Gallery: 2011 Chevy Cruze

REPORT: GM tells dealers to think small to sell big originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Gallery: 2002 Dodge M80 Concept

Gallery: 2006 Dodge Rampage Concept

Jim Press: little trucks could be big originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Jan 2008 07:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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.

Gallery: Hyundai i10

Continue reading Hyundai i10 revealed in India

Hyundai i10 revealed in India originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Nov 2007 17:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

While Cadillac's latest offerings have been significantly improving the iconic American luxury marque's appeal, the SRX, despite being a very good car, has been a bit of thorn in its lineup. Fortunately its replacement, earmarked for a 2011 launch, is shaping up to be a car-length or two in the right direction.

Instead of the rather van-like current model, the replacement is reportedly taking a smaller form to target the likes of the BMW X3, the upcoming Mercedes-Benz GLK and company, which may come as a shock for American buyers who are more attuned to Cadillac SUVs of Escalade proportions. Although designed with the European market in mind, unlike the BLS sedan, the new crossover will be offered in the US.

Although the new crossover will share in Cadillac's current "Art & Science" design language, with a sharp crease running up the hood flanked by vertical headlights and slab-sided flanks et al, the SRX replacement is expected to have a more rounded greenhouse.

Sharing its platform with Saab's upcoming 9-4 crossover (itself a replacement for the likewise larger 9-7x) and some mechanicals from the General's latest and versatile Epsilon platform, insiders predict a range of engines including GM's latest direct-injection 3.6-liter V6, a new six-cylinder diesel, and the possibility of hybrid and ethanol power alternatives.

[Source: Motor Trend]

Ready for Take 2: Cadillac SRX replacement could go smaller originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Jul 2007 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"We are not developing a cheap Ferrari" is the oft-repeated party line in Maranello. "Just don't look over there," might as well be the next, as spy shots have turned up yet again suggesting that Ferrari is indeed developing an "entry-level" model to slot in the company's line-up below the F430.

The latest photos show a developmental test mule on the dynamometer wearing what appears to be disguised bodywork from the recently launched Maserati GranTurismo. Sources suggest, however, that the baby Ferrari would share more in common with the achingly gorgeous and limited production Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione, but with even more power. When that car was being developed, original speculation suggested it was for Ferrari, but that the project was passed over to Alfa Romeo instead.

So has Ferrari been blatantly lying? A few possibilities could explain the discrepancy. First is that the car spotted is not a Dino as speculated by the motoring press, but actually a test mule for the upcoming new Maserati convertible; however, based as closely as it will be on the existing GranTurismo, extensive drivetrain testing would seem unnecessary. It could, however, be testing a new transmission for the Maserati range. Another explanation about the seeming chasm between what we see and what Ferrari says could be drawn from the example of the original Dinos, which were not badged as Ferraris but as a separate brand. If the photos are accurate, the new model could be front-engined like the 599 GTB instead of mid-engined like the F430 as originally thought. One way or another, we look forward to finding out.

[Source: Motor Authority]

Dyno Dino: Baby Ferrari test mule spotted originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Jul 2007 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Spy Shots: Ford Verisa on U.S. soil? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Apr 2007 09:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Remember when Porsche only made sportscars? It's hard to recall when its line-up has been growing with sport-sedans and sport-utes, but we're assured it wasn't all that long ago. Somebody needs to remind the herren in Stuttgart, though, because if the latest reports are to serve as any indicator, Porsche is drifting further into the mainstream and away from its erstwhile core purpose.

After the Panamera four-door hits the market, insiders are speculating that Porsche's next project will be to produce a baby brother for the Cayenne sport-ute. Positioned against the BMW X3, a baby Cayenne could potentially share components from the upcoming Volkswagen Tiguan and Audi Q5 to help keep development and production costs down, although it would be built in-house at the new plant Porsche has built for the Panamera. Power would be tipped to come courtesy of the Cayenne's V6 and V8 engines, though we wouldn't expect a turbo version.

A smaller version of the Cayenne would undoubtedly be one of the best performing mini-utes on the market, but is this just another answer to a question no one was asking?

[Source: AutoZeitung via Motor Authority]

REPORT: Porsche planning mini-Cayenne originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Mar 2007 09:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Pint-sized Buick on the horizon? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Feb 2007 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

It's no great revelation that Mercedes-Benz has long projected itself as a premium automotive brand in the United States, where the three-pointed star is recognized as a badge of luxury. The American market has also been a driving force in Mercedes' development and marketing of large, gas-guzzling sport-utility vehicles. The same can't be said for overseas markets, where Mercedes offers small cars (as well as commercial vehicles), and where Benz taxicabs are a common sight.

But according to the latest reports, DaimlerChrysler's approach towards the American market may see a change as the demand for smaller, more fuel-efficient cars increases. Currently, the C-Class holds up the bottom of the US range for Mercedes; Canadian buyers can buy the B-Class; and overseas the A-Class is offered a notch above the Smart ForTwo.

Having already introduced the B in Canada, bringing it southward into the United States would be a logical move. It's undoubtedly a delicate move for Mercedes as the company tries to gain market share as demands shift, all the while trying to avoid over-diluting the brand.

[Source: Motor Authority]

Baby Benz B: Coming to America? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Dec 2006 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.