Friday, February 29, 2008

2009 Porsche Cayenne Diesel


Emissions regulations are causing profound impacts on automakers these days, and Porsche is finally answering the call with a diesel model next year. The Stuttgart-based company is planning to offer a diesel powered version of its Cayenne SUV.

The choice of engine would most probably be a V6 borrowed from Audi, says UK auto industry analyst Peter Schmidt via Automotive News Europe. Other more powerful engines (V8, V10, and V12) were also considered, but eventually called off due to their heaviness.

Audi is believed to be developing an efficient twin-turbocharged 3.2 litre V6 diesel engine producing more than 300 hp, which is the most logical candidate for this purpose.

There has been no word from Porsche on this, but we all know what CEO Wendelin Wiedeking has in mind in respect of tackling fuel-economy issues. Just over a month ago, Porsche announced that it is co-developing hybrid systems with Volkswagen for the Cayenne and the upcoming Panamera.


Source: Automotive News Europe



Related entries:

Porsche Panamera Hybrid Schematics Released
Porsche is Delaying Hybrid Models Until 2010
Porsche Cayenne Hybrid Displayed
Porsche Cayenne Hybrid First Details
Porsche Panamera: More Info


New 2010 Mercedes E-Class Clearest Spy Photos Yet


The new Mercedes E-Class, code named W 212, is scheduled for release in mid 2009. Initially just the sedan will be launched with the station wagon following a year later.

The photos are showing for the first time a prototype in silver metallic wearing much less disguise than previous pictures showed. The new styling will adapt styling elements from the current new C-Class, however, the headlights are quite different giving the new E-Class a so-called “four eyes face”. Also the new model will grow 7 cm in overall length.

The next E-Class will offer a wide selection of engines, ranging from a 4 cylinder petrol engine with 184 hp up to an 544 hp V8 as well as diesels ranging from 136 hp 4 cylinder to a 354 hp V8. However, customers will have to wait for a hybrid version for another year. According to insider information, in 2010 the car is going to available also as a hybrid model in combination with a diesel engine. The E 300 Bluetech-hybrid will get power from a 3.0 litre 224 hp V6 and a 15kW electric engine with an integrated start generator.

The photos are showing a prototype during testing in the south of Germany.




Related entries:

2009 Mercedes E-Class Wagon
2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class



Land Rover to Present Customized Version of LRX Concept in Geneva

While we knew that Land Rover was going to present the LRX Concept in Geneva, what we didn’t know but learned from our sources is that the British firm is planning to unveil a slightly customized version of its compact crossover. According to our sources, the Geneva Show LRX Concept will feature among other things, a two-tone paint-job, new alloy rims and roof rails.

*The LRX pictured above is the one shown in Detroit

2009 Volkswagen Scirocco – New Image Gallery, Including Interior

From the moment we saw the two leaked pictures of the all-new Volkswagen Scirocco flowing around the web (see here) we knew that it was a matter of time until we discovered more images. To be precise, we managed to find five more pictures of the Scirocco coupe-hatch (…) including two featuring the interior. Speaking of the Scirocco’s cabin, the dashboard comes straight from the Eos Coupe-Convertible. As you can see in the picture, the Scirocco is strictly a four-seater, with the rear passengers getting two individual sport seats with incorporated headrests.

The Scirocco will be officially unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show on March 4 with sales in Europe kicking off this autumn where it will be available with a wide range of petrol and diesel powerplants delivering between 122 and 200 Hp. -Follow the jump for the image gallery






Geneva Preview: Bentley Continental Zagato GTZ

Italian coachbuilder Zagato will introduce their latest creation based on the Bentley Continental GT Speed at the Geneva Motor Show in March. The Zagato GTZ features several distinct design elements like the concave roof, the rounded tail and a contrasting colour scheme that differentiates it from the standard Continental GT Speed.

Zagato left the Continental GT Speed’s engine and mechanicals untouched, with the 6.0-liter W12 engine producing 600bhp and 553lb ft of torque. For the time being the Zagato GTZ is just a show concept, but we wouldn’t be surprised if the Italian coachbuilder announced an ultra-limited run edition in the near future. –More pics after the jump




Via: Motorpasion

Mitsubishi Reveals Colt, Lancer, Grandis, Triton & Pajero Panther Sporty Concepts

Finished in black duco and trademark "claw" detail, Mitsubishi unveiled a series of concepts bearing the Panther moniker at the 2008 Melbourne International Motor Show. The Panther concept range consisted of the Colt hatch, Lancer sedan, Grandis minivan, Triton ute and Pajero 4x4 three-door. Apart from the black paint job, lowered ride height gives all of the Panthers a more aggressive stance while each car received specific additional equipment.

The all-new Lancer Sedan for example is equipped with 20-inch chrome wheels, side skirts, fog lamps, scuff plates and chrome exhaust tip in addition to the custom Panther paintwork and decals. The Triton ute is fitted with 22-inch chrome wheels and a large hard tonneau cover, front bumper extender, rear bumper extender with fog lamp, chrome upper grille surround, upper and lower mesh, chrome head and tail lamp bezels, and scuff plates. -Continued

The three-door Pajero also receives 22-inch chrome wheels and lowered ride height, as well as a powerful body kit, illuminated scuff plates, exhaust tip and spare wheel tyre cover. Finally, the Colt, receives 16-inch alloy wheels, a unique body kit and scuff plates, while the Grandis VRX adds 16-inch alloy wheels and lowered ride height to its standard body kit.














Kia Soul Crossover Concept Image Leaked

There goes Kia’s surprise party at the Geneva Motor Show as the first full-blown image of the Soul Crossover concept was leaked into the web today. To be precise, the car pictured here is the Soul Burner, one of the three versions of the crossover that the Korean automaker will unveil in Geneva. -Continued after the jump

According to Kia, the trio of concepts will be closely related to the forthcoming production model which will be revealed towards the end of the year. The production version of the Korean carmaker’s compact crossover will be available on both sides of the Atlantic.

Via: Autoblog.nl

Babes from the 2008 Melbourne Motor Show

Leaving the Commodores and Falcons on the side for a moment, the Melbourne Motor Show that opened its gates to the public today (February 29), had its share of car babes that made things at the automakers booths, lets say, a bit more interesting... Follow the jump to check out the image gallery. -Continued