New spy photos of the 2012 Porsche Boxster were captured in snowy northern Europe. The pictures show a new body for the Porsche model, with just a hint of the car's LED daytime lights.
The photographer on the scene says the Boxster prototype is definitely "lower and wider than the current generation." The front bumper appears to extend closer to the ground, and tape could be covering up changes in the side panels and sills. Thus far, the car has mainly been spied with a cloth roof. Perforated brake disks, already available on the current model, can be seen in these photos.
Previous reports mention Porsches need to reduce CO2 emissions down to about 180 g/km. As a result, Porsche is considering a turbocharged three-cylinder engine for the third generation Boxster model.
Nonetheless, the real changes could be coming to the car's performance figures. Look for more efficient numbers to come from the next-gen Boxster, which will likely weigh less than the current model, as well as a 2011 launch.
Ever since the Audi A5 mid-size executive coupe was born 3 years ago, reports of a high-performance RS variant have been teasing us. Finally, the wait is over.
Goog thing we checked our inbox today because we received an anonymous email containing 18 full-resolution photos of the Audi RS 5. Simultaneously, we also received a tip from Australian Motoring blog Ausmotive.com which just posted the same photos which are sourced from a leaked brochure. Either way, go put your bib on, because the drooling starts now.
No details about the powertrain or performance specs are revealed in the brochure. However, it does mention three types of seating and four wheel design choices. Audi's 7-speed dual clutch S-tronic transmission is the only choice - no mention of 6-speed manual. Also, no flat-bottom steering wheel is shown.
Speculation over which powerplant will drive the RS 5 has ranged from a massaged 3.0-liter supercharged V6 in the S4, 4.2-liter V8 and 5.0-liter V10 in the RS 6 to the range topping 5.2-liter V10 from the R8. Horsepower has been logically guestimated between 450 PS (331 kW / 444 hp) and 550 PS (405 kW / 542 hp), essentially where the RS 4 leaves off with 420 PS (309 kW / 414 hp) and ending with the RS 6 and its 579 PS (426 kW / 571 hp).
The RS 5 will undoubtedly debut at the Geneva Motor Show in two weeks. According to previous reports, the RS5 hits the streets soon after in July.
It may be a bit of "old news," but we were so impressed by this video that we had to showcase it. This "Making of" video takes viewers behind the scenes of a recent Porsche Panamera commercial shoot.
The "Family Tree" ad used 50 different Porsche models, with 22 professional drivers on hand to make it happen. In the final version, the cars race around miles of tarmac, all centered around the new Porsche Panamera. By the end of the video, the cars have splintered off to form the shape of a tree, with the Panamera creating "another bold line on the family tree," states the narrator.
The shoot for the television ad took three days to complete, with over 160 crew members involved. "Family Tree" was directed by @Radical Media's Jeff Zwart, who specializes in automotive ads. Amongst many other spots, Zwart directed the Hyundai Genesis Coupe commercial featuring Yo-Yo Ma.
The four-seat four-door Porsche Panamera is offered in three trim levels with either a 394-horsepower 4.8-liter naturally-aspirated V8, or a twin turbo model producing 493 hp. Six-speed manual and ZF seven-speed PDK dual-clutch gearboxes are available. A hybrid version is also speculated.
The first in a series of Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG ads featuring Michael Schumacher was released today. It shows Schuey driving the car through a tunnel at high speed, steering it off the road, up one wall, across the ceiling, down the other wall, before safely and smoothly getting the car back on the road.
Rough edits of the video had surfaced over the past few weeks. This is the first to identify Schumacher as the driver of the gullwing model. Rather, it is the first to try to convince us that he is the driver.
Fake or not, the minute-long video is fun to watch. It is part of a coordinated, cross-media marketing campaign by Mercedes to promote their speedy car, and their brand as a whole.
Production of the hand-built Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG began this month, about two months before its scheduled European market launch. The car uses a 6.3-liter (6208cc) V8 engine producing 563 horsepower and up to 479 ft-lb of torque.
The R8 started an exciting journey for the Audi brand when it launched into a segment its maker had not competed in before. Soon after rumours of a smaller R8, thought to be called the R4, surfaced. A concept e-tron car unveiled at the recent Detroit Auto Show confirmed that indeed an R4 is in the works.
Now Porsche is considering using the R4 platform as a basis for its newest and smallest model line. Speaking to Autocar, VW Group chairman Martin Winterkorn finally admitted to be looking at a car below the Boxster/ Cayman pair.
"The Porsche model range is firmly based on the 911, Boxster, Cayenne and Cayman, and it will stay that way," he was quoted as saying. "We are also investigating opportunities for a smaller sports car and a smaller SUV - but I cannot say more at the moment."
The car dubbed the new 356 would use a mid-engine layout and source power (said to be about 186kW or 250bhp) from a turbocharged boxer engine. It will share its transmission with the R4 but remain very much a Porsche in most other ways.
Although the R4 is expected to go on sale around June 2011, the Porsche model won't be available until at least 2012. Speculated prices stand at the equivalent of £33,000 (US$53,300) in today's money.
Spyes have snapped new pictures of the redesigned Porsche 911 (codenamed 991 or 998) undergoing cold weather testing in Sweden.
While it's still heavily camouflaged, we can see new details about the 911's LED taillights. Overall, the shape is similar to the one used on the current model (997.5), but the turn signal elements appear wider.
As we have previously reported, the next-generation 911 will feature an evolutionary design theme with minor styling tweaks. Changes include streamlined headlights, Panamera-style door mirrors, a revised rear windshield wiper, and wider rear wheel haunches. The 2011 model may also be a tad longer than the 997.
Engine options will likely carryover with minor modifications, and they will be connected to a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed Doppelkupplung (PDK) transmission. Like the current 911, rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive variants will be available.
A candid snapshot of the Audi A1, with pop-chart topper Justin Timberlake in the foreground, recently leaked out from a video and photo shoot. As the recently announced Audi A1 ambassador, Timberlake will be featured in a series of advertisements for the new supermini.
Our thanks to WorldCarFans reader "G" for raising the flag on this story.
Following official teaser renderings released a few days ago, the car appears to have headlights that bulge a bit as they extend outwards. The grille has a slight hexagonal shape, instead of a trapezoidal one. Air intakes appear to be larger, with foglights ringed in either chrome or white. It appears as though the A-pillar and roofline are still in a second color tone, as expected.
Do not read too much into the American pop star's involvement in the A1 campaign; this is not a sign that the car is coming to US soil. Despite the Mini Cooper's level of profitability in North America, Audi executives have long maintained that the volume of sales are not enough to justify bringing in another competitor. Audi boldly reiterated this line of thinking recently with a statement saying, "no sales are planned for the U.S."
Audi plans to introduce the urban commuter on the internet next February, with a full-reveal coming in March at the Geneva Motor Show.
With much anticipation, Audi has unveiled the all-new fourth generation A8 full-size luxury sedan this evening in Miami. At a glance the A8 and its aluminum body structure features an updated MMI operating system with hand writing recognition touch pad, new driver assistance systems, full LED headlights and new technologies such as night vision assist with marking of detected pedestrians and Audi pre sense safety system.
The A8's core competitors include the Mercedes-Benz S Class and BMW 7 Series with the Lexus LS and Jaguar XJ described as secondary competitors. The 2011 A8 weighs about the same as the outgoing model despite being 3 inches longer, 2 inches wider and has more standard equipment (8-speed auto transmission, pre sense basic, keyless go, power trunk, etc.) versus competitors: ~50lbs less than S Class RWD, and more than 200lbs (90.7kg) less than S Class AWD; more than 200lbs less than 7 Series RWD and more than 400lbs (181.4kg) less than 7 Series AWD.
“The new Audi A8 is the sportiest sedan in its segment,” says Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG. “It combines numerous functions in a new and intelligent way. And it’s unmatched in the stylistic elements and impression of the interior.”
Set to arrive at U.S. dealerships in late 2010, the initial engine offering is the well known 4.2 FSI V8 with 273 kW (372 hp). The standard transmission is an all-new eight speed tiptronic coupled to the latest generation quattro all wheel drive as standard. 0-100km/h (62 mph) arrives in 5.7 seconds while Audi is claiming an estimated 15 percent improvement in fuel consumption versus the current A8 (EPA figures TBD).
A long wheel base variant will be revealed in 2010 in addition to the confirmation of a hybrid model on the way.
For complete details please see the press release below.
This BMW mule was caught on video while parked on a street in Munich. Covered in the usual black and white psychedelic camouflage, the body is curiously that of the old 1978 M1. The interior is also covered up.
In 2008 BMW revealed an M1 Homage car, a move that sparked speculation of a future BMW supercar or at least a revival of the M1 name. Its design was a clear hark to the original M1 inspired by the 1972 BMW Turbo show car and designed by Giugiaro. It was essentially a racer that customers could also be able to drive on public roads.
Lamborghini had initially been tasked with developing the chassis and for manufacturing but its financial position at the time hampered the project such that BMW ended up retaking control. Ultimately only 456 units of the M1 were ever produced, making it one of the rarest BMWs ever built. The car did not completely disappear when the last one rolled off the production line in 1981 because the first-generation M5 featured a modified version of its 3.5-litre engine.
Perhaps the mule is another Homage model or just simply a public showcase of the older car.
Time for another round of facelift Mercedes-Benz C-Class spy pictures. In this instance we can see the top edge of the headlamps covered with some sticky tape. It looks like the C will sport an LED strip for the first time.
Other styling changes expected include a new front bumper, a new bonnet and a modified rear end. The interior should receive some minor upgrades as well. The engine range will remain largely the same and include such powerplants as the 125kW (170hp) four-cylinder turbo diesel and the 3.5-litre petrol V6. European sales are scheduled to commence some time in 2010.
The all-new sixth generation BMW 5-Series codenamed F10 has finally been revealed today.
In contrast to the current E60 generation which was characterized as being overly dramatic and baroque, the new F10 returns to a more graceful and conservative design reminiscent of the fourth generation E39, yet still aggressive and sporty. We are sure the F10 will win back a lot of alienated BMW fans from the previous Chris Bangle design era.
The new 5 Series sedan will launch with one eight-cylinder and three six-cylinder petrol engines as well as two six-cylinder diesels. Approximately three months later, the range will be rounded off by a direct injection four-cylinder turbodiesel.
Starting with the petrol units at the top of the range, the 550i TwinPower Turbo V8 makes 300 kW/407 hp, 535i twin turbo straight-six delivers 225 kW/306 hp, while the two straight-six engines with direct injection develop 190 kW/258 hp in the BMW 528i and, 150 kW/204 hp in the BMW 523i, respectively. For the diesels, the 530d produces 180 kW/245 hp and the 525d with 150 kW/204 hp. Lastly, the 520d and its four-cylinder makes 135 kW/184hp boasting an average fuel consumption figure in the EU5 test cycle at 5.2 litres/100 kilometres, the CO2 emission rating is 137 g/km (provisional figures with automatic transmission). BMW's new eight-speed automatic transmission is available as standard on all models (in Germany).
For the front suspension BMW is doing away with the MacPherson strut system that has been in use since 1965 and adopts a more sophisticated multi-link system already seen on the 7-Series F01. The rear suspension has been upgraded as well but remains the same in principle, also as a multi-link system. When equipped with a Sport Package, Adaptive Drive is added which includes Driving Dynamics Control, Dynamic Damping Control and Active Roll Stabilization. Optional Integral Active Steering will virtually extend or shorten the vehicle's wheelbase for improved stability at high speeds and enhanced agility at lower speeds.
BMW EfficientDynamics technologies are featuring as standard Brake Energy Regeneration, a gearshift point indicator, active air flap control, and on-demand operation of ancillary units including a detachable a/c compressor. Body construction features aluminum components such as the doors, hood, front fenders and suspension to reduce weight.
A tour de force of driver's aid and infotainment features are available on the 5-Series. They include a Parking Assistant, Surround View, collision warning with application of the brakes in conjunction with Active Cruise Control plus Stop & Go, and a new Speed Limit Device. Further features also available are Lane Change Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Speed Limit Info, a Head-Up Display, a High-Beam Assistant, BMW Night Vision with detection of individual persons, Park Distance Control and a back-up camera.
The latest fourth generation of BMW iDrive control appears in two versions: with 7.0-in. dimensions and 800 x 480-pixel resolution in standard form, or with the optional Navigation system, in a 10.2-in., 1280 x 480-pixel version with a wider range of features and functions as in the new BMW 7 Series. Displays are transreflective so that light from the sun actually makes the images on the screen brighter.
The 5-Series will be built at BMW Plant Dingolfing along side the new 2009 BMW 7 Series F01. The 5-Series F10 is based on the same architecture as the 7-Series as both vehicles extensively share components.
Dealer and press junket is scheduled for February 2010 in Lisbon, Portugal while European market launch takes place in March 2010.
With days before its official unveiling in Munich on November 23rd, a new and most likely last spy video of the new 2011 BMW 5 Series has showed up on our radar. The fellows journalists at Auto Motor und Sport spotted the new 5 Series during several testing sessions on the roads of Munich.
The video shows different 5 Series variants and exterior colors: 550i, 535i and Sophisto Gray, Amethyst or Alpine White. What strikes us the most about this video compilation is the professional method in which it was shoot, a sign that the launch is imminent and the car is out in the open.
As we mentioned, the new 2011 BMW 5 Series will launch next Monday and our German publication, BimmerToday.de, will be there to report live. As always, stay tuned for a complete coverage of this new model.
How about this -- it might be the long-rumored A7. You know, the swoopy "four-door coupe" set to compete against cars like the Mercedes-Benz CLS. That makes much more sense. Take a long look at the rear glass and thick C-pillars in this spy shot. We thinks we may be on to something. Especially if you stare long and hard at the tail lights -- the outer ones appear real and taped off, while the inner lights appear to be fake pieces of reflective tape. A design that conforms to the blurry A7 shots we've seen.
Top Gear returns with a new episode and for us, the BMW fans, it gets quite exciting. Top Gear decides to compare the all new BMW flagship, 760Li, against Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG. The BMW 760i and 760Li are powered by a completely new 6.0-liter V12 all-aluminum engine with Twin-Turbo Technology.
The V12 engine outputs 544 horsepower at 5,000 rpm, with maximum torque of 533 lb-ft at 1,500.The engine is matted to an 8-speed automatic transmission and the 760 runs from 0-60 mph in just 4.6 seconds.
Now, let’s take a look at the Mercedes Benz S63 AMG. The S63 uses a 6.3-liter V8 engine which outputs a hefty 456 lb-ft. of torque on tap and 518-horsepower. The engine is matted to AMG-modified seven-speed automatic.
Who takes the crown? Let’s watch this great video from Top Gear.
The first spy photos of the next generation BMW 3 Series broke out just a couple of weeks ago. With three years left before the unveiling, several test mules began the lengthy testing process.
The prototypes seen on the road now carry a large amount of plastic camouflage on them that cover the actual design lines. What the photos reveal currently are similar proportions to the current model and a slightly longer wheelbase.
Sources close to BMW mention that the proportions of a typical 3 Series will remain, meaning squat proportions, short rear overhang and wheels placed to each corner.
The first official teaser for the 2011 BMW 5-Series F10 released earlier this week was met with little enthusiasm. Fans criticised that the teaser, which showed the silhouette of the F10 body using BMW's kinetic sculpture, didn't reveal enough "skin" to keep fans intrigued or generate further excitement. This reaction is quite understandable as WCF readers have been staring at the F10 body shape for months thanks to our intrepid spy photographers.
However, an anonymous BMW dealer supposedly decided to take matters into his/her own hands, and forwarded to WCF exclusively via a liason this low resolution image of the F10 front corner completely uncovered.
Since the source cannot be verified, we have to emphasize that the alleged F10 image could be a clever digital manipulation. Compared to spy photos included on this page, there are some differences in the image which don't match, particularly at the rear corner of the headlamp where it meets the fender and bumper fascia. Also, the headlamp washer pump opening is missing from the bumper fascia as well.
Despite the minor discrepancies, the image looks good enough to serve its purpose, which is to intrigue, pique curiosity and perhaps generate excitement for BMW's highly anticipated premium sedan.
BMW has finally announced the media release of the all new 2011 BMW 5 Series (F10) to take place via Live-Stream on November 23rd, 8p.m. CET. Along with the annoucement comes the teaser image and video using BMW's kinetic sculpture from the BMW Museum to illustrate the vehicle's silhouette.
With the timing of the unveiling so close to the Los Angeles Auto Show (Dec 2), it's likely the 5-Series will have it's public debut at the last major show of 2009. The F10 5-Series is one of the most anticipated vehicles of the year.
Please see related links below for a selection of spy photo articles covering the latest known info of the 2011 5-Series.
Our spies have caught a Mercedes E-Class Cabrio virtually undisguised.
While only a few pieces of camouflage hide the headlights and emblems, we've already seen these design elements on the E-Class Coupe. Nearly identical to the aforementioned model, the Cabrio features a canvas roof and a unique pop-up wind blocker (the black section at top of the windshield) that reduces air turbulence when the roof is down.
Like the coupe, engine options are expected to include a 215 kW (292 hp) 3.5-liter V6 and a 5.5-liter V8 with 285 kW (388 hp). Since Mercedes has nixed the AMG version of the E-Class Coupe, the Cabrio won't receive the fire breathing 6.3-liter (6208cc) V8 engine with 386 kW (525 hp) and 630 Nm (465 lb-ft) of torque.
Look for the E-Class Cabrio to debut at the North American International Auto Show or the Geneva Motor Show.
Another BMW Z4 with an M Package was spotted by our spies. Previous shots revealed a red model which is now switched with this grey one. It seems most of the kit is concentrated on the front and rear bumpers where the black and white camouflage is pasted. Since BMW is not producing a high-performance Z4 M for the current model the kit is just about as close as fans will get to that halo car. Unfortunately even accompanying engine upgrades are not expected, although the new 326hp, 450Nm M Sport power pack for the 135i and 335i cannot be discounted.
Instead the suspension will be tweaked slightly, larger wheels fitted and M badges posted in key areas, inside and out. The package should be offered across the Z4 range.
More spy pictures of the 2011 Audi A8 have appeared as it went around the Nürburgring. Audi is giving it a workout that should make it stand out against competitors in terms of handling. The black and white camouflage is still quite heavy so not much can be seen.
The big news is kept under the bonnet where a new range of powerplants will be found. Downsizing is quite a popular practice across the motor industry and Audi has been at the edge of it all. Therefore, a new compact 2.0-litre TDI is rumoured to be the entry-level diesel for the next A8. Speculation is that it will use twin-turbo technology to churn out over 147kW (200hp) and 400Nm of torque.
There will be other options of course such as V6s and V8s, both petrol and diesel. The V10 currently in the S8 is to be deleted in favour of a smaller V8 packing over 300kW (408hp). Another new engine for the A8 will be based on the same supercharged 3.0-liter V6 found in the 245kW (333hp) S4/ S5. However, it will have twin-turbos producing even more power. At the very top end we should see a new powerful 6.5-litre V12 doing well over 368kW (500hp).
While over 90% of the A8s sold will feature quattro AWD, the rest will be driven through the front wheels. The range-topping Audi will also come with an upgraded MMI system, night vision technology and road sign-recognition abilities.
The new A8 will debut at the 2010 North American International Auto Show in Detroit and go on sale sometime during the year. In the US it will be sold as a 2011 model.
It was just a matter of time until the 2011 BMW 5 Series will begin to reveal itself even more. Latest spy photos published by MotorAuthority are giving away some design details unseen before.
For the first time, the front fascia is almost fully unveiled, with the kidney grille and headlights showing us the final details. As we expected, the corona rings headlights are very close to the ones seen in the 5 Series GT model. The larger than usual kidney grille seen in the new 7 and 5GT has been toned down, but at the same time, it is wider than the current E60 model.
At the rear end, the bumper has been revealed, but the headlights still keep some mystery around them. The test mule seems to feature production ready wheels giving the car the aggressive look we’ve all been waiting for.
Some visible features include the two massive tailpipes, a rear diffuser, rear LED lights and low profile tyres. A brief sneak peak through the windows reveals two front sports seats similar to those of the RS 6.
Since Audi postponed a number of their new product launches, thanks to the global recession, the RS 5 has had to bide its time and clock up extra test miles. Hopefully that makes it an even sharper road hog than originally planned.
Under the bonnet lurks a rumoured 330kW (449hp) of power from a 4.2-litre V8 engine. It would be placed under the care of quattro AWD and a standard 6-speed manual or a 7-speed R Tronic. As with recent versions of quattro most torque should head rearwards under certain driving conditions.
The RS 5 will debut at an international motor show within the next few months, with first sales scheduled for July 2010.
Spies have caught the first images of the Audi A1 prototype being taken around the block. BMW-style black & white psychedelic camo cannot do enough to hide the Audi front grille. Just from these pictures it appears the car will have a longer wheelbase than its chief rivals. An Audi executive was recently quoted as saying several body variants were possible. Clearly this is a 3-door but a 5-door, a Cabriolet and a possible coupe/ roadster can be expected. Even an SUV cannot be discounted.
Engines would include a 1.8-litre TSI, some diesel units as well as hybrid or full-on electric. Drive would be placed mainly on the front wheels but a possible S1 might take a leaf from bigger S cars and use quattro AWD.
Audi is not yet at a stage where customers in the US are prepared to part with premium cash for an ultra-compact model. Therefore the A1 will not be launched for this market, not until such time as public attitudes at least improve.
Whether the A1 eventually looks more like the Metroproject Concept remains to be seen.
If our sources are correct, we’re weeks away from the unveiling of the first official photos of 2011 BMW 5 Series. In the mean time, 5 Series test mules continue testing across Europe.
The photos shown below were spotted in Germany and Austria, including some shots from the car doing the ‘Ring track. If most of the spy photos we’ve seen where giving us the 5er in a dark silver color, these latest ones show us the new 5 in the Milano Beige color.
