Autoblog

Shooting Fake: Porsche Cayman Shooting Brake a Top Gear hoax [w/VIDEO]

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Etc., Videos, Hatchback, Porsche, Humor, Design/Style

Porsche Cayman Shooting Brake hoax - Click above to watch video after the jump

Punked, we've been punked! And that's OK. In the high powered, fast paced ~~deeply sexy~~ world of car blogging, mistakes are going to be made. And every once in a while a group of mayhem minded jokers can easily gum up the gears of the machine by providing an elaborate prank as grist for mill. Such is the case with a certain Porsche Cayman Shooting Brake, cooked up by the former editor of TopGear.com, Jared Holstein as a parting gift.

The New York Times is reporting that while Holstein thought up the viral plan, the execution was left up to summer interns. One intern, a digital design student named Matt DuVall, carried out the design using Maya, a high powered 3d rendering program used to make movies like Ice Age. Under Holstein's direction, DuVull used as many Porsche design themes as possible, including lots of cues from the Panamera, Porsche development wheels, a Porsche mule lookalike bumper and even the same license plate used on Porsche mules. Then they rendered the "car" in HD, added it to a clip of an alley in Brooklyn, degraded it's quality and added Italian music to make it seem as if some kids captured the shooting brake mule on their phone somewhere in Europe. So, so sneaky. If you haven't seen it yet, we've included the original video after the jump.

Then came our part. Another intern, John Masters (who is getting his masters in media studies) began sending links to car sites. Sites like Autoblog! Masters then created what looked like a screen shot from the highly anticipated (and blogged about) Forza Motorsport 3 and dropped it into a Czech Forza Forum and wrote in Czech to "add a layer of deception and plausibility." Sneaky, sneaky. We of course, ate it up. More than once. In our defense, we did punctuate every headline with a question mark. Still, joke's on us, and the rest of the automotive press. They totally got us.

Why'd they do it? Says Holstein, "Eh, there wasn't any cruel intention... we manifested an automotive Liger because... it was fun to do. That said, if Porsche actually built it, I'd start stripping at bachelorette parties (again) to afford one." He's right, a Cayman Shooting Brake would be incredibly sweet. One more thing. If you pause the video at the 9 second mark, you can see part of a little white Stig helmet poking out from the rear hatch. We're so spitting in Jared's food next auto show. OG video after the jump.

[Source: NYT | Image: Matthew DuVall]

Continue reading Shooting Fake: Porsche Cayman Shooting Brake a Top Gear hoax [w/VIDEO]

Shooting Fake: Porsche Cayman Shooting Brake a Top Gear hoax [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Aug 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Turbo Brake: Porsche 924 Kombi

Jonny Lieberman — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 19:29:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Porsche

Porsche 924 Kombi - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Because of the sheer volume, it's hard for us to keep up with every single comment on every single post. However, sometimes the comments on a certain post are so, um, compelling, we watch 'em like our mother watches One Life To Live. To paraphrase the bulk of the comments concerning the most likely phony Porsche Cayman Shooting Brake post, "It's really ugly and we hate it." Yes, well... that's an opinion. But rather than wax long form about our implacable love of all things two-door wagony, check this sucker out!

Yes, yes -- it is a Porsche 924 Shooting Brake, called the 924 Kombi, but sadly, we know very little about this custom three-door. However, here's what we're sure of: It's got a big turbo, weighs 2,871 pounds and has room for our dog, our stuff and our wife's stuff. Talk about a perfect weekend getaway mobile. We think we might lust for the 924 Kombi almost as much as we drool over OG M Coupe. Almost. Which is a hell of a lot of drool.

Gallery: Porsche 924 Kombi

[Source: titchati.be]

Turbo Brake: Porsche 924 Kombi originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Aug 2009 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shot? Porsche Cayman Shooting Brake revealed?

Jonny Lieberman — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Porsche

Yes, well, wouldn't this be something. We've heard rumors and innuendo concerning the supposed Porsche Cayman Shooting Brake. In many ways, a shooting brake (also properly spelled with a hyphen -- shooting-brake) is the perfect vehicle. Small and light like a sports car, but capable and practical like a station wagon. Combine chocolate with peanut butter and voila! A most excellent product.

Is this for real? Probably not. The first one spotted, the black Cayman Shooting Brake, was most likely a cardboard and tape job hacked together to allow engineers easy access to the engine bay. Maybe Porsche broke down and shoved a much needed turbo (or two) into the Cayman's rump. But hey, maybe, this really is a leaked photo of Porsche's first ever shooting brake (or something from Rinspeed?), and not just an ambitious but ultimately fake Photoshop. Wouldn't that be sweet?

[Source: World Car Fans]

Spy Shot? Porsche Cayman Shooting Brake revealed? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Aug 2009 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Video: Porsche Cayman Shooting Brake caught on camera phone?

Noah Joseph — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, Wagon, Videos, Hatchback, Porsche

Camera phones are turning into quite an asset in this business, as readers of various automotive news sites across the interwebs and around the world have turned into legions of spy photographers. In this instance, one such reader-turned-paparazzo (apparently in Italy, no less) caught on video what appears to be some sort of Porsche Cayman Shooting Brake test mule.

Looking something like the product of a one-night-stand between said Porsche and either a Volvo C30 or an original BMW Z3-based M Coupe, the supposed mule is wearing all black, but apart from that, it appears to be undisguised. Of course, this could be a one-off made by someone with no official connection to Porsche (Rinspeed, anyone?), but then again, it could be a harbinger of a model to come. What do you make of it? Follow the link to view the spy video and voice your opinion in our comments section below. Thanks for the tip, Bill!

[Source: Top Gear]

Spy Video: Porsche Cayman Shooting Brake caught on camera phone? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes planning production E-Class shooting brake?

Noah Joseph — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Wagon, Mercedes-Benz, Rumormill

Mercedes-Benz Concept Fascination - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Body-styles in Mercedes' staple E-Class range have been taken on a heck of a roller coaster these past few years. The original included sedan, wagon, coupe and convertible variants. Then the latter two were split off as the CLK, but after introducing the CLS as essentially a four-door coupe version of the E-Class, Mercedes opted to bring the two-door variants back into the fold for the current generation. Recent rumors have suggested that Mercedes could delay the wagon and cabrio versions, and even re-introduce the CLK alongside the E-Class Coupe, but with neither of those conjectures looking very likely, the latest report from the rumormongers at Auto Express suggest that Mercedes could be planning yet another body-style for the E-Class range: a three-door shooting brake.

For the uninitiated, a shooting brake is an old-school body-style that melds a station wagon with a coupe, traditionally, such load-lugging solutions have been arrived at by hiring a coachbuilder to turn a sedan or a coupe into a wagon. Think Chevrolet Nomad and you're not far off. And with the German auto industry playing an increasingly intricate game of one-upmanship with segment-busting body-styles, Mercedes apparently looks poised to take things one step further with a fifth E-Class form. The prospect looks even more likely when you consider that the current E-Class' design was previewed in the first place by a shooting brake show car called the Concept Fascination at last year's Paris show. If Daimler decides to give the three-door E the green light, it'd likely carry over the mechanicals and engine options from its two-door counterpart, including four, six and eight-cylinder gasoline and clean diesel powerplants. Whether an AMG version like the sedan is offered or nixed like the coupe's remains to be seen, however, but we could get a look at a production prototype as early as the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, so stay tuned.

Gallery: Paris 2008: Mercedes-Benz ConceptFASCINATION

[Source: Auto Express]

Mercedes planning production E-Class shooting brake? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Jun 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW could be developing 1-Series "Shooting Brake" wagon

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 13:32:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Hatchback, BMW

BMW's 1 Series is stuck between a rock and a hard place, neatly slotting in between BMW's perennial best-selling 3-series and the FWD wunderkind, MINI. Loaded-up Coopers pass the $30K mark with ease and the base 3-Series model starts in the same neighborhood. This doesn't leave much wiggle room with the 1 Series, but BMW is looking to make the most of what little extra market share is available. One segment that the Bavarian automaker is looking to explore is the "shooting brake" body style (think 2-door wagon) that would add a dose of practicality to the small coupe in the form of a rear hatch.

This type of vehicle has historically fared rather poorly in the style-conscious United States, but Europeans seem more apt to choose practical hatch-like styles, so we'd expect the new model to debut across the pond for sure. BMW is expected to launch a new version of its entry-level model that will be larger and offer downsized engines with direct injection and forced induction burning both gasoline and diesel fuel.

[Source: Auto Bild via Motor Authority]

BMW could be developing 1-Series "Shooting Brake" wagon originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Nov 2008 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris 2008: Mercedes-Benz ConceptFASCINATION

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Wagon, Paris Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz, Lifestyle

Click the image above for a high-res gallery of the Mercedes ConceptFASCINATION

When Jaguar launched its latest XK coupe, the ad campaign that accompanied it was called "Gorgeous". When the Mercedes-Benz ConceptFASCINATION eventually becomes the next E-Class, the first thing Mercedes should do is call Jag to see if Gorgeous needs a friend. The shooting brake is absolutely stunning in person, the ultimate rendition of MB's current design language. Whereas a few of the 3-pointed-star's current cars have signature elements that ring true, this E-Class-Coupe-Wagon is the first time the entire theme sings in sweet harmony. The interior is the kind of thing that bespoke dreams are made of, with richly stained wood alternating between low-gloss metal and buttery suede. It is as if Mercedes discovered its inner passion, and if the next E-Class shares these qualities with the ConceptFASCINATION, then BMW and Audi better start worrying. You can discover more about the concept in the press release after the jump, as well as view it live in the gallery of high-res images below.

Gallery: Paris 2008: Mercedes-Benz ConceptFASCINATION

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz ConceptFASCINATION

Paris 2008: Mercedes-Benz ConceptFASCINATION originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Oct 2008 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Mercedes-Benz ConceptFASCINATION

Alex Nunez — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 18:15:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Wagon, Europe, Videos, Paris Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz

Click above for photo gallery. Follow the jump for video.

If you find yourself in Paris at the auto show next month, you'll see the Mercedes-Benz ConceptFASCINATION on the floor. (It's so fascinating, it requires all caps, you see.) Chances are, the video embedded after the jump will be playing on a variety of screens behind it and around the Mercedes stand in general. It's your typical car show stuff: light electronica over moving pictures in which the car itself never moves. Still, the panning camera gives you a better view of some of the lines likely to be found on the next E-Class family. Just dim the lights a little and imagine the car surrounded by watchful Germans who are, in turn, surrounded by a number of people speaking French. See? We just saved you airfare to Paris. Thanks for the tip, Guy.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz ConceptFASCINATION

[Source: YouTube via TheCarFanatic]

Continue reading VIDEO: Mercedes-Benz ConceptFASCINATION

VIDEO: Mercedes-Benz ConceptFASCINATION originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 13 Sep 2008 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz ConceptFASCINATION previews new E-Class

Alex Nunez — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 16:24:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Wagon, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz

Click above to view high-res gallery of the Mercedes-Benz ConceptFASCINATION

When the doors open at the Paris Motor Show next month, Mercedes-Benz will be giving everyone a sneak peek of the new E-Class front-end styling. No, not in the form of the new E-Class itself, which will be unveiled at a later date, but in the ConceptFASCINATION, an attractive shooting brake concept based on the upcoming E-Class Coupe's architecture and featuring the new E's front-end styling.

Gone are the round headlamps we've become accustomed to. In their place are new "rhomboid" lamps that, on the show car at least, incorporate fiber-optic driving lights. The grille will likely be the same one seen on the new E Coupe, while we'd expect the sedan to have the traditional grille-and-hood-ornament combo instead. Power comes from Mercedes' new 2.2L, 204-horsepower BlueTEC (with AdBlue) 4-cylinder diesel, which will make its production debut this fall in the Euro-market C250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY ~~Super Verbose~~ Prime Edition sedan.

The ConceptFASCINATION's cargo area is covered in wood, and boasts such show-car goodies as a folding glass table that can be pulled rearward, a humidor, a chilled compartment (natch), and storage for binoculars and a camera. A pronounced rear fender arch lends some visual muscle to the whole affair. Hopefully, that's also a hint at what the inevitable E-Class wagon's rump is going to look like. As for the new front end, it's a lot better looking here than spy shots have led us to believe. We'll have much more next month from Paris. In the meantime, Mercedes' extensive press release is pasted after the jump.

UPDATE: New high-res images added to gallery.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz ConceptFASCINATION

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz ConceptFASCINATION previews new E-Class

Mercedes-Benz ConceptFASCINATION previews new E-Class originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Sep 2008 16:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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From the mouths of Execs: Audi Shooting Brake won't be produced

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 24 Jan 2007 17:56:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hatchback, Audi

During an interview with AutoVisie magazine, Ulrick Hackenberg, a high ranking product exec at Audi, said that the TT-based Shooting Brake concept that debuted at the Tokyo Auto Show in 2005 will not make it to production.

Concerns over the cannibalization of the TT coupe's sales, along with the possibility of overextending the production line where the TT is produced, were cited as the primary reasons for the decision.

As reported earlier today, there still seems to be plans to produce a smaller Audi hatch that may slot in below the A3, so for those of you who want to upgrade ~~from your GTI~~ from your Golf, there still may be a four-ringed light at the end of the tunnel.

[Source: AutoVisie via Motor Authority]

From the mouths of Execs: Audi Shooting Brake won't be produced originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Jan 2007 17:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Future speculation on the Audi A1

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 24 Jan 2007 06:51:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hatchback, Audi

Infomotori's commissioned designer has come out with several more images that elaborate on the speculation surrounding Audi's possible release of a premium B/C segment competitor. Such a vehicle will assuredly be dubbed the A1, slotting below the A3, and aimed squarely at other German luxury offerings, as well as the MINI Cooper.

Andrea Rosati takes several cues from Audi's Shooting Brake concept, but manages to utilize more of the lines from the recently released TT and R8. The corporate gaping maw front clip is present and accounted for, as are the seven-spoke wheels pulled straight from the RS4. From there however, the diversions become more apparent, with a much more upright stance that runs counter to Audi's current low slung offerings, as well as narrower headlamps that are pulled back at a more extreme angle to the outsides of the vehicle, starkly contrasting the lights currently employed by the TT.

Although we have normally dispatch most artist's renderings as pure speculation, there were a few trick elements that we'd like to see utilized on future Audis: namely, the angular central exhaust outlet and the Audi-logo-turned-third-brake-light.

Follow the "Read" link for all the renderings, a few pics of the Shooting Brake Concept and some speculation on possible powertrains.

[Source: Infomotori.co.uk]

Future speculation on the Audi A1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Jan 2007 06:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW shooting brake in 2008

Damon Lavrinc — Sat, 14 Oct 2006 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, BMW

AutoBild magazine is reporting that BMW may have a "shooting brake" version of the 3-series in the works. The image above is from the cover of their latest issue and it would be safe to say we're less than impressed with the rendering, but it's interesting to see the redesigned front fascia that gets a distinct squash and pull. As we've learned all too often, these images are rarely a worthwhile indication of future designs.

The idea behind a BMW two-door hatch isn't entirely bogus, as Audi is looking to offer the same and competition between the two automakers is surely expected. Naturally, we finicky yanks will probably never see it stateside, as the premium hatch market hasn't boomed to warrant such an offering.

[Source: AutoBild via MotorAuthority]

BMW shooting brake in 2008 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 14 Oct 2006 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jaguar's next X-Type a "shooting brake"?

Stuart Waterman — Mon, 20 Mar 2006 17:30:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Jaguar

Jaguar badly needs a successful replacement for the current lackluster X-Type model, but it can't quite make up its mind on a design direction for its entry-level luxury car. Automotive News reports that a front-running option may well be an all-wheel drive "shooting brake," or luxury station wagon.

We think a Jag shooting brake could be a big hit, and we've included the picture of an XK-150 shooting brake in hopes that it might jump-start Jaguar's design team. Just trying to help.

Whatever the company decides, it had better move quickly - 2005 production of the current X-Type fell 25 percent from the previous year, to 44,965 units.

Jaguar's next X-Type a "shooting brake"? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Mar 2006 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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