It's been a while since BMW engineers have been seen out testing the next-generation Z4, but apparently the sports car's development is still on track--despite being hidden for the last few months--as spy photographers spotted a Z4 prototype out testing on Wednesday. The latest photos don't give too much away as the car is still heavily clad in camouflage, but we've got an illustration of what the final product will likely look like after the jump.
Since the new Z4 rides on the same platform as the 3-series, look for the Z4's engine lineup to mirror that of the 3-series. A high-performance Z4 M will once again be offered and, for the first time, it is believed that BMW will offer a diesel-powered Z4. Unlike the current model, look for the next Z4--due out in late 2009--to sport a retractable hardtop roof to better compete with Mercedes-Benz's SLK roadster. As we have reported before, the Z4's production will shift from the U.S. to Germany when the new model bows. More photos at Left Lane News.
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Spies have snapped photos of an SRT-badged Dodge Nitro prototype running around downtown Detroit. The undisguised Nitro was spotted pulling out of the famous Detroit Firehouse--the favorite Chrysler-sponsored hospitality spot for journalists covering the Detroit Auto Show.
As the Nitro pulled into traffic and stopped at a red light, the SRT badge came into view, and our spy was able to get out his camera and start shooting just as the light turned green and the Nitro drove out of sight. The view of this Nitro SRT8's nose was very fleeting, so we can't reliably comment on the prototype's front-end styling treatment. Overall, this Nitro doesn't appear heavily modified.
Sources familiar with Chrysler's current inner workings have stated that the majority of the company's engineering resources have been directed toward improving the current product range to improve and enhance the vehicles currently in showrooms--which could apply to this addition to the Nitro brand. Given Cerberus' cautious reassessment of the Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge model lineups, however, we're not sure that the notion of a Nitro SRT8 makes much sense. But there is no arguing with the SRT8 badge on this Nitro tester. We'll stay on the case to see if any more Nitro SRT8 evidence surfaces. More photos at Left Lane News.
Is this the most pure out-of-the-box dedicated track car you've seen or what? I really want to drive this car. After putting it through its paces on two different tracks, Peter Egan of Road & Track writes in the March issue that the 2-Eleven is "perhaps the most fun, balanced and just plain easy-to drive car I've had on a track, like a dream of racing without the usual annoying alarm clocks." Lotus has built 40 of these cars so far, with another 160 orders taken. The car goes for $80,000. Not cheap, but if you are rich and want a fun weekend track toy, why even consider anything else? Full gallery at Left Lane News.
Spy photographers have spotted a prototype of the upcoming Hyundai Genesis Coupe while doing some cold weather testing in Northern Sweden. Although Hyundai has already shown a concept version of the coupe, these spy photos reveal some interior details to expect in the production model. The automatic transmission will have a manual shift mode, but it doesn't appears as steering wheel mounted paddles will be available.
The car's center stack looks to be nearing production-ready and features a large LCD screen atop the stack. The coupe's gauge cluster appears to have a futuristic, two-pod design. Shots of the car's back seat reveals that the Genesis Coupe will have a 2+2 setup, with cup holders separating the rear buckets. Despite only having two doors, rear seat legroom looks surprisingly ample.
The rear seat spy shots also reveal that the production car won't have the dramatic window treatment aft of the B-pillars as seen on the Genesis Coupe Concept. We've also include a couple of earlier spy shots that show the car's base four-cylinder engine. A V6 will also be offered but a V8 is a long shot at this point. More photos at Left Lane News.
Alfa released photos of the 8C Spider, which they will show off at the Geneva Motor Show next month. They are only going to make 500 of these beauties, and expect them to cost even more than the 8C Coupe (which should list for somewhere in the neighborhood of $240,000). And no word if they will ship any over here. Cool car, but I'm still waiting for word on a more affordable Alfa Spider. More pics at Left Lane News.
Spy photographers have once again spotted a prototype of BMW's "Progressive Activity Sedan" while out testing. The car appears to be a pure hatchback with no room for a rear deck-lid--as our rendering below shows. Overall styling appears to be similar to the X6, but the vehicle spied has a taller roofline arc--allowing for more headroom in back--and the rear hatch looks more cargo-friendly.
Earlier reports said BMW's next MPV would go head-to-head with Mercedes' R-class, but BMW instead decided to build a sedan-like crossover. This is probably a good decision for BMW, as it better suits the automaker's values and the R-class has been met with a lukewarm reception at best. As you can see from the illustrations, the PAS won't fit into one specific segment. The body is more sedan than wagon, but will offer more cargo room than a typical sedan. The PAS will also ride slightly higher ride, giving the car the look of a CUV. Overall, the PAS should combined all the best features from a wagon, CUV and sedan. More photos at Left Lane News.
Spy photographers have once again spotted a prototype for Saturn Aura/Opel Insignia. The vehicle spotted gives us a good glimpse of what's to come for Saturn's largest sedan and, for the first time, reveals what the production interior will look like. The prototype appears to draw lightly from Opel's GTC concept, but it's definitely evolutionary, rather than revolutionary. Obviously the head and tail lamps are fake on this prototype, but we can imagine what will be in their place without too much difficulty (GM has also released a teaser image showing the Insignia's taillight).
The upcoming Aura/Insignia is based on GM's fresh Epsilon 2 platform. We're expecting similar powertrains to the current model - a couple of V6s and a hybrid - as well as front wheel drive. All-wheel drive is a rumored possibility. The prototype's gauge cluster is highlighted by four chrome-ringed dials — two large and two small — with clean looking faces. Chrome also accents the center-mounted gear shifter, giving the interior an up-scale feel. For the first time, spy shots reveal what the center stack will look like on the road-going model. Although the quality doesn't look quite up to production floor standards, the overall design can be inferred. Atop the center stack looks like a space that could house an LCD screen.
The Insignia will be released in late '08 as an '09 model in Europe, with U.S. sales of an Aura likely following a year later. More photos at Left Lane News.
The Mazda2 has been available in four and five door versions in Europe for some time now. It was just confirmed that Mazda will be offering a three door hatch over there as well. Definitely a cool little ride. Mazda, please, bring it to the US! More at Left Lane News.
It has now been two years since the Aston Martin Rapide concept car was first unveiled, and only this week has a near-production prototype of the car finally been spotted. Two spy photos of unknown origin surfaced online yesterday, showing a test car that is not heavily camouflaged, but is clearly still a work in progress. Given the strong interest in the Rapide, Aston Martin says it will build between 1000 and 2000 units per year, up from an original estimate of 500 or fewer. The car will be the second new model launched under Aston's new ownership, following the DBS coupe. There were rumors recently that the British supercar maker was considering taking production of the car outside of the UK, but these remains purely speculative at this point in time. Like Aston's other models, the Rapide is built on the company's VH (Vertical/Horizontal) architecture. Despite its sporty looks, it's roughly the size of a Mercedes S-Class.
Spy photographers finally captured decent pics of the production Challenger. The concept was a bit big and bloated looking, so Chrysler shrank it a tad. But, as I feared, it looks like they took most of the mass out of the front of the car. Traditionally, pony cars have had a long hood and short deck (and I know that most E-body guys hate it when anyone calls their 'Cuda or Challenger a pony car). But this car looks way small in front and way big in back. I'm also thinking the beltline is a bit high. Don't get me wrong, I'm stoked that we're finally getting a new Challenger. But I'm not sold on the proportions. What do you guys think? You can see more pics over at Left Lane News.
Jeep's new Renegade concept is powered by two electric motors--one on each axle--and they claim it's designed for serious off road duty. More pics and details over at Left Lane News.
Check out the Mitsubishi Concept-RA! It's got a clean-diesel, turbocharged 200 hp 2.2L with an AWD drivetrain that uses the same dual clutch as the Evo. This one could be pretty fun if if ever makes it to production. Check out the gallery at Left Lane News.
The crew at Left Lane News just got their hands on some new pics of the breathtaking Lexus LF-A roadster. The supercar's styling has been updated slightly, and I dig the reshaped headlights—they really help define the unique contours of the freshly massaged front fascia. Hop over to Left Lane News for a ton of great pics!
Left Lane news is reporting the British bros are no longer in the hole. Take that, Ford! Of course, they must be using a combined value, because the blurb goes on to state that Jag "reduced its losses to just 100 million." Yikes. I guess that says something about just how precarious Jag's financial situation was, because if losing 100 million bucks is seen as a positive development, things had to have been pretty rough. Hopefully, all the awesome reviews the new XF is getting will translate into sales, and bring the storied English company back into the black. Get more info over at Left Lane News.
