Autoblog

Honda CR-Z brochure leaks out, production specs revealed

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Japan, Hatchback, Honda

2011 Honda CR-Z Brochure - Click above for high-res image gallery

The variable valve-timing obsessives at the Temple of VTEC have scored a leaked brochure of the 2011 Honda CR-Z, and in addition to getting a glimpse of the production version of the hybrid hatch, some specs and trim details were included in the document.

We finally have hard figures on the 1.5-liter engine's output (in JDM spec), with the diminutive four-cylinder putting out 112 horsepower (at 6,000 rpm) on its own and another 14 hp from its electric motor. Just as importantly, the engine creates 107 lb-ft of torque (at 4,800 rpm) with the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system boosting that by another 57 lb-ft at an oh-so-low 1,000 rpm. Coupled with either a six-speed manual or CVT gearbox, the CR-Z nets a relatively uninspiring 0 to 62 mph time of 9.7 seconds.

The dimensions haven't changed much from the "concept" we saw at the Tokyo Motor Show earlier this year, with a 160.6-inch overall length, 68.5-inch width, 54.9-inch height and a wheelbase that spans 95.9 inches. Unfortunately, no word on curb weight.

Since efficiency is the name of the game, the CR-Z will benefit from LED daytime running lights and turn signal indicators in the mirrors, along with three driving modes - Eco, Normal and Sport - each controllable from a dash mounted switch and with a different color surrounding the gauges based on the mode.

Check out the pics in the gallery below for more and get the full story in our CR-Z post from Tokyo.

Gallery: 2011 Honda CR-Z Brochure

[Source: Temple of VTEC]

Honda CR-Z brochure leaks out, production specs revealed originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Leaked Lexus brochure reveals updated LS sedan

Noah Joseph — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 10:20:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Hybrid, Sedan, Japan, Lexus, Luxury

Leaked 2010 Lexus LS brochure - Click above for high-res image gallery

To say that Lexus designs tend more toward the "evolutionary" than "revolutionary" would be like saying that Rasputin had a bit of a violent streak. Case in point: The new LS sedan, which the Toyota luxury division has apparently updated for next year in typical Lexus style. That is, incrementally different from the model it replaces, with styling tweaks barely visible to the naked eye. At least, not at first glance.

Early images of the redesigned flagship sedan come courtesy of The Lexus Enthusiast, which has managed to get hold of what looks to be a leaked JDM brochure for the vehicle ahead of its official launch. Visible changes made to the LS 460 and the gas-electric LS 600h include new front and rear bumpers and lights, turn signals integrated into the mirror housings, and of course, new wheels.

Inside, the cabin gets a mild refresh as well to integrate a night vision system into the instrument cluster, right in the middle of the speedo. There's also a customization program called L-Select, and the anticipated LS-Sport "Version SZ", characterized as an aggressive take on the luxury yacht with a more assertive aero package, wheels and grille treatment. That's about all we've got for now, but you can check out the scanned brochure in the gallery below.

Gallery: 2010 Lexus LS leaked brochure

[Source: The Power Weblog via The Lexus Enthusiast]

Leaked Lexus brochure reveals updated LS sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Aug 2009 10:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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French auto-journo hauled off for espionage

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 16:18:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Budget, Europe, Government/Legal, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Renault

If you're in France, the phrase caveat emptor can probably be joined by caveat reporter after police raided the French magazine Auto Plus. The po-po were called last August to begin an investigation because the magazine published detailed photos of the coming Renault Megane, which Renault said wasn't supposed to hit showrooms for another three years. The raid was the next step in the Sherlock Holmes treatment.

Renault, of course, says that it is not after the press, it's simply trying to protect its intellectual property. The shots are so clear, and there are so many of them -- including the interior -- that it's obviously an inside job. The press, of course, feels that this is an attack on its freedom. The French press and the French government are engaged in a complicate dance, and this doesn't help things.

The police removed one reporter and a passel of computers. They don't want the reporter, though, they want the source. Auto Plus will have to wait to find out how much of that ever gets returned. But since the photos are out, we might as well take the time to say it's a nifty looking little car.

[Source: Reuters]

French auto-journo hauled off for espionage originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Jul 2008 16:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 interior pics leaked

Dan Roth — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 11:02:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Chrysler, Dodge

Click above for a gallery of the leaked Challenger images so far

Some official photos of the Dodge Challenger's interior have been posted on Allpar's forums, and our spirits have been buoyed. It's always hard to get a read on the real-world look and feel of the interior plastics, but from what we can make out amidst the dither, all is not lost when it comes to the Challenger's front office. In these pictures, the interior looks very presentable, though it seems to be pretty standard LX fare. The SRT8 models get nicely trimmed seats, with contrasting french stitching on the deep bolsters, suede inserts to grip your backside, and a nice splash of orange to set off the SRT logo. Lesser Challengers will obviously not get quite the full boat luxe treatment that the SRT gets, with its MyGig, bespoke gauges, and leather adornments, but just what will get pulled out remains to be seen. The Mustang and Camaro might have more exciting designs, but the ergonomics and controls in the revived Dodge ponycar look well thought out. We've breathed a half-sigh of relief after our last round of interior spy shots, which left some of us certain that the Challenger's interior was going to be bested by what came in the unlamented K-Cars. Thanks for the tip, indymcsc!

[Source: Allpar]

Gallery: 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8

2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 interior pics leaked originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Feb 2008 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #86

Dan Roth — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:03:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Concept Cars, Podcasts, Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Truck, Audi, Chrysler, Dodge, Hummer, Suzuki

Episode #86 of the Autoblog Podcast is well-caffeineated. We spend a good bit of time talking about the excitement that's filled the Autoblog garage lately. Damon used a handily available Audi R8 as a chase car when we went to drive the Tesla Roadster, and Alex has been sampling the Subaru Tribeca and STI, as well as a rogue Volvo S80. John has been having a blissful month rocking the 1999 Oldsmobile Alero Coupe, too.

There's lots of good car talk, and we take a detour into cupholder minutiae before getting to actual news. A few embargoes fell in front of the upcoming Chicago Auto Show. Car and Driver's blatant cover poll opened the door for Challenger images. Subterfuge aside, the Challenger's a knockout, despite its interior that's granted refugee status to the Sebring's trappings. Trucks will make some news at the Chicago show, and Truck Trend showed us the Hummer H3T and Suzuki Equator, and compact pickups are where we leave it. Until next time, thanks for listening!

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Autoblog Podcast #86 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Leak like the wind - Der Neue Scirocco brochure surfaces

Dan Roth — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 07:28:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Europe, Volkswagen

It's not for us, but Volkswagen's moving ahead steadily with readying their new coupe. Heading a car for the showroom means that all the ancillary materials need to be created, too. They're likely shooting pictures of some preproduction model in an exotic locale as we write this, and the mundane things like owner's manuals need to get done so they can be lovingly tucked into gloveboxes. Some quick thinking with a digital camera has netted the interweb some closeups of a Scirocco's instruction booklet, which coincidentally carries closeups of an uncamoflaged Scirocco. The shots are small, out of focus, and not terribly informative, so we studied them for hours, naturally. You can see the final shape of the headlamp and down the flank, some fuzzy images of the interior and details like the rims, HVAC controls, and switchgear. We wish there was a shot or two of the rear, but at least we now know that the headlights are going to have an underbite that reminds us of the early '70s 412.

[Source: LLN]

Gallery: Scirocco Owner's Manual

Leak like the wind - Der Neue Scirocco brochure surfaces originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Jan 2008 07:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dealer ad shows 2008/09 Chevy Impala

Dan Roth — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 07:28:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Spy Photos, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Chevrolet

It seems that the Impala's replacement has found its way onto the auto pages of a newspaper in much the same way that the Cadillac CTS Coupe did a while back. You could argue that there's no way this is anything but a calculated effort on GMs part. There's really no way to be sure, but with our local dealers still still using images of the DN101 Taurus when advertising the '08, the suspicion might be warranted. Think about it for a second and you realize that dealers don't just get this stuff by mistake. That's our conspiracy theory, and we're sticking with it.

Why would the General toss images of cars yet to be announced out there so publicly? We don't know, but perhaps it's a way to test styling or generate buzz. Or, maybe GM had nothing to do with it and the dealer found this rendering in a year-old issue of Motor Trend, which is probably the most likely scenario. Either way, we like the swoopy Volt-ish lines of the whateveritis. Our current Impala is rather anonymous, though it is the best Lumina ever made. If this car really is what it's masquerading as, we're excited to see it in four color instead of grayscale half-toning.

Thanks for the tip, Jacob!

Dealer ad shows 2008/09 Chevy Impala originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Jan 2008 07:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Leakage: BMW M3 Cabrio with "M-DKG"

Dan Roth — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 16:25:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Geneva Motor Show, BMW

One enthusiast from the Netherlands described the E93 thusly: "Super vette bak!" We're pretty sure that translates to "super fat barge," though the overly-literal "super oily bake" has its own charm. If you're into cabrios, maybe mutating the phrase to "super phat barge" is more palatable. Our friend from NL was referring to the 200-plus extra pounds the M3 cabrio will be hauling around versus its sedan counterparts. The folding-roof M3 doesn't officially debut until the Geneva Auto Salon in March, but a German magazine jumped the gun and posted images on their website. Embargo apparently broken, the pictures continue to propagate about the internet.

The biggest news with the pending debut of the convertible M3 is the gearbox. The new seven-speed dual-clutch replacement for the SMG transmission, dubbed M-DKG, is reported to debut with the M3 cab and will be available across all bodystyles of the M3 simultaneously. Wheel-mounted paddles will let you blip your heart out, and the new cog swapper will likely outrun cabrios fitted with traditional manuals, reportedly making the sprint in about 5.3 seconds.

[Source: M3Post via Motor Authority]

Gallery: Leaked! E93 M3

Leakage: BMW M3 Cabrio with "M-DKG" originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Jan 2008 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2008: facelifted Mazda RX-8 leaked

Noah Joseph — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Performance, Mazda

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.

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Detroit '08 Preview: Mercedes GLK Freeside concept image leaked

Noah Joseph — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 12:01:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Spy Photos, SUV, Mercedes-Benz

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.

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Autoblog Podcast #82

Dan Roth — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Podcasts, Spy Photos, Coupe, Hybrid, SUV, Truck, Crossover, Chevrolet, Dodge, Hummer, Hyundai

We tried to get it going for last week, but John had violence visited upon his mouth which reduced him to saying "Spibit?" We're back on the podcast horse this week for Autoblog Podcast #82, though. We start off proceedings with the teaser pic of the Chevy Volt, which then takes us to a wider-ranging split-grille vs. three bar smackdown. Speaking of teasing pictures, the 2009 Dodge Ram showed up on the internets, and it turns out that Chrysler broke their own embargo by mistake. Whoops. Official pictures of an upcoming Mopar were also released, this time on purpose. Some minimally informative macro shots of the Challenger SRT-8 were released by Chrysler, much to our delight. Moving on, we touch on the looming cage match between the Hyundai Genesis coupe (and how quickly the tuner world is going to adopt and rock that platform) and the neo-ponycars. Speaking of a newcomer challenging the old guard, Hummer's HX made its mug known, and the concept is pretty much what you'll see when the H4 goes gunning at the Wrangler. Wrapping it up, we discuss some recent visitors to the Autoblog Garage, thoroughly eviscerating the Lancer ES before calling it a show. Since we took a week off, we give you the extra-value duration of 53:30. Enjoy!

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Autoblog Podcast #82 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Dec 2007 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago Auto Show: Scion xB and xD info leaked early

John Neff — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 10:14:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Spy Photos, Budget, Hatchback, Scion

In a move that can only be deemed as stupid, lazy or incredibly devious, Car & Driver published images and information on Scion's redesigned xB and all-new xD more than a day and a half before the car's are scheduled to be debuted here in Chicago. The info went live last night but wasn't discovered until an industrious member of the ScionLife forum messed with the URL and found it.

First up is the new xB, which has grown in size thanks to leaving the platform it shared with the now defunct xA. Gone is the toaster-esque styling as well, replaced with a design that's still a box, though one with fender flares, a little more character in the front end and a thick C/D-pillar. It's also reported that the interior has been upgraded along with losing the not-loved center-mounted gauge pod. The xB will also share its powerplant with the tC now, which means a 2.4L four-cylinder generating 158 hp and 162 ft-lbs. of torque will be on tap to send power through a five-speed manual or four-seed automatic.

The xD is the new kid in the Scion camp, replacing the less well-received xA. It rides on the same platform as the Yaris, but is powered by the 128-hp, 1.8L four-cylinder found in the Corolla and Matrix. The xD will feature the same transmission choices as the new xB and send power to the front wheels only. The xD's styling shares the same thick C/D-pillar seen on the new xB, which appears to be a new Scion trademark styling cue. We'll leave judgment of the car's overall design to you, but will just say that it looks like a cross between a Camry and a JDM-market Mazda Verisa.

[Source: ScionLife]

Gallery: 2008 Scion xD and xB leaked images

Chicago Auto Show: Scion xB and xD info leaked early originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Feb 2007 10:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class brochure leaked on web

John Neff — Mon, 15 Jan 2007 16:04:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Mercedes-Benz

click above image to view entire high-res gallery of brochure

The official brochure for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has surfaced over on the German Car Zone forums, and it reveals in full production glory the car that we've seen countless times in spy shots over the past year. The first thing that jumps out at you is the ginormous three-pointed star emblem that dominates the front grille on the Avant Garde and AMG Sport Package models. A trim called Elegance will apparently make do with a standard Mercedes grille. We dig the big badge, which was also previewed on the Vision GL420 Concept at the Detroit Auto Show. This indicates we should expect more MB models to sport the large three-pointed star on various trim levels over the next few years. Otherwise, the sedan's exterior lines are a little meatier, a little chunkier and more filling, like Campbell's soup. M'm, m'm, good.

The interior of the 2008 C-Class impresses us less, however, with a wonky steering wheel and old-school nav setup that has the screen popping up vertically from a hidden slot on the dash. We didn't like that feature in the first Infinitis with nav systems and we don't like it here. There does, however, appear to be a large information screen centered in speedomater reminiscent of what Chrysler uses in the Pacifica. Let us know what you think in the comments.

Check out the rest of the brochure in our high-resolution gallery.

[Source: German Car Zone via Jalopnik]

Official 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class brochure leaked on web originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Jan 2007 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The dam has broken: more DCX minivan pics appear on web

John Neff — Thu, 04 Jan 2007 10:40:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Minivan/Van, Chrysler, Daimler

click on image above to view high resolution gallery with 12 pics

A kudos goes out to the Chrysler Group PR team, which has been trying to plug these leaks since early yesterday morning, but at this time what was once a leak is now a deluge of images revealing the 2008 Chrysler Town and Country minivan all over the internet. According to CarScoop, today's new images and info can again be traced back to a Spanish site, this one named KM77.

More info can be found after the jump, and click here to view the gallery of images showing the pics that have already been seen on the internet so far.

[Source: KM77 via CarScoop]

UPDATE: Automotive News has published more specific information on the DCX vans. The rotating second-row captain's chairs are officially called Swivel 'n Go. The MyGIG entertainment system with dash-bound hard drive that debuted on the Sebring Sedan is available as an option, which, while great for playing music like an iPod would, cannot play digital video on the optional dual flip-down LCD screens (fix that, Chrysler). Finally, the new 4.0-liter V6 produces 240 hp and 253 ft-lbs of torque and is mated to a six-speed auto. A 3.8-liter V6/six-speed auto and 3.3-liter V6/four-speed auto will also be available.

Continue reading The dam has broken: more DCX minivan pics appear on web

The dam has broken: more DCX minivan pics appear on web originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Jan 2007 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Whoops! Lexus accidentally releases images of IS-F on web

John Neff — Thu, 04 Jan 2007 08:31:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Spy Photos, Sedan, Lexus

We're almost dead certain that Lexus will unveil the IS-F, a very high-performance version of its IS-Series sedan, in Detroit next week. Regardless of whether it does or not, we've been treated to a sneak preview of the car thanks to an online advertisement that's been released revealing the entire car, albeit in low resolution. The ad tells us the car will have 400+ horsepower from a 5.0-liter V8 and reach 60 mph in under five seconds. This is certainly the most performance-oriented Lexus vehicle to touch rubber to road, and we're eager to find out if Lexus could suppress it's natural inclination to dampen this car to death. Check out the animated by clicking here.

[Source: Motor Authority]

Whoops! Lexus accidentally releases images of IS-F on web originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Jan 2007 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spionaggio! new Fiat 500 pics leaked

Noah Joseph — Wed, 06 Dec 2006 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Budget, Europe, Hatchback

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.

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Official Mercedes-Benz CL Coupe pics pop up - UPDATE

John Neff — Thu, 22 Jun 2006 10:05:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Mercedes-Benz

What have here are the first official pics of the new Mercedes-Benz CL Coupe that were unofficially leaked on the internet this morning. It shares many mechanical bits with the S-Class sedan, though it seems softer and more of a visual match for the last generation S-Class than the current one with its creases and flares. The spy shots that showed up a week or so ago were dead on, however. This appears to be a tame model, perhaps with the reported 3.7L V6 under the hood. Hopefully AMG will make it more look more aggressive after the installation of its 6.3L V12 that produces 600 hp.

Check out more official pics after the jump...

[Source: CarScoop, Autoblog Spanish]

UPDATE - Official pics and link from Autoblog Spanish

Continue reading Official Mercedes-Benz CL Coupe pics pop up - UPDATE

Official Mercedes-Benz CL Coupe pics pop up - UPDATE originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Jun 2006 10:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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