Audi A5 Coupe

Audi's upcoming A5 Coupe has been scooped in Paris performing the usual test runs. By the looks of it, Ingolstadt's BMW 3 Series Coupe contender is one step from production. Judging from the size of the A5 in the pics, Audi's new Coupe is most probably based on the next generation A4 platform.
As for the engine range, it will be equipped with Audi's 2.0 TFSI, 2.8 V6 FSI & 3.6 FSI , while the top spec S5 & RS5 versions are expected to use powerful V8 motors (atmospheric for the S5, turbocharged for the RS5). According to our latest information, the A5 Coupe will go on sale in summer/autumn 2007, with a cabrio version following in 2008

Smart Fortwo Photos: False alarm

In the past few hours I've seen a series of allegedly official, 2007 Smart Fortwo photos (originating from Autonews.fr ) going around in car-forums. Although they look like they could be the real thing, unfortunately they're not official but photoshops which were first published on Automotorundsport a few days ago along with the next generation Mercedes C-Class. As for the official photos of the 2007 Smart Fortwo, no need to worry as they will be on air sooner than you think -maybe even on, let's say, the 8th of November? Stay tuned...

Chery Automobiles to supply Fiat with 1.6 & 1.8lt engines!

Could this be the end of the "Italian" world as we knew it? Well we'd better get used to the idea as Fiat signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Chinese car company, Chery.
According to this agreement, Chery Automobile will supply more than 100,000 1.6 and 1.8 lt gasoline engines for application in Fiat cars to be produced in China and... most importantly, outside China -though they didn't say which markets will receive the Chinese made engines (lets hope, not engineered). The two companies are engaged to sign the definitive supply agreement before year end.
PS: When Fiat's CEO, Sergio Marchionne says that he sees "the potential for a wider cooperation both in powertrains and, eventually, in other automotive sectors", i hope he doesn't mean something like this: GreatWall Panda
Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Fiat:"The agreement with Chery will give us the opportunity to further increase the competitiveness of our product range on the international markets. In the relation with Chery we see the potential for a wider cooperation both in powertrains and, eventually, in other automotive sectors"Yin Tongyao, President and General Manager of Chery Automobiles: " The successful cooperation between Chery and Fiat Auto shows Fiat's confidence and trust in Chery, and it is also an important step taking by Chery. The prospect of our cooperation is very promising

2008 Mercedes E-Class

Can't say for sure whether the designers over at Auto Motor und Sport had inside info or not when they came up with the E-Class renderings, but they sure do look s-e-x-y! Something between a CLS and a S-Class, the next generation E-Class shown here combines tectonic elegance with Italian brio. Lets hope that when the car comes out late 2008 - early 2009, it will look a lot like these renderings.
Design apart, from what we gather the new E-Class will use a bunch of S-Class gimmicks and safety options. As for the engine range, in Europe, the basic model will use an updated version of the 1.8 Kompressor which will be presented next year -probably first on the SLK, while the top spec AMG will continue using the naturally aspirated 6.3 V8 541Hp engine found on the current E55 AMG. There will also be a hybrid version that will use the GM-Mercedes-BMW co-developed drivetrain -read more about it here: Carscoop. Via: Automotorundsport

2008 Skoda Roomster Scout

These phone camera spy pics reveal that Skoda is working on an crossover edition of its new compact MPV, Roomster. Like the Octavia Scout, the Roomster Scout gets newly designed bumpers at the front and rear, body-colour side mouldings and profiled door sills. Protective strips on the wheel housings, sumpguard protection (front and rear) and the higher ground clearance complete the 4x4 package. But unlike its Octavia counterpart, I highly doubt that the Roomster Scout will get a 4x4 drivetrain.

Suzuki MIO: Fuel-Cell powered wheel chair!

Surprise, surprise! When it comes to fuel cell powered vehicles, everyone's mind goes straight to the automobile sector, but that's not the case here. Suzuki, who as we learned, is one of the largest manufacturers in the powered wheelchair market, is applying this promising technology to a prototype wheelchair that goes by the name MIO.
The MIO features a fuel cell that uses methanol as a fuel source to generate hydrogen and therefore electricity. Its tank holds 4 litres of methanol, enough to provide MIO with a range of approximately 40km / 25 miles. A large capacity Li-ion secondary battery acts as a store for the electricity generated and a back up source of power.
Other features of the compact sized MIO (1.200 mm long, 650 mm wide and 1.000 mm tall) include armrests that double up as safety barriers, ergonomic handlebars and a seat that has mesh-type fabric for good aeration and improved springing. While at this stage, the MIO remains just a prototype, we're still going to give Suzuki a big bravo.

Bentley Havana Coupe

Bentley's upcoming coupe version of the Azure Convertible has been caught red handed during a typical test run. Car magazine, which posted the spy pic has info that the super luxurious coupe which will be named Havana will make its first appearance at next years Geneva Motor Show with sales commencing in 2008
While nothings sure yet, I don't think we'll have any surprises under the hood with the Havana receiving the same twin-turbocharged, 6,75-litre V8 engine as the Azure (450bhp / 336Kw & 875Nm / 645lb ft of torque).

SCOOP: 2007 Ford Mondeo factory pics

We've already seen how the 2007 Ford Mondeo will look like -hey we've even seen the car in live action through the James Bond - Casino Royal movie trailer, but I'm sure this is something that white collar Ford workers wouldn't want us to see: the production version of the 2007 Mondeo Ford's factory in Genk Belgium. For obvious reasons, we put a black patch on the Ford worker that's giving us a thumb up...

Official: Fiat, Alfa Romeo & Lancia 2007 – 2010 product plan!

Ciao Italia! Fiat Group hosted a two-day event for the men with the purses (financial analysts and institutional investors) on November 8 & 9. Who cares right? Well, somewhere between the espresso and the Stromboli, Fiat Group announced the trios (Alfa Romeo, Fiat and Lancia) future product plan.In fact, this product plan is so detailed that we are even told when the, yet to be unveiled, Fiat 500 (Trepiuno) will receive a facelift! Check it out for yourselves on the chart above -includes Fiat 500 Abarth, Grande Punto Abarth, Lancia 2009 Speciality model & Alfa Romeo 169, SUV & Junior debut dates.Related ArticlesFiat Grande Punto 1.4 TurboFiat LineaFiat BravoLancia Delta HPE Concept

Cadillac showcases new SLS at Auto China 2006

At this year's international motor show in Beijing "Auto China 2006", Shanghai GM is showcasing its newest addition to its Chinese Cadillac line-up, the SLS. Looks familiar? Your right cause its nothing more than a long wheel based STS. To be exact, the SLS has been lengthened by 100mm to add rear seat legroom which is a common practice from luxury makers that enter the Chinese market.
BMW did the same with the Chinese version of the 5 Series so as to meet specific local needs in this primarily chauffeur-driven luxury segment. Three engine options will be available which include the 2.8L V6, a 3.6L V6 and the top-level Northstar 4.6L V8 with 239kW/320hp. The new SLS will be built at the Shanghai GM plant for the Chinese market

Mercedes SLK Special "Edition 10"

Mercedes-Benz's Paris SLK showcar "Edition 10" (for the ten years of the SLK) has found its way to production as it will be available from January 2007. The special model is distinguished by a unique paint finish called "allanite grey Magno", available as an option for a limited edition of 350 vehicles. The rest of you will have to choose between a standard obsidian black metallic and the optional iridium silver metallic.
Other highlights of the "Edition 10" include dark-grey colored 17" alloy wheels, dark-tinted rear lights and engraved insignia bearing the lettering "EditI0n" on the wings. In the interior the seats, centre console armrest and gearshift lever are covered in black leather, with both seat backrests bearing the "EditI0n" logo. The special "Edition 10" model is available as an SLK 200Kwith 163 hp, an SLK 280 with the 231 hp 6cylinder engine or as an SLK 350 with 272 hp. Prices are as follows:

SLK 200K "Edition 10": 37,734.90 EUR
SLK 280 "Edition 10": 42,911.40 EUR
SLK 350 "Edition 10": 47,671.40 EUR

2007 Mitsubishi Outlander European version

A few weeks after the presentation of the Outlander concept in Paris that previewed the European version of Mitsubishi's mid-size SUV we have the first official production pics. In terms of differences between the US and the Euro model, apart from the better-looking mask, there are none. Same goes for the interior which was left unchanged. As for the engine range, the European edition will receive a 140Hp VW 2.0 turbo-diesel and two petrol motors, a 4cylinder and a V6. Sales will start in Europe in the spring of 2007. We'll have more info on the Euro-Outlander later on.

2007 Car of the Year: Ford S-Max grabs the title

Ford’s S-Max managed to grab the first place in the COTY awards this year with a margin of only two points from the Opel/Vauxhall Corsa. Ford should feel proud for another reason too as the S-Max is only the second MPV (after the Renault Scenic in 1996) in the contest’s 44-year history to win the award.
Having seen and driven all (with the exception of Citroen’s C4 Picasso) I agree 100% with the S-Max’s first place as it’s a truly driver orientated MPV packed with style and practicality. But, I totally disagree with the Opel Corsa’s second place. I can’t understand what they found in it to give it 233 points (!). Stylish yes, but that’s about the only attribute I can find in it in comparison with the other cars in the B-Segment category. What so new in the Corsa? In what way is it better than the Renault Clio for example?
I also disagree with the 5th placing of the Civic (5door Euro version) that managed to gather a mere 148 points. Its spacious interior is dressed in an outer-space design (in and out) and it has powerful but economical engines. In other words it brings a breeze of fresh air in a conventional, not to say boring category without loosing any of the assets that come with a C-Segment hatch.
1. Ford S-Max - 235
2. Opel Corsa - 233
3. Citroen Picasso - 222
4. Skoda Roomster - 189
5. Honda Civic - 148
6. Peugeot 207 - 144
7. Volvo C30 - 141
8. Fiat Grande Punto - 138