2011 Mercedes CLS Prototype Caught

Just a few days ago spy pictures of the 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS appeared. Not at the best angles admittedly, so today is payback. These photographs show almost every angle of the car, even under heavy camo. The roof is completely bare for all to see and so are the squashed rectangular tailpipes.


Some reports have suggested the four-door coupe CLS will be based on an S-Class platform but it will actually be based on the E-Class. In keeping with its earth eco responsibilities, Mercedes will for the first time, offer a BlueHybrid version of its sporting 2+2 seater using the same engine as the S400 BlueHybrid. Additionally a few engines found in the E-Class should make their way into the CLS engine bay too, meaning petrol and diesel as well as a 400kW / 536hp-plus AMG.

The CLS practically invented its segment when it came into the market in 2004. It gave people with families of about three or four a spacious car with four doors plus the driving characteristics of a two-door sports coupe.

Mercedes E-Class wagon spied

As a follow-up to the official photos of the 2010 Mercedes E-Class sedan that leaked a just over a week ago, the E-Class wagon has been spotted in testing with minimal camouflage. The E-Class' new lines evolve nicely onto the cargo-carrying body, which features a rising body line and a long rear overhang to ensure ample room behind the rear seats. A dual exhaust and smoothly integrated roof rails are also visible in these photos. The taillight shape seems to follow that of the redesigned headlights.

As is generally the case, the E-Class wagon is expected to share powertrains with the sedan series, from the fuel-efficient CDI models to a high-powered AMG edition. U.S. buyers can expect a BlueTec-equipped wagon as well. There's been no word yet as to whether the E-Class wagon will debut at Geneva with the sedan and coupe, or if Mercedes will save it for later.

2010 Mercedes R-Class Facelift

In case you have not seen heavily padded spy photos of the 2010 Mercedes-Benz R-Class severe facelift, we have some fresh ones for you. The large Mercedes luxury sport touring wagon, which is really closer in size to an MPV, had worse sales than Mercedes expected, causing them to cut prices, add another rear seat and offer 4Matic all-wheel-drive system last year.

Even with that pricing adjustment, the R-Class sold 75% fewer vehicles than the 50,000 Mercedes-Benz had expected.

But Mercedes-Benz is not ready to give up on the R-Class, with hopes that the six-seater will carve out its own corner of the market. Previous efforts, like added choice in engine/transmission layout, making the AMG exterior standard, and slashing prices, were to no avail.

Now the company is stepping up efforts by trying again to beautify the giant. We expect the front, hidden completely under padding in these photos, to be nip/tucked into something that does not look so dull. Perhaps they will square off the front a bit more, as the current version has a front end reminiscent of a late-90s Chrysler. Only minor changes are expected at the rear, with new tail lights, tail pipes, and a nicer bumper on its way.

Engine choices were never a problem with this van/wagon (vagon?). The R-Class choices include two 3.0-liter V6 diesels, which get 190 hp and 272 hp. Also available are a 3.5-liter V6 with 272 horses, and a 5.0-liter V8, which cranks out 306 hp. The latter pulls the wagon from 0-100 km/h in just 7.0 seconds. The R63 AMG, which had a 6.2-liter V8 rated at 503 hp, got the axe some time ago.

Audi A7 : Best picture

The Mercedes CLS-rivalling Audi A7 coupé has finally broken cover – and with its curving roofline and sleek silhouette, it promises to be one of the most dramatically styled models in its class.

These exclusive images have been developed from the latest on-the-road spy shots of the car, which is currently being road tested in locations in both Europe and the US.

They show the newcomer mimics the basic proportions of its Mercedes rival, with the cockpit space stretching the length of the car and tailing off towards the rear. However, the Audi looks a lot more imposing and aggressive.

Renderings BMW PAS

The closer we get to the official revealing date, the more spy photos and renderings of the BMW Progressive Activity we will see. The folks at Leftlanenews decided to test their artist skills and based on the information we all have so far, they managed to draw a possible design of the BMW PAS.


In the same time, the German based magazine, Autozeitung, famous for their computer generated images, have put together their own version of the BMW Progressive Activity model.

Two different approaches, while the Leftlanenews artist uses the 2009 BMW 7 Series as the base for the PAS concept, Autozeitung still is importing design elements from the now cancelled CS Concept.

2010 BMW 5 Series - New Information

The fellows at MotorTrend have just posted an article in which they talk about the future 2010 BMW 5 Series. They seem to have received some new information regarding the chassis and the engine.


So, as we mentioned in the past also, the new generation 2010 BMW 5 Series, codenamed F10, will have a new line-up of engines. If the award-winning 3.0 liter twin-turbo engine will be part of the 5er lineup - the upgraded version with 326hp - there will be some other new engines powering the new 5 series. A twin-turbo clean diesel will be one of them, along with a diesel hybrid engine. We should also expect a full hybrid model as the new BMW 7 Series Hybrid.

The BMW M5 will downgrade their engine, from a V10 to a V8 turbo, something that it was reported recently by us as well.

BMW X3 spyed

In less than two years, the next generation BMW will present its second generation X3. The new BMW X3 will grow in size and it will move up in its class to make room for the X1 urban vehicle.

With new competitors like the Mercedes-Benz GLK and Audi Q5, BMW is looking to revitalize the current X3 by designing a more dynamic performance oriented activity vehicle with a sleeker design and more appealing to the bimmer fans.

A test mule was spotted in Munich, but compared to the previous spy shots, the new X3 is spotted together with the current X3. Despite the funky camouflage, you can still see the new X3 as growing in size with a roof line slightly lower than the current model. As we mentioned before, the X3 will follow the X5’s steps by getting more round corners and a sportier look. A more dynamic performance oriented activity vehicle is BMW’s goal for this second generation X3.

X6M : new spy shot

The 2010 BMW X6 M seems to be in the final testing stages and it has been spotted once again near the BMW Plant in Spartanburg, SC. Our friend Palbay was there once again snapping photos of this controversial BMW //M model.

The X6 M has never been confirmed by BMW and all the hints that we received over the last months were about “the new performance twins”. The BMW X6 M rumors have been received with skepticism by the bimmer fans, majority of them disagreeing with BMW’s intention of adding more M performance models to the SAV/SAC market. The BMW X5 M is another model that was spotted several times near Spartanburg, but it is expected to make its debut after the X6 M.

Audi A3 : rendered next generation

We found some interesting looking photoshop of the next-generation Audi A3 which is awaited for 2011. Street word has it that it will come with two new engines: a 1.2TFSI and a 1.6TDI.

Note some differences in this design such as TT-style angular headlamps and a an evolving Audi grille. We don't know how accurate this could be, but it's from AutoZeitung and they definitely have strong contacts at Audi AG.

Audi A7 concept to debut in Detroit

Audi has decided to go gangbusters at the Detroit Auto Show, with the car company planning to debut the Audi A7 concept on their stage there. This comes in addition to the official release of the 2010 Audi R8 V10, which will also premiere in the Motor City.

So far, all we've seen of the A7 concept are official sketches (seen above) distributed by the German automaker. The new A7, believed to be available from 2009 as a 2010 model, will have the choice of a 204 horsepower 2.8 liter engine, a supercharged 300 hp 3.0, and a 4.2-liter V8 pumping out nearly 400 hp. Audi has previously announced an A7 RS with a 600 hp twin-turbo 5.2 liter V10.

This last engine being more powerful than the V10 expected to be on the new 2010 R8.

Early talk has brought rumors of three different transmission systems. A six-speed manual, dual-clutch seven-speed DSG, and seven-speed automatic are expected to be offered.

Audi may be planning on marketing this car as the new flagship model for the franchise. It should get better weight distribution, and a new suspension system to smoothen out the bumps. There is also speculation of a hybrid version.

The Audi A7 concept is believed to have the same flowing lines as the production model will get. A four-door sedan, this car is one of the most anticipated vehicles so far announced for Detroit.

Audi R6 : rendered

In addition to the R3 there is a rumor about the R6 (2013), that would be positioned between the R3 and R8. Even though Audi has not confirmed this, it makes lot of sense. To be honest R6 makes more sense than R3. As R3 would compete with the TT, then R6 would be Audi’s alternative to Cayman.

2010 BMW Z4 Officially Unleashed with Video

BMW has provided automotive fans with an early Christmas present with the release of the first official details and images of the all-new 2010 BMW Z4 Roadster. Despite bleak economic times, BMW will be looking to continue the long term success of its roadster series. At launch the Z4 will be offered with three different engine options.

The top of the line Z4 sDrive35i features the award winning 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged engine that has already been successfully deployed in the 135i and 335i. It pumps out 306hp (228Kw) and 400Nm of torque (295lb-ft) and enables the roadster to launch from 0-62mph in just 5.2 seconds. For those consumers looking to take the optional Double Clutch Transmission system, an extra 0.1 seconds is wiped off this acceleration figure.The entry level Z4 sDrive23i gets a I6 powerplant with a displacement of 2,497cc, power output lies at 204hp (152 kW) and 250Nm(184lb-ft) of torque. The final engine option is the sDrive30i with a 258hp(192 kW) 3-liter engine with 210Nm(228lb-ft) of torque. All three powerplants abide by the strict EU5 emissions standard taking the BMW roadster into the next decade with much to be excited about.

The new 2010 model features a retractable hard-top, the first time we have seen this in a BMW Z series model. Raised or lowered in 20 seconds, the hard-top weighs much more than the soft-top version offered in previous model series which is sure to hinder the performance. To counter this effect, the Bavarian automaker has introduced a host of new technologies, starting with the Adaptive M Suspension system. The ride height can be raised or lowered by up to 10mm with a choice of three different configurations. Additionally, the driving experience is enhanced with the Drive Dynamic Control function (another first for the Z series) which dynamically alters both the steering and throttle responses.

Mercedes S-Class facelift spy photos plus AMG version

Some more crystal clear spy shots of the Mercedes S-Class facelift have surfaced. This time, they also include the AMG version, and hybrid as well.

Ambushed by the spies as the drivers' settled in for a bite to eat, we see some small updates. For example, take a look at the new graphic on the front lamps, now with LED daytime lights built in. LEDs also show up in the rear.

Around the frame, the bumpers get a rebuilt, with foglights integrated in. The prototypes were all camouflaged up inside, so we anticipate some sort of update there as well, like the SPLITVIEW display screen and COMAND infotainment system with 8-inch display. The hybrid is a S400 Bluehybrid, but that is not the only green advance. The other versions will also get better fuel economy.

Set for release in the middle of next year, the Mercedes S-Class will premiere as a 2010 model.

Mercedes SLC Gullwing Winter Testing Spy Video

A little over a week ago we showed off some spy photos of the Mercedes SLC Gullwing. We just got some video in today, and it is starting to make us antsy. Antsy because we want to see the thing completely uncovered!
The Gullwing is being shown outside Arjeplog, Sweden, where temperatures are between -3° C and -16° C, or as low as 3.2° F. Numbers like that dredge up memories of waiting for the school bus in January in Chicago. Unfortunately, my family never took me to school in one of these.
All we know for sure is that the Gullwing should debut in 2010 with anywhere from 550 to 600 horsepower, twin-turbo V8. The engine should pump out about 445 ft-lb of torque with a 7-tronic automatic transmission.

Since the separation with McLaren, Mercedes is going the Gullwing on their own. Although the car will be made exclusively by AMG, McLaren is going to work on their own version as well.

Second Generation 2011 Mercedes CLS

We present you with the first spy pictures of the 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS. Not the facelift, but the brand new next-generation model. Although few details can be seen, the CLS seems to adopt the overall styling of the S-Class and CL-Class, while the Ocean Drive Concept makes a rear appearance in the rear bumper and integrated dual exhaust tips.
The CLS was first produced in 2004 and was touted as the world's first four-door coupe. Featuring fastback features as well as a 2+2 seating arrangement, Merc wanted to ensure the best of both worlds with the CLS; sporty coupe looks and performance, coupled with the practicality of a sedan.
Power will be sourced from the usual assortment of V6, V8 petrol and diesels engines plus the possibility of a hybrid variant. For the range-topping AMG model a 400kW+/ 530bhp engine shared with the next 2010 E-Class is expected.

Soon other players will introduce rivals to the CLS such as the future Audi A7. Porsche has already revealed the Panamera for the segment and the Aston Martin Rapide plays along the same lines.

Audi A5/S5 Cabriolet Revealed

Inevitably Audi has released first information on the new Audi A5 Cabriolet, a bare-breasted two-door German with sleek lines and smooth engines. Offered with a total of seven engine derivatives, the A5 Cabriolet range adds sex appeal to the Audi family-car lineup. It sits four comfortably, keeps luggage almost like a normal sedan and is powered by the same petrol and diesel engines found in other Audis.

Quick to lose its canvass top, the A5 Cabriolet performs its "top off" stunt in 15 seconds, and "top back on" in 17 seconds through an electric system. The manoeuvres can be done at up to 50km/h (31mph) so no need to park on the side of the road when unexpectedly the heavens shed their tears. A neck-warming function is an option if driver and passenger fancy an open top cruise in cold weather.

As a start, a 1.8 TFSI with 160hp (118kW) provides entry into this segment, followed by a 180hp (132kW), 320Nm option, nicked closely at the heels by a 208hp (155kW) and 350Nm version of the same engine, that hard working 2.0-litre TFSI from the VW Group. At a mid level we see naturally aspirated V6 coming in, 3.0-litre size and making 265hp (195kW) and 330Nm of torque.

For those who love their open-sky driving as much as change in their pocket, Audi is making available two turbo diesels. Both V6 configured, the two are expectedly thriftier than their petrol counterparts. They are listed as a 2.7-litre TDI producing 190hp (140kW) and 400Nm, returning 6.3-litres per 100km, and the 3.0-litre TDI producing 240hp (176kW) and 500Nm of torque.

Top of the range, for now, at least until RS5 Cabriolet bares its teeth, is the S5 Cabriolet. True as predicted it features Audi's new 3.0-litre supercharged V6 with power figures of 333hp (245kW) and 440Nm. Audi says it will run from standstill to 100km/h in 5.6 seconds, yet retain an average fuel consumption figure of 9.6 litres/100km. Three transmissions come with the A5 range; standard 6-speed manual, infinitely-geared Multitronic and seven-speed double-clutch S tronic, depending on the model.


The cars come with an array of interior comforts, like MMI options, Alcantara for the S5, Bluetooth functionality, and Bang & Olufsen sound system or a digital TV tuner if those options are ticked. Deliveries of the Audi A5/ S5 Cabriolet will begin during the second quarter of 2009 at prices starting at €37,300.

BMW Z4

The first photo of a ready-to-sell BMW Z4 has leaked out of an undisclosed dealership. Not meant to be seen by the public until December 15th, the picture shows the final draft of the shiny roadster.

The BMW Z4 will sport an electro-mechanical differential called sDrive, and will likely have an additional engine option in addition to those already available. This new Z4 is thought to have 2.0-, 2.5-, and 3.0-litre engines, as well as a 3.0-litre twin turbo, and a massive 4.0-litre V8 from the M division.

Still uncertain is the auto show which will receive the new Z4 on a pedestal for its adoring public. The appearance of this photo makes us suspect a Detroit appearance may be imminent.

The new BMW Z4 will be produced at the Regensburg plant in Germany. The previous version was produced in Spartanburg.