Autoblog

Rendered Speculation: Pondering what an electric Audi R4 roadster would look like

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Audi, Electric

At last month's Frankfurt Motor Show, Audi board member Michael Dick confirmed that a production version of the electric eTron sports car concept would be produced by late 2012. Following the show, Audi NA president Johan de Nysschen confirmed that announcement and now AutoExpress has produced a rendering of a production model. However, there appears to be some details lost in the translation. The eTron is based on the aluminum space frame of the R8 while AE says the R4 will be a smaller roadster with a chassis shared with the next generation Porsche Boxster/Cayman.

An Audi R4 has been speculated for some time, with the rumors flaring up after VW showed off the concept BlueSport in Detroit this year. It's not clear if Audi will move ahead with the larger R8-based EV sportster or a smaller machine, or perhaps both. If they do, something like this rendering would be welcome, combining elements of the BlueSport, the eTron and even the top and flying buttresses of a Lotus Elise.

[Source: AutoExpress]

Rendered Speculation: Pondering what an electric Audi R4 roadster would look like originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered speculation: Jaguar XE roadster

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertible, Performance, Jaguar

It's no secret Jaguar is working on a small roadster dubbed the XE, and according to AutoCar, the design staff at Jaguar are struggling to finalize the look of the BMW Z4-sized drop-top.

Apparently, the original plan was to give the XE an oval shaped grille handed down from the old D- and E-types. Now they're leaning toward a shape more like the XF and new XJ. The roadster is planned to be a front engine, rear drive car possibly based on the aluminum chassis of the XK, but part of the problem with finalizing the XE is the future direction of the XK. Some at Jaguar favor growing the XK to compete with the likes of the Maserati Gran Turismo to make room for the XE.

However, if the XK stays the same size, it could be problematic to make room for the XE and make it different. We vote for keeping the XK the same size and creating a smaller XE roadster.

[Source: AutoCar]

Rendered speculation: Jaguar XE roadster originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: 2011 Volkswagen Jetta gets a facelift

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 08:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Volkswagen

For 2010, Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagens in North America will get a new face courtesy of the MK VI Golf that will also debut here in a few weeks. The sedans, on the other hand, will keep the MK V-style oversize chrome grille for another year. Not everyone is enamored with the older and more audacious grille, and one reader at VWVortex broke out the Photoshop and went to work. Based on recent spy shots, next year's Jetta sedan will get the face and fanny lift and this image provides a hint as to what it might look like.

Overall, the front fascia is a no-brainer based on what we've seen of the Golf and Sportwagen. Where the sedan image is likely to be in error is the character line across the front fenders. As seen on the previous images of the wagon, the crease actually blends into the wheel arch lip at the top rather cutting so high across it. Either way, we'd guess many will think it's an improvement over the current style. Thanks to Kent for the tip!

[Source: VWVortex]

Rendered Speculation: 2011 Volkswagen Jetta gets a facelift originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Sep 2009 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ATS a good-looking Cadillac rendering, isn't it? Not so accurate, though...

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 10:59:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Cadillac, Design/Style, Luxury

A few weeks back, we were among the group invited out to General Motors' design studios to have a look at the near future of the company's product portfolio. Among the many vehicles that we told you about after our visit were a pair of new Cadillacs to fill out the lineup. According to Cadillac sources, it's going to be some time in 2010 before the XTS and the smaller ATS are shown publicly. However, Motor Trend has had noted illustrator Mark Stehrenberger try his hand at rendering the ATS.

Unfortunately, the result doesn't look quite like the actual car we were shown. Starting at the front, the rendering actually looks a lot more like the late departed XLR roadster than the ATS. The styling buck we saw had a taller nose in keeping with modern pedestrian safety standards. Additionally, the grille of the ATS is of the same style as seen on the current CTS and SRX as opposed the egg-crate pattern shown on the illustration. One element that is accurate is drawing's headlights, which stretched well back along the top edge of the fender on the production-intent model we saw.

At the back, the ATS has a longer rear overhang and deck with proportions more like the current CTS sedan. The truncated rear end of the illustrations is completely wrong and the sharply creased edges all around are more reminiscent of early "Art and Science" Cadillac models like the XLR and first-gen CTS. The actual car has the same slightly softened look of the current CTS. A tip of the hat to Pierce!

[Source: Motor Trend]

ATS a good-looking Cadillac rendering, isn't it? Not so accurate, though... originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Sep 2009 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered speculation: 2011 Audi A6

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 07:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Audi, Rendered Speculation

The next generation Audi A6 sedan is about a year away from its debut, but if this rendering is anything to go by, this year's Sportback concept will be the primary influence for Audi's redesigned mid-sizer. The Sportback provided the biggest evolution of Audi's design language since the debut of its massive shield grilles earlier in the decade.

The updated look includes more surface development in the nose and the possible production debut of a new hexagonal grille. The headlight clusters have a shape that's pinched toward the center of the car, in a similar fashion to the taillights on recent models like the A4 and Q5. At this point we don't know what the greenhouse will look like, but a change from the rounded shape of the last generation seems likely -- and overdue.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Audi Sportback Concept

Gallery: Audi Sportback Concept

[Source: AutoZeitung via AudiBlog.nl]

Rendered speculation: 2011 Audi A6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Jul 2009 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Top Gear Magazine (sorta) reveals Aston Martin One-77

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Supercars, Aston Martin, Rendered Speculation

The Paris Motor Show has given up its secrets, but that doesn't mean the teasing is over. Top Gear magazine has the story on the Aston Martin One-77, joined by what will probably be more tease-tastic renders. One thing that can be gleaned from the rendering on the TG microsite is the headlight layout, with an inner row of LEDs leading back to an array that includes at least one additional cluster of LEDs. The front end still looks a tad overwrought to us - and a little reminiscent of the GTbyCitroen - but we suppose we'll just have to get a copy of Top Gear before we vote with our thumbs.

[Source: Top Gear via Motor Gears]

Top Gear Magazine (sorta) reveals Aston Martin One-77 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Oct 2008 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: Kia's big VG

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 17:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Kia, Rendered Speculation

So the Kia VG mule that has kept spy photographers busy the last few weeks has now been given a computer animated face and body. It's a nice looking ride, though has a surprising amount in common with the Hyundai Genesis... which means we also see, well, a lot of other cars in it. But that's not a bad thing, really, because the result is a tasty little creation, especially coming from Kia. The lines are a touch more forceful than those on the Genesis, which goes along with Kia being the sporting brand, or so they say. If the final version looks even close to this rendering, and they give it performance to match... well, then Kia will have taken a giant leap forward. Thanks for the tip, miha!

[Source: Kia World]

Rendered Speculation: Kia's big VG originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Sep 2008 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Design Exercise: Ferrari Concept 2008

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 15 May 2008 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Etc., Supercars, Ferrari

Click the image above for more hi-res pics of the Ferrari Concept 2008

We realize that not everyone will agree with us on this one -- passions seem to run highest over the cars that the fewest number of people will drive -- but if the Ferrari California looked like this concept, we'd put down a deposit right now. Once someone else gave us the money to do so.

Sure, from the A-pillar forward is pure Maserati, and there's no way a front intake like that could or should make it onto a Ferrari. Still, it's a good looking front end, and we don't mind design elements going up as well as down. Besides, a couple of keystrokes can get a proper Ferrari nose in place.

But from the A-pillar to the rear... those are the kind of aggressive, subtle lines we like in our Ferraris. Which is not to say we don't like the California -- we just like this a little better... A coupe, please. That color.

Gallery: Ferrari Concept 2008 by Sefsdesign

[Source: Sefsdesign]

Design Exercise: Ferrari Concept 2008 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 May 2008 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: Ford Capri reborn?

Dan Roth — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 13:57:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Spy Photos, Coupe, Europe, Ford, Mercury

Well look at that, the quarter panel vent from the new Focus can look good! No need to complain yet that this is but another Ford we'll never see, as it may not happen on any continent. Auto Bild has gone to press with shots of a new Mercury Capri concept that is rumored to be the work of an extremely skilled PhotoChopper. We're also unsure if the details they cite about the car being a sub-3,000 pound 2+2 with 140-250 horsepower and a production date of 2012 are fanciful or rooted in truth, but none of that matters. This thing is off the hook to our puppy-dog enthusiastic eyes. Mercury has nothing badass in its lineup, and while it'd be weird to be proffering this car with KISS makeup next to an entire lineup of handsomized Fords, we think it might be a way for Ford to reel in some new blood to the brand. Just don't call it Cougar. Cougars drive Mercurys - though probably while smoking Capris. Call it whatever, just put it on sale.

[Source: carspyshots.net]

Rendered Speculation: Ford Capri reborn? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Mar 2008 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hecha en Argentina: First official drawing of VW's new pickup

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Volkswagen

See that drawing in the right corner of the pic? That's an official VW render of the company's new pickup, internally called the Robust. It's hanging at an event called ExpoAgro in Argentina, where the truck will be built. The banner on the left says "The VW pickup for the field." VW isn't playing around with the model, either, having invested a billion pesos into its Pacheco factory to get ready for the vehicle's 2009 or 2010 launch.

The render presents a neat profile that looks low to the ground -- more ute than pickup really, much like the VW Rabbit pickup from almost three decades ago. We do find the rear sloping roof a bit odd, seeing that it would eat into quite a bit of bed space if the line continued into the bed. But it's just a render, so we don't want to read too much into it. With carmakers putting fake interiors in test mules nowadays, for all we know, the Robust render could also be a hat, or a brooch, or a pterodactyl.

[Source: Argentina Auto Blog]

Hecha en Argentina: First official drawing of VW's new pickup originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Mar 2008 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rejected Renderings: Mercedes-Benz CLCs that didn't make the cut

John Neff — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 12:27:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Mercedes-Benz

click above for more rejected renderings of the Mercedes-Benz CLC

The new 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLC is the Stuttgart-based automaker's second recent attempt at making a hatchback version of the C-Class sedan work. The first-gen model was sold in the U.S. in small numbers, but we're not expecting the newly renamed CLC to make it across the pond for Yankee consumption. We're not sure U.S. consumers would take the bait a second time anyway. Though Mercedes claims it has 1,100 improvements, the new CLC is still based on the old C-Class architecture, and thus does not share underpinnings with the new C-Class on sale in the U.S. It basically looks like the first-gen model with the nose of the new C-Class grafted on.

But there reportedly were other designs being considered. These renderings show what the new CLC could have been, nearly all of which feature more dynamic designs than the one that eventually got the nod. Perhaps if the 2009 CLC came out of the oven wearing one of these shapes, the U.S. market would be more interested in Mercedes' newest hatch. Of note, however, is that we have no idea where Carscoop sourced these renderings, so they may not be official ones from Mercedes at all, but they sure do look the part.

[Source: Carscoop]

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz CLC renderings

Gallery: 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLC Class

Rejected Renderings: Mercedes-Benz CLCs that didn't make the cut originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Jan 2008 12:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official Alfa Romeo Junior sketches surface

Dan Roth — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 10:31:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Europe, Hatchback, Alfa Romeo

Germany's Auto Motor und Sport has unearthed sketches and renderings of the upcoming Alfa Junior. Yet another car they get over there, that we wish we could have over here. Automakers usually counter hatch lust with the party line that they're not popular in America, so we'll see what Alfa puts on the US bound boats.

Based on the Fiat Grande Punto's platform, the Junior will launch in 2008. The tightly-wrapped hatch bodywork will cover power units ranging from 95 to 230 horsepower, with all wheel drive also making an appearance on the option list. There's a tinge of Gremlin in the C-Pillar, in a very stylish manner that only the Italians (and maybe the French) could get away with. Since they're targeting the 18-30 year old buyer, look for the style to remain high while Alfa attempts to hold the price down to about $16,000. Should the Junior closehaul its way westward across the Atlantic, we'll have another stylish and affordable car to mix it up with the MINI.

[Source: Auto Motor und Sport]

Official Alfa Romeo Junior sketches surface originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Sep 2007 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: Subaru Impreza WRX STI

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 20:40:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Subaru

Car Magazine has some interesting info on the upcoming high-performance STi version of the Subaru Impreza that it believes will debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany this September. For one, the Impreza will only be offered as a five-door hatchback in Europe, unlike in the States where we'll also get a sedan. In addition, Car claims that Subaru will be killing the very popular WRX model in Europe, replacing it instead with a stripper version of this STi. The hope is that Subaru can convince more Euro folk to go for the non-turbocharged flat-four base models, which account for only 30% of Impreza sales in the UK at the moment.

The picture above shows the magazine's best guess at what the STi will look like, and their version is a bit more aggressive than the rendering we saw appear in Road & Track a couple of months ago, though the must-haves like a big rear wing, blistering fenders, gold wheels, a rally blue paint job and a hood scoop large enough to lose an arm in are present. We prefer the front clip on Cars' version to the R&T one, but both are just renderings and could still be different from the final version we see in Frankfurt.

Click the Read link to view more angles of the Car Magazine renderings.

[Source: Car Magazine via egmcartech]

Rendered Speculation: Subaru Impreza WRX STI originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Jun 2007 20:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fiore designs to hit the block

Noah Joseph — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 19:52:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Classics, Auctions

Click to view in high-resolution

Automotive stylists draw up countless designs for every one that actually gets turned into a prototype, let alone goes into production. Those forsaken designs often fall into obscurity, never again to see the light of day. But some forty years later, one designer's ideas are being unearthed and sold to the highest bidder.

On June 19, British auction house H&H will be selling off no less than 34 original designs by Trevor Fiore, including concepts produced in the mid 1960's for Jaguar, Austin-Healy, Lancia, Alvis, Elva and Trident. The designs were evidently rejected, but the auctioneers hope to find loving homes for them at last.

Trevor Fiore was born Trevor Frost, but adopted his mother's Italian maiden name to help give him the clout to compete with the biggest of Italian design houses. He operated independently under the Fiore Design name during the 60's and 70's, before taking up position at the head of Citroen's design department in the 80's, after which he disappeared from the spotlight.

Follow the jump for the full press release, and click on the thumbnails below to view some of the design renderings up for auction.

Gallery: Fiore Design auction

[Source: H&H]

Continue reading Fiore designs to hit the block

Fiore designs to hit the block originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Apr 2007 19:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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More rendered speculation: Dino

Dan Roth — Sun, 25 Feb 2007 08:09:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Supercars, Ferrari

Click for gallery

Along comes Infomotori to throw accelerant on the raging fire of Dino speculation. The return of the Dino has been rumored far and wide, and we'd all love to see a Ferrari that may be a little more obtainable for us plebians. Andrea Rosati has dreamed up a car that looks an awful lot like what we've already seen in the form of the 420 Dino. One welcome change from 99% of Ferrari pictures out there is Rosati's use of giallo instead of the ubiquitous rosso. Speculative minds churning feverishly, Infomotori goes on to imagine a 300hp V6 displacing 3.0 liters offering up performance on par with the Porsche Boxster.

True or not, the idea of an entry-level Ferrari never fails to excite. It's not the flat-out performance, but the entire package. Sumptuous old-world interiors, unabashed style (sometimes good, sometimes bad, always engaging), glorious sounds from the machinery -- these cars are not about shuttling you around from chore to chore. Ferraris are about the the goods under the skin. We have no doubt that the new Dino will be the bottom of the range should it ever emerge, but there will be nothing cheap or second-rate about it. Every marque needs to have an entry point, and a Dino would likely be in $100,000 territory. Still, it'd be cheaper than its stablemates - and there is no such thing as a cheap Ferrari. A "project car" Mondial will still run you 10 grand.

[Source: Infomotori]

Gallery: Ferrari Dino (renderings) - By Andrea Rosati for InfoMotori.com

More rendered speculation: Dino originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 25 Feb 2007 08:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bevy of future BMW renderings, including Z8 successor

John Neff — Mon, 05 Jun 2006 06:55:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Crossover, Supercars, BMW

German car mag Autobild has just placed its bet on what BMW's future lineup will look like by the end of the decade. Leading off will be a new large hardtop convertible, a successor to the Z8 if you will. While Autobild's rendering is mostly speculation, it clearly identifies the car as a meaty two-seater with a traditional long hood, short rear deck design. BMW should buy the rights to this gorgeous pic and just build it as is. The following list is what Autobild claims to have learned about the Z8 successor.

Targeted at Mercedes-Benz SL
Priced from 80,000 to 100,000 Euro ($102,000 to $128,000 USD)
Target weight of 3,300 lbs.
15,000 annual units for seven years beginning with 2010 launch
Possible engines include a 3.0L turbo I6 with 306 hp, a 4.4L V8 turbo wtih 408 hp, the lauded 5.0L V10 with 507 HP and possibly a 6.3L V12 turbo making 605 hp
M model planned

Follow the jump for lots more renderings of the next generation Z4 convertible, 3-Series convertible, X6 large sport utility vehicle and 7-Series sedan.

[Source: Autobild]

Continue reading Bevy of future BMW renderings, including Z8 successor

Bevy of future BMW renderings, including Z8 successor originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Jun 2006 06:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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