Author: yoann besnard

GM rumoured to unveil the Volt at Paris
According to the latest information, GM might unveil the eagerly-awaited Volt at the Paris Motor Show.
The news is surprising as the Volt will only be sold on the American market at first. Bob Lutz even said the Volt might be only sold in selected states at launch. Behind the Volt, the American group wants to unveil the new Delta compact platform which will be share by the future compact models of the group: Opel/Vauxhall Astra, Pontiac G5, Saturn Ion and the future Saab 9-3.
The first model to feature the new platform will be the next-generation Lacetti that GM will also unveil at Paris. But the new Lacetti won’t be enough to attract media attention and customers to the Chevrolet stand. With the Volt, The American brand is ensured to attract visitors to see the new Lacetti.
May 20, 2008
Ford considers building a smaller pickup
Ford is seriously considering creating a new pickup truck positioned below the top-selling F-150 in an attempt to maintain its sales in the shrinking heavy SUVs and pickups market segment.
Known internally as P525, the future pickup will share its underpinnings with the F-150 to cut cost. However, with the P525, engineers will focus on weight reduction and fuel efficiency. it is unknown whether it will be powered by V8 engines or not.
The P525 might be called F-100. Inded this moniker was used for an-entry level F-Series until 1983. It will also have for mission to replace the Ford Ranger whose production ends next year.
May 20, 2008
Spyshots: Maserati Quattroporte
The car you see here is the facelifted Quattroporte that Maserati will likely unveil in 2010.
It’s hard to tell, but the Quattroporte is four years old and time has come for this limousine to get a revamp. The first spyshots reveal a more extensive facelift than expected.
Designers seem to have focused on the front fascia of which spyshots suggest it will sport the new corporate’s grille that appeared on the GranTurismo. In the meantime, there will also be new headlights to accommodate the new nose. The rear end will be revamped and will feature a new bumper and LED rear lights.
At this early stage, secrecy surrounds the specifications although some observers believe that the revamped Quattrporte will be powered by the more powerful yet economical 4.7-litre petrol unit unveiled in the GranTurismo S.
The facelift is programmed to arrive on time when Aston Martin and Porsche will reveal their new sport-luxury saloons before the Italian marque unveils the next-generation in 2012.
Click here to see the spyshots
Source: Autocar, MotorAuthority
May 20, 2008
Audi to launch 15 new models by 2011
With the aim of selling 1.5 million cars by 2018, Audi plans to expand its already wide lineup by unveiling 15 new models or versions within three years.
The most important model for the carmaker will be the small A1 expected to take on the established Mini in the small car segment. Sharing its inner-structure with the VW Polo, the A1 is rumoured to offer an all-wheel drive version.
On the compact market segment where Audi dominates the German clique, the carmaker will continue to multiply variants with the launch of the Q3 SUV in 2010. Expected to be 4,300 mm long, it will be 300 mm shorter than the new Q5 and will only be available as an all-wheel drive model. Power output will range from 168 to 349bhp. The three-door A3 will be renewed one year later, while the Sportback variant will be launched in 2012.
The next-generation A6 will be launched in 2011. It will be the first high-volume Audi model to come with an aluminum structure. However, the masterpiece in this segment will be the future A7 set to compete with the top-selling CLS-Class. This four-door coupé will be followed by the new A8.
With the R4 cancelled, the R8 supercar will be the only sporty model in the range. Audi will expand the R8’s range by launching the V10-powered version and the first diesel supercar. There will also be a roadster version which will be launched this year.
May 19, 2008
Spyshots: Hyundai Genesis LWB
Here are some spyshots of the long-wheelbase Hyundai Genesis destined for the Asian market.
Spotted during testing in Germany, the long-wheelbase variant will be lengthened by an additional eight inches over the normal version. The additional length will be highly appreciated by in China and South Korea where the genesis will be sold at first. It is indeed common for owners of premium models to be driven.
Codenamed BHL-VI, the lengthened Genesis is rumoured to drop its moniker to adopt the i70 name. The long-wheelbase Genesis will likely be an opportunity for Hyundai to launch an updated version of the 4.6-litre Tau V8. This upgraded engine will feature direct-injection, cylinder deactivation and forced induction technology.
Will Hyundai bring the long-wheelbase Genesis to Europe? Probably not. BMW is selling a lengthened 5-Series in China which will never be imported to our shores. Why would Hyundai with no brand image waste its time?
Click here to see the spyshots
May 19, 2008
Ford Australia reveals new FPV Falcon range
Ford Australia has revealed a range of new powerful Falcon saloons set to compete with the HSV Clubsport R8.
Based on the new Falcon FG, the high-performance versions are available with two engines, an entry-level 4.0-litre unit and 5.4-litre V8 unit.
The 4.0-litre unit is a turbocharged inline-6 engine which delivers a power output of 415bhp and an impressive torque output of 417lb ft between 1,950 and 5,200rpm, while the V8 delivers 422bhp and 406 lb ft of torque.

May 19, 2008
Subaru Exiga’s teaser
After the rumours, Subaru has confirmed the Exiga will be unveiled on the 17 June of this year by launching a dedicated website.
The micro-site sates our appetites by displaying different views of the Exiga. The new estate/crossover seems to put the emphasis on luxury like the concept car did at the Tokyo Motor Show. You’ll find all the details in this previous post.
Click here to see the website
May 19, 2008
Noble talks about the M600
Noble’s Italian importer had announced in last November that the M15 would be powered by Volvo petrol engine. Since then, information has been scarce. More information have emerged on the internet.
In an interview with PistonHeads, the new Noble boss Peter Boutwood has revealed that the future model will be called M600 instead of M15 as initially thought. He also confirmed that the M600 will be powered by a twin-turbo Volvo V8. However power output remains unknown. The Italian importer spoke about 650bhp. The M600 moniker might suggest a power of 600bhp.
The M600 will feature a carbon-fiber body shell to save weight. Like previous models, the M600 won’t feature any driver aids.
The company has plan to build 50 units per year.
May 19, 2008
Mazda Furai in action
Here is a video of the Furai, a concept car Mazda unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show in January. Based on a Courage C65’s inner-structure, the Furai is powered by a 3-rotor Wankel engine which delivers 450bhp.
The Furai is the latest iteration of a series of concept cars designed by the Japanese carmaker: Nagare, Taiki, Hazare and Ryuga.
May 19, 2008
Lotus creates lightweight structure division
Lotus has announced the creation of Lotus Lightweight Structures, following its acquisition of Holden Lightweight Structures. This acquisition will help the company to fully integrate the Lotus models production.
Until now, the Lotus Elise, Exige and Europa aluminum chassis were assembled at the Holden Lightweight Structures Limited site in Worcester. By integrating the chassis’ production, Lotus will lead the market in lightweight vehicle research, development and production.
Mike Kimberley, Chief Executive of Group Lotus plc, said, “Weight reduction is one of the most attainable ways to lowering CO2 emissions in vehicles today, as well as improving fuel economy and performance, and we have a duty to share our technology with the world’s car makers for everyone’s long term benefit.”
Mike Kimberley adds "Lotus Lightweight Structures provides additional facilities, capabilities and expertise to the Lotus Manufacturing portfolio. We are now just ten weeks from the unveiling of the next all new Lotus, code named Project Eagle at the British Motorshow, and we are working hard to bring this fabulous 2+2 to the market in the Spring of 2009. The Project Eagle chassis structure will be the first product from our new Lotus Lightweight Structures facility."
The Lotus Lightweight Structures employs 120 engineers, technicians and sales staff.
May 19, 2008