Autoblog

VIDEO: Abstract teaser hints at Mini concept duo for Frankfurt

Noah Joseph — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 17:39:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Videos, Mini

Click the image above to view the video after the jump

For better or worse, many regard the Mini Cooper as a chick's car. But rather than fighting that idea before it unveils a pair of concepts at the Frankfurt show, the BMW's Mini division has released this conceptual teaser video that, well...let's just say it embraces its girl appeal. But it doesn't do much more than that. Follow the jump to see what we mean.

Gallery: MINI Coupe Concept

[Source: Mini]

Continue reading VIDEO: Abstract teaser hints at Mini concept duo for Frankfurt

VIDEO: Abstract teaser hints at Mini concept duo for Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 17:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Veil of Secrecy: Next-generation Audi A8 teased

Noah Joseph — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Europe, Audi, Luxury

Next-generation Audi A8 teaser - Click above to view in high-res

As we reported last month, the debut of the next-generation Audi A8 is tipped to have been pushed back from its anticipated launch at the upcoming Frankfurt Auto Show. But that apparently hasn't stopped the German automaker from releasing this veiled teaser photo, giving us a hint of what we can expect from its next flagship sedan.

Peering around Audi development chief Michael Dick, the first thing that can be discerned from this shot is the strip of LED headlights forming an aggressive silhouette through the veil, a design cue that is quickly becoming Audi's trademark. Beyond that, the new A8 appears to cut a more coupe-like form in the mold of the new A5 Sportback, though not quite as extreme, with a steeply raked windshield, lower roofline and gently tapering trailing edge.

The next-gen A8 is expected to carry a wide range of engines, from a 3.0-liter diesel V6 all the way up to a 620 horsepower V10 for the S8 model.

[Source: Autovisie]

Veil of Secrecy: Next-generation Audi A8 teased originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Opel does a fan-dance with 2010 Astra teasers

Noah Joseph — Mon, 11 May 2009 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Hatchback, Opel, Vauxhall

2010 Opel Astra teasers - Click above for a high-res image gallery

With the Frankfurt Auto Show looming on the horizon, German automakers in particular have been preparing their latest offerings for their debuts. And even with its future still hanging in the balance, General Motors' Opel division has just released a series of teasers of its upcoming new Astra to be unveiled at the Frankfurt show in September.

Although based on the platform that will underpin the Chevrolet Volt, the Opel Astra (and the Vauxhall-badged version to follow) will be powered by conventional engines...at least at first. A downsized 1.4-liter turbo is expected to form the standard engine, with a 2.0-liter turbo version wearing Opel's OPC badge (and Vauxhall's VXR) to follow.

The new Astra will reportedly be available in several bodystyles, starting with this five-door hatch. A four-door sedan is expected to follow, along with a five-door wagon and two-door hardtop convertible, while the three-door hatch version carrying the GTC label promises to follow the lead of the Renault Megane with a more coupe-like profile previewed by the Opel GTC concept from Geneva 2007.

Of course, with the GM global empire on the verge of disintegration, it's hard to say at this point where the Astra might end up. We'll have to wait for more over the course of the summer, but in the meantime, feast your eyes on the teasers in the gallery below.

Gallery: 2010 Opel Astra teasers

[Source: Opel via CarScoop]

Opel does a fan-dance with 2010 Astra teasers originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 May 2009 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Nissan Cube teaser vid shows... nothing

Alex Nunez — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Budget, Videos, Hatchback, Nissan

Click above to view video after the jump

Go figure. Nissan's playing the debut of the revised and now U.S.-bound Cube very, very close to the vest. We say this because there are photos of the new 370Z all over the place -- released by Nissan, no less. The Cube? Not so much. We posted leaked imagery, and were subsequently forced to pull them down, so we know they were accurate. (No worries, scraped copies of that post are all over the web. Click away.) Aside from that, the only other views of the redesigned Cube came courtesy of Tomica's new die-cast. So it was with excitement that we opened this new Cube teaser video released by Nissan (view after the jump), only to find that it shows absolutely nothing except the logo. We're waiting like everyone else for the car's debut next week at the LA Auto Show. In the interim, you can pass the time by reading our review of the current JDM model.

Gallery: 2010 Nissan Cube Die-Cast

Gallery: In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Nissan Cube

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading New Nissan Cube teaser vid shows... nothing

New Nissan Cube teaser vid shows... nothing originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Nov 2008 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris Preview: Lamborghini teases new mystery car

Alex Nunez — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 11:18:00 EST

Filed under: Paris Motor Show, Lamborghini

Click above image to enlarge

Just in from Lamborghini, a very nebulous pre-release that reads only:

"It's not just a new Lamborghini. It's a new world."

The above photo accompanies it, showing only a center-exit exhaust, some rear grillework, and a carbon fiber diffuser. And that's it. Commence guessing in the comments below. Lambo's letting the cat out of the bag on October 1st, and we're as curious as everyone else right now.

[Source: Lamborghini]

Paris Preview: Lamborghini teases new mystery car originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Sep 2008 11:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First official Porsche Panamera Gran Turismo teaser revealed

John Neff — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Porsche

Click above for high-res gallery of the Porsche Panamera Gran Turismo

It's not like Porsche has done a very good job keeping the Panamera, its upcoming four-door sports ~~sedan~~ coupe, a secret. We've seen more spy shots of the Panamera undergoing testing than pics of Britney doing something unseemly in public, and that's a lot. But rather than just show us the final production form of the Panamera, the name of which is now officially followed by "Gran Turismo", Porsche has decided to do a full blown marketing roll out using the just launched Panamera Online Magazine as the medium through which we'll see the production Panamera bit by bit. The first issue is out and contains a few not-very-revealing sketches of the car as well as an image that will be used in upcoming advertisements in which the Panamera peeks its nose out of a garage. Unfortunately, the front end of the car looks pretty much like every other Porsche. Nevertheless, the roll out has begun and sooner rather than later we'll be able to pass judgment on Porsche's first four-door passenger car. Porsche says the Panamera's official debut is scheduled for next spring (probably the Geneva Motor Show in March), with sales to commence in late summer or early fall of 2009.

Gallery: Porsche Panamera Gran Turismo

[Source: Porsche]

Continue reading First official Porsche Panamera Gran Turismo teaser revealed

First official Porsche Panamera Gran Turismo teaser revealed originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Sep 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New BMW 7 series teased on the back nine

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 13:27:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, BMW

Behind the man finishing his follow through (he didn't keep his head down) is a glimpse of the new BMW 7-Series front end. Freed from the matte black paint on the mules and with the right bit of studio lighting, the car has the kind of bada** mien that we should expect from the top dog BMW. And we finally see what the tape has been covering over the headlights: chrome eyelids that are straight off the CS concept. Also taking cues from the CS are that wider, Joker-grin grille and the angel eyes composed of individual LEDs. The full monty is supposed to be revealed on July 7, so stay tuned. But so far, we likey. Thanks for the tip, Josh!

[Source: 7 Post]

New BMW 7 series teased on the back nine originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Jun 2008 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Top Gear season 11: More races, more hijinks, more Sabine and a new character

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 20 May 2008 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

The 11th season of Top Gear is being shot and cut as you read this, and according to Executive Producer Andy Wilman, significant changes are afoot.

The TG crew holed up in a hotel for a long day of brainstorming (naturally, Captain Slow got lost en route) and decided on a new format that includes shorter segments, a host-controlled, no-holds-barred news review and a new character, that, according to Wilman is, "a bit like the Stig, but not like the Stig, who hopefully does exciting stuff for everyone's amusement."

Upcoming segments include pitting the new Evo X against the WRX STI, running the Mercedes CLK Black around the track, "hopefully" driving the Mazda Furai, Clarkson's plan for improving British police cars, a shootout between the RS6 and a suicidal skier, and a car-based war with the Germans that involves Sabine behind the wheel.

While it all sounds like fun, the big news in an epic race that, "gets back to basics, more hardcore, mega car, mega opponent, with a solid premise." Wilman drops a hit: it's in Japan. Hmmm, what car was recently released in Japan that could possibly live up to hype? And what opponent could possibly go head-to-head with it? The comments section is officially open for speculation.

Thanks the tip Eric and Peter!

[Source: Top Gear]

Top Gear season 11: More races, more hijinks, more Sabine and a new character originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 May 2008 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Dodge Challenger romping in the desert

Dan Roth — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 18:57:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Coupe, Videos, Chrysler, Dodge

Chrysler has released some video of the Challenger zooming around on some desert tarmac. We think that this video is from the same shoot that produced the teaser pics we all salivated over before the Challenger was officially unveiled. With that, on to the video, after the jump. Hit the gallery for more stills, while you're at it.

[Source: Chrysler]

Gallery: 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8

Continue reading VIDEO: Dodge Challenger romping in the desert

VIDEO: Dodge Challenger romping in the desert originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Feb 2008 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alfa Romeo 'Junior' teaser images leaked

Noah Joseph — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 15:34:00 EST

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

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.

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Teaser: Mercedes releases twin SL AMG roadsters

Noah Joseph — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 15:11:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Mercedes-Benz, AMG

It's been a regular smorgasbord for fans of Mercedes roadsters over here, with this teaser shot of the upcoming facelifted flagship SL hitting the web just a few days after Benz revealed the updated version of the smaller SLK. But while the SLK was revealed first in "ordinary" guise, the image above shows the full-fat, fire-breathing SL 65 AMG version.

We already know that the facelift will feature a heavily revised front end with new headlight treatment, but from the rear three-quarter view Mercedes is enticing us with, all can also see the revised taillights, new diffuser with quad exhausts, and a subtle lip spoiler. The new SL 65 also appears to be riding on AMG's latest 19-inch five-spoke rims, similar in style to those found on Stuttgart's other earth-pounding range-topper, the Porsche 911 Turbo.

With the teaser shot also comes information on the two AMG models in the new SL range: the SL 65 AMG we see here, and the SL 63 AMG. The former packs AMG's twin-turbo V12 pumping out a whopping 612 horsepower, while the latter is driven by Affalterbach's 6.3-liter V8 with 525 horsepower, replacing the outgoing 55 version and in the process distancing it from the smaller SLK 55 AMG revealed previously.

We'll have to wait to see more images of the new AMG roadsters, including those that celebrities will be wrapping around trees.

[Sources: Mercedes-Benz via World Car Fans and Motor Authority]

Teaser: Mercedes releases twin SL AMG roadsters originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 30 Dec 2007 15:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #82

Dan Roth — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Podcasts, Spy Photos, Coupe, Hybrid, SUV, Truck, Crossover, Chevrolet, Dodge, Hummer, Hyundai

We tried to get it going for last week, but John had violence visited upon his mouth which reduced him to saying "Spibit?" We're back on the podcast horse this week for Autoblog Podcast #82, though. We start off proceedings with the teaser pic of the Chevy Volt, which then takes us to a wider-ranging split-grille vs. three bar smackdown. Speaking of teasing pictures, the 2009 Dodge Ram showed up on the internets, and it turns out that Chrysler broke their own embargo by mistake. Whoops. Official pictures of an upcoming Mopar were also released, this time on purpose. Some minimally informative macro shots of the Challenger SRT-8 were released by Chrysler, much to our delight. Moving on, we touch on the looming cage match between the Hyundai Genesis coupe (and how quickly the tuner world is going to adopt and rock that platform) and the neo-ponycars. Speaking of a newcomer challenging the old guard, Hummer's HX made its mug known, and the concept is pretty much what you'll see when the H4 goes gunning at the Wrangler. Wrapping it up, we discuss some recent visitors to the Autoblog Garage, thoroughly eviscerating the Lancer ES before calling it a show. Since we took a week off, we give you the extra-value duration of 53:30. Enjoy!

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Autoblog Podcast #82 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Dec 2007 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Top Gear season 9 preview

Noah Joseph — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 20:39:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Europe, Videos

Gearheads the world over (England particularly) have been eagerly anticipating the upcoming ninth season of Top Gear, the BBC's crown jewel of an automotive magazine show. All the more so following the drama of co-host Richard Hammond's terrifying crash and miraculous recovery, the details of which we followed closely as they developed.

Thanks to Arvin, one of our intrepid readers, we're glad to bring you this brief nineteen-second clip previewing the upcoming season of Top Gear. Nineteen seconds isn't very much, but from this brief clip we can see a few antics the crew is up to: the Porsche 911, remote-control airplanes, Jaguar XKR vs. Aston Martin V8 Vantage, street-paving machines, trying to drive an old pick-up truck, chopping a Fiat in two, driving the Bugatti Veyron at speed, and testing the new Lotus Europa.

This is only a teaser, and we're willing to bet our favorite of friends across the pond have got a great season lined up for us. Shame we don't get the BBC over here in America, but on the internet, "the will" is seldom separated from "the way" for very long.

VIDEO: Top Gear season 9 preview originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 21 Jan 2007 20:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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