Future cars in the making. Should they be an innocent drawing, a fine computer rendering or real driving concept, they always preview the cars of the future in some aspects.
BMW is preparing to recreate its entire X family and the new-generation X5 is only part of the job. The BMW X5 was first launched in 1999, and 13 years later, it’s getting ready to enter its third generation to help keep up with the changing times. The redesigned SUV is rumored to make its world debut in 2014 at the Detroit Auto Show.
BMW will mostly focus on reducing the X5’s total weight and improving the final performance figures for its new generation. It is rumored that BMW plans to reduce the SUV’s total weight by about 330 pounds, but it will still be offered with the latest technologies, like a lane-departure warning and compensation system, night vision, park assist, traffic-sign recognition, surround-view cameras, and active cruise control.
The new X5 will be offered with two new four-cylinder engines and the most powerful version will still get a 4.4-liter V-8 engine with improved power figures and a increased fuel economy. It is also rumored that BMW is planning a plug-in hybrid version.
As for the exterior design, it will be more an evolution of the current car as opposed to a revolution.
Updated 04/25/2013: Another image of the new X5 (above) has surfaced online and this time it looks like more than just a simple rendering. So, if this is really a leaked image of the next X5 it can mean only one thing: the official debut is getting closer. (bp.blogspot)
Updated 5/24/2013: A slick person with an HD camera phone managed to catch the X5 with very little camo to hide its goodies. Thanks to a tip from a reader, we now have this HD video and a few screen shots of all the good stuff after the jump. Things are looking good for the new X5, really good...
Last year, it was rumored that Pagani would unveil a special Zonda R Evo at the 2012 Goodwood Festival of Speed. Still, nothing happened and people pretty much forgot about that model. Now, it comes into focus one more time, as it looks like an official debut is nearing.
Quite a strange move from Pagani, considering that Zonda’s production ended in 2011; but even so, it looks like the company plans to build a total of five Zonda R Evolution models, which will be a faster and more powerful version of the discontinued Zonda R.
Rumors suggest the new Zonda R Evolution will be powered by a 6.0-liter V-12 engine with a total output of 800 horsepower - a 50 horsepower improvement over the Zonda R. With the extra power, the Evolution will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.7 seconds and up to a top speed in excess of 217 mph.
Of course, exclusivity costs, as the future Zonda R Evolution is rumored to be priced at €2 million ($2.5 million at the current exchange rates).
Updated 03/24/2013: New details on the Pagani Zonda R Evolution have surfaced on the internet, thanks to the folks over GTSpirit and Prototype0.
Click past the jump to read more about the Zonda R.
After much teasing and prodding, Lexus finally unveiled the third-generation IS sedan earlier this year at the Detroit Auto Show.
Well, it looks like the Japanese automaker isn’t done with its IS lineup just yet.
According to What Car, Lexus is expected to launch a coupe version of the IS in 2014, which will be based on the IS sedan.
As far as styling goes, the IS Coupe will take inspiration from the 2012 LF-CC Concept that we first saw at the 2012 Paris Motor Show. Should that be the case, you can expect the IS Coupe to carry some of the concept’s design elements, including the large trapezoidal front grille, the contoured and aggressive looking profile, and the expansive use of LED lights.
As far as powertrain is concerned, the thinking within Lexus is to outfit the IS Coupe with the same 2.5-liter hybrid engine, which would only be available in Europe, Japan and other markets, if the coupe model stays consistent with the sedan. In this case, U.S.-bound IS Coupe models would likely arrive with the same 2.5 and 3.5-liter engines as the American sedan, which produce 204 horsepower and 306 horsepower, respectively.
Click past the jump read about the Lexus LF-CC Concept and the upcoming IS Coupe
When Ferrari launches a new-generation sports car on the market, everyone is well aware that they should expect at least three versions: a coupe, a spyder, and a Scuderia. We’ve already had our fill of the Ferrari 458 Italia Coupe and Spyder, but this new rendering of a Scuderia model got us thinking. What should we expect from Ferrari’s most fiery version of this aging model?
If this rendering from Milanno ArtWorks is any indication as to the design of the Scuderia, then we can expect a much more aggressive design illustrated by the sharp edges of the bumper followed by the sharp edge design of the front lights. Since the Scuderia name is synonymous with weight reduction, expect a weight loss similar to that of the 430 Scuderia, which lost about 220 pounds compared to the standard model. This will be done with a mostly aluminum body, since Ferrari has already made it clear that it would stick to this material rather than using carbon fiber, like the competition.
Power for the newest Scuderia monster may come from a turbocharged V-8 that will push out anywhere from 590 to 700 horsepower. At one point, Ferrari boss Luca di Montezemolo said that a 458 Scuderia would not be produced because the 458 Italia was just so advanced, so if rumors are circulating that a Scuderia will follow, then we expect to see a power output that will blow our minds. The only problem is, we won’t see it until at least the end of 2013.
Update 5/21/2013: According to Car and Driver, the long-awaited 458 Scuderia could finally show its face in Frankfurt, rounding out the 458 family. Sources also told Car and Driver that the 458 Scuderia could be inspired by the 458 Challenge race cars, which run around the track with smaller waist lines than the standard 458 Italia.
As far as power goes, the direct-injected V-8 that will power the 458 Scuderia is expected to reach an output of about 600 horsepower, significantly more than the 562-horsepower output of the standard model. Tweaks to the engine, including recalibrated ECUs could be partly responsible for the performance spike. (Car and Driver)
Click past the jump to read about the Ferrari 458 Italia
If you believed the 2011 Etherea concept unveiled at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show was just a design exercise, you are about to be proven wrong. It looks like the concept was just a preview for a new crossover set to be launched in the next two years.
Talking about the future model, Infiniti boss Andy Palmer said it will be placed between "the Audi A3 and Audi Q3" and that this will be made possible by a new three-way adjustable ride height system.
The new crossover will follow Infiniti’s new naming strategy and it is believed to be called Q30. The model will follow in the footsteps of the Qashqai and Juke crossovers in terms of entering into established segments with new models. Palmer made it quite clear that despite the similarities, the Q30 won’t be "a copy of the Nissan Qashqai, but a car that can span established brackets within the market."
The model will differentiate itself with a unique styling and, of course, a more luxurious styling.
Updated 05/16/2013: Today we have created a rendering for the upcoming Infinti Q30. Click past the jump to see how it differs from the Etherea concept.
Click past the jump to read more about the Infiniti Etherea concept.
The 2014 P1 just dropped onto the market and McLaren officials are already talking about a successor for the supercar. McLaren sales and marketing boss Greg Levine confirmed in an interview with AutoCar that the company is planning a successor for the P1 but not for "at least ten years."
He confirmed that while developing the P1 project, McLaren wanted to develop "the best super sports car the world has ever seen until a successor is built." And, in order to remain exclusive, the P1 needs to stay on sale for a short while and after that the company "needs to step back from the market for a few years."
Talking about the P1, he said that the company sold about three-quarters from the 375 units that McLaren plans to build. Also, it looks like there are customers who have ordered two P1 units and that more than 30 cars have been fully customized by customers.
Click past the jump to read more about the McLaren P1.
With falling sales and stiff competition from the BMW 7-Series and the Audi A8, Mercedes is looking to revamp its S-Class line for the 2014 model year. The model has been caught testing in many times and was teased even more, but today Mercedes finally unveiled in all its glory.
As expected, the 2014 S-Class adopted the same design language we have seen in all the recently launched Mercedes models, which was started by the 2010 Mercedes F800 Style Concept. Translated, this means the new S-Class received sharper lines, a sportier front fascia, a larger grille and a redesigned rear end.
The model grew in size, so it now offers improved interior room where the passengers can enjoy the highest-quality materials, luxurious wood trim, a metallic switchgear and stitched-leather accents.
UPDATE 05/15/2013: The new Mercedes S-Class finally made its world debut today at the Airbus A380 delivery center in Hamburg, Germany.
Hit the jump to read more about the 2014 Mercedes S-Class!
After years of teasing and concept reveals, the Acura NSX is finally going to be a reality. This was confirmed by a press release from Honda informing us that it had selected a production facility: an all-new, 184,000-square-foot Performance Manufacturing Center in Ohio. This production facility will be inside Honda’s former North American Logistics facility nearby Honda’s R&D and engineering operations.
Little is known about the production version of the NSX except the fact that is will carry a mid-mounted, direct-injected V-6 engine and Acura’s Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system. The Sport Hybrid SH-AWD uses a trio of electric motors – one mated to the engine and two driving the front wheels – to help boost the V-6 engine’s performance and overall vehicle stability. The latest concept’s engine hooked up to a dual-clutch transmission and we expect the same from the production model. Unfortunately, Honda released no information on the total output and performance of the NSX, so we are in the dark here. We do figure to see at least 400 horsepower from the 2016 NSX and a 0-to-60 mph time around 4 seconds.
The 2013 NSX Concept is likely the one that is most similar to what the NSX will actually look like, minus the crazy headlights and wheels. The red and black leather interior is very realistic for production and the body isn’t too over the top to be considered for production.
Production will begin in Ohio in 2015, making this a 2016 model year not the 2015 model year that anticipated earlier. We will keep you updated as more information becomes available.
Click past the jump to read more about the NSX Concepts
*Image Note: All Images are of the various NSX concepts, not the production model
The third generation Audi TT (Tourist Trophy) has already been caught testing in many times and today, new details on the model have surfaced online.
As previously reported, the third-generation TT sports car will return to its original roots: its design will once again be inspired by the original concept unveiled at the 1995 Frankfurt auto show.
According to an unconfirmed report from Car and Driver, the U.S.-spec TT will get a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with Volkswagen Group’s EA888 turbocharged and direct-injected technology – the same engine that was just added to the 2013 Beetle Turbo. In the base version this engine will deliver a total of 220 horsepower and the S version will receive an extra turbo to allow it to deliver a total of 300 horsepower.
Car and Driver also reported that the TT-RS version will continue to carry a five-cylinder engine tuned to produce a whopping 380 horsepower. That adds up to a 20-horsepower increase over the current generation’s 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine. Audi will also offer both front and Quattro all-wheel drive systems on the TT-RS.
The new Audi TT will arrive on the market in 2014 in coupe form and in roadster form a few months later.
Click past the jump to read more about the next Audi TT.
Now that Porsche officially unveiled the new generation 911 Turbo Coupe it’s time to focus on the convertible version that is set to arrive a few months later. As no surprise, the convertible version will feature the same design language and technology features as the coupe version.
The new-generation 911 Turbo is the widest model of entire 911 lineup, as it is about 28 mm (1.10 inches) wider than the 911 Carrera 4. Additionally, it receives a new all-wheel-drive system, active rear-axle steering and adaptive aerodynamics.
Up front, the new 911 Turbo Convertible receives a new front fascia with redesigned headlamps and larger air intakes, new full-LED headlights that feature four-point daytime running lights. For the rear, you will see new taillights and a new exhaust system with four tailpipes. The convertible version will also feature a soft top that allows buyers to cruise with the top down.
Under the hood, the 911 Turbo Convertible receives a turbocharged 3.8-liter six-cylinder engine that delivers a total of 520 horsepower in the standard model and 560 horsepower in the S version.
Updated 05/10/2013: Today we have a new rendering for you, inspired by the new generation 911 Turbo Coupe revealed the other days. Enjoy!
