Autoblog

Are you the next Nissan X-Trail?

Jeffrey N. Ross — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 17:16:00 EST

Patent filings have given us plenty of early glimpses at future cars recently, but generally speaking, we tend to know what we're looking at. What we're seeing here is obviously an upcoming Nissan utility vehicle based largely on the 2012 Hi-Cross Concept, but other than that, there's really no information. Our best guess is that this is a peak at the next-generation X-Trail - Nissan's small, rugged crossover that isn't currently available in the US.

From concept to the patent phase, we see the arched front fenders and stylized D-pillars are almost identical, but we also get a look at some of the production-friendly design elements such as the front and rear fascias and the liftgate. No word on when we might see a production version of this crossover, but with the Hi-Cross having debuted at the Geneva Motor Show last year, maybe Nissan will follow that up with the road-ready version of the crossover at this year's show in March.

Are you the next Nissan X-Trail? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Jan 2013 17:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Seven-seat Fiat 500XL leaked ahead of Paris debut

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 15 Aug 2012 10:32:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Paris Motor Show, Crossover, Fiat

The Fiat 500 continues its program of aggrandizement, going from the five-seat 500L and 500X to the seven-seat 500XL - that is, if these patent drawings and snapshots from Fiat's Centro Stile are accurate pictures of the future. The 500 is 11.6 feet long, appending the L added exactly two more feet, and the XL is said to be another six inches longer in the rear overhang to make room for that third row. The Small U.S. Wide (SUSW) platform it sits on will, so it is said, find its way under "a future B-segment Jeep crossover."

While the Fiat 500L is on its way to dealerships this year, the 500XL (if that ends up being its production name) isn't expected to hit showroom floors until later in 2013. It is believed that it will not be coming to the U.S., the rumor being that Fiat doesn't think Americans are ready for a tiny seven-seater. We might see all of them at the Paris Motor Show next month and get a handle on which 500 will go where.

Seven-seat Fiat 500XL leaked ahead of Paris debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Aug 2012 10:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AMG boss says no to four-door SLS

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Performance, Government/Legal, Mercedes-Benz, Design/Style, Luxury

It wasn't a joke, but it turns out that when Autoblog discovered the patent filing for a four-door SLS AMG, we stumbled on drawings that were merely part of the development process and not a car intended for production. In February, when we came across the schematic, it was wondered if Mercedes-Benz had another platform utilizing experiment planned - and frankly, based on the sales of the SLS AMG, the idea that such a car was being considered wasn't nearly as outrageous as the look of the four-door car itself.

But AMG chief Ola Källenius has reportedly told Belgian outlet Autovisie "absolutely not" when asked about the possibility or production, and he expressed surprise that the story made such a splash. On the other hand, perhaps the SLS AMG sedan simply needs time to percolate; we're sure that at one time the idea of AMG producing an all-wheel drive subcompact hatchback with 370 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque would have been likewise dismissed.

AMG boss says no to four-door SLS originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Jun 2012 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Patent application shows BMW working on seven-speed manual

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 19:29:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, BMW

BMW has invited itself to a party that Porsche started. Someone ~~trolling~~ trawling through patent filings found drawings submitted by BMW for two slightly different takes on a seven-speed manual transmission. The first take is a more conventional setup that provides an honest clutch pedal. The second variant uses a shift-by-wire system to swap gears through an electromechanical actuator. To prevent drivers from accidentally engaging an engine-damaging gear in such a closely spaced pattern, both rely on an electromagnetic fluid inside a shifting module that can change viscosity to prevent the 'lever' from making a shift.

According to the filing, the system can work with up to eight(!) gears. It isn't clear if, even in the system with the clutch, the gear lever is actually attached to any of those gears.

What's also notable about the drawings is the shift pattern. Porsche's seven-speed shift pattern in the 991-series 911 places reverse and the odd gears above, the even gears below. But the BMW pattern in the drawing places reverse and seventh gear in opposing positions at the ends of the axis that is normally, entirely, neutral. Also, the shift pattern is drawn on what looks more like an iDrive-shaped stick, not the usual BMW manual transmission knob, nor the stubby dual-clutch stick as found in the BMW M6 whose reverse gear is still located above neutral.

Who knows if or when we'll ever see it, but it's encouraging just to know that advanced, row-your-own transmissions are still on drawing boards somewhere.

Patent application shows BMW working on seven-speed manual originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Jun 2012 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Four-door Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG suggested by patent filings?

Chris Paukert — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:28:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Performance, Government/Legal, Design/Style, Luxury

Perhaps more than most, Mercedes-Benz has proven to be remarkably adept at platform sharing, pulling and pushing at their various architectures to create new models. Take, for example, the marque's E-Class range, which in addition to sedan, coupe, convertible and wagon variants, spawned the CLS 'four-door coupe' - a model that itself inspired a whole slew of imitators. The rakish CLS will shortly spawn a load-lugging shooting-brake variant, too - Benz's offspring are having offspring. Could the same thing be in the cards for the SLS AMG?

Mercedes has already extended the supercar's appeal with a new Roadster variant for 2012, but as Autoblog can exclusively reveal, an alleged German patent filing suggests that the SLS may be in for an unexpected third bodystyle - that of an unconventional four-door. As shown here, Mercedes appears to be considering a set of rear-hinged demi doors to go along with the vertically sweeping main gullwing doors that would give access to a small back seat. In typical patent-ese, the paperwork suggests that the automaker is particularly concerned about minimizing weight gain and preserving structural rigidity, though it appears there is no fixed B-pillar present.

It isn't immediately clear if these alleged Deutsches Patent- und Markenamt documents are indicative of a production model, a show circuit-only concept, or just a bit of ambitious blue-sky designer thinking. For its part, when shown these documents and asked for comment, Mercedes-Benz officials wouldn't say anything beyond the standard "We won't take the liberty of sharing comments for any potential future products." We specifically asked if they would like to deny the materials, and they declined.

The paperwork shown here doesn't give away much else, certainly not touching upon whether any modifications would be made to the SLS' 571-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 or its rear-drive power delivery. The drawings accompanying the filing clearly suggest an extended wheelbase to accommodate the extra doors, as well as what looks like a second COMAND multi-function control knob on the console between the seats, but that could just be a bit of artistic license or perhaps some lazy cut/paste work in Photoshop duplicating the front seats.

Presumably, if a four-door SLS AMG were to come to market, it would likely come at a premium price for the extra engineering - the coupe model starts at $192,175 delivered, so we'd wager that the pricing would start with a "2" at the front, putting it in the hunt with cars like the Aston Martin Rapide and perhaps the Porsche Panamera Turbo.

Four-door Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG suggested by patent filings? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Are these the patent filings for Volvo's S-Class-fighting S100 flagship?

Noah Joseph — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Volvo, Luxury

There are luxury automakers, there are mainstream automakers, and then there are those in between. Volvo, we'd argue, is one of those marques that doesn't quite compete in the same market as, say, Mercedes-Benz or Lexus, but that looks as if it's about to change.

The Swedish automaker has been toying for years with the idea of building a new flagship to take on the likes of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series, Audi A8 and Lexus LS, but while Volvo has dragged its feet on the prospect in the past, a series of what look like patent renderings that have leaked their way online give us what could prove the strongest indication yet of Volvo's intent.

For better or worse, the renderings bear the hallmark of recent Volvo designs like the Concept Universe (unveiled in Shanghai last year), the Concept You (showcased in Frankfurt) and the upcoming next-generation XC90 - complete with the gaping maw that seems to mock the face we make when we look at these examples of this particular styling direction.

Of course, given the big wheels, showcar grille, delicate mirrors and suicide rear doors (not to mention the overall form), it seems more likely we're looking at renderings for the Concept Universe rather than a production model in the making, but that just leaves us wondering what the patent filing is for. We'll just have to wait a while to find out one way or another.

Are these the patent filings for Volvo's S-Class-fighting S100 flagship? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mini files Paceman design patent drawings

Steven J. Ewing — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 13:06:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Mini

You know, the Mini Countryman is pretty excellent. We weren't sure about how a Mini-badged crossover would be received, but after spending some time behind the wheel, we're pretty impressed with the overall package. That in mind, we wouldn't necessarily frown at the notion of a production version of the two-door Paceman concept from the 2011 Detroit Auto Show.

The folks at CarScoop have stumbled upon what appear to be official patent filings for the Paceman's design. Of course, without receiving any official word from Mini (or parent company BMW), it's still unclear if the Paceman will go into production, though we're betting that the Countryman-based two-door will, in fact, come to market.

As far as design goes, these patent filings still stand true to the design of the original concept car that debuted back in January. Fine by us, as we were pretty smitten with the pint-sized soft-roader when we first laid eyes upon it. If produced, we'd bet that the Paceman will share powertrain options with the Countryman, and that Mini's All4 all-wheel-drive system will be available.

Check out the full slate of patent filings in our high-res image gallery, and compare them to the original Paceman concept in the secondary gallery below.

Mini files Paceman design patent drawings originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Jul 2011 13:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus 'ES 300h' trademark filing suggests lux'd up Camry Hybrid on the way?

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Government/Legal, Lexus, Rumormill

2010 Lexus ES 350 - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Toyota Camry-based Lexus ES isn't exactly the most exciting product in the automaker's range. The entry-level luxury front-driver just received a slight refresh for the 2010 model year, but based on a filing with the United States Patent and Trademark Office discovered by Car and Driver, an electrified ES hybrid may be in the cards for the sedan's next generation.

Like the rest of Lexus' hybrids, the numerical part of the 'ES 300h' nomenclature doesn't really hold any sort of significance in terms of engine displacement. We'd hardly be surprised to find the Camry Hybrid's 2.4-liter mill under the Lexus' hood, though we won't rule out the possibility that output numbers could be tweaked for use in the ES 300h.

The move to hybrid-ify the ES sedan makes sense, as Lexus has long said that it wants to broaden its gasoline-electric offerings. The automaker currently has the CT 200h, HS 250h, GS 450h, RX 450h and LS 600h L, but adding a sixth hybrid car would further strengthen the brand's appeal to eco-minded luxury customers. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

Gallery: Review: 2010 Lexus ES 350

Lexus 'ES 300h' trademark filing suggests lux'd up Camry Hybrid on the way? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Dec 2010 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Patent drawings reveal Durango-replacing 2012 Dodge Magnum?

Noah Joseph — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Crossover, Dodge

2012 Dodge Magnum patent drawings - Click above for image gallery

Imperfect though it may have been, we kinda miss the Dodge Magnum. Building a low-slung wagon and dropping a Hemi into it took a lot of guts on Chrysler's part. And while it may have been discontinued, it appears to be slated for an encore, albeit in name only.

As we reported a couple of weeks back, Chrysler is considering bringing the Magnum nameplate back for a new crossover to replace the Durango. New U.S. patent drawings have leaked onto the interwebs, giving us a good look at how the new Magnum will appear when it hits the road, anticipated sometime next year as a 2011 or 2012 model.

The new Magnum will definitely be taller than the old one, but considerably more car-like than the body-on-frame Durango it replaces. Underpinnings are expected to be borrowed from the highly anticipated new Jeep Grand Cherokee, with 280-horsepower 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 and 360-hp V8 5.7L V8 on offer.

Gallery: 2012 Dodge Magnum/Durango patent drawings

[Source: Carscoop]

Patent drawings reveal Durango-replacing 2012 Dodge Magnum? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Feb 2010 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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