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.

Don’t let that toothily grinning shark-mouth charm you: the Fisker Karma might have the roguish looks of a high-horsepower luxury sedan, but it in fact belongs to the tread-lightly school of super-attractive performance green cars that’re turning out in droves at Detroit this year. A center-mounted Li Ion battery pack supplies the Karma’s power until it reaches the end of its 50-mile range; then an efficient 4-cylinder kicks in to pick up the slack. Alternately, the electric and gas motors can be run in concert for peak performance. What kind of performance? Fisker’s promising 0-60 in just under 6, and a top speed of 125 mph. This 100-mpg beauty can be had for $80,000 to $100,000, and is purported to be availabe in 2009. More at Left Lane News.

After creating a buzz by doffing the Camaro’s camoflauge clothes last week, GM is now "leaking" its own pics of the pre-production Camaro, showing off the vehicle’s front clip for the first time. While headlight design might be further tweaked before it hits the showrooms, this is basically the Camaro you’ll be getting next year. More at leftlanenews.