2010 Mercedes E-Class Cabrio to Debut in Frankfurt

The sheer volume of spy photos of the 2010 Mercedes E-Class coupe and convertible is enough to make it clear that both vehicles are close to introduction. The coupe is scheduled to bow in Geneva next month, and according to Edmunds' Inside Line, the cabriolet will debut this fall at Frankfurt, as expected.

It's official: The E-Class coupe and cabriolet will replace the CLK model. A convertible with a retractable hardtop is still a possibility, based on prototypes spotted in testing, but the soft-top is a certainty. Both two-doors ride on a modified version of the sedan's chassis with a longer wheelbase and more interior room than the outgoing CLK. The cabriolet is expected to share the same powertrains available in the coupe.

What will those be? Well, Mercedes' first direct-injection four-cylinder engine is the base powerplant, a turbocharged 1.8 liter unit making 204 horsepower. A common-rail diesel-powered four will also be available, though neither of the four-cylinders (designated E250 CGI and CDI for the gas and diesel models, respectively) is expected to make it to North America. Americans will have to be content with the E350 coupe and cabriolet's 231-horsepower 3.0 liter V6. V8 power is provided by the E500. Of course, a high-powered AMG variant is inevitable; expect 500 horsepower or so once AMG shoehorns its 6.2 liter V8 into the E-Class coupe's engine bay.

Other advances will be similar to those found on the high-tech E-Class sedan, including a revised COMAND system, PRE-SAFE braking and a driver attention-assist system which detects drowsiness.

Is BMW testing the X1 front on an E91 3 Series Wagon?

In the past, we have seen another 3 Series Wagon featuring the X1 front-end, and we are inclined to believe that we’re looking at the same test mule.




Since the design for the new 3 Series has not been chosen yet - very soon though from what we heard- the chances of having an E9x series vehicle running with the front-end of the next generation 3 Series, are slim to none. Playing devil’s advocate here, we did see recently the 3 Series Sedan testing the platform for the next generation….

Now, we also know that the 2010 BMW X3 is based on the 3 Series platform, so this could a possibility as well, along with the rumored confirmed BMW 3 Series GT which will be unveiled later this year or early 2010.

But for now, we can only speculate, we sent in the photo for an “official” analysis, we will update the topic as soon as we hear back.

2011 Porsche Cayenne Spied on Video

Porsche's upcoming 2011 Cayenne SUV has once again been spotted undergoing winter testing in Northern Europe and this time our spies managed to catch the new model on video.

The exterior follows in Porsche's philosophy of evolutionary design but from the spy pictures, it appears clear that the new model features a much sleeker appearance than the current Cayenne.

While we can't say for sure what model is being tested in the video, the new Cayenne should boast a variety of petrol, dieseland hybrid engines. On the petrol side, we can expect the 2011 Cayenne S to come with the Panamera's 4.8-liter V8 engine that develops 400 bhp (294 kW) while the top of the line Cayenne Turbo should be powered by the 4.8-liter biturbo V8 engine from the Panamera Turbo that cranks out 500 bhp. In diesel models, expect the current Volkswagen V6 TDI engine which produces 240 hp (176 kW) and 550 Nm of torque to carry over to the next generation with some minor improvements. Considering that Porsche's first Cayenne S hybrid will appear as a 2010 model, its hybrid powertrain should carry over to the 2011 Cayenne virtually unchanged. Power for the hybrid comes from Audi's supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine that produces 333 horsepower and 324 ft-lb of torque, it is connected to a three-phase synchronous electric motor which receives power from a 38 kW NiMH battery that resides in the spare tire well.

The new Cayenne is also supposed to adopt a more street focused setup, which means some of the current model's bulky off-road equipment could be dropped in order to make the new one more Porsche-like. Audi took a similar approach when they introduced the Q7 and that model has received rave reviews for offering a decent driving experience despite its large size.

Mercedes SLC Gullwing Spied Having Electrical Problems

He WFC reader has spotted a Mercedes-Benz SLC Gullwing test car that had broken down near Affalterbach, Germany.

According to the tipster, the problems took place on 19 February, and were mainly due to some pretty bad issues with the electrics. Oh well; that's what testing is for, right?



Anyway, the new Mercedes-Benz SLC Gullwing is expected to debut next year with a big twin-turbo V8. That engine will be responsible for generating between 550 and 600 horsepower, while delivering around 445 ft-lb of torque. The car is expected to get a 7-tronic automatic transmission.

2012 BMW 3 Series - Interesting Rendering

I have to hand it out to them, the folks at Teknikensvarld came up with an interesting rendering of the 2012 BMW 3 Series, different from what we have seen so far.

The most popular car in the whole BMW line-up is scheduled to receive a new design in 2012. The E90 3 series was launched in 2005, followed by the wagon, coupe and convertible models. Last year, the 3er sedan also received a facelift with the other models following soon.



BMW has already started to test the next 3 Series platform in the current generation body style, so this tells us that the final design will be chosen very soon.

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.

New Spy Shots: BMW 5 Series GT

The official launch of the BMW 5 Series GT has opened the way for all the FEP test mules to be driven around town. Since there is no secret on what the basis of the 5 Series GT vehicles will be, many light camoed models are being spotted around Munich these days.



The production version of the Gran Turismo will vary slightly from the Concept model, with little modifications to the front-fascia. One major difference between the two could be the option to get a 5 seater model rather than the 4 seats concept revealed.

2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Facelift Spied in Parking Garage

New side-view mirrors have a more squared off shape than the current model. This matches the new, squared front bumper which distinguishes the car a bit more from other sedans. A larger air intake is flanked on both sides by new recessed fog lights. As we previoulsy mentioned, this car has a new graphic covering the headlights, with daytime-running LEDs added on. Headlights keep the same basic shape, as does the hood. However, the hoods lines are more steep and defining.

This car is also riding on bold, seven-spoke wheels that we don't remember seeing previously. At the back, we see the dual exhaust more integrated into the rear bumper. Taillights are improved by the addition of LEDs.

We're not sure how long we have to wait for the official debut of the facelifted Mercedes-Benz S-Class, but we hope to see it at Geneva. The new lineup should come to market soon as a 2010 model year car.

Audi R15 TDI : real picture

Here's the first real picture of the audi R15 TDI, Audi's upcoming Sebring and LeMans winner.

BMW 5 Series GT Concept Breaks Cover

At a special event in Munich, BMW have unveiled the highly anticipated 5-Series GT, aka PAS. The model is set to have its official unveiling at the Geneva Motor Show next month and follows in the vein of previous concept vehicles from the Bavarian automaker with a production ready look.

Styling is drawn very strongly from the new 2010 BMW 7-series with its large front grille, headlights and L-shaped tail lights. The coupe-like profile clearly follows in the footsteps of the X6.

An extended wheelbase similar to the 7-Series Long Wheel Base results in an extremely spacious cabin giving rear occupants extra legroom for a more comfortable experience.

Full details along with a mountain of official photos are expected later today, until then enjoy the photos.

Porsche Test Driver Dies Testing Pre-Production 911

A 51-year-old died in Germany this morning following an accident involving a Porsche 911 cabrio prototype. The victim, a Porsche engineer, was driving the car on the A5 Autobahn when he lost control and slammed into a guard rail.



The one-car accident happened at 2:45am just past the Weiterstadt exit on the motorway. Photos of the scene show the sports car wedged under the barrier, with the rail making contact near where the driver's head and torso would have been.

A spokesman for Porsche said the engineer "was one of the most experienced test drivers." The company representative confirmed that the car was a camouflaged cabrio covered with foil to mask parts of the vehicle's appearance. He also noted that, although it did not rollover, the convertible does not have the same resilience as a coupe.

Police and fire department personnel responded to the scene from nearby Darmstadt. The public prosecutor there has taken charge of the ongoing investigation. The location of the accident was midway between Frankfurt and Heidelberg, in the German province of Hessen.

It is not yet known what caused the accident. Witnesses say the driver, who has worked for the German company for 25 years, was driving a prototype of a new Porsche 991 model at a high rate of speed. That stretch of road does not have a speed limit. He was being followed by a second Porsche testdriver in a camouflaged four-door Porsche Panamera prototype.



That driver successfully evaded the crash, and escaped unharmed. Although the accident did take place at an unusual hour, both drivers were working on a 10pm to 6am shift. An initial damage estimate is said to be several thousands of Euro.

BMW 5 Series GT Concept Officially Revealed

The BMW 5-series Gran Turismo Concept is all about the "driving experience." At least, that is the theme BMW wants to strike with this car and what inspired its creation in the first place.

The 5-series Gran Turismo Concept is a Progressive Activity Sedan. BMW like to come up with their own category names for vehicles. They chose to categorize the X6 not as an SUV but as an SAV (Sport Activity Vehicle). So here comes a Progressive Activity Sedan.

What is it supposed to be?

Well, many elements are present here. There's the luxury sedan-level elegance and comfort of the 7-Series balanced with the sporty, outdoors-yness of the X6 as well. It's a concept, so there are few details on power plants and transmissions and lots of talk about style and design. The photos do tell most of the story.

The Gran Turismo is a four-door, four-seat coupe, a design that has become somewhat of a fashion of late. But the rear seats fold down to give this grand tourer 1650 liters of luggage space well-suited to the wanderer in you. And the Panorama glass roof provides the sense of openness you want to feel on the road.

By naming this vehicle a Gran Turismo BMW is looking to re-establish the iconic ideal of the Gran Turismo as a comfy coupe meant for traveling in style. It remains to be seen if this BMW will fly as an actual production model. But they've been known to try stranger things and succeed at it.

New 2012 Mercedes SLK Test Prototype Emerges

The third generation Mercedes-Benz SLK roadster has been spied testing in Germany. As far as we know theis car from the first batch of prototypes being driven around and as such the camouflage is quite heavy and hardly anything can be made out. Even the front end is hidden deep under the clutches of black panels. As far as size is concerned the spied vehicle looks to keep the same dimensions as the current SLK in as much as the naked eye can attest.

It appears a number of design elements have been carried over from the current SLK which is internally codenamed the R171 and was launched in 2004. The 2004 SLK took some of its styling direction from the previous Mercedes-Benz halo car the McLaren SLR especially on the nose cone and rear. Now it looks like the SLC Gullwing will be the styling hero for the 2012 SLK. This would make sense since the dissolution of McLaren and Mercedes' agreement with regard to building the SLR range of supercars.

Although it is still very early in the SLK's development life, possible engines are something to think about. A WCF source has stated that Mercedes is working on a new twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 engine. It is said to be capable of about 350kW (476hp). This could be the one used in the SLK AMG version.

The SLK was the pioneer in the application of a folding hard top roof for this segment and this one seems to have kept to this philosophy. Also, the side mirrors have been placed on the doors instead of the A pillar.

This SLK is three years away from production and therefore plenty of spy action involving the car will be taking place between now and then.

Facelifted Mercedes S-Class Coupe AMG Spied for First Time

Mercedes is working on a new CL which will be more appropriately named the S-Class Coupe when the new model is released.

These are some spy shots of the AMG version of the S-Class coupe looking mean is light-camouflaged black.

New features will include LED daytime headlights and, possibly, LED tail lamps too. A newly designed front bumper is also hinted in these photos and will sport a more aggressive look in this AMG version than on the standard S-Class coupe. The grill isn't as slanted as on the current CL and will now come split with a single chrome bar across it, giving more prominence to the Mercedes badge sitting in the middle.

AMG is also promising more power and less consumption from its new slew of engines. Doing so by focusing on better engine management as well as reducing consumption by lightening the weight of the car through the greater use of composite materials.

Could this be the BMW PAS/5er GT?

Despite the lower quality of the image, you can see a similar design to the one we have talked about and described for months. While the hype created around the Progressive Activity Sedan concept is slightly lower than the newly released Z4, every bimmer fan is anxious to finally see the controversial idea of a 5 Series- like hatchback.

Judging from the image, we can see a bit of X6 Coupe lines in there, of course, with a lower height ride and the hatchback type end. The L-Shape taillights introduced by the new 7 Series, are present as well. So, yes, this might be the real deal indeed.

Spy Shots: 2010 BMW X3

The next generation BMW X3, due to be unveiled in 2010, has been spotted again during winter testing. Sporting the same camoufalge as in our previous photos, the test mule was seen in Germany again.

Despite the camouflage work, you can still see the new BMW 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.

BMW M7 Rendered

BMW has time and time again denied even considering a 7 Series-based M7 luxury high-performance sedan. That doesn't stop the rumour mill from spinning at high speed though. For sure a twelve-cylinder 760i is under production as proven by spy pictures.

But this rendering of a possible BMW M7 may be seen as a nudge to the powers that be by fans that as nice as a 760i might be, it does not replace the craving they experience for something more. The front bumper is certainly M as it resembles other M bumpers from cars like the M5. The side mirrors were strangely left untouched but the wheels got seven double-spoke rims that almost pass as genuine M kit. This artist impression is more like the touch of a feather than a passionate stroke from a Picasso brush.

Sticking with the rumour theme, a BMW M7 would probably use the same 6.0-litre V12 from a 760i and produce in excess of 600hp (441kW) through the use of turbo technology. It would compete with cars like the Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG/ S600 and the Audi S8.

Mercedes E-Class Stretch Limo First Spy Photos

Less than a month ago Mercedes-Benz showed the world its new E-Class sedan at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. Now a limousine based on the carhas been spied driving on a public road. One question asked at this point in time would go something like "why would anyone hide an E-Class limo under heavy camouflage"? The answer would be "only if it was an official E-Class Pullman." Of course that is pure speculation right now but any other explanation needs serious scrutiny. Independent limo companies simply start a job using an existing vehicle and finish it inside a workshop. They hardly ever venture out into the open for testing purposes like the big manufacturers let alone hide their unfinished work this way.

If indeed this is an E-Class Pullman what can be expected from it is a car stretched to over 5 metres (based on the fact that a 2009 S-Class Pullman measures 6.4 metres) in length. It would be fitted with all manner of passenger-pampering amenities such as DVD screens, plush leather interior, satellite navigation, a powerful sound system and maybe even a bar fridge. The windows appear thick and green leading to speculation that this is a bulletproof Guard version too.