Click above to view the latest batch of Ferrari California images in our gallery

We hate to ruin your summer, but in the automotive world the sunny season is little more than a few months with no car shows. What kind of fun is that? Well, after the summer's over we'll be headed to Paris to bring you your fix of new car extravaganza. Among the new models being unveiled there will be the Ferrari California, which we've so far only been able to see in bits and pieces as Maranello sees fit to release it. So while the California's launch site (not to mention the Ferrari media site) continue to offer only the initial batch of computer-enhanced studio shots, major publications like Auto Bild and now Road & Track get exclusive new shots of the hardtop convertible from every angle. We'll continue to do our best to bring you what's available, but unfortunately the latest crop is decidedly low-res. Check 'em out in the constantly-updated gallery by clicking the new thumbnails below, or follow the jump to watch them in a YouTube video slideshow (though we'd recommend turning off the sound).

[Source: Road & Track]

Continue reading Ferrari releases more California images to magazines

Ferrari releases more California images to magazines originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Jul 2008 10:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Click above to view the Maserati GranTurismo S in hi res

The world was stunned when Maserati unveiled the GranTurismo at the 2007 Geneva show, but as beautiful as it is, critics said it wasn't tough enough to take down the competition. The folks from Modena were evidently listening, and one year later laid the beefed-up GranTurismo S on us, complete with 440-hp engine straight out of the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione.

We brought you a slew of images before and during the show, but now Maserati has been kind enough to grace us with a whole mess of new shots. You know, just in case you didn't want one enough already. Check out the images in our high-resolution gallery by clicking the thumbnails below. Your desktop will thank you.

Gallery: Maserati GranTurismo S

Pics Aplenty: Maserati GranTurismo S, in all its glory originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 21 Jun 2008 21:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Click above to view high-res gallery of the Audi Q5 with new images

Audi released the other half of its Q5 glamour shots over the weekend. We've updated the gallery with all of the images we could get our hands on (you can switch to a "high-res" view with the button on the upper right corner - perfect for saving desktops). Audi also tossed in several shots from the Q5's world introduction at the Beijing Auto Show. We always get a kick out of the designers, engineers, and executives standing around like beaming new parents. From our perspective, the Q5 looks like a typical Audi, the designs of which are beginning to lose their visual punch after having been spread across so many models.

Gallery: Beijing '08: 2009 Audi Q5

Pics Aplenty: Audi releases more images of new Q5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Apr 2008 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

BMW wasn't planning on releasing the M3 convertible just yet. It had its hands full with the production X6 crossover and those new-fangled turbodiesels the company unveiled at the Detroit show. The M3 drop-top wasn't supposed to debut until March at the Geneva show. But the Bavarian automaker evidently took a decidedly un-German "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em" attitude when initial images and details leaked out. Rather than trying to hold the dam together, BMW has decided to join us for a swim and let the floodgates open on its new V8 hard-top convertible.

As exciting and versatile package it is, the real news here is BMW's new M DCT twin-clutch gearbox that stands in for the previous SMG transmission, which had its fair share of haters. The rest we already know from the M3 coupe and the more plebian 3-Series convertible. Unfortunately, the glorious M-tuned V8 is bogged down by an extra 450 lbs. of folding metal and electric motors, but that's the price you pay (on top of what promises to be a heart-attack-inducing sticker price) for the option of taking in the sunshine and that delicious exhaust note without sacrificing the security of a tin top. Swapping cogs at lightning speed, though, should help mitigate the half second the convertible loses on the coupe.

Check out the images in the gallery below and the full press release after the jump.

[Source: BMW]

Gallery: 2009 BMW M3 Convertible

Continue reading Pics and Details Aplenty: 2009 BMW M3 Convertible

Pics and Details Aplenty: 2009 BMW M3 Convertible originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Jan 2008 13:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Click on the image to view in high-resolution

In advance of its public unveiling at the Geneva show in March, and after releasing a teaser photo, Volkswagen's Czech subsidiary Skoda has additional photos and details on its upcoming new flagship.

The aptly-named Superb is based on the Volkswagen Passat platform, though stretched out to offer more space. Its range of features includes direction-changing headlights, a new electronic climate control system, and automatic parking assist. Compared with the model it replaces, the new Superb grows another 35mm longer and 18mm wider, but hunkers down 8mm lower and shrinks in wheelbase by 42mm, actually increasing the overhangs contrary to industry trends.

The Superb also wears its own unique bodywork and badging, but like all top-of-the-line Czech models, the best view is around back where the Skoda features a useful hatchback setup. Motivation comes from a range of six engine options - three gasoline and three diesels - topping out with a 260-hp 3.2-liter V6. A five- or six-speed manual will come standard depending on which engine is chosen, but the Superb will also have an available DSG twin-clutch transmission option.

Although the new Superb doesn't come across as the most exciting thing goin' down in Switzerland this coming March, it appears Skoda put together a surprisingly good package.

[Source: Skoda]

Gallery: 2008 Skoda Superb

Continue reading Geneva Preview: 2008 Skoda Superb

Geneva Preview: 2008 Skoda Superb originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Jan 2008 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Gallery: Kia Borrego offical shots

Pics Aplenty: Kia Mohave/Borrego launches in Korea originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 Jan 2008 10:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Click on above image for wallpaper-sized images of the gorgeous GranTurismo

This writer fell in love in Switzerland this past March. It happened at the launch of the new Maserati GranTurismo. The thing is, I wasn't sure if my newfound affection was for the car or for the sassy model standing in front of it. What's more is that I'm sure I wasn't the only one. Thankfully, Maserati has put an end to my sleepless nights, at least, with the release of a new batch of images showing its breathtaking new coupe away from the glitz and glamour of the Geneva auto show floor.

It was tempting to keep the pictures all to myself, but that just wouldn't be fair. Not to you, and not to the car. She does love the spotlight ever so much. So we've added the new batch of images, in all their high-resolution glory, to our gallery below, together with the original stock images, concept sketches and shots from Geneva. Enjoy.

Gallery: 2007 Maserati GranTurismo

[Source: Maserati]

Maserati GranTurismo: a clearer picture originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Jul 2007 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

• Ferrari to debut new model in Frankfurt, not the Dino
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• SPY SHOTS: Ferrari F430 Challenge Stradale
• Spy Shots: Ferrari Challenge Stradale F430

Spy Shots: Ferrari F430 CS surfaces again originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 May 2007 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

What's better than pictures of a coachbuilt Italian exotic? Why, more pictures of a coachbuilt Italian exotic, of course! And in that vein, the sheet-metal masters at Zagato have graced us with a slew of additional images of their latest creation, based on the Maserati GranSport.

These images come direct to you from the grounds of the Villa d'Este, the glitzy annual concours d'elegance where Zagato has unveiled previous specials like the Ferrari 575 GTZ - so don't be surprised if the picturesque scenery is a familiar backdrop.

Thanks for the tip, Mancini!

[Source: Zagato]

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• Zagato at it again: Maserati GS Zagato

Gallery: Maserati GS Zagato

More is More: Zagato releases additional Maserati GS pics originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 22 Apr 2007 20:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Click image for a gallery of desktop-sized photos

Yesterday we brought you a sneak preview of the much-anticipated Fiat 500. This marks the revival of one of the most iconic small-car designs in automotive history, a milestone in the Italian automaker's recuperation, and for buyers, an enticing new little runabout to add to the shopping list. Today, Fiat has officially released details and images of the sprightly Cinquecento. The car will be properly launched on the 4th of July, a date that marks the 50th anniversary of the launch of the original 500.

In the meantime, Fiat has provided us with the following: they've confirmed the car will launch with a choice of three engines. A 69hp 1.2-liter 8-valve four, a 100hp 1.4-liter 16-valve four, or a 75hp 1.3-liter 16-valve Multijet turbodiesel will be available and can be mated to a choice of five- or six-speed transmissions. That's before any performance-oriented Abarth versions enter the mix. The tiny car measures just 355 cm long, 165 cm wide and 149 cm tall, riding on a 230 cm wheelbase.

The Nuova 500, which will be built in Tychy, Poland, alongside the upcoming Ford Ka, promises to take the market by storm when it goes on sale, first in Italy, on September 15, with production targeted at 50,000 for 2007 and 120,000 for 2008.

Follow the jump for the preview video and the press release, or click below to view the images in high-resolution.

[Source: Fiat]

Continue reading Fiat 500: images and video

Fiat 500: images and video originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Mar 2007 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Shipping company employee (POSSIBLY) carted off to jail for Corvette SS pics originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Feb 2007 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Click on the image above for all our high-resolution image gallery.

Peugeot will drop its latest hot hatch on us at Geneva next month with the debut of the 207 RC. After bringing you the skinny on the peppy little hatchback last month with early leaked photos, parent company PSA has been nice enough to give us the full monty ahead of the show, where they'll be releasing a number of new models.

The heart of the 207 RC is the same engine as the top-of-the-line MINI Cooper S, a 1.6-liter high-pressure turbo four pumping out 175 stallions. The engine was co-developed by PSA and BMW, and although the MINI's is coupled to a six-speed shifter, Peugeot has opted for five ratios instead. The corporate spec sheet claims the new Pug makes the run to 62 mph in 7.1 seconds and tops out of 136 mph.

Conclusion, press release aftter the jump.

[Source: Peugeot]

Gallery: Peugeot 207 RC

Continue reading Peugeot preps peppy 207 RC for Geneva

Peugeot preps peppy 207 RC for Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 11 Feb 2007 13:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Detroit Auto Show: Ford releases more Interceptor Concept images originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 06 Jan 2007 17:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

If you ask us, it's a good thing Fiat has resisted the urge to branch out of automobiles and into boat manufacturing, because as it stands, they've got far too many leaks. The latest are a series of photos and details of the upcoming highly-anticipated 500, ostensibly leaked from Fiat in a slide show for internal consumption. Silly Italians, didn't you know we'd get our hands on it?

The photos show what appears to be the production version of the retro ultra-mini. And not just one or two shots, either. Here we get a host of photos from various angles, in various colors, inside and out, and outlining a wide range of customizable options that, as promised, will give customers the freedom to make their 500 their own.

After the jump you'll find photos showing interior options, a cargo compartment organizer, exterior luggage rack, a number of different wheel options, exterior badging and decals... even customizable keys with faceplates like a Nokia cellphone (not a bad idea).

[Source: WorldScoop via Jalopnik via Carscoop]

Continue reading Spionaggio! new Fiat 500 pics leaked

Spionaggio! new Fiat 500 pics leaked originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Dec 2006 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Some concept cars are purely for show, but some are built to go. GM Europe took the latter a step further by putting their striking and exciting Chevrolet WTCC Ultra concept to the test on the track. The concept race car made its debut at the Paris Motor Show and is scheduled to make an appearance at the Beijing show later this month. So in between, the Chevy boys took the opportunity to put the car through the paces at Estoril in Portugal.

And it wasn't a private test, either. The event coincided with the European Touring Car Championship (ETCC) race at the Estoril circuit on October 22, so the WTCC Ultra was enjoyed by the spectators at the race as well as the television audience on Eurosport as it made a publicity lap around the track in front of the field of ETCC race cars. GM hasn't released any performance stats from the track session, and we doubt they seriously risked braking what is sure to be a very expensive one-off.

Nicola Larini, a former F1 driver for Ferrari and currently a Chevrolet touring car racer, was one of the lucky drivers who got to pilot the show car around the track, and remarked, "I would have never expected a concept car to be that well executed and performing so nicely at such an early development phase".

Now if only Chevy would build the beast for public consumption.

(Follow the jump for a full gallery of hi-res images of the WTCC Ultra at Estoril)

[Source: GM]

Continue reading VIDEO: Chevy WTCC Ultra concept at Estoril

VIDEO: Chevy WTCC Ultra concept at Estoril originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Nov 2006 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Images are floating around the internet purportedly showing the upcoming Peugeot 4007 sport-ute. The crossover is one of two PSA trucks to be based on the new Mitsubishi Outlander, together with the upcoming Citroen C7. The 4007, C7 and Outlander will all be built on the same assembly line at Mitsubishi's plant in Okazaki, Japan.

While the images certainly look professional, some have expressed doubts as to their authenticity. Although the front of the car shows clear and distinctive Peugeot design cues around the headlights, hood and grille, the rest of the truck looks almost identical to its Mitsubishi counterpart. As we've seen from previous Mitsubishi collaborations (particularly with Chrysler), the badge-engineered vehicles can look nearly identical to each other (save the badge), but we've come to expect different from the French automaker who usually style its cars more uniquely (although this is Peugeot's first sport-ute).

Mechanically the 4007 (and the C7, for that matter) is expected to carry-over from the Outlander. Engines will likely include a 2.4-liter gasoline powerplant producing 170 hp, together with two diesels, coupled to Mitsubishi's electronic all-wheel-drive system and six-speed continuously-variable transmission.

The Mitsubishi made its debut at the last New York Auto Show in April and has been on the road for over a year now, while Peugeot is expected to reveal the 4007 at Geneva next year.

(Another image after the jump)

[Source: Motor Authority]

Continue reading Le Badge Engineering: Peugeot 4007 images surface

Le Badge Engineering: Peugeot 4007 images surface originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Oct 2006 15:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.