The first images of upcoming new Mazda3 were leaked on the net. The forthcoming Mazda3 is one of the most highly anticipated future models.
The designer of 2010 Mazda3 prototype took a different approach, applying elements from the Nagare, Ryuga, Hakaze, Taiki and Furai concept cars to a an enlarged version of the Mazda2. Not bad but we would have definetely preferred a different styling for the front-end.
More pics after jump
Good news: the Volkswagen Scirocco, VW’s new hatchback-like coupe, will arrive in Europe in August. In Europe, the VW Scirocco will be offered initially with two petrol engines, the 1.4-liter TSI that combines a supercharger and turbocharger developing 160Hp and the Golf GTI’s turbocharged 200Hp 2.0-liter TFSI. Shortly after the Scirocco’s engine range will be enhanced with the addition of a supercharged 122Hp 1.4-liter TSI petrol unit and a 140Hp 1.4-liter turbo diesel. Depending on the powertrain, the Scirocco???s average fuel consumption ranges from 5.4 to 7.7 litres per 100km (30.6 to 43.6 MPG).
The Porsche released details on the all-wheel-drive versions Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S, which are available as Coupe and Cabriolet.
Leaving the aesthetic and engine/gearbox changes aside as they’re the same with the RWD Carrera, the new generation Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S get an electronically controlled PTM Porsche Traction Management which replaces the former all-wheel drive with its viscous multiple-plate clutch. This system was initially developed for the 911 Turbo and modified for the Carrera 4 models.
Porsche promise that depending on the model, the new all-wheel-drive Carrera offers up to 8.5% more power, up to 12.9% more fuel economy, and 15.4% lower CO2 emissions.
The improvements on the 911 Carrera 4S with its 3.8-litre power unit are equally important, with maximum output up by 30 to 385Hp on overall fuel consumption down in the case of Carrera 4S Cabriolet with the PDK gearbox to 10.7 litres/100 km or 26.4 mpg imp. All all-wheel-drive Porsche Carrera models will be available at Porsche dealerships from October 25.
Meet the new limited edition Murcielago LP 640 Roadster VERSACE. The special edition Murcielago LP640 Roadster also inspired the Italian fashion house to create a new range of accessories that will be available at Versace Boutiques and selected Lamborghini showrooms beginning in November 2008. For old LP640’s owners: Nothing personal, strictly business 🙂
Hand crafted in black matte calf skin, Versace’s range include: a trolley bag, suit carrier, sports bag, as well as a briefcase, suitcase, gloves, driving shoes, belt, wallet, key ring, beauty case, hat and a pair of jeans.
Stephan Winkelmann, president and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A., said: “Our collaboration with Versace turned out to be an excellent experience and is an example of how we are pursuing our strategy of developing luxury products outside of luxury sports cars. We are proud to be in this prestigious, Made in Italy partnership with Versace, which adds to our other recent successes.”
The Peugeot 3008, new Peugeot’s MPV, was caught in black heavy camouflage.
The new 3008 will be based on the 308’s platform and will be rival for Renault Scenic and the VW Touran.
Features will include sliding doors and seven-seater functionality. There will also be a host of safety extras such as tyre pressure sensors, audible passenger seatbelt warnings and a hands free Bluetooth wireless phone kit as well as a higher roof too.
No word about units, but as we know Peugeot are currently working on a new-generation of petrol and HDI engines for the 3008. Customers will also be able to choose between two and four-wheel-drive versions, with base models front-drive only.
The Peugeot 3008 will go on sale in 2010.
Look at the Audi’s new hotcar, the four-door coupe A7. It’s Audi’s response to the Mercedes CLS.
The Audi A7 will arrive with the second-generation of Audi’s MMI cabin control system.
Under the skin is a stretched version of the platform which underpins the A5 coupe.
Wide range of engines will be available: a trio of V6 diesels, including an all-new 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged unit, as well as V6 and V8 petrol engines.
The new Citroen supermini-MPV is unveiled! (Look at the previous spy shots.) The Citroen C3 MPV is a vital part of the company’s plans because as well as the Note, it will aim to steal sales from the Honda Jazz and Renault Modus, plus the next-generation Opel Meriva.
The C3 MPV is targeting customers who want space and flexibility in a compact, eco-friendly package, but designers will also tempt them with style.
At the front, the bold nose gets intricate headlamps, neat lower spotlights, large air intakes and a big grille, on which the famous double-chevron badge is mounted. Moving back, the curvy A-pillars are similar to those on the C4 Picasso, but are thinner and have more glass for better side vision.
A production-ready version of the C3 MPV will debut at the Paris Motor Show in October, with sales starting in early 2009. The range is set to be priced from around $20,000.
The new Honda Freed was unveiled today in Tokyo. The Freed is compact minivan, based on the new 2009 Honda Jazz. While the Freed retains the same width as the Jazz / Fit at 1,695 mm, it’s longer (4,215 mm vs 3,900 mm), higher (1,715 mm vs 1,525 mm) and it also features an extended wheelbase measuring 2,740 mm in length (vs 2,500 mm).
Honda will offer three variants the Freed on local market: a seven-passenger edition; an eight-passenger version and a five-passenger type which offers a large cargo space. All three variants of the Freed are also equipped with sliding rear doors on either side of the vehicle.
2009 Honda Freed will be offered in front-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive variants, both of which are equipped with a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder that delivers an output of 120Hp. No word about the Freed will find its way out of the Japan.
Ford made public photos of its new Ka model. The new Ka will replace the 12-year-old Ka, and shares its underpinnings and engines with the Fiat 500.
The Ka expected arrive to dealerships towards the end of 2008. Ford says that its engineers are working hard to ensure that the new Ka can match the current model???s composure and pin-sharp handling, while offering greater refinement.
There will be a choice of 63bhp 1.2-litre and 100bhp 1.4-litre petrol engines, as well as a 1.3-litre Multijet diesel. The latter will be good for 75bhp and 145Nm of torque, while returning more than 50mpg.
The new Ka will make its world debut at the Paris Motor Show in September, and is sure to appeal to Ford fans with its attractive styling. Short overhangs, a steeply raked windscreen and arching roofline mean the Ka looks sporty, while being spacious enough for four.
Prices for the new Ka are set to start at around $15,000 rising to $24,000 for the ST version.
The Hyundai i90 test mule in camouflage was caught on road testing.
The Hyundai is ready to take on Germany’s premium brands. It will be crammed with the kind of technology usually reserved for premium brands like Audi, Mercedes and BMW.
This includes an iDrive-style cabin control interface, as well as a collision mitigation brake system (CMS), which detects an imminent accident and warns the driver to take preventative action. Plus cabin space to match the likes of BMW’s 7-Series, the i90 will carry a similar price to a Ford Mondeo. It will reach the dealerships in 2009, powered by a petrol V8 with around 350bhp.
