Lately, all of Europe has been under piles of snow and, for some automakers, this means that it’s the perfect time to test the capabilities of their newest models. The upcoming Porsche 911 Turbo Coupe is now joining the long list of models taken out to play in the snow. Although the model has dropped some of its camouflage since the last time it was caught on camera, the bumpers and the air intakes on the side are still well hidden, completely hiding their real shape.
Just like the standard 911, the new Turbo version will adopt a sportier appearance, as well as a powerful engine. It will be powered by a 3.8-liter flat-six engine that will deliver about 550 HP. The engine will be mated to an improved manual gearbox as standard, or an optional PDK gearbox. The PDK will have with no less than seven forward gears, combining the driving comfort of a converter automatic transmission with the dynamic gearshift of a sequential racing gearbox. The Porsche will also feature brake regeneration and stop start systems.
The new Porsche 911 Turbo Coupe is expected to make its world debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show in March and go on sale later in the year.
Although we were able to catch a semi-glimpse of the new Mazda6 when the Mazda Takeri Concept debuted in late 2011, we all know that concepts are the jazzed up versions of production models. Luckily, our spy photographers were able to catch a mule for the new generation Mazda6 testing in winter conditions. This mule sits on the next model’s platform, but still maintains the chopped up body of the current generation Mazda 6.
Mazda has made it clear that the next generation Mazda6 will have nothing in common with the current model, with the new model being wider and longer and its exterior design modeled after the aforementioned Takeri Concept. The new Mazda 6 will be built using the company’s new SkyActiv technologies, including a Skyactiv-D Clean diesel engine, a new six-speed automatic transmission, and an engine start-stop system. The next Mazda6 will also be the first Mazda equipped with regenerative braking. This system converts kinetic energy into electricity during braking and stores it in capacitors for use later in powering electrical equipment such as the air conditioning, lighting, and audio system.
The new generation Mazda6 will also feature a coupe version set to be released sometime in 2014, but expect to see the Mazda6 sedan at the 2012 Paris Auto Show.
The smallest model Opel is currently selling is the Corsa, but its biggest competitor on the European market, Volkswagen, has unveiled the tiny Up! in both three and five-door variations. Now, Opel has no other choice than to work on a new model to tackle the same market. The Opel "Junior" will be placed under the current Corsa and will take on the Volkswagen Up! like it’s going out of style, which Opel hopes it does. Opel also has models like the Mini and the Fiat 500 to contend with, but those are a bit more upmarket, which may or may not be a market Opel can enter just yet.
The model is currently known as the Opel Junior, but it is believed to get the Allegra name when it is launched sometime in 2013. It will be around 146 inches long and will be sold as a 3 door version only.
It is believed that the exterior design will be inspired by the 2004 Trixx Concept, but with a more modern interpretation. For power, Opel is preparing a new range of engines that will also be used in the next generation Opel Corsa.
After being revealed back in 1991, the Lexus GS will be entering its fourth generation by the end of 2011 or early 2012.
The new generation Lexus GS, which was officially introduced at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, will be built on a brand new platform, making it sportier and more efficient than the previous model. Under the hood, expect to see the same direct-injected 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers a total of 306 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 277 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 3,600 rpm. The real star of the show will be the 5.0-liter V8 engine with an output of about 450 horsepower found in the GS-F version.
According to Lexus "the fourth-generation GS model introduces a more defined and emotional design philosophy featuring a new distinctive front grille and styling cues that will soon be seen on all future Lexus vehicles. The new GS has also been engineered to provide a more engaging and dynamic driving experience and the highest levels of refinement."
UPDATE 12/22/2011: Lexus has announced prices for the 2013 GS 350 arriving in dealerships in early February 2012. The GS350 will be offered in rear-wheel drive (RWD) with a base MSRP of $46,900 or all-wheel drive (AWD) with a base MSRP of $49,450. An F SPORT Sport S+ mode adds another $5,690 and an optional navigation system adds $1,735.
UPDATE 01/24/2012: On January 6th, Lexus asked their Facebook fans which feature of the all-new GS they would like to learn more about. They voted, and today the company has unveiled a video about the car’s performance enhancements, based directly on the majority of votes. Enjoy!
Find out more about the Lexus GS350 after the jump
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The new generation Fiat Panda made its world debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show and, just like the previous generation, a 4x4 version is scheduled to follow. The first spy shots have captured the car testing in winter conditions and considering it will be similar to the standard version, expect to see it launched by the end of the year.
The upcoming Panda 4x4 is the perfect alternative for those who want to combine the affordability of a city car with the pleasure of driving a 4x4 model. Compared to the standard Panda, the 4x4 version will sit higher off the ground and will be offered with a different suspension and bigger wheels. For the exterior, the model will get plastic elements at all the corners, but that is where the differences will end for the standard and 4X4 Pandas models.
Just like with the standard version, the future Panda 4x4 will be offered with two TwinAir twin cylinder engines: the 2011 International Engine of the Year 85bhp TwinAir Turbo, or the brand new 65bhp naturally aspirated TwinAir. Both engines are equipped with Start and Stop as standard and a 4x4 system.
