Porsche Panamera TV Commercial Shows Family Tree

Audi RS5 Latest Spy Photos in Barcelona

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.

Audi A1 Prototype Caught for First Time

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.

Permanent Link to New set of 2011 BMW 5 Series spy photos

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.

BMW 1-Series xDrive Prototype Caught?

A WCF reader has taken pictures of a BMW 1 Series Coupe in Munich. However, this is no ordinary 1er. According to our "spy" it features a carbon fibre roof and 19-inch wheels shod with 265/35 R19 Michelin Pilot Sport tyres. More interesting are the wide rear wheel arches which suggest an xDrive-equipped 1 Coupe could be undergoing testing. The 1 has not had AWD before so if it happens it would be a first.

What piqued our curiosity even more is the fact that these images were snapped on a road directly from BMW's M-GmbH. Munich has repeatedly stated that a 1 Series-based M car was out of the question. But two years ago a performance-bred 1 Series Coupe tii Concept car did the international motor show circuit. It featured carbon fibre materials and other lightweight construction substances.

The current ranger-topper is the RWD 135i Coupe with the BMW Performance Power Kit producing 240kW (326hp) and up to 450Nm of torque.

2011 Mercedes CLS Caught with Less Camouflage

A new set of photos featuring the next-generation Mercedes-Benz CLS surfaced this week. The photos show a car with less padding, giving us some insight into its design.

The prototype featured in the pictures appears to have a shorter trunk that smoothly integrates with the roofline. Windows appear to be bigger, and side mirrors are squared off. Headlights on the new model may be a bit more conventionally shaped, not quite rising as much towards the wheel-wells.

Taillights also take a new shape, stretching upwards instead of downwards. LEDs also appear to be present.

Previously spied were the vehicle's rectangular tailpipes and the sunroof. Both items are still seen in the new photos.



The new 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS should be launched sometime next year. A BlueHybrid version of the "2+2" is expected, as well as petrol and diesel models ranging up to the 530+ horsepower AMG unit.

Audi A8 Prototype Hits the Ring

An Audi A8 prototype has been spied testing again.

The pics do not reveal anything new and what to expect from the next-generation of Audi's flagship sedan is based mostly on speculation.

But that the new A8 will be fitted with Audi's standard array of large engines is an easy guess to make. Those include the 3.0 liter TDI and the 4.2 liter V8 petrol/gasoline. Despite reports of the S8 being cancelled in America, perhaps and S8 will come with a variant of Audi's 5.0 liter V10 FSI engine as seen in the R8.

Questions arising, though, as to what new technology Audi will introduce into the A8 to keep it competitive, newsworthy and eco-friendly. Mercedes has an S-Class hybrid, as does BMW with the 7-Series, but there's been no word yet about any possible hybrid A8.



Likely to be featured is a second-generation of Audi's Aluminum Space Frame (ASF II) technology which makes the A8 standout in terms of engineering accomplishment. The aluminum frame keeps the A8 light and agile, a key distinction in this notoriously heavyweight class.

The next-generation Audi A8 will be making its debut sometime next year - maybe at the Geneva auto salon, or perhaps later at the Paris show in September. Audi will want to make sure that its flagship sedan will get the appropriate amount of fanfare for what is one of the most important launches for the German premium brand.

2010 Audi A1 Details Emerge

CAR magazine UK has reported on its candid conversation with Audi executives regarding the A1. According to CAR, the A1 will not only come in hatchback form but also as cabriolet and estate models potentially including quattro AWD.

"We will start with the three-door version with several different engine variants," Schwarzenbauer told CAR. "Will we do further models? Look at what we do with the A3 range - we could something similar with the A1."

That means probably anything from a 1.2-litre up to 1.8-litre turbo units, both petrol and diesel. Because the A1 will be a direct rival to the MINI, which is busy testing an electric model (MINI e), it may be safe to assume that alternative power sources are also on the cards here. We'd definitely be up for a performance S1 as well. And since MINI has all sorts of variations, including SUVs, two-seat Coupes and Roadsters coming up, expect the A1 to follow suit with similar offerings and even a possible Q1 SUV.

In terms of basic looks Audi has already given clues through the Metroproject Concept car (pictured here). The A1 is very important to Ingolstadt as it will add greater volumes and spur the company on with its plans to overtake BMW as the world's largest premium car manufacturer by 2015.

Unfortunately the A1 does not quite feature in the Audi's US plans as yet. Executives have said as much on a number of occasions.

Audi A1: First test mule spotted

These are the slated first spy shots of an Audi A1 test mule!

Audi RS5: Spied on the road, gets V8 engine

These are the latest spy photos of Audi's hotly-anticipated RS5 Coupe that is expected to celebrate its world premiere at the next Geneva Salon in March of 2010. Compared to the S5 upon which it is based, the flat-black prototype you see pictured here is distinguished by a new front bumper with larger and more pronounced side air inlets, the honeycomb grille and the single-outlet tailpipes that replace the S5's two smaller outlets on each side of the rear bumper.

Furthermore, the black panels on the front and rear fenders of the test car clearly indicate that the RS5 will get a wider body with flared arches harking back to the original Quattro coupe as well as to the current RS6 saloon and Avant models.

The spy photos also suggest that the RS5 may get a deployable rear spoiler located at the tip of the boot.ers like the Mercedes-Benz CL (tba S-Class Coupe) and the Aston Martin DBS.

Porsche Panamera Cabriolet Rumours Surface

Porsche's four-door Panamera has only just started selling in countries like Germany and the UK but already there's talk of a topless Cabriolet. Rumours say the convertible will have two instead of four doors and cost about €11,000 (US$16,000) more than the sedan.

"We have a broad range of 14 derivatives of the 911 that are very successful," development chief Wolfgang Duerheimer told Automobilwoche. "So it stands to reason we should diversify the lineup for the Panamera as well."

New Porsche owners Volkswagen AG are keen to see the sports car maker increase its model range and thereby increasing its sales footprint. In addition, such an expensive platform as the Panamera's would have to pay for itself at some stage and spreading it around the group including to brands like Bentley and Audi would be good business.

While we are rolling on the speculative road why not bring up the previous rumour of a possible Panamera hard top Coupe? Logically it makes sense to build this variant as a match for a Cabriolet. It would also allow Porsche entry into the premium luxury GT segment occupied by current lead

BMW Simple Concept Revealed - On display at the BMW Museum

It is not often that we get to tell you about a car capable of reaching over 200 km/h, while using less than 2 liters of fuel per 100 km. Yesterday, BMW introduced such a concept vehicle at the company's museum in Munich. With angles like a stealth bomber, the BMW Simple concept is a three-wheeler that measures just 110 centimeters wide. It is meant to combine the protective qualities of an automobile, with the speed and maneuverability of a motorcycle.

The name "Simple" is meant as a first-letter mnemonic, standing for, "A sustainable and innovative mobility product for low energy consumption." It is both lightweight and aerodynamic, helping it to be ultra-efficient. The 450 kilogram vehicle produces 50 grams of CO2 per 100 km.

Built as a solution to urban traffic jams, the car has a shorter length than the MINI Cooper. Despite this, height was kept about level with the BMW 5er to provide a decent level of comfort and headroom.

Performance is aided by an automatic tilting technology, where one side of the car is lifted when going into a corner. The vehicle's hydraulics keep the car stable whether going slow, or if the driver attempts to drift. Despite the respectable top speed, acceleration is much slower than many motorcycles. Utilizing a 48 horsepower engine, the BMW Simple travels from 0 to 100 km/h in about ten seconds.

Also introduced was the BMW Clever concept, or "Compact Low Emission Vehicle for Urban Transport," first seen in 2006. The seven-year old project is just 3 meters long by 1 meter wide by 1.4 meters tall, and weighs less than 400 kg. It has enough room for two people inside its aluminum space frame.

With a 230 cc CNG engine, the Clever gets to 60 km/h in about seven seconds. It has a top speed of 100 km/h, and a range of 200 km. The low price of compressed natural gas translates to a cost of roughly one euro per 100 km, when carrying two people.

The Clever is surprisingly safe as well, using a Formula One-inspired crash absorbtion system. Special airbags and seatbelts means this car actually complies with Euro NCAP crash testing standards, even in a 56 km/h head-on collision.

Both vehicles are on display now at the BMW Museum in Munich.

Next Generation 2012 Mercedes B-Class First Spy Photos

The Mercedes-Benz B-Class (codename W245) has been in production since 2005 and it experienced a facelift in 2008. Coming soon in 2011 an all-new model hits the streets. These spy pictures reveal a longer vehicle than the current one as well as a roofline that doesn't slope to the rear. Instead it's the window line which flows lower as it approaches the front end.

Because it replaces both the current A and B-Class, Mercedes-Benz is said to be planning a number of variants including a coupe cabriolet, a sporty hatch (subject of these photos) and a five-door coupe. Only the hatch has been confirmed though.

Power sources will include turbo petrols and diesels, while hybrid and fuel cell models will be added to the line-up. At the moment the most potent is the 2.0-litre powered B200 Turbo worth 145kW (197hp) and 280Nm of torque.



Rumours indicate for the first time the B-Class will also be available to US consumers.

The BlueZero concept which appeared in near production form in Detroit earlier this year is widely believed to foreshadow the overall design of the 2012 B-Class.

BMW M5 (F10) Nurburgring Spy Video

Partly shot at the Nurburgring the clip takes us through just under four minutes of footage. At 00:59 you'll seen a Nissan GT-R seemingly chasing the M5. What a future battle that will be for motoring media. At several points in the video, particularly at 3:17, the turbos can be heard spooling up and pitching quite high.

BMW begins selling the new 5 Series globally in 2010 and the M5 should follow around a year later. It is thought that BMW's 4.4-litre twin turbo machine will also do duty for the bahnstomer but instead of 300kW (408hp) or 408kW (555hp) it will produce something close to 430kW (585hp).

Speculation is that an 8-speed sequential transmission will send all power to the rear wheels with the assistance of an electronic differential. To improve driving dynamics and fuel efficiency, weight will be kept as low as possible using sophisticated light body construction materials.

Spy Photos: 2011 BMW 5 Series F10 spied in Munich

Spy photographers have been working overtime again and today, we have a new set of BMW 5 Series spy shots. Due to launch at Geneva Motor Show in March 2010, the next generation 5 Series is in the final testing stage.

By entering the Final Evaluation Phase, the new 5 Series is going through a variety of testing scenarios to correct any issues that might arise in real life driving. The test mule still sports the funky BMW camouflage, but if our sources are correct, the first official photos will hit our inbox sometimes before year-end.

2011 BMW 5 Series grows a few inches both in length and width, but one of BMW’s goals was to keep the car at the current weight levels. To achieve this, extensive aluminum in the exterior panels have been used. The next 5 Series also uses a new all-steel chassis with some special techniques to process the steel tubes.

While the front-end is not much of a secret anymore – corona ring white LEDs, larger grille and the aggressive bumper leaked earlier this year – the rear-end remains a mystery. None of the photoshops we’ve seen so far seem to come close to what the taillights design will look like and the design lines on the rear-bumper or trunk are still hidden underneath the tape.

The interior design shares some design elements with the 7 Series models, from the steering wheel with multi-control buttons to the beautiful dashboard and Black Panel tachometers. High quality materials are giving the new 5 Series interior a more luxurious feel and look.

Turbocharged engines will be the core of the new 5 Series line-up. The new 4.4L twin-turbo V8 from the X6 and new 550i GT will power the high-end 5er, but a variety of other turbo engines will be available as well, including diesel powerplants. A hybrid version is rumored to be in works as well, but it will be revealed at a much later date.

Not many 5 Series test mules have been spotted on U.S. soil so far, but moving into the winter, we expect to see some of them moving into the Californian desert.

Mercedes SLS AMG Flies onto the Mercedes-Benz Museum Stuttgart [Video]

No, your eyes aren't deceiving you. Mercedes hoisted their new supercar to the roof terrace of the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart. Resting 42 meters (137.8') above ground, the car is part of a new exhibit dedicated to the awe-inspiring SLS AMG.

According to the Museum's Managing Director, Michael Bock, "This super sports car stands for excitement, passion and high-tech. As museum for the past, present and future of the automobile, we provide an ideal setting for the exclusive presentation of the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG."

Despite appearances, Mercedes didn't modify the COMAND system to allow the gullwing doors to act as real wings. Instead, they hired a 120-ton hydraulic crane to do the heavy lifting.

As we have previously reported, the SLS AMG features a 6.3-liter V8 engine with 420 kW (571 hp) and 650 Nm of torque. Backed up by a seven-speed double clutch transmission, the V8 enables the car to rocket from 0-100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 317 km/h (197 mph).

BMW Rumored to Badge Engineer MINI-Platform for 2013 '0-Series'

This tidbit of information comes to us care of Car Magazine's print edition, which Jalopnik.com has reported on online.

BMW will be building a competitor to the Audi A1 and the Mercedes A-Class. The so-called '0-Series', apparently referred to internally as the UKL1 (Untere Kompactklasse, or sub-compact) over at BMW, will be based on the third-generation MINI platform and, hence, be BMW's first front-wheel drive model.

What's striking about this news is that BMW has always been a strict rear-wheel drive automaker, a trademark that distinguishes it from its fellow premium brand competitors. BMW will be going back on a promise never to make a front-drive model. The sub-compact range is scheduled for a market release in 2013.

According to the report, the UKL1/0-series will be offered as both a 3-door and 5-door hatch, with a two-seat roadster variant also in the works. BMW will also develop a couple of brand new 3 and 4-cylinder engines to power the new range.

The 0-series will likely be built at the same plant in Oxford in the U.K. where MINI models are assembled.

Now, does calling it the 0-Series make sense or does it just seem ridiculous? Hard to say.

Mercedes S-Class Coupe Caught Testing Again

The latest spy shots of the S-Class Coupe, previously known as the CL, are here.

What's new?

LED daytime running lights, and new front and rear bumpers.

Check out the related links for a few more details which we've previously reported on but that's pretty much it for this facelift.

Engines expected in the S-Class Coupe will be the same as featured in the sedan variant. A 5.5 liter V8 and 3.0 liter diesel will be available, the diesel also likely to be offered with BlueEfficiency technology for improved fuel economy.That drivetrain is made up of a 3.5 liter V6 gasoline engine with 279 hp coupled to a 20 hp electric motor providing a total of 385 Nm of torque. Fuel economy on the S400 BlueHybrid sedan is a healthy 7.9 liters/100 km, though, some critics contend you'd be better off with the 3.0 liter diesel.

2011 Mercedes CLS AMG Caught Testing

The next-generation Mercedes-Benz CLS AMG has been spied testing out in the open. While the normal CLS has been caught a number of times, this is the first time that we see the high-performance AMG model strutting its stuff in public. Its side mirror indicators have the same design style as the E-Class sedan and the four oval tailpipes are an obvious indication regardless of the heavy camouflage.

The current CLS 63 AMG shares its engine with the previous-generation E 63 AMG and both make 378kW (514hp). If the same arrangement sticks then expect to see a 6.3-litre V8 installed and making 386kW (525hp). Driving the rear wheels should be Merc's Speedshift MCT 7-speed gearbox. Just like the E 63 AMG standard wheels should be 18-inches with the 19-inch size listed on the options menu.

Sales of the CLS 63 AMG should begin in 2011. Segment rivals will include the new Porsche Panamera Turbo and the high-performance version of Aston Martin's new Rapide. Audi will also enter this four-door coupe segment with the A7.

On Board with BMW ActiveHybrid 7 in Motion During Frankfurt Debut

BMW constructed the circuit to showcase all of their Frankfurt introductions in full motion, something unique for the show. After a few minutes following the ActiveHybrid X6 around the circuit, the car proceeds past a "who's who" of vehicles behind the scenes before parking alongside other BMW cars.

The BMW ActiveHybrid 7 comes with a 449-horsepower 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine that produces up to 479 ft-lb of torque. Those figures boost to 465 hp and 516 ft-lb when combined with the three-phase synchronous electric motor.

Despite hitting the 100 km/h mark in 4.9 seconds, the vehicle consumes only modest amounts of fuel. The 7er ActiveHybrid uses 9.4 liters of fuel per 100 km, or roughly 24mpg (29 mpg Imperial).

Mercedes Benz SLS AMG Cabrio Spied on the Nürburgring

Spies have snapped a barrage of new photos featuring the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Cabrio. The car was seen on the Nürburgring following extended hot weather testing in the US.

The car was seen rolling around the wet German track, not taking full advantage of its engine. It is believed that the car uses the AMG-produced 571 horsepower 6.3-liter V8 engine available on the SLS. That engine produces up to 650 Nm of torque. On the SLS, top speed is limited to 315 km/h, or roughly 195 mph.



A low four-second 0-100 km/h time is expected on the car, as engineers should be capable of keeping the weight down.

2011 Audi A8 Prototype Already Shedding Some Camouflage - Spied Hot Weather Testing

The new Audi A8 was caught by spies as it underwent hot weather testing. This new set of photos shows the prototype with a little less camouflage than before. Audi's flagship car is expected to get several efficient V6 and V8 engines, as well as the 258 horsepower 3.0-liter TDI that produces upwards of 258 horsepower.

In the latest set of photos, we are able to see what the vehicle looks like with LED daytime runners. The end of these lights lead towards the grille, which appears to be distinctly separated into an upper and lower section, unlike on the current model. Absolutely do not be surprised if this changes, although the new bumper appears to have space for integrated fog lamps. The rear section of the vehicle looks a bit more prominent as well, and should also include LEDs. Through the rear glass we can also see a bit of the interior.



Audi is rumored to unveil the new Audi A8 by the end of the year as a 2010 model, but a Geneva appearance is also possible. Whether or not it will be offered as either a hybrid or electric remains to be seen.

Porsche Boxster R: Spy shots!

.our sources inside Porsche have revealed that this open-top is a special, harder version of the sports car that will be revealed by the end of 2009, probably at the LA show.

Externally this special edition differs from its banal brothers thanks to a lower front bumper (with single rather than double strakes across the intakes – all important to the people that might buy this car), plus new side intakes and a bigger rear spoiler. And beneath that disguised rear deck is thought to be a double-bubble Speedster-style hump.

Under the skin this new Porsche is expected to use the 3.4-litre flat-six currently found in the Boxster S, but with a few tweaks to lift power closer to 320bhp.

BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics Concept Officially Unveiled at Frankfurt Preview Event [video]

BMW hosted a preview event to the IAA in Frankfurt where its Vision EfficientDynamics hybrid super car concept was officially unveiled. Company chairman and CEO Dr. Norbert Reithofer spoke and said something very interesting regarding his company's preferred future powertrain solution.

"The car needs to evolve through innovation," said Reithofer . "We are the engine more efficient and make the total of vehicle technology more optimally. In addition, Hybrid is also for us a temporary solution. And especially for large metropolitan areas, a car is needed for electric base. We will continue our research work which hydrogen regard."

So it seems that although the Vision EfficientDynamics is extremely advanced in engine and body construction technology, it is not the final solution for the foreseeable, sustainable future.

To recap the 2+2 seater is powered by a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder turbo diesel hybrid with a total system output of 262kW (356 hp) and maximum torque 800Nm (590 lb-ft). It goes to all four wheels via two electric motors located on both the front and rear axles. The 0 - 100km/h sprint time is 4.8 seconds and peak velocity is electronically limited to 250km/h.

The car's acceleration and top speed performance are stunning considering it has an average fuel consumption figure of 3.76 litres/100 km (75.1 mpg imp) and CO2 emissions of 99 g/km.

2010 Porsche GT3 RS Autobahn Shakedown and Overview [Video]

This year at the Frankfurt Auto Show, Porsche is revealing the updated 997 Porsche GT3 RS.

Manager of High Performance Cars for Porsche, Andreas Preuninger, gave us the opportunity to ride shotgun as he took the first produced 2010 Porsche GT3 RS out for a ride on the Autobahn yesterday evening. Due to traffic, he was only able to get the car up to 292kph (181 mph) on the unrestricted A5 Autobahn.

The second half of the video, Andreas tells us what went into the development process for the new GT3 RS and what the car is capable of doing with the new technology and performance upgrades from the previous generation.