We already know that Fisker will be unveiling the production version of its Karma sport sedan at the Detroit Auto Show, but now there's proof that another concept will be making its way to the Detroit stage: the Karma S, or Sunset. (Sources at AutoblogGreen say that while the S stands for Sunset, Karma S will be the official name.)

Fisker says that the Karma S will have similar architecture with the production Karma sedan and that the two cars will share the same powertrain. Aside from this little bit of information and a very cropped teaser shot, no other details were released about the Sunset, so we'll have to wait until its Detroit Show debut. Speculation suggests that this could be a coupe or convertible variant of the Karma sedan, since the vehicle seems to lack a B-pillar in this photo. As always, we'll keep you posted with more details once they arise.

+ AutoblogGreen: Fisker set to debut new Karma S "Sunset" concept in Detroit

Even though the production Kia Soul recently debuted at the Los Angeles Auto Show, the folks at Kia say that they'll be unveiling the next chapter in the Soul story in Detroit next month. Kia goes so far to say that this concept is more than just a re-packaging treatment, but it will demonstrate the flexibility of the original Soul design.

Based on this teaser shot, we're not sure what to expect. A coupe? Pickup? Two-door crossover? We'll leave the speculation up to you, our readers. Let us know what you'd like to see, in comments. In the meantime, click through the post to read Kia's short press release and stay tuned for the official reveal at the North American International Auto Show next month.

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For the Detroit Auto Show in January, Mercedes plans to give the world a preview of three fuel-saving systems for its new entry-premium model range, which should replace the B-class by 2010. Known as Concept BlueZero, the technology will be shown in forms ranging from a purely electric car, a plug-in hybrid, and as a fuel cell model.

The electric model “E-Cell” will have a 100-kilowatt motor with a lithium-ion battery pack and a range of around 60 miles. The plug-in hybrid on the other hand will feature a three-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric generator to extend the car's range in electric mode (similar to what General Motors plans for the Chevrolet Volt). The third model called the F-Cell, will use a fuel cell and hydrogen tanks to produce the necessary electricity.

Mercedes' plan is to replace the B-class and A-class with four cars, which include a coupe to compete with the BMW 1-series, and also an SUV to rival BMW's upcoming X1. These replacements are slated to be built in Rastatt, Germany, as well as in Kecskemet, Hungary where M-B will open up shop by 2010. Have a look at the full press release for Concept BlueZero below and take a look at a few images of the car in our attached gallery.

Audi has big plans for Detroit. Many unveilings are planned for this event and the German automaker is no exception. Audi has already released details about its new V-10 powered R8 supercar, along with some sketches of an A7 four-door coupe concept (above) that may also appear at the show.

According to some inside information, the A7 concept will strongly resemble the production model due late next year. Several teaser sketches have been released by Audi, showing uniquely short overhangs reminiscent of the TT coupe, and a pair of highly tapered headlamps. The images also revealed a straight roofline that slopes down that blends directly into the rear hatch.

The A7 is expected to begin with a 204 horsepower 2.8-liter model, followed by a 300 horsepower 3.0-liter supercharged version, and then a 394 horsepower 4.2-liter V-8. Finally, an RS7 would most likely be added on later with a predicted 600 horsepower, twin-turbocharged, 5.0-liter V-10 engine.

Other models rumored to be on the Audi show stand next month will include a new turbodiesel A4 saloon designed for the U.S. market, the new 300 horsepower 3.0-liter supercharged V-6 A6 range, and the 265 horsepower TTS sports coupe.

+ Motor Authority: Audi reportedly prepping A7 concept for Detroit Auto Show

We had heard some rumors that Subaru would be showing some sort of concept at the upcoming North American International Auto Show, and we'll be the first ones to admit that we were hoping for some sort of rear-wheel-drive coupe concept. However, this teaser shot of Subaru's Legacy Concept is indeed a surprise, and we're pleased to see the direction in which Subaru is taking their design language. The mean fender flares and lower fascia look great, though we may need a moment to warm up to those stacked headlamps.

This concept marks the Legacy's twentieth anniversary and will likely be a preview of what we can expect when the current model bows out in a few years. We'll be sure to give you the full details when this concept makes its official debut in Detroit next month.

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The already attractive Volvo S60 is set to get even better-looking in its next generation—that’s if the styling from these newly released images of the S60 Concept car are anything to judge by. Shown ahead of the car’s launch at the North American International Auto Show next month in Detroit, the Volvo concept sedan should hint strongly at the production version of the car, which will likely make its own splash at another show later in the year.

The S60’s cabin is stylish in a typically Volvo fashion, showing foxy white leather seating, a roof made almost totally from glass, and an all new take on the company’s signature “floating” center stack. The innovative (if vaguely phallic) shift lever is able to stand at attention for a more direct feel when shifting through the gears manually, folding on its side for the auto gearbox function.

Scroll down below to read the full-bodied official S60 Concept press release from Volvo, or check out our gallery above for loads more photos.

http://www.carzi.com/2008/12/15/renault-megane-r26r-plastic-windows/

http://www.madwhips.com/brabus-tesla-roadster/

http://www.madwhips.com/ppi-razor-gtr-prototype/

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Caption:

Finnair A1700-2400 Cruiser

A charter aircraft with turning engines located in front – designed for both gliding and vertical take-off. In an emergency, the aircraft can land on water.All of the vessel’s 1,700 to 2,400 passenger places are in one- to four-person cabins, which have their own toilet and shower as well as internet and satellite links. Some cabins have windows. All cabins also have AV windows, offering zoomable views of the sky or downwards to earth. The AV windows also act as display terminals and receivers, on which passengers can watch television transmissions or even follow shows held in the vessel’s restaurant.

Specs
• Passenger seats 1,700–2,400
• Length 118.30 m
• Width 98.70 m
• Height 32.60 m
• Maximum take-off weight 422,000 kg
• Cruising speed 160–750 km/h
• Maximum cruising level 14,800 m
• Runway length when taking off 2,100 m
• Runway length when landing 1,300 m
• Flying range 21,600 km

Engines

• Take-off power along runway 7 x 530 kN
• Take-off power vertically 12 x 850 kN
• Take-off speed along runway 210 km/h
• Landing speed along runway 165 km/h

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Finnair may not be the world’s most high-profile airline, but after celebrating 85 years of existence in the air, the company feels as if it has something to offer on the future of the industry. Teaming with the innovative minds at Airbus, Finnair is offering up five examples of what it believes aviation could look like in 85 more years. The concepts run from quite plausible, super-sized luxury liners, to more out-of-box conveyances to outer space. Have a look at the group, with attendant explanations and stats from Finnair, in our gallery above.

+ Finnair