Mercedes SLK Gullwing in the works?

Mercedes is currently working on a new sportscar to be slotted under the SLC supercar. The new Mercedes-Benz SLK Gullwing would be a hybrid, with an all-electric range of 120 miles, according to Auto Express.



The decision to make the top-of-the-line SLK with doors hinged in the roof had to do with battery placement. Mercedes is believed to want to put lithium-ion battery packs in the side sills, which would need to be raised higher to accomodate. This could be the same li-ion system seen in the Blue Zero E-Cell concept at this year's Detroit Auto Show. Regenerative brakes and a stop-start engine advance the hybrid system one step further.

Not many cars could get 40 mpg, and generate a relatively clean 150g of CO2 per kilometer, while maintaining a 0-60mph time of five seconds. That power comes thanks to an advancement on the current 3.5 liter V6 petrol engine. The current version produces 300 hp and up to 266 ft-lb of torque. Top speed of the new rear-wheel-drive would be around 155 mph.

With the new SLK lineup planned for a 2011 release, it is likely the Gullwing would come out later. If it gets the go-ahead, the new 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK Gullwing would be a competitor to the Porsche Cayman S and the Audi TT RS.

BMW PAS - The Best Photo

Update: It seems like we were wrong, the car in this image is the current 3 series with an X1 front-end. We’re not sure why, but it definitely fooled us.
Thanks to rot member of Bimmerpost, today we have the best and newest spy photo of the upcoming BMW PAS, short for Progressive Activity Sedan, or the 5 Series GT, as BMW might ended up calling the new vehicle.

The new photo shows the 5er GT being in the pre-final evaluation phase where the plastic body parts covering the car are being replaced by the funky camo pattern.

As you can see in the photo, the front-grille is quite large when compared to other BMW models, in line with what we learned in the past that the Progressive Activity Sedan will take some design cues from the recently revealed BMW 7 Series and it will be marketed as a model between the 2010 BMW 5 Series and the 7 Series.

The PAS/5-series GT is slightly longer than a 5-series sedan and just shorter than a 7-series. We also know that it will be longer than the X6, measuring around 192.91 inch.

The new vehicle will make its debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show and going on sale, early next year, before the new 2010 BMW 5 Series is unveiled.

Spy Photos: The new BMW 760Li

BMW M7? No, once again, there will be no M7, but a new BMW 7 Series 760Li will make its appearance very soon. Two weeks ago, several online media sites decided to “break the news” by showing photos of what they believe it was the all-mighty BMW M7.

So, we had to go on record and prove that what we’re looking at is actually the rumored, now confirmed, BMW 760Li. The four square pipes, a trademark for the high-end 7 vehicles, was the first giveaway. The aggressive front-end differentiates the 760Li from the other 7 Series models, but it no way it resembles an M car.

And if that wasn’t enough of a clue, then look at one of the side photos, and you will notice the V12 badge slightly covered with tape. Talk about a total giveaway!

Mercedes CLS winter testing

Either Mercedes-Benz's development efforts of the next generation CLS have been accelerated or our spies are working overtime during this Northern Hemisphere winter. In either case it is good news for those who want to see more spy pictures of the CLS. The car starts selling in 2011.

Taken during the day the pictures follow on the first two sets of spy shots that were published in December 2008. Hidden under heavy black disguise the CLS only shows itself through the headlights, rear lights, side mirrors, tyres and the roof. Bits of the tailpipes can be seen sticking out through two rectangular tips on either side -similar tothe new E-Class sedan. A front grille shaped like two kidneys could be mistaken for one from another German brand.

The CLS was the pioneer of the 2+2-seater four-door coupe when it launched in 2004. More and more motor manufacturers are either presenting or working to finalise their own interpretations of this sporting sedan layout. Included here are Aston Martin with the Rapide, Porsche's new Panamera and Audi's upcoming A7 which was previewed in Detroit as the Audi Sportback Concept. Even Volkswagen has released its own Passat CC, although it falls lower in the luxury ladder than these other names.

Thrust is expected to come from a wide range of sources among which are petrol, petrol turbo and diesel turbo engines, as well as a BlueHybrid model that will use the same engine system as the S400 BlueHybrid. An AMG model should top the range and produce a revised target of about 380kW (517hp). Merc's 7-speed gearbox will be offered with these powerplants.

Next Generation Porsche Boxster Caught in the Snow

Spy shots starring Porsche cars are as popular as ever regardless of the fact that the Stuttgart-based automaker is churning out different models like it was a fashion show. The 2011 Boxster is the subject of this spy photo spread showing the car undergoing winter testing in Scandinavia.

Porsche used the body of the current Boxster to obscure the real star of the show. Even after their hard work one or two details cannot be hidden. The two rear lights clusters show a cleaner look with two or perhaps three round lights in each. It may be a another red herring but the roof is made of cloth instead of composite metals which means the Boxster hasn't gone coupe cabriolet like its rivals the Mercedes SLK and the new BMW Z4. Other than that no other serious detail can be made out from these spy pictures. An evolution rather than a revolution in styling will be the design stance taken by Porsche for the next Boxster then.

The Porsche Boxster was launched in 1996 to complement the 911 range. It was the first Porsche designed as a roadster from scratch as it wasn't based on any existing model. Upgraded engines were introduced in 2000 and both styling and engines changed in 2003. Further improvements were made to the Boxster in 2005 and in 2007. Last November a new face-lift version appeared at the LA Auto Show with yet more power and features such as the Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) 7-speed double clutch gearbox.

Mercedes E-Class Coupe Official Images Leak Out

Leaked! Official images of the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe have just been unofficially unveiled by the guys at AutoBlog.nl who are quite happy about that particular development. For many months the car has been spied and photographed during different phases of its development hidden under various grades of cammo. Mercedes-Benz is expected to officially reveal the car in the sheet metal at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show. But for now these are some of the official pictures.

Previously known as the CLK, the new E-Class Coupe has gone to great lengths in order to make itself more attractive to a younger buyer. Lots of straight sharp exterior lines and concave/ convex bodywork will establish it as something of a fresh take on the coupe for Mercedes. The front is dominated by a twin-blade chromed grille with a huge Mercedes-Benz three-point star plastered over it. The lower grille features a sporty mesh design flanked by two LED slits on both sides. Overall it gives the impression of either an AMG model or AMG kit. We are inclined to choose the latter because of the two tailpipes instead of four as found in the current CLK 63 AMG. This car even features an integrated rear diffuser and what appears to be rear LED lights.

Inside the typical four-seater set up is found. The seats themselves are covered in leather and look to give good lateral support when cornering. The dashboard is covered with leather and wood while touches of a brushed aluminium-looking material are fitted on to the steering wheel, gearshift casing and some control knobs.

Mercedes McLaren SLR Stirling Moss Unveiled

Today marks the end of a long chapter in supercar history. The last car ever to be produced by a cooperative effort between Mercedes-Benz and McLaren, the Mercedes McLaren SLR Stirling Moss was officially unveiled today, providing a bittersweet close to the partnership.

On paper, the fourth SLR production car is simply amazing. It uses a supercharged V8 to get from 0-100 km/h in under 3.5 seconds. With a top speed of 350 km/h (217 mph), the SLR takes complete advantage of its 650 horsepower rating. Built without a windshield, side windows, nor a roof, the driver and passenger are completely unprotected from nature. Although a frightening thought, this can only enhance the excitement felt from driving this car.

It was in 1955 Mercedes-Benz driver Stirling Moss took the 300 SLR to successive victories in the Mille Miglia, the Eifel race, Targa Florio, and the Tourist Trophy. Moss' Mille Miglia victory still stands today at a record ten hours, seven minutes, and 48 seconds. This is why the latest reincarnation of the legendary SLR bears the name "Stirling Moss".

Mercedes intended to keep the Silver Arrow concept rolling along with the SLR Stirling Moss, by giving the car an incredibly long hood, with a small rear. The hood is meant to be integrated with the interior to make the car look even longer than it is. Intricately detailed wing and black grilles on the side and hood are in keeping with SLR tradition. The interior is composed of a combination of carbon fibre trim, aluminum, and leather. An aluminum plaque surrounds the shift lever, embossed with Stirling Moss' signature.

Instead of a windscreen, air deflectors are utilitzed. Roll bars are built into the two scoops rising over the seats. To keep weight down, the entire body is made from carbon fibre. The owner of the vehicle can close off the vehicle with two carbon-fibre tonneau covers, carried in the trunk.

Mercedes/McLaren claim the car generates plenty of downforce, but the driver also has access to a semi-manual airbrake just in case. When the car is traveling over 120 km/h (75 mph) and the driver hits the brakes, the airbrake raises automatically.

Limited to just 75 units, the €750,000 Mercedes McLaren SLR Stirling Moss begins production in June. Only current SLR customers will get the opportunity to purchase the new vehicle.

BMW testing the next generation 3 Series platform

Three years before the official launch and BMW has already started testing the next generation 2012 BMW 3 Series. The F35 platform will be quite different from the current E9x models and the first visual change that we noticed is the increased wheelbase along with a wider body.

As we learned from sources close to BMW, we are still a year away from the time the first 2012 3 Series prototypes will hit the road for testing and the final design will be chosen this spring.

An interesting fact pointed out by our friend at BMW is that the Progressice Activity Coupe based on the next 3er platform will be launched prior to the new 3 Series. This is similar to the Progressive Activity Sedan coming out before the 2010 BMW 5 Series. The PAC will be introduced when the Progressive Activity Sedan is officially announced.

Audi A7 Sportback Concept Images Leaked

Audi's Sportback concept will make its debut at the Detroit Auto Show which begins in less than a day. These are the first leaked images of the car. The Sportback concept represents the future Audi A7, a four-door 2+2 coupe said to be larger in size than the current A6. As much as it is a concept, Audi's recent design philosophies are all over the Sportback including those LED lights and the smiley grille, though this time it's upside down.

The vehicle's roofline and smaller rear window shows a fastback blueprint which could mean the A7 is a full-on hatch. It will be built on Audi's new modular longitudinal build kit (LBK). This modular setup can be adjusted for length, width and height to suit whatever application it's needed for. Other future large Audis are expected to use the same chassis setup.

The A7 will mark Audi's entry into the four-door Grand Tourer market where at the moment the Mercedes-Benz CLS reigns supreme and Porsche's new Panamera has also entered. Other players like the Aston Martin Rapide and BMW CS concept-based car will soon join the segment. The production car should be seen on many roads by the last quarter of 2009.

VW Concept Blue Sports Breaks Cover

Volkswagen's Concept Blue Sports premieres in Detroit as a study in combining great fuel economy with a sporty drive and looks. The roadster measures some four metres in length but weighs less than 1200kg. VW has put a turbo diesel engine in it and that tips the performance scales even more in its favour.

The engine is a 2.0-litre TDI that makes 180hp (134kW) from 4,200rpm and a hefty torque of 350Nm made from just 1,750rpm. Said to be capable of a 0 - 100km/h time of 6.6 seconds and a top speed of 226km/h (140mph), the Blue Sports concept emits just 113g/km in harmful C02 gasses. It averages 4.3 litres per 100km (55mpg US/ 66mpg UK) in fuel consumption.

Not to be classified as a lightweight with no proper credentials, the car runs on massive 235/35ZR19 tyres front and 245/35ZR19 rear. The gearbox is VW's trusted quick-shifting DSG with 6 forward gears and one reverse.

Technologies adopted are bi-xenon LED headlights outside, a touchscreen that controls infotainment sources inside and an easy-to-use top that can be removed in seconds. Could the Concept Blue Sports be pointing towards a future Scirocco cabriolet? Time will tell.

2010 BMW 5 Series Rendering

The image below gives us an approximate look of what the next generation 2010 BMW 5 Series front-end might look like.

All the credit for this image goes to VroomVroom and AndyValencia, members if Germancarzone. With the help and hints from people close to BMW and who have seen the final design, the rendering is said to be about 95% accurate, with one exception: the BMW roundel or logo, will be going to be placed on the front bumper rather than the hood.

What we learned recently is that the mirrors and the handles on the F10 5-Series are the same that on the F01.

BMW reconfirms 3 Series Crossover

No breaking news here, but according to Autocar UK, BMW’s CEO Norbert Reithofer has confirmed the future launch of a smaller, more affordable luxury crossover, internally named V3.

The PAC, Progressive Activity Coupe or V3, as it is known internally, is expected to based on Long Wheel Base 3 Series. The Progressive Activity Coupe has a higher roof when compared to the existing 3 Series Wagon and of course, a longer wheelbase as well. According to Autocar, it will fill a slot between the 3 Series Touring and the BMW X3, a statement that might not be entirely true, since the next generation X3 will grow in size and the X1 will be taking its place.

The idea of a PAC vehicle is that the little less wealthy 3er customers might find 5 Series too expensive, X3 too big, so they might find the V3 PAC being the right choice.

As Autocar mentioned as well, we learned a while back that the 3-series crossover will come with rear-wheel drive as standard, but four-wheel drive will be offered as an option.

The engines are likely to be the ones from the BMW 3-series models, with a future line-up of turbocharged four and six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, basically expect all the “goodies” from the 3 Series to make it into the PAC as well.

Audi A8 : Next Generation

Under the new sheet metal will be an extended version of the modular platform used in the A4, but expect to see more exotic materials such as aluminum and magnesium employed to help save further weight and improve dynamics. The base model will remain FWD but AWD variants will feature the latest quattro torque vectoring SportDifferential, which distributes drive individually between each axle and between the rear wheels for improved traction and stability. There will also be electronic control for the air-suspension, steering, pedal response and transmission systems.



The new engine lineup will feature a 250hp (186kW) 3.0L V6 TDI, a 290hp (216kW) 3.0L V6 FSI, a 340hp (253kW) 4.2L V8 TDI, a 372hp (277kW) 4.2L V8 FSI and finally a 620hp (462kW) 5.0L V10 FSI reserved for the S8. Audi is yet to decide on whether it will launch a 12-cylinder model, however there are plans for a new mild-hybrid version. There will also be more supercharged units as well as increased application of Audi’s latest valve-lift system. The 6.0L W12 engine is reportedly being phased out due to its high costs and emissions.

First BMW M7 Spy Photos?

Though not officially so, BMW has on occasion admitted to cooking up a hotter version of the new 7 Series. Could these spy pictures be representing that top of the range BMW called the M7? The pictures landed on the laps of our friends at Motortips after being sent to them by a German reader named Francisco.

Francisco had been at his local supermarket about 100km west of Munich when he spotted a different-looking black BMW parked outside. Thinking it was a 2011 5 Series he went for a closer look. Upon realising the vehicle was a 7 Series he noticed other features that set it aside from normal 7ers. For instance, the carhad big black wheels with low profile tires and a dual exhaust system with trapezoidal tips, which is different from other models in the 7 Series lineup. Only M cars are fitted with double tailpipes at BMW.

Was it a special owner-tuned version perhaps? That would have made sense had the badges not been deliberately covered to protect the car's true identity. Apart from the badges there is no other disguise visible enough for the eye to see, pointing to an imminent public reveal.

It's the first time that BMW is producing an M-badged 7 Series after many years of speculation. The BMW M7 will go head to head with the Mercedes-Benz S63 / S65 AMG and the upcoming supercharged Jaguar XJR. It should produce in excess of 600hp (447kW).

Audi S1 - details emerge

Audi is launching a high-performance S1 variant of its A1 mini car around 2011. Based on the Metroproject concept of 2007, the A1 will compete with the MINI and Alfa Romeo MiTo at the bottom end of the luxury car market. For Audi, this pocket rocket S1 competes against the 211hp Cooper S JCW and Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA, powerful little cars with chassis built especially for handling.

Exterior kit is as important as engine performance in this segment and so Audi will spare very little cost with things like 19-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, deep air intakes, a roof-mounted spoiler and some chrome finishing.

To assist the quattro 4WD system in sticking those big tyres onto the ground, a 1.4-litre TSI engine should do the trick quite nicely. That's the same engine found in the SEAT Ibiza Cupra and upcoming VW POLO GTIas well. For those two it makes 178hp/ 133kW but the S1 will benefit from upgrades and an ECU tweak to give it over 200hp.

Mated to this powerplant is the new S Tronic twin-clutch gearbox which should push the car from 0 - 60 mph in about 6 seconds while returning a fuel economy index of 35 mpg.

The 2011 Audi S1 is expected to come in at £25,000 while the cheapest model in the A1 range may cost from around £13,000 when the base cars are launched in 2010.

Mercedes E-Class sedan brochure scans leaked

Early in December 2008 the very first official pictures of the new 2010 E-Class were leaked. And now less than a month later a scanned chunk of the marketing brochure with some detailed technical information and pictures has also been leaked.

Contained in the German-language brochure are very intimate details of the 2010 E-Class. The car is 4.868 metres long and has a wheelbase of 2.87 metres. It comes with a range of engines with 4 and 6 cylinder models in both petrol and turbo diesel form. With the exception of the E350 4Matic models and E350 BlueTEC, all other models are BlueEfficiency equipped. Powerplants include the E200 CGI with 135kW (184hp) and 270Nm, E250 CGI with 150kW (204hp)and 310Nm, E350 CGI making 215kW (292hp)and 365Nm, and the 285kW (388hp) E500 producing 530Nm.

Diesels are pretty strong too. The E200 CDI is good for 100kW (136hp) and 360Nm, from the same engine its E220 sibling does 125kW (170hp) and 400Nm. At the top end we find an E250 CDI with 150kW (204hp) and 500Nm plus a 3.0-litre E350 CDI with BlueEfficiency makes a heady 170kW (231hp) and 540Nm of torque.

Pretty much all the styling details of the E-Class can be seen; from front to the sides to the rear. The standard car is defined by its 9-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels and the chrome grille. Some styling packages like the ELEGANCE and AMG Sports Package are available to assist buyers when individualizing the look of their cars.

The ELEGANCE Package offers features like the liberal use of chrome for styling while AVANTGARDE models are sportier and more agile in their appearance. The differences up front are very clear when the two models stand side by side. ELEGANCE models feature double foglights on each side and more chrome on the grille while AVANTGARDE models have different shaped LED foglights below the bi-xenon lights and one less chrome rib on the grille. Wheels are 17-inch alloys.

Differences extend to the interior where high quality materials are evident for both packages but ELEGANCE uses more contrast of leather with wooden materials whereas AVANTGARDE cars are fitted with aluminium to emphasize their sportier feel. An EXCLUSIVE package is also available featuring luxury materials like Nappa leather upholstery and Alcantara. The AMG Sports package comes with sports seats, a contrasting interior colour scheme and an expression of dynamic power.

Although no details of the actual E-Class AMG are in these leaked brochure scans, this particular package gives a good idea of what it might look like.

2010 Mercedes E Class Coupe

New spy shots of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupé have popped up. Photographed in Germany, anticipation is boiling over for Stuttgart's replacement line for the CLK.


Looking rather dynamic in the metallic dark grey paint with silver lined windows and five-point alloys, one can't help but wonder if this car was meant to be photographed before its debut. A very sleek, but slightly covered black beauty was seen as well. Clearly, the car has taken some inspiration from the FASCINATION concept shown at Paris in 2008. Engine options begin with the 1.8 liter turbocharged petrol, and stops with the mammoth AMG 500 horsepower machine.


On sale this year, the Mercedes E-Class Coupé will likely debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March. The E-Class four-door sedan is coming to the NAIAS in Detroit, and the convertible should see daylight later in the year.

2011 BMW 1-Series

Following a mid-cycle facelift performed in 2007, the next generation BMW 1-Series is due to arrive in 2011. Prototype mules using the current 1-Series body (E87) have already been spotted testing around Germany and as a result artist renderings are starting to fill the speculative void.

Despite the early stage of testing, some details have been revealed. According to AutoBild, who spoke to BMW's product development chief, Klaus Draeger, BMW is keeping to the recent philosophy of fast developing new segments. Although a decision has not been made yet, the new 1-Series lineup may feature a type of elongated shooting-brake two-door wagon/ hatch variant. Such a variant, which can accommodate adult size rear passengers unlike the current 1-Series, would allow BMW to offer it to the US market.

The existing BMW and PSA Group alliance which already produces engines for MINI would build engines ranging from 1.4 liters to 3.0 liters for the 1-Series. Turbos are most certainly on the list, but an M version of the 1-Series is out of the question again.