Range Rover Evoque XL (rendering)
You probably have heard already that the British car manufacturer Land Rover is taking into consideration a fourth model in the Range Rover lineup, but now a new report has surfaced the Internet indicating the company is thinking about whether to give the car the green light for production of not.
We don’t have many details about this new model, but rumors say that it is going to be an extended-length version of the Evoque, which will be up to 11.8 inches (300 mm) longer and 3.9 inches (100 mm) taller in comparison to the standard model, which will certainly provide a more spacious interior cabin and a possible 7-seat configuration.
Most likely, the engines will remain pretty much the same, which means that the Evoque XL will be powered by a 2.0-liter gasoline engine that produces 237 hp (240 PS / 177 kW) along with a 2.2-liter turbodiesel power plant that generates 148 hp (150 PS / 110 kW) and 187 hp (190 PS / 140 kW).
Source: Autocar
Post tags: Tags: Land Rover, range rover evoque xl, rumors
Porsche 550 Revival In The Works
It seems that the German automaker Porsche is working on a car that will revive the iconic 550 model from the 50s. This baby Porsche is going to feature an entirely new engine in the form of a 4-cylinder 1.6-liter “boxer” unit. This engine is going to be turbocharged and is expected to generate about 200 hp. The power will be sent to the rear wheels via a manual transmission, although the company will most likely offer an optional PDK twin-clutch unit.
Scheduled for a 2014 entry, the car will become the entry-level Porsche model and is expected to have a curb weight of approximately 1,200 kg. The two-seater will be able to do the 0-62 mph sprint in about 6 seconds, on its way to a top speed of approximately 145 mph. Unlike other Porsche models, this one promises to be a little more efficient, returning 40 mpg UK and emitting less than 160 g / km of CO2 thanks to the inclusion of the start/stop technology.
This mid-engined platform is also going to be used for a production version of the Volkswagen Bluesport, a concept that we saw back in 2009 at the Detroit Motor Show. In addition, it will be used for a new Audi roadster, probably the R4, which will be slotted below the current TT. With the introduction of the R4, the Audi TT will be more expensive. This strategy will also be applied at Porsche when the 550 will be introduced as it will have a base price of 35,000 pounds, while the Boxster will surpass the 40,000 pounds mark.
Until 2014 when the 550 will be out, the German automaker is going to launch three new cars. The first one is the new generation of the 911 which will get its official debut at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show which will be organized in September. The new 911 will be followed next year by the new generations of the Boxster and the sexy Cayman.
Source: Auto Express
Post tags: Tags: porsche 550, rumors
New Details About The 2013 Mini Cooper Emerge
We’ve learned from our colleagues at AutoExpress.co.uk that the next generation of the Mini Cooper which should be out sometime in 2013 will be styled by Anders Warming. The new look will be more dramatic, featuring an upward-sweeping shoulder line, a steeply raked windscreen and a prominent front grille.
The new Mini will ride on an all-new front wheel drive platform that will be a little bit larger in comparison to the one on the current model. We don’t have in depth details about this but we can tell you that it will probably be flexible enough to spawn a 5-door hatchback, most likely the next generation of the Clubman.
The car will probably get a 3-cylinder 1.5-liter engine that generates 128 hp (130 PS / 96 kW) and 148 hp (150 PS / 110 kW) in diesel and gasoline variants, respectively. In addition, it will be available with a couple of engines borrowed from the BMW 1-Series in the form of some 4-cylinder 2.0-liter units, but nothing is certain at the moment. Lastly, the new Mini Cooper will get a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine that will deliver 178 hp (180 PS / 132 kW) for the S version and 217 hp (220 PS / 162 kW) for the John Cooper Works (JCW) model.
The 2013 Mini Cooper will make its first appearance sometime next year at an important international motor show and will hit the dealerships the following year. We’ll keep you posted when more information will become available. Stay tuned.
Source: Auto Express | Photo: WCF
Post tags: Tags: 2013 mini cooper, rumors, Spy Shots
If we were to believe our colleagues from Autocar.co.uk, the German automaker Audi is working on expanding its lineup of SUVs with three brand new models: the Q2, Q4 and Q6. The first one that will hit the streets will be the Q4, which will most likely be a sportier version of the available Q5 model, aimed to rival the Range Rover Evoque and why not, the Porsche Cajun. The car will be launched sometime in 2014 or 2015.
The Audi Q4 will be based on the current MLB – Modularen LangsBau architecture, the same one used for the Q5, which will also spawn the aforementioned Cajun from Porsche, yet another compact-sized sport utility vehicle. Taking into consideration that it will share its architecture with the Q5, the new Q4 will probably have just about the same dimensions so expect to see an SUV measuring 4,650 mm in length, 1,800 mm in width and a wheelbase of 2,810 mm. However, it will certainly come with a changed roofline, one that will mimic a fastback and will be lower, at about 1,600 mm.
The entry-level model will probably be powered by a 2.0 TFSI engine that has 211 PS. In addition, there are also going to be two more powerful engines in the form of a turbocharged V6 3.0-liter unit with 333 PS and a V6 TDI 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged diesel that produces 312 PS. Of course, a hybrid version is also in the works, one that will consist of a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with 211 PS and an electric motor that generates 35 PS.
Source: Autocar.co.uk
Post tags: Tags: audi q4, rumors
Mercedes GLS In The Works
If we were to believe our esteemed colleagues form AutoCar, the Germans over at Mercedes-Benz are working on a new model, dubbed GLS, which will rival what is in my opinion the ugliest car on the market nowadays, the BMW X6. Set to debut three years from now, the model will be based on the same unibody platform that was used for the recently introduced third generation of the M-Class as well as the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
The new GLS model will drop the practicality of the 5-seat M-Class, opting for a more sporting 4-seat interior, borrowing some of the design cues that we can see in the sexy CLS model.
For reasons that I cannot understand, BMW managed to sell a whopping 120,000 units of its awful X6 model since it was introduced back in 2009. The GLS will have to face some serious competition, not only from the X6, but also from the Audi Q6, which is scheduled for a 2016 release and the new generation of the Range Rover Sport, set to debut in 2013.
Other leaked information would have to be that the all-new GLS will be powered by V6 3.5-liter and V8 gasoline engines, along with a V6 3.0-liter diesel. The German automaker is also working on a hybrid (diesel-electric) variant that will get many of its components from the E300 Hybrid which will be revealed this September at the Frankfurt Motor Show. It is safe to assume that an AMG version will also be launched, probably one featuring a V8 turbocharged 5.5-liter power unit if the rumors turn out to be true.
The Mercedes GLS will be assembled at the firm’s North American factory, located in Alabama, where they also make the M-Class.
PS: I’ll never understand why anyone would want an SUV with sporty lines.
Source: Autocar.co.uk
Post tags: Tags: mercedes gls, rumors
If we were to believe our colleagues from Car and Driver, the highly anticipated Porsche Cajun might get a 3-door version and an interior that will be inspired from what we can see in the Panamera and Cayenne models. The crossover is going to be based on the Audi Q5 and will get a Quattro all-wheel drive system, bigger brakes and an updated suspension.
As far as the engines are concerned, we don’t have any certainties, but a 2.0-liter TFSI engine that develops 220 hp (223 PS / 164 kW) is possible, along with a V6 3.0-liter unit that cranks out 300 hp (304 PS / 224 kW) and 350 hp (355 PS / 261 kW). Most likely, there are going to be some diesels, like a 2.0-liter TDI that generates 200 hp (203 PS / 149 kW) and a bigger V6 3.0-liter TDI with 250 hp (253 PS / 186 kW) and 310 hp (314 PS / 231 kW).
A hybrid version is most likely under development, which will feature a 2.0-liter TFSI gasoline engine and an electric motor that generates 44 hp (45 PS / 33 kW), providing a combined output of 241 hp (245 PS / 180 kW) and 354 lb.-ft (480 Nm) of torque.
The Porsche Cajun will be assembled in Leipzig, Germany and it will hit the streets most likely in 2013/2014.
Source: Car & Driver
Post tags: Tags: porsche cajun, rumors
It seems that our esteemed colleagues from Auto Bild have managed to obtain more information about some of the soon-to-be-released hot version models from Audi. The first one on the agenda is the S8 which will probably make its official debut this September at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Most likely, it will be powered by an all-new V8 4.0-liter twin-turbo engine that has been developed together with Bentley. This power unit will produce about 493 hp (500 PS / 368 kW), which is 50 PS than the previous S8 and it is also 20% more fuel efficient. This engine will be mated as standard to an 8-speed automatic transmission and the power will be sent to all four wheels via Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive system.
At the Los Angeles Auto Show we will most likely see the S6 and S7 models, which will be powered by a V8 4.0-liter unit, set to output 434 hp (440 PS / 324 kW) for the S6 and 464 hp (470 PS / 346 kW) for the S7. We don’t know if this engine is going to be a single/twin turbo
unit or naturally aspirated.
That V8 4.0-liter twin turbo engine will also motivate the RS6 model where it will develop 572 hp (580 PS / 427 kW), which is a little bit more than its main rival, the recently announced BMW M5 (F10), which offers 552 hp (560 PS / 412 kW) and has a peak torque of 502 lb.-ft (680 Nm).
In the works is also the RS7 model, which will have the same V8 4.0-liter twin turbo engine, but Audi will tune it in order to produce 592 hp (600 PS / 441 kW).
According to Auto Bild, the RS6 will be launched sometime next year. Stay tuned for more information.
Source: Auto Bild via WCF
Post tags: Tags: audi rs6, audi s6, audi s7, Audi S8, rumors
It seems that one of the most famous sports cars in the world will go on a diet once the new generation arrives as we’ve learned from our colleagues from Inside Line that the next-gen Mazda MX-5 Miata will be a lot trimmer and slimmer in comparison to the current model.
If we were to believe a senior insider, the company’s engineers were asked to cut at least 720 pounds from the car’s weight which now is 2,480 pounds. The reason behind this decision is to bring the next-gen Miata closer to the original recipe of the 1st gen model launched back in 1989, which had a curb weight of 2,178 pounds for the U.S.-spec version.
In order to lower the weight of the Miata as much as possible, the Japanese engineers will use high strength steels for its body, along with a smaller and lighter engine. In addition, some of the goodies of the current gen model will most likely be removed, including the dashboard glove box as they will opt for other storage devices which will weigh less. Even the owner’s manual will be axed as Mazda might offer it on a USB stick.
To reduce the frontal area and weight, the new MX-5 will be narrower and it might get a tiny direct injection, turbocharged 1.4-liter engine that will benefit from variable cam phasing as part of the company’s SkyActiv engineering efficiency program. They will also work on the gearbox, hoping to bring it closer to the one on the original model as far as mechanical precision is concerned, providing the much loved short-throw.
Most likely, they won’t be able to shave off 720 pounds, but if they do manage to make it as heavy as the original model, it should be a very fun car to drive.
Source: Inside Line
Post tags: Tags: mazda miata, mazda mx-5, mazda mx-5 miata, rumors
2014 Ford Mustang (rendering)
We know that 2014 is far away but whenever new details about the next Ford Mustang emerge, we have to tell you about it. It seems that the original pony car will be built in order to celebrate its 50th birthday and compared to the current model; it will be lighter and smaller. The retro styling that we all love will still be maintained whereas the interior cabin will be dramatically improved, featuring advanced technology and materials of higher quality.
The 2014 Ford Mustang will be most likely be powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine, along with a more powerful V8 5.4-liter unit that churns out 500 hp (507 PS / 373 kW).
Probably the biggest news for Mustang fans would have to be independent rear suspension that the new model will get, improving not only handling but also the ride comfort. According to some reports, it might also get a torque vectoring system like the one on the 2012 Focus.
The next-gen Ford Mustang will be offered globally, including right-hand versions for UK, Japan and Australia.
PS: The image is a rendering, not an official photo of the 2014 Mustang.
Source: AutoExpress
Post tags: Tags: 2014 ford mustang, pony car, rumors
We already know that the German automaker Volkswagen has plans of expanding its production in North America beyond the current Beetle, Jetta and Passat models. VW recently christened its new Chattanooga plant where they are making the NMS, which is in fact the North American version of the Passat, but a little bit bigger and more affordable. The company wants to hit 1 million sold units in North America by 2018 with its Audi and VW models.
In order to accomplish this ambitious target, the automaker has to increase its production there and if we were to believe our colleagues from Wirtschafts Woche, a German business magazine, the company is thinking about making the Tiguan at the aformentioned Chattanooga factory or in Mexico, where the Beetle and the Jetta are assembled. If this will turn out to be true, expect to see the first units in 2013.
The Volkswagen Tiguan was introduced in 2007 and since then, the German automaker has managed to sell more than 700,000 units across the world. In February 2010 it received a facelift and the next generation model will most likely by launched sometime in 2013.
Source: Wirtschafts Woche via WCF
Post tags: Tags: rumors, volkswagen tiguan
The guys over at Automobile have found out that the new generations of the BMW X5 and X6 will come with a lot of improvements in the fuel efficiency area and they will also emit less CO2. Both crossovers will benefit from new axles that are going to be 150 kg (330 pounds) lighter than the current ones. Combining this with other weight-saving implementations, the base next-gen X5 model might have a curb weight of less than 1,814 kg (4,000 lbs).
Both the X5 and the X6 will benefit from a new generation of fuel-efficient power units. Aside from the usual 6- and 8-cylinder engines, the crossovers will be available with two smaller 4-cylinder units, a gasoline and a diesel. In addition, hybrid versions are also under development, like one with a 6-cylinder 345 hp (350 PS / 257 kW) engine and a 108 hp (110 PS / 81 kW) electric motor.
Even the hot “M” models will be “greener” as the report says that they will be up to 15% more fuel efficient than the ones we see on the road nowadays. However, they’ll still feature the same engine, which is a V8 twin-turbo 4.4-liter, but they will update it in order to output 557 hp (565 PS / 416kW).
As far as the design is concerned, the BMW X6 will feature a more functional appearance which will improve the rear passenger headroom and the rearward visibility. Inside the cabin, expect to see a look inspired from the 5-Series GT, featuring a panoramic moonroof, wood trim, leather upholstery, along with power-operated rear seats.
The report says that we should expect the next-gen BMW X5 to make its first official appearance at the 2014 edition of the North American International Auto Show. The X6 will be out six month later.
Source: Automobile via WCF
Post tags: Tags: bmw x5, bmw x6, rumors
2006 Dodge Rampage Concept
If we were to believe the latest rumors that have surfaced the Internet, Ram is working on an entry-level pickup truck that will be based on the next-generation version of the Dodge Grand Caravan and the Chrysler Town & Country.
Nothing is official at the moment, but the “TR Ram Lifestyle Truck” will probably be built in Canada as a main rival for the Honda Ridgeline. The model is considered as a replacement for the Ram Dakota and it is thought to be a fuel-efficient model for those customers that want the flexibility of a pickup truck but they do not need the huge towing capacity and big powerful engines.
The pickup should be out in late 2013 or early 2014. Stay tuned for more information.
Source: Windsor Star via Automotive News via WCF
Post tags: Tags: pickup, ram, rumors
According to the guys over at Car and Driver, the BMW i3 (formerly known as the Megacity Vehicle) will offer a 100-mile range. The company’s first production all-electric vehicle will have a price tag of around $35,000. The car is set to go on sale in Europe sometime in 2013 and later on in North America.
It will feature a rear-mounted electric motor that generates 150 hp (112 kW), enough for a top speed of 100 mph. If the 100-mile range won’t be enough for you, BMW is also reportedly working on a range-extended version that will come with a conventional internal combustion engine that will act as a generator.
Source: Car and Driver
Post tags: Tags: bmw i3, Green, rumors
2011 Audi A8 L W12 Quattro
If we were to believe our colleagues from CarMagazine.co.uk, the Ingolstadt-based automaker is working hard on a possible A9 model which should be out sometime in 2014. It will be a top-spec 4-seater coupe that will come with a bespoke exterior and an interior that promises to be better than the one in the current A8 flagship of the company.
The coupe will be manufactured at Audi’s plant in Neckarsulm where the R8 is also made. According to some sources that saw the initial design sketches of the A9, it promises to be a real eye-grabber. Also in the works is a soft-top version, which should be out in 2015, six months before Mercedes launches the next-gen CL Cabriolet.
The Audi A9 will get a price tag that will be higher than the BMW 6-Series but lower than the Mercedes CL, which means that it should cost about 75,000 pounds in today’s money.
Taking into consideration that these are just rumors, the following list of possible engines is only a speculation:
- V6 3.0-liter TFSI engine that produces 211 hp;
- V6 3.0-liter TFSI single turbo engine that generates 290 hp;
- V8 4.0-liter twin-turbo TFSI power unit with 420 hp;
- V8 4.0-liter twin-turbo TFSI engine for the S9 version that packs 520 hp;
- V6 3.0-liter TDI engine with 250 hp;
- V8 4.32-liter TDI power plant that produces 350 hp.
All these engines are rumored to be mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox and all of the A9 models will come as standard with Audi’s Quattro system. A hybrid variant is also under development.
Source: CarMagazine.co.uk
Post tags: Tags: audi a9, rumors
McLaren Mega Mac (rendering)
It seems that McLaren is working hard on a new flagship model that will beat the all-mighty Bugatti Veyron and all other supercars to date. Known inside the company as the “Mega Mac”, the car will most likely be launched sometime in 2014 and only 500 units will be ever made. The price tag for the hypercar will probably be between 350,000 and 400,000 pounds.
Sources inside the company say that the new vehicle will be “bigger, angrier and more functional looking” than the MP4-12C, despite the fact that it will have a family resemblance to both the current model and the iconic McLaren F1. In addition, the car will sport active aerodynamic systems, including both front and rear spoilers which will be deployed in certain conditions, along with a rear airbake, similar to the one we already saw on the MP4-12C.
The interior cabin will offer all-round visibility while the luxury features will be kept down to a minimum, along with a limited luggage room located behind the seats. Rumors say that it will feature on-board data logging as well as a video camera in order to allow the driver of the car to film his/her own track time – pretty cool if you ask me.
Now to the really interesting stuff about the “Mega Mac” – it will be powered by a V8 5.0-liter engine that will produced 799 hp, offering 160 hp / liter. This power unit will be developed in partnership with Ricardo. All of the 590 ponies will be available at 7,500 rpm and the peak torque of 590 lb.-ft will be delivered between 3,500 and 6,800 rpm. This engine will be mated to a Graziano 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Performances are not set in stone at the moment, but we should expect to see a 0-60 mph sprint in 2.8 seconds, 0-100 mph in 5.5 seconds and a 0-200 mph time in 20 seconds.
Despite the fact that the 0-60 mph time is longer than the one of the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport, McLaren’s hypercar will reach 200 mph faster than Bugatti’s 22 seconds.
Just like the aforementioned MP-12C, the new model from McLaren will benefit from a carbonfibre Monocell, using similar, but updated, aluminum pushrod suspension, along with a 5-stage traction control system, adaptive dampers and hydraulic anti-roll control. To stop the car in an efficient manner, the engineers will install Brembo carbon-ceramic disc brakes, along with Brake Steer and electronic brake force distribution.
Source: AutoCar.co.uk
Post tags: Tags: mclaren mega mac, renderings, rumors
