Renault unveiled the third generation Megane in 2008 and, although experiencing some great sales, is now up for a little refreshing. Renault isn’t planning anything big, but the Megane will receive just enough changes to keep the vehicle current and relevant in the market. The first prototypes for this refresher - a five-door hatchback and the Gran Tour - were recently caught doing some hot weather testing in Southern Europe.
Despite the heavy camouflage, the facelift Megane can be seen with a bigger lift that will incorporate the new Renault family look, a slightly modified bumper, and new graphics on the rear lights. These will more than likely be the only changes the hatchback will see. The engine lineup will stay the same, meaning customers can choose between the usual petrol and diesel engines. That being said, rumors are suggesting that the Megane will also be getting a new 1.5 liter four-cylinder turbodiesel engine with an output of about 110 HP.
After trudging along with the production of the Karma and introducing the Karma S Convertible Concept, Fisker has moved right along to the Frankfurt Motor Show with a new concept: the Surf. The Surf concept is an electric shooting brake model with extended range (EVer) capability and represents Fisker’s vision of a crossover between a sport car and a station wagon. It shows how Fisker is expanding its Karma platform rapidly with additional models that again create a new market niche. A production version will follow in 2013.
The company has described the concept as follows: "The Fisker Surf delivers a bold new twist and is sure to ‘wow’ global audiences with its combination of Uncompromised Responsible Luxury and head turning design."
We expect the Surf Concept will have something similar to the aluminum spaceframe architecture and Q-Drive powertrain as used in the Karma. Of course, we don’t anticipate that this concept to have two electric motors with an output of about 408 HP like the Karma, but a less powerful setup powered by the same lithium-ion battery pack will more than likely be available. The sprint from 0 to 60 mph will be made in 5.9 seconds and top speed will go up to 125 mph. The concept can travel up to 50 miles on electricity only and a turbocharged 2.0-liter petrol engine will act as a generator and will extend the range an additional 250 miles.
Initially it was believed that Audi will bring the new A6 Allroad Quattro in March at the Geneva Motor Show, but it seems that the company decided to offer us the official details a few months earlier. The model will go on sale in Germany this Spring at a starting price of €54,600 or about $70,000 at the current exchange rates.
Compared to a standard A6 Avant the A6 Allroad Quattro is 2.36 inches higher and is distinguished by trim strips on the side sills, more widely flared fenders and a single-frame grille with vertical slats. At the rear the exhaust system ends in two large, flattened tailpipes and the wheel well edges, the bumpers and the sills are painted in a contrasting color.
The new A6 Allroad Quattro will be offered with a choice of four engines: one TFSI gasoline engine and three TDI units with power ranging from 204 HP to 313 HP. The three other engines are paired with the seven-speed S tronic and a quattro permanent four-wheel drive system.
Updated 01/11/2012: Audi has unveiled today the official details on the new A6 Allroad quattro. Hit the jump to read more about the car.
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Everyone’s attention may be centered on the start of the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, but spy photographers are still hard at work capturing images of future models as they test their way into perfection. This week’s captive is the new Audi RS4 as it takes some hot laps on the Nürburgring.
The new RS4 Avant prototype caught testing revealed some new lights and a new grille which will highlight the upcoming facelift for the full A4/S4 range. It also features big air intakes on the revised front end, wider fenders, and massive oval exhaust pipes.
Now comes the power. If you live in the United States, chances are you don’t really care about the newRS4 Avant, either because it hasn’t been confirmed for the US market or because Americans still have this "thing" about not liking wagons. For the latter, may we remind you that Audi likes to test their S variants in wagon form before expanding to the more traditional models, so listen up. Audi has two options for the new RS4’s engine. Their first option is to use the same 4.2 liter V8 with 450 horsepower found in the RS5, and the second is to down-size to a twin-turbo V6 which will deliver about the same amount of power. We’re placing our bets on the V6 only because automakers have to focus more on fuel economy and if Audi can get the same amount of power and provide customers with gas-saving efficiency, that’s what they are going to do.
After a very long wait, Ford has finally unveiled the production version of the dramatic new Focus ST at the Frankfurt Motor Show, and they’ve also announced that, next to the standard five-door model, Europeans will also be getting a station wagon version. The Focus ST is Ford’s first truly global performance car and Ford promises it will combine power with fuel efficiency and an impressive handling characteristic.
For the new model, Ford has tuned the 2.0-liter Ford EcoBoost engine with a redesigned intake and a new exhaust system with a unique engine calibration for a total output of 250 HP. The engine was combined with a 6-speed manual transmission which has also been specially revised for the ST.
Ford has also announced that many of the design elements seen in the Focus ST will also be used in all the future ST models. These elements include the aggressively enhanced front and rear bumpers and the addition of a rear spoiler and sideskirts, plus a unique signature color.
Hit the jump to read more about the Ford Focus ST.
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