Autoblog

Leaked drawings of the C7 Corvette hit the web

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 25 Dec 2012 18:54:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, Luxury

Hope Santa's got some coal left, because someone else has earned it for yet another holiday season leak. Alongside leaked shots for the 2013 Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible and Mercedes-Benz CLA, a Corvette Forum member recently uploaded a number of drawings of the C7 Corvette that he says someone has been sending him. The post has since been removed from the forum, the original poster, "Blue Ox," writing "the information I posted is less 'public' than was originally thought and... someone's job could be in danger."

There are no take-backs on the Internet, though. The drawings look to be from an owner's manual or a service guide and show the coupe's exterior, rear end and inside the rear hatch, then cover details of the cockpit, seats and engine bay. There's a new steering wheel inside, and a large central screen with a new array of HVAC buttons underneath. Pilots will get to sit in new sports seats that finally appear to have the proper amount of bolstering for a Corvette.

The dash cluster that was teased in a video not long ago looks like it could be a central LCD screen flanked by analogue gauges for the speedo, water temp and fuel tank, not an all-LCD display. There will be a Track Overlay feature that tracks the car on a track and monitors speed, brake and throttle application, gear selection, G force and direction, lap time and steering angle, and it displays a graph for the Performance Traction Management. This will likely work with the (or is a display for) the Performance Data Recorder that is said to be able to save vehicle data, as well as video and audio, to an SD card.

Not shown in the photos but thrown into the discussion is Active Rev Match for cars equipped with manual transmissions, said to match engine speed to the next gear for both upshifts and downshifts. Last but not least, an Engine Sound Management system will alter the 'robustness' of the engine note via seven settings: Auto, Stealth, City, Tour, Sport, Track and Off.

There are just three weeks left until the C7 is revealed at the Detroit Auto Show. We wouldn't mind leaving something left to surprise us on the official day, but we won't be surprised if that doesn't happen.

Leaked drawings of the C7 Corvette hit the web originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Dec 2012 18:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NHTSA probing Jeep Grand Cherokee, Ram 1500 models over safety concerns

George Kennedy — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Truck, Government/Legal, Safety, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened up investigations into more than 335,000 Chrysler Group vehicles, following reports of fires in Jeep Grand Cherokee models and rear wheel failures in the Dodge Ram 1500. According to documents posted to the NHTSA website, 106,803 Grand Cherokees and 230,000 2009-2010 Ram 1500s are being investigated.

There have been two reports of fires in the Grand Cherokee since May, and a third complaint regarding the JGC losing power steering fluid, resulting in a loss of power steering.

One of the owners whose vehicle caught fire says that he saw power steering fluid in his driveway prior to the incident. NHSTA suspects that the power steering fluid may be leaking onto hot surfaces in the engine compartment.

Additionally, NHSTA is opening up an investigation in the 2009-2010 Dodge Ram, following 12 complaints of rear differential failure, causing rear wheel lock-up.

In the 12 incidents, the common thread appears to be a loosening of the rear differential pinion nut. The majority of these complaints allege that situation resulted in the drive shaft locking up. One report claims that the driveshaft detached and punctured the fuel tank.

This report follows a successful sales month for the Grand Cherokee. June was the best month in sales for the all-road Jeep since 2005, and sales are up 38 percent for the first six months of 2012. Among Chrysler vehicles, the 75,117 units of the Grand Cherokee sold are second only to to the Ram, which sold 138,581 units in the first half of 2012.

NHTSA probing Jeep Grand Cherokee, Ram 1500 models over safety concerns originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Jul 2012 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota FT-86 leaked in Modellista parts catalog?

Noah Joseph — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Spy Photos

Is this the final production version of the Toyota FT-86? Well, very likely, yes and no. What you're looking at is a scan from a catalog ostensibly leaked from Toyota's Modellista parts division that's making its rounds of the intertubes this fine morning.

Of course, we haven't get anyone at Toyota to verify the leak yet (we're working on it), so it could turn out to be a ruse. But assuming it's real, it almost raises more questions than it answers.

For one thing, earlier reports suggested that the production model (to be sold here as the Scion FR-S) would look significantly different from the concept cars that have appeared to date. And this one looks pretty spot-on.

For our part, we appreciated the show car's cleaner lines without all the pseudo-aftermarket bolt-ons pictured here, so we'll have to wait another few weeks to see the factory model at the Tokyo Motor Show before we cast final judgement.

Toyota FT-86 leaked in Modellista parts catalog? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Oct 2011 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Toyota Camry leaked in Canadian auto guide

Noah Joseph — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Toyota, Canada

Trying to keep a floodgate closed is no easy task. Just ask any automaker releasing embargoed images of a new car coming out. When it's something as prolific as a new Toyota Camry, it's bound to get out like water through cracked concrete. And in this case, it's gotten out of our French Canadian neighbors to the north.

While Toyota has been releasing tightly-cropped teaser images of its new bread-and-butter family sedan, showing little more than the head and tail lights, the new annual auto guide has come out in Quebec, complete with full-frame shots of the new Camry for all the poutine-slurping, hockey-watching world to see.

We could go on about the edgier styling of this latest rendition of the longstanding best-selling vehicle in America, but we'd just as soon let you see it for yourself. So click on to view the scans of the guidebook in our high-resolution image gallery, courtesy of our astute reader James, whom we thank for the tip.

2012 Toyota Camry leaked in Canadian auto guide originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Aug 2011 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class images leaked

Chris Shunk — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 18:28:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

We haven't seen or heard much about the upcoming 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class, but that changes effective immediately. Euro mag Motor-Talk apparently got their hands on some brochure photos of the newly refreshed ute well before the good folks at Daimler were ready to release the pics to the public.

The above photo shows that the rear end will receive a new rear fascia, with flatter, more Mercedes-esque taillamps and a revised bumper. The M-Class also looks set to ditch the traditional moonroof in favor of a panoramic topper. More grainy imagery, which is available on the German Car Forum, shows a more aggressive front fascia and newly stylized headlamps. And perhaps the most pronounced changes will come to the cabin of the mid-size crossover, with a far more modern appearance that includes what appear to be richer materials.

We're not entirely sure when the next M-Class will receive it's official debut, but judging from these alleged brochure pics, we're guessing he reveal will come sooner rather than later. Head over to the German Car Forum to see the rest of the leaked brochure pics.

2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class images leaked originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Peugeot 508 leaked well ahead of Paris debut

Noah Joseph — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 11:27:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Wagon, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Peugeot

Peugeot 508 - Click above for high-res image gallery

While some automakers are diversifying, others are consolidating. Like Peugeot, for example, which is preparing to replace both the 407 and 607 with an all-new 508. The big sedan is set to debut in a couple of months at the biennial Paris Motor Show, but after spy shots found their way to our desks a couple of weeks ago, this first batch of official-looking images have already leaked their way out and are circulating the interwebs as you read these words.

Previewed by the 5 by Peugeot concept at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show and based on sister-company Citroën's C5 sedan, the new 508 has appeared in both sedan and wagon formats. Full details will undoubtedly be released sometime in the next couple of months as the Paris salon approaches, but in the meantime Francophiles can check out the images in the gallery below for a closer look. Thanks for the tip, Mono!

Gallery: Peugeot 508 leak

[Source: OmniAuto.it - translated]

Peugeot 508 leaked well ahead of Paris debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Jul 2010 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Are you the new Mercedes-Benz CL AMG range?

Zach Bowman — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

2011 Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG - Click above for image gallery

Thanks to the folks at of 4WheelsNews, we may have an idea of what the facelifted Mercedes-Benz CL63 and CL65 AMG will look like. The site managed to get its paws on what looks to be some leaked images of the cars ahead of the range's official announcement. From what we can tell, it looks like the two heavy-breathing coupes will receive the Silver Arrow's new front-fascia treatment, which means a more upright grille, along with redesigned headlights and fenders. It looks like the hood will get a mild touch-up as well, and a more aggressive lower fascia with LED daytime running lights seems to have made its way into the mix.

Overall, the design is pretty sharp, and looks more at home on the CL than the big R-Class. We still don't know exactly what Mercedes-Benz will do when it comes to powertrain options. Our guess is that things will stay fairly similar to what's currently available, but some sources have pointed to the arrival of the same 5.5-liter V8 engine from the S63 AMG in the CL line as all but inevitable. If true, that would put the CL63 at 544 horsepower. Sounds good to us.

Gallery: 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL63 and CL65 AMG

[Source: 4WheelsNews]

Are you the new Mercedes-Benz CL AMG range? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Jun 2010 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Leakage: Citroen DS3-R heading to Geneva?

Noah Joseph — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Citroën

Citoen DS3 Racing leaked - Click above for image gallery

Think of a road-ready rally machine, and what pops into your head? Likely the Subaru Impreza WRX STI or Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X, right? Well Subaru hasn't won the World Rally Championship in seven years, Mitsubishi in eleven. In fact, neither is even trying anymore: Both have withdrawn from the championship. No, that territory is Citroen's to claim. The French automaker (with its star driver Sebastien Loeb) have been the reigning champs since 2004, but Citroen hasn't really capitalized on its gravel-drifting prowess with anything even approaching what of the WRX and Evo. Until now.

Although the current C4 Loeb has won the past three world rally championships in remains in active duty for another season - with former F1 world champion Kimi Raikkonen taking the wheel in the junior team - after that the new rally-spec DS3 (previewed in a batch of spy shots a few months ago) will take its place. From the looks of things, however, Citroen isn't waiting around for the DS3 to match the C4's dominance before they roll out the street version.

Following an earlier report last month hinting at the hot DS3's arrival, a handful of photos showing what insiders suggest is the finished product have leaked onto the interwebs. Brought to us by our compadres over at Autoblog Spanish, these shots were recently confirmed as the real deal (and not as photochops as originally suspected) when the same car showed up in other images released (and since retracted) by the factory.

The car pictured features wider wheel flarings housing bigger hoops and riding on a dropped suspension. Sources peg it at 15 millimeters stouter than stock, with NAFTA four-pot brakes front and rear. Under the hood, the 1.6-liter turbo four is tipped to produce between 200 and 210 horsepower, driving through a six-speed manual (the jury's still out on the presence of a limited-slip differential) and likely to the front wheels to propel the DS3 Racing to 62 mph in 6.8 seconds. The Halloween livery may be a love-it-or-hate-it affair, but this is likely what we'll see, if the reports prove accurate at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show. For our part, we'll take ours in deep blue, with a big red leaping bull on the side and our names printed above the doors.

Gallery: Leaked: Citroen DS3 Racing

[Source: Autoblog Spanish]

Leakage: Citroen DS3-R heading to Geneva? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Even more Honda CR-Z leakage, this time with interior shots

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 11:27:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Japan, Hatchback, Honda

2011 Honda CR-Z Hybrid - click above for high-res image gallery

A couple of weeks back, the world got a look at some leaked Honda CR-Z brochure images. Today is more of the same, although these images are bigger and clearly. We also get some interior shots that were absent from the first brochure leak go-round. Not a bad looking place to spend some economical time.

To recap, the Honda CR-Z is the much-anticipated CRX spiritual successor from Honda. The leaked brochure states the power will be 112 horsepower from the gas engine, plus an additional 12 ponies from the electric assist motor. There will also be 107 pound-feet of torque from the 1.5-liter gas engine coupled to 57 electric lb-ft. of the stuff. You might be scoffing, but remember that the original CRX made around 60 hp and was much loved by enthusiasts.

Why? Weight. As in, the CRX didn't have any. In fact, when introduced in 1984, it weighed less than a Lotus Elise does today - about 1,800 pounds. Meaning it's freakishly light. Sadly, this new batch of images gives us no indication of the CR-Z's curb weight. Odds are the CR-Z will get a bit more beef when it comes here to the States.

And hey... let's not overlook the very good possibility of an Si or Type-R version at some point down the road.

Gallery: 2011 Honda CR-Z Brochure

[Source: Temple of VTEC]

Even more Honda CR-Z leakage, this time with interior shots originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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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