Design & Auto Shows

Chevrolet Cruze Interior Spotted

Chris Paukert — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 09:48:16 -0500

According to the folks over at Car Fanatic, you’re looking at an undisguised spy shot of Chevrolet Cruze’s interior. Or, more exactly, judging by the Daewoo logo on the steering wheel boss, you’re looking at the Korean version of the same car, the Nubira.

If that is indeed the case, the accommodations look verypromising and upscale, with strong ties to the new Opel Insignia and Chevrolet Malibu. Judging by the contrasting leather (or at least leather-like) seats, the navigation screen, the A-pillar mounted tweeters, and the chrome rings around the gauges, this is almost certainly a range-topping model. Take away the high-end model frosting, and it would appear that you’re still left with intuitive-looking controls in a modern layout, and hopefully the promise ofgood quality materials and switchgear.

The Cruze, as you recall, will eventually supplant the uninspiring Cobalt in Chevrolet showrooms, although the two will likely coexist on dealer lots for some time. Click on the gallery above to see spy shots of the car in development.

+ Car Fanatic: Chevrolet Cruze Interior Revealed (via Autoblog)

Honda Planning an Eight Passenger Fit Variant?

Seyth Miersma — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 09:08:53 -0500

While we’re fans of the sporting practicality that Honda’s five-passenger Fit has been offering to Americans for the last few years, we’re not sure that we’d be quite so happy with the package if we had to share it with three additional friends.
That’s what Honda seems to be proposing, if French web site Le Blog Auto can be believed, with these scans of a new Fit variant called the Freed, stretched to accommodate as many as eight passengers. The Freed will apparently be powered by a 1.5-liter four making 118 horsepower and hooked up to a CVT transmission.

+ Le Blog Auto

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2009 Opel Insignia Revealed Early

Seyth Miersma — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 08:00:51 -0500

While we’ve been seeing the new Opel Insignia (and probably future Saturn Aura) in various forms of spy photograph for a while now, nothing has been quite so blatant as this latest batch of images released by AutoWeek.nl.

The website has given us fully undisguised images of the car as well as some basic technical specification. The Vectra will be made available with a range of diesel and gasoline engines, from 1.6 to 2.8-liters in displacement. At the top of the line will be a 2.8-liter V-6 making 250 horsepower, though there’s talk of adding a 2.9-liter V-6 diesel at some point as well.

While we still don’t know what would be making the trip across the Atlantic to land in Saturn dealerships, we can expect that it we’ll be seeing the car about a year later than Europe.

+ AutoWeek.nl: Primeur: de Opel Insignia!

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2009 Opel Insignia Spy Pics Courtesy of Opel

Seyth Miersma — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 15:00:01 -0500

Opel seems to be following the new automaker trend of taking an ownership roll in its own “spy shots,

Toyota/Subaru Coupe Tipped in Early Sketch

Seyth Miersma — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 09:00:12 -0500

The coupe depicted in the sketch above is said to come from a source inside of Subaru’s design department, and is meant to depict the upcoming rear-wheel-drive offering from the company.

It’s no secret that Subaru has been working with Toyota, which owns a four percent stake in the smaller company, on a shared coupe project that will be underpinned by Impreza gear. The two versions will differ in appearance, but will both offer Subaru’s 2.0-liter and 2.5-liter boxer fours in standard and turbocharged trim.

The source of the image also suggests that despite the planned RWD layout of the shared coupe, an AWD version hasn’t been ruled out for the top of the range. Subaru’s iteration of the car should be fully realized by this summer, with production slated to begin in 2010.

+ CarScoop: Rear-Wheel Drive Subaru Impreza Coupe – Official Sketch!

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Geely CE Hatchback Concept Headed for Beijing Show

Seyth Miersma — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 15:00:35 -0500

It seems like Chinese automaker Geely is looking to make a big splash at its home auto show in Beijing this year. The company has already shown off sketches for a sultry GT concept, and our man in China tipped us to an upcoming Geely MPV as well.

Now it looks as if Geely is attempting to hit all market segments, by introducing a possible new hatchback called the Geely CE. While the CE looks a bit like a Mazda-designed Honda Fit, it doesn’t appear to be warmed over copy from another automaker, which is a positive step for the Chinese company. Taken strictly on its own merits, some might even be tempted to call the new five-door a handsome vehicle.

While there are no details available from Geely as yet, reports are that the CE could be close to a green-light for production. We’re sure we’ll hear more as the Beijing show draws nearer.

+ Motor Authority: Geely CE concept headed for Beijing

New York 2008: Unattended Nissan Denki Cube Captured Live in NYC

Seyth Miersma — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 11:00:29 -0500

Nissan hasn’t gotten around to debuting its all-electric Denki Cube concept yet, but the company’s show minders didn’t bother to cover the boxy EV either.

Denki is basically an electric version of the Japanese Domestic Market Cube with a white-out body kit, and a yellow interior treatment that looks as if it could glow in the dark. We’ll be able to report more after Nissan gives us the facts and figures later in the day, but until then take a look at our live gallery of images.

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New York 2008: Nissan’s Denki Cube EV Breaks Cover

Seyth Miersma — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 11:00:13 -0500

While we were already aware that Nissan was bringing an all-electric version of its Japanese domestic market Cube to the New York Auto Show tomorrow, we didn’t know exactly what the prototype would look like…until now. Images of what’s being called the Nissan Denki (which means ‘electric’) Cube concept have cropped up a bit early thanks to some industrious members of a Nissan fan forum. The Denki concept retains all that one might love about the original Cube, most notably its Scion-like two-box styling, while being dressed up a bit with some futuristic wheels and a funky interior. Check out some early looks at the Denki Cube in our gallery below, and stay tuned for Nissan’s official release of the car from New York tomorrow.

+ Super Nissans (via Autoblog)

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Details Emerge About Nissan’s Upcoming 370Z

Seyth Miersma — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 08:30:50 -0500

Perhaps coming to the U.S. for an L.A. Auto Show reveal, this early image, scanned from a Japanese magazine, claims to tell us what the new Nissan 370Z will look like.

The upcoming Z looks to be a slightly fussier version of the car we have now, with detailed character lines along the side of the body, and a more complex front fascia. The lines seem to have been softened a bit from the current car as well, giving a curvier overall appearance.

But the most dominating feature on this potential preview of the 370 is the set of triangular LED headlights that look to be an entirely new design. The lamps look a little undersized for the car’s face, and their shape reminds us an awful lot of the Starfleet insignia, perhaps as a nod to the futuristic nature of the new Z. Tell us what you think of this early rendering in comments.

+ Autoblog: Holy Headlights! Nissan 370Z details appear in Japanese mag

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New York Auto Show ‘08: Suzuki Kizashi Concept 3

Dustin P. Walsh — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 15:00:09 -0600

Suzuki is rolling out yet another Kizashi Concept at this month’s New York Auto Show. Suzuki unveiled the first Kizashi Concept at last year’s Frankfurt Motor Show with a sport wagon, and then the Kizashi Concept 2 debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show as a sleek crossover. Now, the Kizashi Concept 3 is a sport sedan that has been rumored to explore the potential power of a V-8.

Suzuki says the complete series of Kizashi Concepts will be on display in New York. The Kizashi Concept 3 will be the closest to production-ready of the three, according to Suzuki.

We don’t have much more information at this time, but check back during the New York Auto Show for the full skinny on Suzuki’s upscale sedan concept.

PRESS RELEASE:

LIVE! From New York: Suzuki Debuts Concept Kizashi 3 at New York Auto Show
* Concept Kizashi 3 makes global debut in New York
* Suzuki's complete Kizashi concept series on display for first time
* Latest Suzuki concept fuses automotive passion, exquisite design and engineering excellence
Brea, Calif., (March 6, 2008) – The New York International Auto Show welcomes American Suzuki Motor Corp. on Thursday, March 20, as the company debuts its sleek and athletic Concept Kizashi 3, the final addition to its acclaimed Kizashi concept series. The Concept Kizashi 3, which suggests both Suzuki's future design direction and stated intent to offer a larger, more upscale sport sedan, will be joined in New York by the North American debuts of the Concept Kizashi and Concept Kizashi 2.
The Kizashi concept series was developed by Suzuki's Advanced Design Group to reflect a dynamic athlete in motion, taking its design cues from a strong, honed physique while displaying the performance, strength and style befitting a flagship vehicle. The design theme began with the Concept Kizashi, which made its debut at the 2007 International Motor Show in Frankfurt, and the Concept Kizashi 2, unveiled at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show last October, which further pushed Suzuki's new design language. The Concept Kizashi 3 will represent the completion of the Kizashi concept series as well as providing a closer-to-production vision of a future Suzuki sport sedan offering. The complete Kizashi concept series will be revealed at the Suzuki press conference on Thursday, March 20, at 12:10 p.m. in booth 1215 at the Javits center.
2008 Suzuki Auto Product Line
Suzuki's full line of 2008 vehicles include the stylish four-door SX4 Sport, bold and functional five-door SX4 Crossover, versatile XL7 midsize SUV, rugged Grand Vitara compact SUV, the Forenza sedan and Forenza Wagon, and the Reno. Every vehicle in the line provides Suzuki's standout virtues of toughness, leading-edge style and high-end features at very competitive prices. All 2008 Suzuki automobiles are backed by America's #1 Warranty: a 100,000-mile/seven-year, fully transferable, zero-deductible powertrain limited warranty.
About Suzuki
The Brea, Calif.-based Automotive Operations of American Suzuki Motor Corporation was founded in 1985 by parent company Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC) and currently markets its vehicles in the United States through a network of approximately 500 automotive dealerships in 49 states. Based in Hamamatsu, Japan, SMC is a diversified worldwide automobile, motorcycle and outboard motor manufacturer with sales of more than two million new automobiles annually. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, SMC has operations in 192 countries and regions.

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New York Auto Show ‘08: Scion Hako Coupe Concept

Dustin P. Walsh — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 08:30:11 -0600

Toyota announced it will unveil an all-new Scion concept at this month’s New York Auto Show, the Hako Coupe Concept. The concept – which Toyota says is the “sporty

2009 Volkswagen Scirocco Images Break Loose Before Geneva

Seyth Miersma — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 08:30:36 -0600

The Volkswagen embargo fortress has fully broken down just days before the start of the Geneva Motor Show, revealing what is sure to be one of the biggest stars in attendance, the 2009 Scirocco.

The near-production version of the VW coupe hearkens strongly to the IROC concept that got the ball rolling, though the drama has been toned down considerably. The front-end treatment of the car shows the most maturing over the initial concept, losing the silver-framed, gaping mouth of the IROC. More of the concept’s influence can be seen in the profile and rear of the car, which stays low to the ground and trim, while still reminding us a bit of a mid-1990’s Civic hatch around the backside.

Take a peek at the official Scirocco images from Volkswagen in our gallery, and tell us what you think of the new car in comments.

+ Autoblog: Geneva 2008: 2009 Volkswagen Scirocco arrives early

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New York Auto Show ‘08: Saleen S5S Raptor Concept

Dustin P. Walsh — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 14:30:28 -0600

Saleen has announced that it will reveal its S5S Raptor concept at this year’s New York Auto Show in March.

The Saleen S5S Raptor is a high-performance supercar powered by an ethanol-based 5.0-liter supercharged engine. The Raptor concept rendering features a lightweight design, said to be of an aluminum chassis and composite exterior skin. Saleen estimates the S5S Raptor will have a top speed of over 200 mph.

+ Saleen

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Speculation: Acura Targeting Lexus with Next-Gen V-8 RL

Mike Garrett — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 13:00:47 -0600

While Acura just unveiled its refreshed 2009 RL, and plans to unveil the all-new TSX in New York, Japan’s Best Car Magazine is already speculating about the next generation RL. While the rendering looks awfully similar to the Accord which is sold in Japan as the Inspire the big news is what may be underneath. The magazine has reason to believe the car will be offered with a 4.5-liter V-8 engine estimated to have over 400 horsepower.

Sold as the Honda Legend in Japan, the new car is also speculated to have a new rear wheel drive-based AWD system. The magazine says the car should debut for the Japan market in 2010. Enthusiasts and car buyers have been calling for a V-8 powered RL for awhile and this may be just what the car needs to go head to head with Lexus, Infiniti and the European brands.

Toyota to Rebadge Prius as a Lexus

Dustin P. Walsh — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 12:30:04 -0600

Toyota said it will bring two new hybrid models to the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. One will be the next-generation Toyota Prius, but the other will be branded as a Lexus.

Motor Trend has revealed what they think the Lexus will look like. It’s a wagon-esque vehicle based on the Prius platform.

+ Motor Trend: Lexus gets its own Prius

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Gallery: Audi Releases More Pictures of the 2009 A4 Avant

Seyth Miersma — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 10:00:37 -0600

Audi has unloaded a whole pack of new 2009 A4 Avant images for our viewing pleasure ahead of the car’s official debut next month in Geneva. Now enjoy your Audi wagon in both silver, and light blue metallic, with loads of interior images. There are also just a couple of engine shots, for those interested in what’s happening under the hood. Happy browsing.

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Speculative Rendering of Next Generation Mazda 3

Mike Garrett — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 12:00:12 -0600

While Mazda recently rolled out a facelifted version of the current Axela/Mazda 3 in Japan, the car is going on five years since its debut and a new model is on the horizon.

Japan’s The My Car magazine has put together a rendering of the upcoming next-generation Axela/Mazda 3. Not surprisingly, the rendering includes a lot of styling features borrowed from both the new Mazda 6/Atenza and the popular Mazda 2/Demio compact car.

Engines for the new Axela in Japan are expected to range from a base 1.5-liter four cylinder to a 2.5-liter four cylinder borrowed from the Atenza/6. Like the current car, both a four-door sedan and five-door hatchback are likely to be offered. Rumors have the redesigned model being shown in Paris this fall and it may be on sale in the spring of 2009.

Glimpses of Pininfarina Sintesi Concept

Seyth Miersma — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 11:00:44 -0600

Pininfarina showed off one sketch of it’s skinny Sintesi concept a little while ago, teasing us with the concept that we will see in person when we hit the floor of the Geneva Motor Show in a couple of weeks.

Since then, the design house has continued to taunt with bits and pieces of the Sintesi show. Take a look at the nebulous curves of the car in our gallery below, and then leave us your thoughts in comments.

+ Pininfarina

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Shadowy Saab 9-1X Teaser Ahead of Geneva Motor Show

Seyth Miersma — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 14:30:49 -0600

Saab is breaking new ground with this first teaser image of its 9-1X concept that’s headed for a debut at the Geneva Motor Show, giving us such a small idea of the car’s appearance that “tease

Video: 2009 Porsche Panamera ‘Spied’ in Stuttgart

Seyth Miersma — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 09:30:27 -0600

A totally undisguised Porsche Panamera driving casually through the streets of Stuttgart, and past the same “lucky