Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/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: Jaguar XF-R bares more teeth]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/03/spy-shots-jaguar-xf-r-bares-more-teeth/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/03/spy-shots-jaguar-xf-r-bares-more-teeth/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/03/spy-shots-jaguar-xf-r-bares-more-teeth/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The Jaguar XF-R has doffed a little more of its mask, and now we can clearly see the copious amounts of black mesh that will fill in the front air dam's side vents, replacing the aluminum strips there now. Otherwise, and as usual, you'll need to know your Jags in order to tell this R apart from its lesser siblings. In addition to the mesh the mesh, the hood vents, rear deck spoiler, and quad pipes are the giveaways.

Otherwise, the car will get 20-inch wheels of a different design than the ones found on the XF Supercharged. And speaking of that other blown cat, the supercharged 5.0-liter lump that will power the XF-R will be up 80 hp up on the "regular" blown XF; in addition to a faster 0-to-60 time, we imagine there'll be increased sound and the fury to go along with it.

[Source: Next Autos]

Spy Shots: Jaguar XF-R bares more teeth originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 03 Jan 2009 10:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jaguarjaguar xfjaguar xf-rJaguarXfJaguarXf-rsedansports carSportsCarspy shotsSpyShotssuperchargedxfxf superchargedxf-rXfSuperchargedSat, 03 Jan 2009 10:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Look out Fisker and Tesla! Lotus to jump into EV game!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/02/look-out-fisker-and-tesla-lotus-to-jump-into-ev-game/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/02/look-out-fisker-and-tesla-lotus-to-jump-into-ev-game/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/02/look-out-fisker-and-tesla-lotus-to-jump-into-ev-game/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Lotus is looking to challenge one of clients by building an electric sports car of its own. CEO Michael Kimberly told the Financial Times that the sports car maker and engineering powerhouse will soon launch extended-range battery-powered vehicle. The high performance model could appear as a concept as soon as the Geneva Motor Show in March, and like the Chevy Volt and Fisker Karma, Lotus will use an internal combustion engine to supplement the range of a battery which will provide primary propulsion.

Kimberly hasn't indicated what kind of vehicle layout would be used, but the new Evora sports car would seem a likely candidate with a battery taking the space of the small +2 rear seats. Another possibility could be a revival of the APX crossover concept from a couple of years back. California's Zap had hoped to use that platform for the basis of its own Zap-X, but nothing has been heard about that project for some time.

The other unknown is what, if any impact, this might have on Lotus' relationship with Tesla Motors. Lotus helped Tesla develop its Roadster and builds the rolling chassis for it. It's possible that Tesla could end up supplying motors or other powertrain bits to Lotus to help offset some of the cost of paying Lotus for its work.

[Source: Financial Times]

Look out Fisker and Tesla! Lotus to jump into EV game! originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Jan 2009 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>genevageneva 2009geneva motor showGeneva2009GenevaMotorShowlotuslotus er-evlotus erevlotus evlotus evoraLotusEr-evLotusErevLotusEvLotusEvoraFri, 02 Jan 2009 12:32:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW's 2009 unveiling schedule?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/28/bmws-2009-unveiling-schedule/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/28/bmws-2009-unveiling-schedule/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/28/bmws-2009-unveiling-schedule/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

BMW Blog has trained its spyglass on what it says is a list of BMW rollouts for 2009, and it will begin next month with the brand spankin' new Z4 showcased at the Detroit Auto Show. It is March, though, that will bring year's first real bounty. At Geneva, BMW will be showing off a concept version of the Progressive Activity Vehicle (half 5 Series, half X6), the Concept eDrive (an electric 1 Series or 3 Series), a Z4 Individual, and the Rolls-Royce 102EX (otherwise known as the RR4). Then in April, BMW's taking the show to Shanghai with the 760Li.

Post-Shanghai, you'll get a few months to digest. Then at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, BMW is expected to have the production-ready Progressive Activity Vehicle on display and the MINI Crossover. It is there, perhaps, that they'll also trot out a show pony speedster they call the Vision-Z with eDrive, their idea of "progress of sports cars for the future." And sprinkled on top throughout the year come launches of the 7 Series xDrive, 7 Series Hybrid, X5 M, X6 M, and X6 Active Hybrid. For bimmer lovers, 2009 is going to be a jubilee year.

[Source: BMW Blog]

BMW's 2009 unveiling schedule? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 28 Dec 2008 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7 series7Seriesbmwdetroit auto showDetroitAutoShowedrivefrankfurt motor showFrankfurtMotorShowminimini crossoverMiniCrossoverrr4shanghai auto showShanghaiAutoShowvision zVisionZx5x5 mX5Mx6x6 mX6Mxdrivez2z4Sun, 28 Dec 2008 11:29:00 EST<![CDATA[British TV show names Bertone BAT 11 as Best Concept of the Year]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/26/british-tv-show-names-bertone-bat-11-as-best-concept-of-the-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/26/british-tv-show-names-bertone-bat-11-as-best-concept-of-the-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/26/british-tv-show-names-bertone-bat-11-as-best-concept-of-the-year/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above for a gallery of Bertone's Alfa BAT 11 concept car


Nobody does television car shows like the Brits. Top Gear may be the king, but it has bred its fare share of imitators. Not only have Top Gear's producers began setting up franchises in Australia, Russia and the United States, but the BBC's local rivals have given birth to other shows like Final Gear and Sky Motoring... the latter of which has now released its own portfolio of awards.

The most intriguing award is arguably the show's choice of the Bertone BAT 11 as its Best Concept Car of 2008. The enigmatic design exercise was commissioned by collector Gary Kaberle while the stoic design house was in the midst of turmoil en route to bankruptcy and eventual restructuring. Due to the studio's financially distraught condition, the concept - a continuation of the original BAT 5, BAT 7 and BAT 9 cars - was only unveiled outside the Geneva Motor Show this past March. Based on the underpinnings of the Alfa 8C Competizione, the resurgent Bertone is reportedly considering putting the angular exotic into limited production.

Meanwhile, Sky Motoring handed out more than dozen other awards, including giving the nod to the Volkswagen Scirocco as its Best New Car of the Year, French automaker Citroen as the Best Manufacturer, and the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 as the Best New Exotic. Click here to check out the rest of the Sky Motoring 2008 awards.

Gallery: Bertone BAT 11 concept


[Source: Detroit Free Press]

British TV show names Bertone BAT 11 as Best Concept of the Year originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Dec 2008 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bat 11Bat11bertonebertone alfabertone alfa romeobertone alfa romeo batbertone alfa romeo bat 11bertone batbertone bat 11BertoneAlfaBertoneAlfaRomeoBertoneAlfaRomeoBatBertoneAlfaRomeoBat11BertoneBatBertoneBat11sky motoringSkyMotoringFri, 26 Dec 2008 12:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Geneva 2009 Preview: Rinspeed iChange]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/12/geneva-2009-preview-rinspeed-ichange/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/12/geneva-2009-preview-rinspeed-ichange/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/12/geneva-2009-preview-rinspeed-ichange/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for high-res renderings of the Rinspeed iChange concept

Rinspeed will continue its tradition of producing weird and wacky cars for Geneva Motor Show in 2009 with the introduction of the iChange concept. As has become de rigueur these last few years for just about any concept, the iChange is electric, in this case powered by a 130 kilowatt (about 175 horsepower) electric motor, but that's not what makes the iChange unique. Ostensibly a single-seater, the car's hind-quarters will reportedly be able to rise up "as if by magic," revealing an additional two seats for passengers. Sounds production-feasible, no?

The benefits of having a sleek single-seat sportscar that can morph into an MPV of sorts seem obvious, but we'd be shocked if a concept such as this were to have any real bearing on the actual automotive market in the near future. As such, the iChange carries on perfectly in the footsteps of such past concepts as the Rinspeed sQuba and the translucent eXasis Concept. Read the flowery prose in the press release after the break.

Gallery: Geneva Preview: Rinspeed iChange concept

Geneva 2009 Preview: Rinspeed iChange originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Dec 2008 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>geneva 2009geneva motor showGeneva2009GenevaMotorShowichangerinspeedrinspeed ichangerinspeed ichange conceptRinspeedIchangeRinspeedIchangeConceptFri, 12 Dec 2008 14:28:00 EST<![CDATA[2010 Audi A5/S5 Cabriolet unveiled just in time for winter]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/02/2010-audi-a5-s5-cabriolet-unveiled-just-in-time-for-winter/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/02/2010-audi-a5-s5-cabriolet-unveiled-just-in-time-for-winter/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/02/2010-audi-a5-s5-cabriolet-unveiled-just-in-time-for-winter/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2010 Audi S5 cabriolet

The Audi A5 and its V8-powered S5 sibling are considered by many to be the most beautiful Audis ever created. For some time now it's been common knowledge that an open top variant of Audi's latest coupe was coming. We'll still have to wait until the Geneva Motor Show in March to see the A5 and S5 Cabriolets in the metal, but we now have details and photos of the pair. Fortunately, unlike so many other automakers, Audi has chosen to stick with a more traditional fabric top rather than an articulated metal contraption. The soft top is lighter than metal hard tops and Audi also keeps the bulk further under control with aluminum fenders. With the top folded, the trunk still has 11.3 cu-ft of usable space; try that with a retractable hard top. Europeans will get the usual array of gas and diesel engines in the drop top A5, but here in the U.S. we'll only be getting the 2.0L TFSI four-cylinder engine or the 3.2L FSI V6 that powers the A5 Coupe. The S5 is a different story. While the S5 coupe has a 4.2L V8 that it keeps until the end of the 2010 model year, the Cabriolet will immediately get the new supercharged 3.0L TFSI V6 that recently debuted in the new S4. The 333-hp V6 can be had with either the 6-speed manual or 7-speed S-Tronic dual clutch gearbox. The A5 and S5 Cabriolet go on sale here next fall, which is ironically just about when the open-air motoring season ends in many parts of the U.S.

Gallery: 2010 Audi A5 Cabriolet


Gallery: 2010 Audi S5 Cabriolet


[Source: Audi]

Continue reading 2010 Audi A5/S5 Cabriolet unveiled just in time for winter

2010 Audi A5/S5 Cabriolet unveiled just in time for winter originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Dec 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audi a5 cabrioaudi a5 cabrioletaudi a5 convertibleaudi s5 cabrioaudi s5 cabrioletAudiA5CabrioAudiA5CabrioletAudiA5ConvertibleAudiS5CabrioAudiS5CabrioletTue, 02 Dec 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Porsche delays Panamera introduction]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/01/porsche-delays-panamera-introduction/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/01/porsche-delays-panamera-introduction/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/01/porsche-delays-panamera-introduction/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for high-res image gallery of the Porsche Panamera

As far as digital images go, there isn't much left to see of the new Porsche Panamera. Still, there's something special about seeing a new car in person, and the first chance the public will get to see the latest Swabian hatchback four-door grand touring sports car will be at the 2009 Shanghai Motor Show in April, not at the Geneva show a month earlier as initially planned.

With Porsche pushing back the Panamera's official intro, the German sports car maker clearly acknowledges that emerging markets such as China are extremely important to its growth. Its sales doubled last year in China while falling in both America and Europe. Experts expect this trend to continue well into 2009, so Porsche will be relying heavily on the Chinese to reach its goal of 20,000 highly-profitable Panameras per year.

Gallery: 2010 Porsche Panamera


[Source: World Car Fans]

Porsche delays Panamera introduction originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Dec 2008 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>genevageneva motor showGenevaMotorShowporscheporsche panameraporsche panamera shanghaiPorschePanameraPorschePanameraShanghaishanghaishanghai auto showshanghai motor showShanghaiAutoShowShanghaiMotorShowMon, 01 Dec 2008 19:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Jaguar XF-R]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/01/spy-shots-jaguar-xf-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/01/spy-shots-jaguar-xf-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/01/spy-shots-jaguar-xf-r/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The Jaguar XF-R is almost complete, and the house of the saltant feline looks to retain its suite of exceptionally modest modifications for the hottest version of its hottest seller. Outside, the car gets hood vents and larger intakes for better breathing, and a sliver of a trunk spoiler hovering over quad tailpipes out back. Larger wheels wearing lower profile rubber hanging off of a seriously firm suspension will be on the menu, all the better to harness the signature trait of an R car: the 500-horsepower supercharged V8 up front. We'll see it some time next year, our bet is at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

[Source: Global Motors]

Spy Shots: Jaguar XF-R originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Dec 2008 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jaguarjaguar xfjaguar xf-rJaguarXfJaguarXf-rsedansports carSportsCarspy shotsSpyShotsxf-rMon, 01 Dec 2008 14:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi TT-RS headed to Geneva Motor Show]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/29/audi-tt-rs-headed-to-geneva-motor-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/29/audi-tt-rs-headed-to-geneva-motor-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/29/audi-tt-rs-headed-to-geneva-motor-show/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Audi-philes have even more reason to rejoice now that news comes in of an imminent TT-RS launch next March at the Geneva Motor Show. The standard-fare TT offers plenty of punch, and the TT-S spices things up a bit with a high-pressure version of Audi/VW's 2.0L forced-induction four banger. Sometimes, way too much is, ya know... just enough, and for speed freaks, Audi has apparently green-lighted an ultra-hot version as well. The RS will bring the vaunted inline-five engine configuration back under the hood of an Audi, and it's a turbocharged unit derived from the mill that normally sees duty in Jettas and Golfs. If that doesn't sound like a good enough bloodline, think of it as half of Lamborghini's V10. With as much as 340 ponies corraled through a six-speed gearbox and quattro all-wheel drive, expect the TT-RS to be hottest four-ringer this side of an R8.

[Source: Car and Driver]

Audi TT-RS headed to Geneva Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 29 Nov 2008 11:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi ttaudi tt rsaudi tt-rsaudi ttrsAudiTtAudiTt-rsAudiTtRsgeneva 2009geneva motor showGeneva2009GenevaMotorShowSat, 29 Nov 2008 11:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Mercedes E-Class]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/31/spy-shots-mercedes-e-class/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/31/spy-shots-mercedes-e-class/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/31/spy-shots-mercedes-e-class/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

If this is what the next E-Class is really going to look like, we think we prefer the lightly camo'ed prototype better. Still not exactly a beautiful proposition, it could just be that the car looks better in silver and black than it does in purple. If that's the final grille, it loses a crossbar from the current E-Class. And frankly, we wouldn't mind seeing it with that whopping emblem on the new C-Class front and center for some aggression. This could be a car where wheel choice -- and AMG package -- make all the difference. Not that it matters much, because it's an E-Class. It's going to sell like crazy no matter what.

[Source: Global Motors]

Spy Shots: Mercedes E-Class originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Oct 2008 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e-classgeneva motor showGenevaMotorShowmercedesmercedes benz e-classmercedes e-classmercedes-benzMercedesBenzE-classMercedesE-classspy shotsSpyShotsFri, 31 Oct 2008 08:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Tesla teases freshly delayed Model S sedan ]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/23/tesla-teases-freshly-delayed-model-s-sedan/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/23/tesla-teases-freshly-delayed-model-s-sedan/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/23/tesla-teases-freshly-delayed-model-s-sedan/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The image has been removed at the photographer's request, to view it visit BusinessWeek.

BusinessWeek has a story about last week's trials and tribulations at Tesla Motors, which wraps up most of what we already know, along with some new details. The investment bankers called up Tesla chairman Elon Musk to let him know that the company's IPO plans weren't going to fly in the current financial markets. Musk and the management team reacted quickly by slashing 25% of the company's workforce, shutting down the Rochester Hills, MI engineering office and pretty much halting all non-revenue producing work. That meant the much anticipated Model S sedan was put on the back burner until more cash was flowing into the coffers. Now, the four-door electric sport sedan won't be going into production until at least 2011.

Tesla SVP Darryl Siry tipped us off that the story was being published tonight and more importantly, to the presence of the photo you see above. That's recently hired Tesla design boss Franz von Holzhausen revealing a wee bit of the tail of the Model S. Siry tells us that we probably won't be seeing the whole car until the Geneva Motor Show next March. In the meantime, this is probably just the first of a series of teasers that will appear to keep the publicity pot boiling.

[Source: BusinessWeek via AutoblogGreen]

Tesla teases freshly delayed Model S sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Oct 2008 20:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>teslatesla evtesla model stesla model s teasertesla motorstesla sedantesla whitestarTeslaEvTeslaModelSTeslaModelSTeaserteslamotorsTeslaSedanTeslaWhitestarThu, 23 Oct 2008 20:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Pagani releases more renderings of the Zonda R]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/23/pagani-releases-more-renderings-of-the-zonda-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/23/pagani-releases-more-renderings-of-the-zonda-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/23/pagani-releases-more-renderings-of-the-zonda-r/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Pagani Zonda R

The Pagani Zonda is on its way to supercar heaven, due to be replaced by Horacio Pagani's next masterpiece, currently code-named the C9. To send off the current Zonda in style, Pagani is working on the Zonda R, limiting production to ten examples with a price tag of €2,000,000.

Despite looking very similar to the Zonda F and its predecessors, the R only shares ten percent of the outgoing model's underpinnings, and instead, gets a sleek new shape that's 47mm longer, providing even more downforce through the use of a longer splitter, rear defuser and wing.

Pagani has released four new renderings of its all-carbon fiber coupe, and according to Autoblog.it (no relation), Pagani won't be using the 750-hp, 7.3-liter Mercedes mill, instead opting for the 6.0-liter AMG V12 putting out similar hp and torque. Five road-going versions are planned, while the remaining five will be limited to circuit duty. We're hoping to finally see the Zonda R in person sometime next year, likely at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show.

Gallery: Pagani Zonda R


[Source: Autoblog.it]

Pagani releases more renderings of the Zonda R originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Oct 2008 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>paganipagani zonda rPaganiZondaRrzondaThu, 23 Oct 2008 15:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz E63AMG Wagon]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/22/spy-shots-mercedes-benz-e63amg-wagon/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/22/spy-shots-mercedes-benz-e63amg-wagon/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/22/spy-shots-mercedes-benz-e63amg-wagon/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

A covered up E63 AMG Wagon has been caught doing the rounds on public roads before we see it in showrooms some time next year. It looks like the potential ungainliness of the new E-Class could be gracefully smoothed out by the longer lines of the wagon. Of course, even if it is still ungainly, you'll get 85 extra horsepower over the current model, which should let you get away from gawkers with increased alacrity. That also means the baby on board might need a G-suit. The "Duplo" rear lights are probably mule-only fitments, but they'd be pretty cool if they were wrapped in polished housings.

[Source: Global Motors]

Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz E63AMG Wagon originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Oct 2008 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amg wagonAmgWagone-class wagonE-classWagone63 amge63 amg wagonE63AmgE63AmgWagonestatesmercedesmercedes-benzmercedes-benz e-class wagonMercedes-benzE-classWagonspy shotsSpyShotswagonsWed, 22 Oct 2008 08:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Rendered Speculation: Mercedes-Benz E-class coupe]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/17/rendered-speculation-mercedes-benz-e-class-coupe/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/17/rendered-speculation-mercedes-benz-e-class-coupe/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/17/rendered-speculation-mercedes-benz-e-class-coupe/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The crew from CAR laid out what the future holds for Mercedes' two-door offerings and now its tapped Larson to render what the forthcoming E-class coupe will look like ahead of its debut at the Geneva Motor Show next year.

Taking cues from the Fascination concept unveiled in Paris, the sporty E-class features a pair of drawn and halved headlamps that nix the oval units fitted to Mercs in the last decade, along with a pair of highly stylized rear fenders sporting a two-tiered blister that flows into the reworked rear end.

Engine choices will range from 184 hp four-cylinders (E200k) to an E63 AMG variant putting down 481 hp, while a 525 hp Black Series version will be offered further down the line. Seven-speed automatics will proliferate throughout the range, along with direct injection on all gasoline-powered models.

Having learned from past mistakes, Mercedes-Benz will throttle back some of its high-tech features, nixing the brake-by-wire system, along with the air suspension and active body control. But all won't be lost. When the convertible version arrives six months after the coupe, Mercedes will offer it with a heated fabric roof to keep occupants warm in the winter, while infra-red night vision, hard-drive navigation and front seats that tilt and slide to ease ingress and egress will keep Mercedes' owners in their element.

The 2009 E-class coupe (code-named C206) should arrive in June, while the drop-top variant (A206) will follow later next year.

[Source: CAR]

Rendered Speculation: Mercedes-Benz E-class coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Oct 2008 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20092009 mercedes-benz e-class coupe2009Mercedes-benzE-classCoupea206c206convertiblecoupee-classmercedes e class coupemercedes e-class convertiblemercedes e-class coupemercedes-benzMercedesE-classConvertibleMercedesE-classCoupeMercedesEClassCoupeFri, 17 Oct 2008 14:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Aston Martin's Lagonda S-class fighter coming in 2012]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/10/aston-martins-lagonda-s-class-fighter-coming-in-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/10/aston-martins-lagonda-s-class-fighter-coming-in-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/10/aston-martins-lagonda-s-class-fighter-coming-in-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Aston Martin has stepped in to clarify recent rumors of its Lagonda revival. We know that a Lagonda concept is due to be shown at next year's Geneva Motor Show, and of late it was speculated to be something SUV-ish. An Aston spokesperson has laid out the plan, and this time neglected to mention the acronym "SUV" at all.

Two upcoming Lagondas will probably be sedans and use Aston's VH platform, tending to the luxury side of sporting while Aston solidifies its grip on the sporting side of luxury. An upscale and up-priced version of the Rapide will come in 2011, followed by a $100,000-or-so S-Class challenger in 2012. Now that we've got the SUV thing out of the way, let's hope Aston stays on the right course and creates cars that don't look anything like more DB9 clones.

[Source: Automotive News, sub req'd]

Aston Martin's Lagonda S-class fighter coming in 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Oct 2008 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 geneva motor show2009GenevaMotorShowaston martinaston martin lagondaAstonMartinAstonMartinLagondagenevageneva motor showGenevaMotorShowlagondalagonda product plansLagondaProductPlansproduct plansProductPlanssedanssports carsSportsCarsFri, 10 Oct 2008 09:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: 2009 Mercedes E-Class]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/30/spy-shots-2009-mercedes-e-class/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/30/spy-shots-2009-mercedes-e-class/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/30/spy-shots-2009-mercedes-e-class/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



If you're Mercedes-Benz, then what you have here is a failure to keep your photo shoots under wraps. First Autobild came out with bare naked shots of the 2009 E-Class, and now German magazine Auto Zeitung has more shots of the car getting some fresh air.

With a minimal front end and a profile that rises seemingly without arc to a chunky back end, the car is reminiscent of a stretched Alfa Romeo Milano. We aren't sure how big these wheels are, but the car's increased upright stance makes them look exceptionally small. As usual with the launch of revolutionary E-Class designs, the car could take some time to get used to, but by the time E-Classes are clogging roads worldwide they will look perfectly natural.

There will be some excitement in the engine choices, including a 204 hp turbodiesel Bluetec, a BlueHybrid lump shared with the S400, and a 550 hp V8 in the AMG. The new E will also benefit from closer association with its spin-offs. Now that the CLK is no more, the E sedan will receive more of the spotlight that shines on its coupe and convertible siblings. If Mercedes doesn't get tired of the clandestine attention, we'll see the sedan for the first time at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, with the other variants to follow at Frankfurt that same year.

[Source: Auto Zeitung]

Spy Shots: 2009 Mercedes E-Class originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Sep 2008 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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When we recently posted on Aston Martin dragging Lagonda out of its crypt, one of the assertions was that "they've reportedly ruled out the possibility of a sport-ute." That might have been nothing more than a semantic turn, as Car & Driver is reporting that the first Lagonda will be "something SUV-ish."

Aston Martin CEO Ulrich Bez said the new car will have historical influences at the same time as it is "future-orientated," but the giveaway for C&D seems to be in his line that it will be "truly versatile" and "suitable for both existing and emerging markets." We can't tell if anyone actually came out and told the mag that the car would be an SUV, but an Aston source is quoted as saying it "wouldn't be an SUV in the same way as BMW X5."

So back to the semantics of no "sport-ute" and "SUV-ish" -- this sounds like it could be a brutish, hi-luxe sedan, or even a wagon suitably forceful enough to put space between it and the Rapide. Since Aston's looking at its long-term future, we imagine it will want something that won't leech sales, and that leaves a number of options. Which one the company settles on, however, we won't know until the concept shows up at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show.

[Source: Car & Driver]

Aston Martin Lagonda line could have SUV flavor originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Sep 2008 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lagonda is set to celebrate its 100th anniversary next year. But while enthusiasts are bound to celebrate by recalling Lagondas of yore, Aston Martin plans to give us all something more tangible to commemorate by reviving the long-dormant marque. (Truth be told, having been founded in 1906, Lagonda marked its centenary two years ago already. But we're not going to let some simple facts get in the way of a good story, now are we?)

The British automaker produced luxury cars independently until 1947 when it was bought by Aston Martin. Although Aston used the Lagonda name as a model designation from 1976 to 1989 for a quirky angular four-door, with a handful of coachbuilt specials and concept cars in between, the last model Lagonda produced was the 1961-65 Rapide, a nameplate which Aston is also revived with its upcoming four-door coupe model, previewed by the 2006 concept in Detroit. While the production Rapide is expected to continue as an Aston Martin, the company is planning a unique concept car to be unveiled at the Geneva show next March that will show the way forward for the rejuvenated marque.

While Aston has not confirmed what form the vehicle, which could hit the streets as soon as 2012, will take, they've reportedly ruled out the possibility of a sport-ute. Sources suggest a new competitor aimed at Bentley and Rolls-Royce, although the Longonda will be more focused on performance than long distance cruising. No telling what that will mean for Aston's partnership with Mercedes-Benz, which has its own failing Maybach brand competing in the segment as well. However the resuscitation of Lagonda is bound to form a vital component of Aston Martin's ambitious growth plan. (Press release after the jump.)

[Source: Aston Martin]

Continue reading Aston Martin to revive Lagonda with new concept at Geneva '09

Aston Martin to revive Lagonda with new concept at Geneva '09 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Sep 2008 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The RR4 -- the Rolls-Royce that asks that you "don't call me 'baby'" -- is slowly undressing, striptease-like, before its final reveal at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show. Previous spy shots hinted at rear suicide doors, or coach doors as Rolls-Royce refers to them, and now it is official: the hinges on the rear door are on the rear of the door. The car has plenty of Phatom-esque cues, and although it doesn't look anything like the initial sketch, it looks like it could be a very attractive proposition when it shows up for the big dance. Still no word on engines, but we have no doubt its output will be something along the lines of prodigious. Thanks for the tip, Andrus!

[Source: Global Motors]

Spy shots: RR4 wearing even less camouflage originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 31 Aug 2008 15:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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To the 'Ring we go, and our companions today are -- in the apt words of World Car Fans -- "beauty and the beast." That would be the Aston Martin Rapide and the Porsche Panamera. We'll let you decide which one deserves which title. Follow the link and you'll find a large gallery of both cars in basic black, un-camo'ed and racing each other around the 'Ring to help cast your vote.

In practical considerations, the Panamera looks to have the Rapide beat in all kinds of ways. For instance, it should get better gas mileage if you get the V6 or V8, and it has more trunk space with 450 liters. Aston's cars have little trunk syndrome, and the Rapide probably won't really change that. But hey, who would buy a Panamera or Rapide for practical reasons? Either way, we won't really know the state of things until the 2009 Geneva Motor Show next March when they are officially introduced.

[Source: World Car Fans]

Spy Shots: Porsche Panamera and Aston Martin Rapide 'Ring battle originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Aug 2008 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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