2008/11/27

BMW 7-Series Security

BMW is once again putting its weight behind, over, under and every other way, on protecting its customers. Proof lies in these great spy pictures of a very heavy 7 Series. Made heavy by its bullet proof windows, and wide fail-safe tyresamong other additions, the 7 is a Security unit obviously made for the safety of occupants sitting inside. Not a security feature itself, the flagpole on the front fender indicates the potential buyers of this vehicle, namely prominent politicians.

Engines supplied with the new 7 Series should be able to handle the extra kilos supplied by the protection elements. Especially regarded is the 407hp (300kW) 4.4-litre V8 twin turbo in the 750i/iL models, as well as the 730D delivering 540Nm of torque and a top speed of 246km/h.

The 7 Series Security will join the other Security-badged BMWs such as the 5 Series and X5.

Audi A7 : Sharing Platform with Lamborghini Estoque


More details are emerging on the Lamborghini Estoque four-door set to debut in 2011 or 2012. Lamborghini insists the aggressive sedan is still only under consideration, but company insiders tell us Sant’Agata is already preparing the car for production. The only obstacle is a strategic review of the entire Volkswagen Group's future vehicle portfolio, currently being carried out by Porsche, VW's majority shareholder.

The Estoque will be built on Audi's modular-longitudinal platform, which is the base of a number of new models, including the current Audi A4 and A5, the next-generation A6 and A8, the forthcoming all-new A7, and the 2013 VW Phaeton.

2008/11/26

BMW Z4


Reliable sources state that BMW will debut the new Z4 next month in both a roadster and coupe configuration.

The new Z4 Roadster will feature a folding hardtop this time instead of the previous soft one. BMW claims that the use of lightweight materials will help keep the weight off of the Z4.

The Z4 Coupe will come with a stiffer and lowered suspension to continue to give the Coupe version the serious performance credibility that BMW aims for with the model. The Coupe will also have distinguishing design cues to differentiate it from the roadster.

Engines will max out with top performing inline 6 cylinders, as is usual for the Z series, but BMW is also studying a possible M version that may adopt a V8 powerplant from the M3.

Also coming down the pike is the Z2 hybrid. The Z2 will be a compact roadster that will feature the new BMW eDrive technology in development right now with the MINI-E (a full electric vehicle with a 150 kW/204 hp electric motor that churns out 220 Nm of torque).

It seems BMW is serious about continuing to create roadsters and coupes in this segment.

Porsche 911 turbo


Clear differences between the 998 and the current 911 model are a pair of more upright headlights, and the side mirrors are now positioned at the side of the doors and not at the window.

It’s still too early to determine what changes Porsche has in store for the engine lineup, but expect to see the recently revised flat-six engine range carry over with only minimal updates – possibly for emissions and economy standards. The new PDK dual-clutch gearbox will also carry over as will a standard six-speed manual.

The next 911 isn’t expected to arrive in showrooms until late 2011.

2008/11/23

Porshe Boxter Speedster

Following in the tradition of the original 356 Speedster, Porsche’s latest open top model comes with a chopped two-door body, a shortened windshield, and a folding soft-top roof.


The prototype seen in these spy shots also features unique rear fender flares, custom wheels, and a centrally stacked exhaust pipe.

Official Porsche Panamera Image Leaked


Could this be the official, true-life image of the new Porsche Panamera? Yes, according to Dutch publication AutoTelegraaf. A Monday embargo on the images and possibly details has supposedly been broken by Auto Motor und Sport and more details should be available this Sunday night.

Panamera is a four-door coupe from Porsche that is aimed to compete with the likes of Mercedes-Benz CLS, the upcoming Audi A7 2+2, BMW CS concept-based 2+2 coupe and Aston Martin Rapide. It's a hefty customer this Panamera, measuring 16.3ft (4.97 metres) long, 6.3ft (1.9m) wide and 4.66ft (1.4m) tall. The wheelbase is quantified at 9.6ft (2.9m). Curb mass approaches two tonnes.

As a package it will feature the most advanced and passenger-car focused technologies, such as an electronic air suspension, PDK gearbox, an LSD for good traction, and current interior comforts. The Porsche Panamera is obviously a Porsche, which means no sparing of thought when it comes to engine power.

Initially the two variants available will be an S model and a Turbo, the former kicking out 400bhp (300kW) from its 4.8-litre V8 and the Turbo launching upwards of 500bhp (373kW), thanks to a twin-turbo system running through its gut. V6 petrol power should join the two later, packing around 300bhp (223kW), while hybrid power comes at a later stage. If Porsche terminology is anything to go by we can also expect Turbo S models too worth over 600bhp (447kW). Although diesels have been ruled out, there cannot be 100 percent certainty on the issue; Porsche did once say the Cayenne would not offer diesel as an option. Today it's a different story.

An estimated 20,000 units are planned for sale at the start, with production going on to 50,000 per year depending on demand. Sales of Panamera begin in the US, Europe and Asia in 2009.

2008/11/16

Audi A2


The Audi A2 will receive a successor, that was confirmed already by Audi. But today we have some more information and even the first impressions how it might look like. Make sure to read on.

The Audi A2 is expected for 2014 the very latest and it will be aligned with the small city car Audi E1 (first time to mention that name!) and the Mini-killer Audi A1.

The Audi A2 will be released as 5-door 3-liter car with a hybrid (combined with quattro) and maybe even a full-electric engine later on. An Audi A2 Sportback is also being considered with a slightly bigger trunk.

Engine will be taken from the VW up! and the roof line as you can see on the pictures will be raised compared to existing Audi models, very similar to the old Audi A2.

BMW X6M

The 2010 BMW X6M has made its weekly appearance near Spartanburg, but this time, we’re being spoiled with a different exterior color. Palbay was there one more time and he snapped a photo of a beautiful red X6M.

What makes the M more special than the X6 V8 Twin-Turbo? Well, as far as appearance goes the typical M side vents and dual-exhaust on each side.

As we mentioned many times before, some say that the BMW X6M will be powered by a 5.0-liter V10 with 373kW and 520Nm of torque, even though we believe that a twin-turbo engine will be more suitable for the job. The 4.4 V8 Twin-Turbo can be the ideal choice since the car already weighs around 5,000 lbs and placing a heavy V10 engine in it, would not make much sense.

Everything is being kept under the table as of now, so unfortunately no other details are available, including pricing.

BMW Z4

What we learned today is that BMW are delaying Z4 press release due the sDrive trademark registration issues in US market. Our sources confirmed two weeks ago that the launch was scheduled for the first week in November and everyone, including us, got excited.

According to Eny from GCZ (connected with BMW), “the model designations has finally been officially registered this Tuesday (11/11) yet BMW AG are still waiting to obtain official letter (registration certificate) from USPTO, and then press release can be issued.”

So, in the mean time, what can be better than some new spy photos of the BMW Z4.



E 63 AMG Wagon

At the Frankfurt Motor Show we'll be able to see the new Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG in all its full glory, minus all this black plastic you see in our latest spy shots. These cars are not your average mama's trolleys but fully-fledged missiles disguised as baby prams. Spied here is the E 63 AMG in Estate format, meaning Usain Bolt carrying a travel suitcase, but just as quick.

The E 63 AMG shows off its big brakes with cross-drilled discs and a lowered suspension, as well as those four huge round tailpipes. Also a new front bumper with larger air intakes should be a major attraction. That 6.2-litre V8 is expected to keep its place under the hood, producing well over 550 bhp in line with current German power king Audi RS6's 573 horses.


First Image of 1120hp 9ff GT9-R


The folks over at 9ff have a serious addiction to speed. They spent the best part of a year developing the original 987 hp GT9. A monster of a machine that they managed to beat down the track at a death defying 409km/h, a good 2km/h faster than the Bugatti Veyron but just shy of the world production car speed record currently held by SSC Ultimate Aero which stands at 411.71km/h(255.83mph).


Now the German Tuner has released the first image of the GT9 R which boasts a massive power output of 1120 horsepower(835.18kW) and 1050Nm (774.34lb-ft) of toque. No further details have been released yet, but with the Essen Tuning Show coming up at the end of the month, a betting man may have a flutter at more juicy details surfacing around the said time.

2008/11/15

Porsche Panamera


German Autobild is reporting that the Porsche Panamera will be initially available in 3 alternatives with 300 bhp (3,6 Liter, V6), 400 bhp (4,8 Liter, V8) and 500 bhp (4,8 Liter, V8-Bi-Turbo). A full-hybrid version with a 30kW electric engine (in combination with the 300 bhp V6 engine) is expected for 2010.

Audi R4

Sports car fans are in for a real treat! Audi is planning a striking new mid-engined machine – the R4. The newcomer will be based on an entirely new platform and sit above the TT in Audi’s range, offering buyers a driver-focused two-seater with a starting price of around £35,000.

It’s the result of a rumoured joint venture with Porsche – so the project will produce a new platform to underpin Coupé and Roadster versions of the R4, and also provide the basis for the next Boxster and Cayman. It’s these core sellers in the Porsche line-up that the R4 will target.

Our exclusive picture shows that the new Audi takes much of its visual inspiration from the R8 supercar, with LED lights, deep air intakes and a sweeping profile. But this similarity is no coincidence. The Porsche joint venture is all part of Audi’s plan to launch a range of R-badged sports cars, which will follow in the wake of the range-topper.

These will include an R6 to rival Jaguar’s new E-Type replacement and the Porsche 911, plus an R10 model based on the V12 TDI R8 diesel concept. Of course, it’s not only Audi which will benefit. Porsche will be able to share Audi’s engines and reduce the costs associated with developing a new platform.

Audi A5 Sportback


From the picture we can see the A5 Sportback will feature a high waistline and low, sloping roof, while the front should remain identical to the current A5 Coupe it is based on.

It is also clear it will have five doors but the sporty, raked, hatchback rear-end will ensure it looks much sleeker than an Avant. The coupe-hatchback will have a more spacious cabin than the standard A5 too which will help the new Audi stand in a niche all of its own.

2008/11/01

Next Generation BMW 6 Series Prototype Spied for First Time

BMW’s next-generation 6 Series coupe and convertible, expected to be introduced in 2011, have been spied in early testing. Though heavily camouflaged, the convertible in our photos looks to be longer and lower than the current car, with considerably tighter overhangs front and rear. It’s hard to see the exact lines of course, but the new 6 Series has a smoother, more streamlined look.

The vehicle spotted testing in Germany has a cloth soft top, but closer examination suggests that this may also be part of the camouflage. The wrapped decklid gives the impression that this is a convertible, so the next 6’er just might sport a retractable hardtop, to compete with Mercedes’ SL.


Mercedes E-Class Coupe in Black

Here's another series of spy shots on the coming E-Class. These are of the coupe version, which will be a very important model for Mercedes since they have discontinued the CLK badging and essentially turned the CLK into this E-Class Coupe.


German automakers are very reserved in their styling and prefer the concept of (very gradual) evolution rather than revolution in updating models. This shot reveals that philosophy in action. But the car does appear to have a greater curve along the horizontal length of the body and a more muscular hunch above the rear wheels.


The E-Class Coupe will likely come with, amongst Mercedes standard lineup of engines, Mercedes' latest 204 hp turbodiesel Bluetec, an AMG version with the 550 hp V8, and may also include the BlueHybrid that Mercedes is developing.

The new E-Class sedan will be introduced at the Geneva Motor Show next March. Other variants, including this coupe, will likely only be first unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show next September.

Mercedes E Class Coupe Interior Spied

More spy photos of the 2010 or 2011 Mercedes coupe have surfaced, showing the CLK replacement's slick lines and updated instrument panel. This red coupe's light camouflage hides only the shape of the new headlamps; the larger, C-Class Sport-style grille and dramatic, CLS-like rear backlight are clearly visible. There appears to be enough rear seat room that the E-Class coupe will still be a true four-passenger coupe.

Inside, the new dash shows a sport three-gauge pod and a revised center stack that's less complex than Mercedes' current setup. There's still a lot going on, but the navigation system's information screen has been moved up to the top of the dash, providing better visibility and a less cluttered appearance.


No longer named CLK, the new generation E-Class coupe, although still based on the C-Class platform, is expected to arrive in 2009 with the C207 designation. The E-Coupe convertible (A207) will follow a year later with a retractable hardtop unlike the current C209's soft top.

Porsche Panamera Interior Spied From Passenger Seat

We've got some excellent spy photos of the Porsche Panamera's interior, courtesy of Teamspeed.com.

The pictures appear to have been shot from the passenger seat, and show that the four-door Porsche's got a very familiar-looking five-pod instrument panel. It also appears to have a 911-style left-hand ignition key. The center console is festooned with buttons, hinting at the high equipment levels that will no doubt be available when the Panamera enters the market against some very worthy competitors from Aston Martin, Mercedes and Maserati. During 2009, expect most Panameras to be high-content, high-profile V8 models, with the less expensive V6 coming along once Porsche's luxury-sport sedan has established itself as a worthy competitor to the Mercedes CLS and Maserati Quattroporte.

More photos can be found at the Teamspeed website.