Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Mazda6 interior snapped]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/11/spy-shots-mazda6-interior-snappe/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/11/spy-shots-mazda6-interior-snappe/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/11/spy-shots-mazda6-interior-snappe/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Move along, hardly anything to see here. Still, it's always interesting to chart the changes. KGP photographers demonstrated the importance of keeping the glovebox stocked with trailmix, which allows these sharp shooters to outlast their quarry driving around in preproduction mules of upcoming models. Mazda's new 6 has already had its exterior snapped (see gallery below), but the interior has also received some attention. A new steering wheel is the most noticeable change compared to the already-revealed European model, though the instruments are also tweaked and the start button has been relocated closer to the shifter. Hopefully we'll meet the new 2009 Mazda6 in person in just a couple weeks at the 2008 New York Auto Show, because if not, we'll have to wait until at least the end of year at the next LA Auto Show.

Gallery: 2009 Mazda6 - spy shots


[Source: Inside Line]

Spy Shots: Mazda6 interior snapped originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Mar 2008 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>6interiormazdamazda 6Mazda6photosshotsspyspy shotsSpyShotsTue, 11 Mar 2008 09:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Pics Aplenty: New official shots of the BMW 135i]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/13/pics-aplenty-new-official-shots-of-the-bmw-135i/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/13/pics-aplenty-new-official-shots-of-the-bmw-135i/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/13/pics-aplenty-new-official-shots-of-the-bmw-135i/#commentsFiled under: , ,


click above for more high-res pics of the BMW 135i

If you're still frothing at the mouth for anything having to do with the new BMW 1-Series coupe, some new photos have found their way onto the internet. It's still a 3-series that was left in the dryer too long, but the new shots show the car off in its best possible light. There's been a lot of talk about the 135 being a return to the roots of what propelled BMW to such greatness, with alphanumerics like E30 M3 and 2002tii flying about. The 135i certainly holds its own stylistically, even if it is not possessed of the same delicacy of line as its forebears. The 135i appears hefty, like a block of dense marble carved by a skilled artisan, and when you get right down to it, that's what it is. We've babbled enough, check out the gallery. Thanks for the tip, Horatiu!

[Source: edbmw]

Gallery: BMW 135i Official Shots

Pics Aplenty: New official shots of the BMW 135i originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Feb 2008 07:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>11 series135135i1SeriesbmwcoupeofficialpicturesseriesshotsWed, 13 Feb 2008 07:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Volvo XC60 out playin' in the snow]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/25/spy-shots-volvo-xc60-out-playin-in-the-snow/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/25/spy-shots-volvo-xc60-out-playin-in-the-snow/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/25/spy-shots-volvo-xc60-out-playin-in-the-snow/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Volvo is working hard to finish development on the production version of its XC60 CUV before it goes on sale later in 2008. We'll see the official unveiling in Geneva most likley, and the concept has certainly whetted our appetite. Aimed at the smaller end of the premium CUV market, the XC60 will take on comers like the BMW X3 and the upcoming Mercedes Freeside, as well as the Land Rover LR2, with which the XC60 shares pieces and corporate parents.

AutoExpress has posted spy shots of an XC60 dressed for modesty cavorting in the snow. Comparing the mule to shots of the concept shows that the major points of the design are headed for the showroom after some tweaking. The changes are pretty minor, the door handles change, the roofline appears to be a little higher, though still with the same profile, so you might actually be able to load things in the production car. It does look like the curvaceous taillights are headed for reality, only slightly changed, too. The pictures don't offer any insight as to whether the trick two-piece hatch from the concept will make it to the public, and we're going to bet that the all-white interior will be ditched for something less cleaning-intensive, too. For the most part, what we saw in the concept is what we'll be able to buy in early 2009.

[Source: Auto Express]

Gallery: Volvo XC60 Concept



Spy Shots: Volvo XC60 out playin' in the snow originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Jan 2008 14:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>60auto expressAutoExpresscamoflagecuvgenevamulephotosshotsspyspy shotsSpyShotstestingvolvoxcxc60Fri, 25 Jan 2008 14:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Baby Rolls nabbed]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/15/spy-shots-baby-rolls-nabbed/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/15/spy-shots-baby-rolls-nabbed/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/15/spy-shots-baby-rolls-nabbed/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Hours upon hours of lying prone on the frozen tundra of the Arctic Circle have paid off for KGP's hardcore spy shooters. An upright test mule has been spotted running around at BMW's facility in the frozen hinterlands. There have been rumors of a smaller Roller swirling about, and these shots seem to support the conjecture. BMW's 7-series will reportedly serve as the basis for the new luxury whip, and the car in the photos appears identical to the surrounding 7's from the A-pillar back. The stiff upper lip has likely been grafted on to facilitate cooling and airflow for the engine room. Plus, you could do worse than an E65 with a better schnoz and an old-world interior. Check out all five spy shots in the gallery below.

Gallery: Rolls Royce RR4 - spy shots

Spy Shots: Baby Rolls nabbed originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Jan 2008 17:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcticbabybaby rollsBabyRollsbmwmulephotosrollsrolls royceRollsRoyceroyceshotssmallspyspy photosspy shotsSpyPhotosSpyShotstest facilityTestFacilityTue, 15 Jan 2008 17:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Alfa Romeo 'Junior' teaser images leaked]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/06/alfa-romeo-junior-teaser-images-leaked/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/06/alfa-romeo-junior-teaser-images-leaked/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/06/alfa-romeo-junior-teaser-images-leaked/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Before its highly-anticipated unveiling at the Geneva show in March, Alfa Romeo has been leaking mere glimpses at its upcoming entry-level hatchback. Tentatively known as the "Junior" after Alfa scrapped its own online naming contest, the hatchback is based on sister company Fiat's Grande Punto platform, but with even more sumptuous Italian styling and a range of engines.

These latest images appear to have been prepared for its brochure, but have somehow found their way out of the factory and into cyber-space. None of the images, which can be seen after the jump, reveal anything more than some close-up details, but the when Alfa takes the wraps off its latest, it should give the Mini a run for its money.

[Source: Progretti955 via Carscoop]

Continue reading Alfa Romeo 'Junior' teaser images leaked

Alfa Romeo 'Junior' teaser images leaked originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 Jan 2008 15:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alfafuriosahatchimagejuniorleakedphotoromeoshotsspyteaserSun, 06 Jan 2008 15:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Pics Aplenty: Kia Mohave/Borrego launches in Korea]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/06/pics-aplenty-kia-mohave-borrego-launches-in-korea/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/06/pics-aplenty-kia-mohave-borrego-launches-in-korea/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/06/pics-aplenty-kia-mohave-borrego-launches-in-korea/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



We've already seen some undisguised pictures of Kia's handsome new midsize SUV, but the vehicle just launched officially in Korea as the Mohave. Official launch means official pictures, and that's what we have here, a ton of really beautiful images of what we'll soon know as the Borrego. Not that Borrego, this one sports a full frame, seating places for seven, and the choice of Kia's strong-like-bull V6 or their first V8. The wisdom of introducing a new body-on-frame SUV at this point, especially in light of the coming new CAFE rules, might be questionable, but the vehicle itself is handsome and it's hard to deny the inherent value that Kia bakes into its cars. We'll check the Borrego out in person when it makes it's US debut at the Detroit Auto Show. In the meantime, Carscoop unearthed a lot of great pictures to tide us over.

[Source: Kia via Carscoop]

Gallery: Kia Borrego offical shots

Pics Aplenty: Kia Mohave/Borrego launches in Korea originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 Jan 2008 10:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>americanautoborregodebutdetroitDetroit Auto ShowDetroitAutoShowhyundaiimageskiakoreakoreanlaunchmohavenaiasnorthofficalpicturesshotsshowsuvSun, 06 Jan 2008 10:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Mystery supercar not a Lotus at all]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/11/mystery-supercar-not-a-lotus-at-all/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/11/mystery-supercar-not-a-lotus-at-all/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/11/mystery-supercar-not-a-lotus-at-all/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

It was only natural. A bunch of autopundits picks up on reports of a camouflaged vehicle with supercar intent ripping around the English countryside, and we automatically think "Lotus." Wrong. The story isn't so black and white. The car itself is a Spectre, and it was spotted with Lotus paperwork in it at one point, adding to the speculation that it could be "Project Eagle," the recently announced Lotus 2+2. What's more likely is that C2P Automotive, Spectre's sister company, was hiring some help in from Lotus Engineering. The 7-liter engine is also reportedly not a GM unit, but rather a new bespoke powerplant. So, we're no closer to seeing any new blossoms at Lotus, but at least there's something cool to look at in the meantime.

[Source: LLN]

Mystery supercar not a Lotus at all originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Oct 2007 10:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>englandlotus espritLotusEspritshotsspectrespyspy photosspy shotsSpyPhotosSpyShotssupercarThu, 11 Oct 2007 10:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: AMG wizards working on Black Series SL]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/25/spy-shots-amg-wizards-working-on-black-series-sl/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/25/spy-shots-amg-wizards-working-on-black-series-sl/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/25/spy-shots-amg-wizards-working-on-black-series-sl/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

After giving the world the Black Series CLK at the New York Auto show as a fortieth birthday present, the gang at AMG are at it again. A very special Mercedes-Benz SL has been spotted being prepared at AMG's Nürburgring shop. Like the CLK, the SL gets modified bodywork to cover the steamroller tires and will undoubtedly get an extra helping of power. So far there's no word on when we'll see it officially or how much power it will have, but the smart money is on something involving a "63" badge on the boot.

[Source: Winding Road]

Spy Shots: AMG wizards working on Black Series SL originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Sep 2007 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black seriesBlackSeriesmercedesmercedes benzmercedes-benzmercedes-benz-sl-black-seriesMercedesBenzshotsslsl black seriesSlBlackSeriesspyspy picsspy shotsSpyPicsSpyShotsTue, 25 Sep 2007 07:57:00 EST<![CDATA[SNAP! Mini convertible caught without disguise]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/25/snap-mini-convertible-caught-without-disguise/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/25/snap-mini-convertible-caught-without-disguise/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/25/snap-mini-convertible-caught-without-disguise/#commentsFiled under: , ,

You might not have known from looking at it, but even after the second-generation new MINI came out, the convertible version carried on from the previous incarnation. But the BMW subsidiary has been hard at work on its replacement, set to join the standard hatchback and the upcoming Clubman wagon in the lineup ahead of the crossover version.

Opting for a soft top instead of a folding metal roof, the new MINI cabrio's is fully automatic and features an intriguing half-fold mechanism that allows the driver to open just the top instead of the entire roof to expose just the front two seats to the open air, targa-style. Reports also suggest that the fixed chrome roll-over hoops behind the rear seat headrests on the outgoing model will be ditched in favor of deployable emergency units.

The rear-angle spy shot, meanwhile, shows that with the roof up or halfway open, rearward visibility will be severely compromised, with enormous C-pillars creating large blind spots. Guess that means drivers will just have to keep the top down altogether. Oh well.

[Source: Auto Express]

SNAP! Mini convertible caught without disguise originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Jul 2007 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cabrioconvertibleminiphotosshotsspyWed, 25 Jul 2007 17:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Fiat Abarth duo]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/12/spy-shots-fiat-abarth-duo/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/12/spy-shots-fiat-abarth-duo/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/12/spy-shots-fiat-abarth-duo/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Abarth is returning to the scene with force. The historic Italian tuning house, long a part of the Fiat group, has been hard at work turning Fiat's models into hot hatches worthy of the scorpion badge's revival. At Geneva we saw the production preview of the Grande Punto Abarth, and the Abarth version of the newly-launched 500 retromobile is expected at Tokyo. With their work cut out for them, the Fiat Abarth team is pounding the test track developing the dynamic duo.

Both cars are anticipated to benefit from tightened-up suspensions, beefed-up brakes, revised bodywork, trim and badging, and two high-performance four-cylinder engines: one producing 150 horsepower, and an even more powerful version with output in the neighborhood of 180-200hp. With these kinds of hot hatches looming on the horizon, and a Bravo Abarth expected to follow shortly thereafter, the future is looking good.

[Source: World Car Fans]

Spy Shots: Fiat Abarth duo originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Jul 2007 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>500abarthfiatgrandemulephotospuntoshotsspytestThu, 12 Jul 2007 18:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Zooming in on NASCAR]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/07/zooming-in-on-nascar/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/07/zooming-in-on-nascar/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/07/zooming-in-on-nascar/#commentsFiled under: , ,



NASCAR racers move fast. Camera shutters are fast enough to freeze the 200 mph action, but what do you do when you want a shot of the entire field of racers? Wide angle lenses create distortion known as convergence, and if you zoomed out enough to get the entire field, you're only utilizing a portion of your emulsion or imaging chips, resulting in a noisy, fuzzy image. Photographer Rick Graves has created a customized Hasselblad to solve this conundrum and has produced some of the most beautiful images of NASCAR we've seen.

The modified camera has been dubbed DistaCam, and uses a high-speed motor drive and a metal plate with a slit cut in it, sort of like a pinhole camera. There is math involved; the focal distance is calculated, the speed of the motor needs to be correlated to the speed of the cars on the track, and the aperture of the telephoto lens is worked out. Once the numbers are crunched, the camera is aimed at an inches-wide spot on the track and then prayers are offered to Our Lady of Blessed Acceleration in hopes that there'll be some good among the inevitable chaff. It's not often that everything happens just so and the cars come out perfect, instead of squished or stretched. Those perfect bits are stitched in Photoshop after the 66-inch long frames are scanned ten inches at a time and cleaned up. When all's said and done, the prints can be monstrous - as large as hundreds of feet long. Cool. It's like those trick aluminum floorjacks they use in the pits; a total hotrod.

[Source: Wired]

Zooming in on NASCAR originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 07 Jul 2007 13:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>motorsportsnascarphotographyphotospicturesracingshotsSat, 07 Jul 2007 13:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Next-gen Ford Falcon]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/06/spy-shots-next-gen-ford-falcon/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/06/spy-shots-next-gen-ford-falcon/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/06/spy-shots-next-gen-ford-falcon/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ford Australia's at work developing the next version of a car we can't have here in the US. Australian website CarAdvice snagged spy shots of camoflaged Falcons undergoing tests in the Melbourne area. Suspicions are that base models as well as turbocharged XRs were pirouetting around getting a variety of workouts to ensure that the next generation of not-available-here RWD sedans will continue to make us pine for them. Of course, Falcons on these shores would likely snag sales from the Taurus and Sable, but Ford's shuttered plants could offer a place to put these cars together from knock-down kits, or CKDs. Maybe it's just a case of the grass being greener on the other side, but the Falcon strikes our fancy, those Aussies know how to make cars that appeal to the way we roll. Click through the picture to see more.

Thanks for the tip, Dylan!

[Source: CarAdvice.com.au]

Spy Shots: Next-gen Ford Falcon originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Jun 2007 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiafalconfordorionshotshotsspyxrWed, 06 Jun 2007 08:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Ferrari F430 CS surfaces again]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/02/spy-shots-ferrari-f430-cs-surfaces-again/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/02/spy-shots-ferrari-f430-cs-surfaces-again/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/02/spy-shots-ferrari-f430-cs-surfaces-again/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

UPDATE: image removed at owner's request. Click the Read link to see the pics at The Car Connection.

While Lamborghini prepares its second Superleggera model, Ferrari is hard at work on its own F430 Challenge Stradale. Spy shots have surfaced of a pair of test mules rallying it up on gravel backroads in preparation for the car's market debut.

The new version picks up where the previous 360 CS left off, turning an already finely-tuned instrument of speed into an even sharper one. Whereas Porsche's RS formula calls for reducing unnecessary weight while leaving the engine in tact, Ferrari's prescription is more closely mimicked by its rivals in Sant'Agata by reducing weight while adding power to further optimize the all-important power-to-weight ratio.

Sources indicate that the formula has changed a bit from the 360 to 430 CS versions: safety standards now mean no plastic windows, and the center-bolted racing wheels are reported to have given way to a more conventional five-bolt set-up. Weight is reduced through the use of carbon fiber in the doors and rear grille, lightweight magnesium rims, and what is sure to be a stripped interior with racing buckets, amounting to an estimated 220-lb weight savings. Power is expected to top 520 hp, and the brakes are tipped to get an upgrade over the "standard" F430, while soft-compound Pirelli PZero rubber should help the car stick better than the Bridgestones its conventional counterpart is saddled with.

After a season spent trimming down and toning up, the F430 Challenge Stradale looks ripe to take on its challengers with explosive speed.

Related posts:


[Source: The Car Connection]

Spy Shots: Ferrari F430 CS surfaces again originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 May 2007 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>430challengecsfferrariimagesphotosshotsspystradaleWed, 02 May 2007 12:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shot: Mercedes CLS facelift]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/15/spy-shot-mercedes-cls-facelift/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/15/spy-shot-mercedes-cls-facelift/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/15/spy-shot-mercedes-cls-facelift/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

With Porsche's four-door coupe nearing production and Aston Martin readying the Rapide, it's easy to forget the one that started it all has been on the market since 2004. The shape of the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is still one of most striking on the market, but DCX evidently reckons that by the time the fourth year roles around, it'll be time for a few cosmetic changes.

This disguised test mule was caught undergoing cold weather testing somewhere in Europe. We can see the from the photo that the updated CLS will get a new grille mimicking that of its big-coupe counterpart, the CL, plus a new set of taillights and a new rear bumper around back. It'd also be safe to assume some changes will be made to the interior, and some new rims should round out the package. The arguably least attractive element of the design, the strangely-shaped headlights, will evidently carry over unchanged, though.

The revised CLS-Class should be hitting the market sometime in 2008, ready to hold its own against the onslaught of future competitors in the four-door coupe niche market. Click the Read link to check out additional uncropped spy shots of the next MB CLS.

[Source: World Car Fans]

Spy Shot: Mercedes CLS facelift originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Mar 2007 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>benzclassclscoupedoorfourimagemercedesphotosedanshotsspyThu, 15 Mar 2007 13:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Shipping company employee (POSSIBLY) carted off to jail for Corvette SS pics]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/22/shipping-company-employee-carted-off-to-jail-for-corvette-ss-pic/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/22/shipping-company-employee-carted-off-to-jail-for-corvette-ss-pic/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/22/shipping-company-employee-carted-off-to-jail-for-corvette-ss-pic/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

We've just learned that EMO TRANS, the shipping company that was hired by General Motors to transport a Corvette SS mule to Germany for testing on the Nurburgring, has fired the employee who took pictures of the vehicle and posted them on the internet. In addition, the unnamed employee has been taken to jail, though we don't know what charges have been filed against him. For our part, we've removed the pics from Autoblog for fear of GM's wrath. The automaker has been reportedly approaching various sites all day requesting the images be removed, so rather than waiting for the phone to ring we've gone ahead and taken them down.

This clearly illustrates how seriously GM is taking the development of the Corvette SS, as well as how utterly embarrased and apologetic EMO TRANS must be for the actions of its employee. It's all fun and games on our side of the fence because we got to see some real, informative shots of this very special Vette, but it reminds us that there's a lot of money on the line. We're sure that GM didn't appreciate pics of this powerplant were available for every other automaker to peruse. Lesson learned, though harder for some than others.

We'll keep you updates as more concrete and verifiable info becomes available.

UPDATE: Josh over at The GM Source is reporting that the SShutterbug in question has not been placed under arrest, nor is he in police custody. GM has filed a civil complaint with the Romulus PD, and the matter remains under investigation. Whether or not the individual in question will be charged with a crime depends on the outcome of said investigation. Stay tuned. Full report here.

Shipping company employee (POSSIBLY) carted off to jail for Corvette SS pics originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Feb 2007 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Corvette SSCorvetteSsEMO TRANSEmoTransimagespicsshipping companyShippingCompanyshotsThu, 22 Feb 2007 18:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Peugeot preps peppy 207 RC for Geneva]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/11/peugeot-preps-peppy-207-rc-for-geneva/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/11/peugeot-preps-peppy-207-rc-for-geneva/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/11/peugeot-preps-peppy-207-rc-for-geneva/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click on the image above for all our high-resolution image gallery.

Peugeot will drop its latest hot hatch on us at Geneva next month with the debut of the 207 RC. After bringing you the skinny on the peppy little hatchback last month with early leaked photos, parent company PSA has been nice enough to give us the full monty ahead of the show, where they'll be releasing a number of new models.

The heart of the 207 RC is the same engine as the top-of-the-line MINI Cooper S, a 1.6-liter high-pressure turbo four pumping out 175 stallions. The engine was co-developed by PSA and BMW, and although the MINI's is coupled to a six-speed shifter, Peugeot has opted for five ratios instead. The corporate spec sheet claims the new Pug makes the run to 62 mph in 7.1 seconds and tops out of 136 mph.

Conclusion, press release aftter the jump.

[Source: Peugeot]

Gallery: Peugeot 207 RC

Continue reading Peugeot preps peppy 207 RC for Geneva

Peugeot preps peppy 207 RC for Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 11 Feb 2007 13:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>207gallerygenevahatchhotimagespeugeotphotospsarcreleaseshotsSun, 11 Feb 2007 13:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Detroit Auto Show: Ultimate Wallpaper Gallery]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/12/detroit-auto-show-ultimate-wallpaper-gallery/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/12/detroit-auto-show-ultimate-wallpaper-gallery/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/12/detroit-auto-show-ultimate-wallpaper-gallery/#commentsFiled under: ,


click on above image to view all 33 high-resolution pics in our Ultimate Wallpaper Gallery

The 2007 Detroit Auto Show was probably not the best place to test our new photo gallery feature considering the significance of the event. What if they crashed? What if readers didn't like it? What if we suck at taking pictures? Well, the system was as stable as a rock and everyone seemed to greatly enjoy the thousands of high-resolution images we pumped out from the show floor, but we'll be the first to admit that great photography skills have never been a prerequisite for blogging before. However, amidst the standard 3/4 front shots and blurry pics of sheets being pulled off of concepts, there were definitely a few gems. We've assembled a gallery of what we think are our best shots from the 2007 Detroit show, some of which you've seen and some you haven't. They're all 1,280 pixels wide, so they should be suitable for use as desktop wallpaper on some very large screens. We decided not to put a watermark of our logo on any of these because, quite frankly, we hate it when sites do that. If one of your favorite vehicles didn't make the list of best pics, you can still find pics of it by browsing our complete coverage.

That said, we've realized that we need to step up our photography game, so rest assured that we're upgrading our cameras and going over what aperture and ISO mean again. By the time we arrive in the Windy City for the 2007 Chicago Auto Show in early February, we want every pic we snap to be a gem.

Enjoy the gallery!

Detroit Auto Show: Ultimate Wallpaper Gallery originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Jan 2007 13:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>desktopgalleryphotographyphotospicsshotssnapsultimate galleryUltimateGallerywallpaperFri, 12 Jan 2007 13:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Mystery JDM car caught in downtown LA]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/17/mystery-jdm-car-caught-in-downtown-la/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/17/mystery-jdm-car-caught-in-downtown-la/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/17/mystery-jdm-car-caught-in-downtown-la/#commentsFiled under: ,


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Hello, what's this? That's what we'd like to know. Since receiving these shots from an Autoblog reader who took them from his apartment balcony in downtown L.A., we've been racking our brains trying to place its OEM of origin. Considering the Scion reveal party took place last Friday, our first thought was that Toyota was already getting busy shooting promotional video for the new xB.

Upon closer examination, the car is a dead ringer for what a next generation Honda Element would like. Check out the thick B-pillar that kinks out at the bottom on either side - A classic Element styling cue. Unfortunately, industry insiders tell us that the Element is nowhere near a next generation redesign.

We know for sure it's a Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) vehicle, based on the fact that it's right-hand drive and the two little oval stickers on the back hatch. The green sticker, according to our JDM expert Alex, means the vehicle either meets or exceeds Japan's 2010 fuel efficiency target. The blue decal indicates that it has a star rating (can't tell the number) for emissions reduction versus 2000 levels.

However, we've shown the vehicle to others who think it could even be a next generation Nissan X-Trail (look at the rear).

What's our official call? We think it's a next-generation JDM Honda of some sort. The visual links to the current Element cannot be denied. Well then, that's that. Or is it, what do you think this vehicle is?

UPDATE 1: We've been contacted by several people who saw the new Scion xB in person late last week at the reveal party in Miami, and each has confirmed this is not the next Scion xB.
UPDATE 2: More pictures of vehicle with doors and hatch open added after jump.

Continue reading Mystery JDM car caught in downtown LA

Mystery JDM car caught in downtown LA originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 17 Dec 2006 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>JDMshotsspySun, 17 Dec 2006 16:33:00 EST<![CDATA[SPY SHOTS: Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan revealed]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/24/spy-shots-mercedes-benz-c-class-sedan-revealed/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/24/spy-shots-mercedes-benz-c-class-sedan-revealed/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/24/spy-shots-mercedes-benz-c-class-sedan-revealed/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Mercedes-Benz is preparing the new C-Class for its debut at Geneva, and pre-production has already begun at the Bremen factory. This loosely rendered spy shot had little in the way of body camouflage to remove in order to give a proper glimpse at what the baby Benz will look like when it hits the show-floor and the showrooms in 2007.

The new C-Class will spawn a number of body-styles, starting with the sedan and wagon, to be joined by a new coupe and convertible. While four-cylinder engines will be on offer overseas, the American market will get a range of V6 powerplants, plus a new AMG version.

[Source: World Car Fans]

SPY SHOTS: Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan revealed originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Nov 2006 07:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>benzcclassgenevamercedesphotorenderingsedanshotsspyFri, 24 Nov 2006 07:14:00 EST<![CDATA[SMART fortwo officially unveiled in Stuttgart: highrez shots and video]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/10/official-smart-fortwo-photos-including-interior/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/10/official-smart-fortwo-photos-including-interior/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/10/official-smart-fortwo-photos-including-interior/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


UPDATE: Sorry to republish this post, but all official highrez shots, video and SMART's press release have been added after jump.


After a few sneak peeks of the new SMART fortwo, we have here the full catalogue of official shots showing the U.S.-bound city car for 2007. The changes made to the car are actually substantial, though extremely subtle. The fortwo has grown in all dimensions and now sits at 2.69 meters (8.82 feet) long. It will also be powered by a bigger, three-cylinder motor that's a full liter in size and available with 61, 71 or 84 bhp. A diesel option will be offered that generates 45 bhp, and the only tranny choice for any engine is a five-speed manual. SMART is also fitting the new fortwo with a "stop & go" system that cuts the engine at red lights much like a hybrid. Safety will be a big priority as well, with each fortwo stocked with front airbargs, ABS and ESP.

We also get to see the interior in this batch of photos and, aside from a steering wheel that looks like it was lifted right out of the '80s, the diminutive domicile looks pleasant enough and not as cramped as one might expect.

Check out a full gallery of shots after the jump.

[Source: Autoblog Spanish - translated]

Continue reading SMART fortwo officially unveiled in Stuttgart: highrez shots and video

SMART fortwo officially unveiled in Stuttgart: highrez shots and video originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Nov 2006 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fortwointeriorofficialphotospicsshotsFri, 10 Nov 2006 11:58:00 EST