sure, but the fine-tuning of perfection has us eagerly counting down to its anticipated debut at the Frankfurt show in September.

[Source: Autowereld via Motor Authority]

Back in Black: Ferrari 430CS caught testing...again originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Jul 2007 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Our mates across the pond at PistonHeads say they've got it on good authority that Lamborghini is indeed producing a Superleggera version of the too-hot-to-handle Murcielago.

Eyebrows were raised when spy photogs snapped a Murcielago test mule running test laps around the Nurburgring's venerable Nordschleiff in Germany, sporting a big ol' wing on the back and what looks like carbon fiber body panels. If the reports are correct - and we hope they are - the Murcielago Superleggera will get the same treatment as its little brother, the Gallardo Superleggera, which was unveiled at the Geneva show. That means carbon fiber and composite components will help bring the weight down, while some tweaks to the engine will bring power up, resulting in a delicious increase to the supercar's power-to-weight ratio. It's too early to tell how much extra juice the stripped-down Lambo will get, but it should be a daunting task considering that the engine's output was already augmented for the LP640. Could we be seeing a 700 horsepower figure?

The report suggests an official unveiling of the Murcielago Superleggera in March 2008, but with Lamborghini's pledge to have a new attraction at every major auto show, we wouldn't be surprised - delighted, mind you, but not surprised - to see it take its first bow earlier than that.

[Source: PistonHeads]

REPORT: Murcielago Superleggera confirmed originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 May 2007 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

With the new C-Class sedan already firing on all cylinders, Mercedes-Benz is preparing its compact wagon variant. Some intrepid paparazzi managed to catch the upcoming C-Class Estate undergoing apparent cold-weather testing with minimal camouflage, in a video that you'll find after the jump.

Although the wagon version of the baby Benz is not sold on American shores, rivals like the BMW 3-Series wagon and Audi A4 Avant have been available here, although their sales volume is not at the same level as it is overseas where small family wagons are a popular alternative to cumbersome and gas-guzzling SUVs.

Aside from the hunch-back, the C-Class Estate is virtually identical to its sedan sister, and offers the same range of engines that starts with the 156-hp C180 and extends up to the 272-hp C350, with a few diesels thrown into the mix.

[Source: World Car Fans]

Continue reading SPY VIDEO: Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate

SPY VIDEO: Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Apr 2007 20:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Mercedes has some hot-selling models in the SL, SLK and CLS, but the German automaker isn't about to sit around twiddling its thumbs. Instead they're working on facelifts for all three, poised to hit the market around this time next year.

The changes to the three models are expected to be mostly cosmetic, with little mechanical differences over the versions currently available. But of the three, the SL is tipped to get the most substantial face-lift, with insiders deriving from the spy shots that the new SL will do away with the circular headlamps in favor of the boomerang-shaped lights borrowed from the CLS.

Its little brother, meanwhile, is also getting a minor update, details of which we brought you just last week.

In advance of an anticipated onslaught from competitors entering the segment, the CLS four-door coupe is getting what appears to be a little butt-lift and a new grille borrowed from the CL coupe.

If the sources are correct and the SL adopts the headlights from the CLS, it could become a new corporate styling element across Mercedes' coupe and convertible range.

[Source: Car magazine]

Spy Shots: Mercedes CLS, SL and SLK originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Apr 2007 10:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Following the unveiling of the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class, we all knew it wouldn't be long before AMG would have their turn at the new baby Benz. Sure enough, spy photos have begun hitting the internet, showing the next C63 AMG undergoing testing at the fabled Nurburgring.

Set to face off against the likes of BMW's upcoming (albeit manual and two-door) M3 and Audi's all-wheel-drive RS4, the C63 is anticipated to shoehorn in AMG's prolific 6.3-liter V8, though detuned to somewhere in the neighborhood of a magical 420 horsepower.

Major aftermarket tuners like Brabus, Kicherer and Lorinser have already revealed their modifications for the new C-Class, but only AMG will be able to provide the dealer-direct, factory-backed final product that you're likely to see ripping up your local streets. Expect the C63 AMG to make its debut at the Frankfurt show in September.

[Source: World Can Fans]

Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Apr 2007 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Maserati's revival is moving full speed ahead. Having launched the highly anticipated GranTurismo, the Trident marque is preparing the new Spyder for debut at the Frankfurt show in September.

Based on the new GranTurismo, the Spyder does away with the rear seats in favor of a folding hard-top. We can also expect some visual changes for the open-top version. Power will come from the GT's 405-hp 4.2-liter V8 driving through the six-speed ZF auto-box debuted on the Quattroporte Automatic.

Paparazzi caught the Spyder undergoing cold-weather testing in northern Sweden, which is just about as cold a climate as you'll find anywhere. Maserati will be depending on the new Spyder to secure sales success as the once niche carmaker drives for a larger market share against established competitors like the Mercedes SL, BMW 6-Series and Jaguar XK.

[Source: World Car Fans]

I Spy a Spyder: Maserati cabrio to debut in Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Mar 2007 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Click to jump to our high-resolution Koenigsegg image gallery from Geneva

Those Super-Swedes over at Koenigsegg serve up a potent reminder that not all supercars come from Italy. In fact, some of the fastest don't, as evidenced by the Koenigsegg CCX, whose level of performance ranks among the top of the supercar realm.

At the Geneva show, Koenigsegg was in full force, displaying three glorious examples: an "ordinary" orange CCX (as if it could be considered "ordinary" by any conceivable standard), plus a black ethanol-converted CCXR and a white FIA GT1-spec CCGT.

As we previously reported, the Koenigsegg CCX is so potent that it had to be de-tuned and "censored" to meet race regulations to make the CCGT. Power was reduced from 806 to 600 horsepower, and aerodynamic elements had to be replaced to meet specifications. The CCXR, meanwhile, produces more power running on ethanol than on gasoline, making a mind-blowing 1018 horsepower and 780 lb-ft of torque.

Want to see more? Check out our high-resolution image gallery from the floor of the Geneva salon.

Gallery: Koenigsegg at Geneva 07

Geneva Motor Show: Koenigsegg CCX, CCXR and CCGT originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Mar 2007 12:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

This disguised test mule was caught undergoing cold weather testing somewhere in Europe. We can see the from the photo that the updated CLS will get a new grille mimicking that of its big-coupe counterpart, the CL, plus a new set of taillights and a new rear bumper around back. It'd also be safe to assume some changes will be made to the interior, and some new rims should round out the package. The arguably least attractive element of the design, the strangely-shaped headlights, will evidently carry over unchanged, though.

The revised CLS-Class should be hitting the market sometime in 2008, ready to hold its own against the onslaught of future competitors in the four-door coupe niche market. Click the Read link to check out additional uncropped spy shots of the next MB CLS.

[Source: World Car Fans]

Spy Shot: Mercedes CLS facelift originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Mar 2007 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

We just brought you news of the upcoming facelift for the Bentley Continental GT yesterday, and already spy shots have surfaced showing a couple of cold-weather test mules sitting at the pumps. (Those six-liter W12s can drink a lot of fossils.)

As predicted, the updates will extend across the Continental range, which we can see from the facelifted Continental Flying Spur sitting in front of the revised Continental GT. We can expect changes to the exterior to be minor: the spy shots show a front bumper with a widened center air intake, but little done to mitigate the burnt-off-eyebrow look. The easiest thing to change on a facelifted car is always the wheels, but these test mules seem to be wearing the same rims as the models they'll replace. Reported modifications to the interior should be nice, though, as Bentley cabins rank among the nicest places in the worldto be.

Click through to our friends at WCF to get a better look at the spy shots.

[Source: World Car Fans]

Related post:
Bentley planning Continental updates

Spy Shots: updated Bentley Continentals originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Mar 2007 14:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Bentley considering diesel and hybrid for future models originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Mar 2007 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.