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Yesterday, we reported that Suzuki's Kizashi might never see dealer lots, but a new report suggests otherwise. After the automotive press went up in arms about the possible cancellation of Suzuki's entry into the mid-size sedan segment, the folks at Automotive News made a few phone calls, and now Suzuki spokesperson Jeff Holland says that, "The production version will debut at this year's New York Auto Show in April."

This comes as a relief to us at NextAutos, since we've long been anticipating the Kizashi and hope it really boosts Suzuki's sales in America. Stay tuned for the live reveal from New York this April.

+ Autoblog: Reports of Suzuki Kizashi's demise highly exaggerated, coming to NY

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Spy photographers are a bit on the unpredictable side by their very natures, foregoing time clock and schedule in favor of waiting out the newest and freshest in unseen automobilia. Sometimes that mutable lifestyle can lead to interesting results, such as this recent submission of totally unexplained Mercedes-Benz E-Class images.

The three trim level seen here—labeled Classic, Elegance, and Avantgarde—would seem to be an early finished look at the next generation E-Class. The overall look is a more sculpted and edgy package than the current car, something that has certainly been hinted at in the camouflaged spy images we’ve seen to date. Have a closer look in our gallery above.

Update: We’ve gotten some interior shots to go along with the initial three images of the new E-Class this morning, with a few added details as well. As best we can make out, even the standard interior will come with the buyer’s choice of Nappa leathers, while a spat of chrome accents and eucalyptus trim come into play on the more premium trim levels. You’ll see this in more in the new photos above.

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After Mitsubishi unveiled the Lancer Sportback for Europe, the automaker announced that we'd be getting our own version in America at some point in 2009. Well, Mitsubishi wasn't lying, judging by this nearly production-ready Lancer Ralliart Sportback that was caught traveling up US-23 outside of Ann Arbor this morning.

While these prototypes don't have the stylish wheels and clear taillights of the Prototype S show car, we won't necessarily rule them out as options. Instead, these Sportback models were using the same wheels from the Lancer Ralliart and GTS sedans, and the standard red-enclosed taillights don't look too bad, either. As for power, we highly doubt that Mitsubishi will be tweaking with any of its engine choices. Additionally, we like that Mitsubishi opted to nix any sort of window between the C- and D-pillars, though we're sure how bad of a blind spot that will create until we get some actual seat time in the little Mitsu.

Us? We're looking forward to a seeing how this Mitsu stacks up to the Subaru WRX five-door, and we might even be hoping that the all-mighty Evo takes this body style someday, too.

We recently posted a video of BMW engineers testing the new X5 M prototype around the Nürburgring, but a new video has surfaced starring the upcoming X6 M. In this video, ride along with some of BMW's development team and learn about some of the aspects that this high-performance X6 will bring to the road.

+ YouTube: BMW X6 M Testing

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In a somewhat odd turn of events, reports have popped up claiming that Suzuki may be stopping its development of the new Kizashi mid-size sedan, even though we've seen a number of prototypes running around in almost dealer-ready specification. While the Global economy may not be favorable to the automotive scene, it seems weird that Suzuki would completely nix the development of what could be a very important car for its brand.

The automaker has flaunted its line of Kizashi concept cars for quite some time now, and we were really hoping to see Suzuki pull through with a stylish mid-size vehicle. And while Suzuki does have a few attractive products in its showcase, the Kizashi could only have furthered Suzuki's quest to become a leading Japanese automaker.

As of this writing, the Kizashi's death is not set in stone, and we'll be sure to keep you updated with any breaking news on this front.

+ Reuters: Suzuki to shelve plans for large car (via Autoblog)

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Jaguar’s XF sedan has enjoyed heaps of praise from the public and the motoring press since its introduction, something that’s not likely to change when this “R” version hits the ground running.

This lightly dolled up Jaguar mule shows an XF-R that should be able to take the measure of even the sternest of the German competition, especially with a 500 horsepower supercharged V-8 churning away under the hood. The 5.0-liter eight is an all new direct injection engine as well, meaning that it’s likely cleaner and more frugal than big Jag engines of the past.

The XF-R will have a few subtle clues about its performance potential as well (if one can call 20-inch wheels subtle), with bigger shoes, a small rear lip spoiler, chromed quad exhaust tips, and revised bumpers. Take a look above.

Scroll down below to read more from our spy shooter in the field.

Ford has already announced the debut of the 2010 Taurus at the Detroit auto show, but nothing has been mentioned about a SHO edition.

New photos show us a glimpse of a dashboard badged with “SHO”. The interior, with the suave new look of the Taurus, gives us an idea of what to expect from Ford’s Super High Output machine. Jalopnik shows us their photos of dash clad in silver and black tones, suggestive of carbon fiber, a speedometer that goes up to 140 miles per hour, and a Microsoft SYNC badge. It’s not much to go on, but at least we can expect a little excitement from Ford in the near future.

Follow the link below to view more SHO spy shots.

+ Jalopnik: 2010 Taurus SHO Prototype

Not long after Ford unveiled the Lincoln MKT concept, prototypes of the Flex-based Lincoln crossover started appearing. One year later, the production MKT will be making its debut in Detroit next month, and our friends at The Car Connection have received some shots of nearly ride-ready MKTs out testing.

At first glance, it's clear that the MKT and Flex do not share a whole lot in the way of styling, and that Lincoln's new corporate face is expanding across the model line. (We're not sure if we like the oversized grille, though.) Other subtle design quirks like the upwards slant just after the rear door and a more sloped roof also do the job of separating the MKT from its Flex and MKX siblings.

The Car Connection also shows an interior shot of the MKT, showing a clean and upscale dash design surrounded by what should be some pretty nice materials. Ford's interiors have gotten much better lately, and if this shares anything with the materials in the new Flex or MKS, it will be a hit. Look for the MKT to get Ford's 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 at some point, too. Head over to TCC for the full shots and stay tuned for our coverage of the MKT at the Detroit Show next month.

+ The Car Connection: Spy Shots: 2010 Lincoln MKT

GM has already showed us the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox which will make its official launch at the Detroit Auto Show, but they've now released this teaser video of the 2010 Cadillac SRX doing it's thing in the snow. In this "grown up snow day" video, the GM engineers are clearly showing us that the SRX won't just be about comfort and versatility this time around. Maybe it'll be somewhat fun to drive, too? In any case, have a look at the video and stand by for our full details when the car is launched next month.

+ YouTube: Sneak Peak: 2010 Cadillac SRX

We've known for quite some time now that BMW is working on an M variant of the current X5 and X6 crossovers. However, instead of being snapped by spy photographers, BMW has gone one step further and created its own video of the X5 M testing around Germany's Nürburgring. The X5 M looks like it should be a pretty thrilling drive, able to do battle with the likes of the Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG. We'd expect this car to be ready by late 2009.

+ YouTube: Official spy video: BMW X5 M

Our friends over at Autoblog received some spy shots of the updated 2010 Ford Taurus, which should be making its official debut at the Detroit Auto Show next month. From these photos, it's clear that the next-generation Taurus won't share much with the current car and this revised styling should do a lot to boost sales of Ford's flagship sedan. Most interestingly, the revised front end has an extensively revised appearance with a lot of design cues taken from the 2010 Ford Fusion. Also, the flat roofline and sloped rear end reveal that the overall styling may have been inspired by the Ford Interceptor concept from a few years back.

In this round of spy shots, some uncovered interior pictures are also present, showing that the Taurus will be taking a much more upscale appearance all around. Specific points of interest include dual-zone HVAC controls, a Sony branded audio system, and some chrome-ringed air vents.

Click on through to Autoblog to see the full round of spy shots of the 2010 Taurus.

+ Autoblog: Spy Shots: 2010 Ford Taurus - Now with undisguised interior!

Alpina, BMW's tuning specialist, has released a teaser image of the next-generation B7 sedan, based on the 2009 7-Series. As is with the current B7, there will be extensive exterior modifications, such as a custom front lip, larger wheels, and a small spoiler out back.

No official details have been released regarding engine specifications, but expect an extensively reworked version of the 4.4-liter V-8 in the current 750i. There's also talk that BMW's upcoming eight-speed transmission may find its way into the next-generation Alpina B7.

+ Motor Authority: Alpina releases teaser for 2009 B7 BMW 7-Series

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Our clandestine, European photographers have just reported in with a complete photo set of the new Mercedes-Benz CLS four-door coupe, seen for the first time with its roofline completely undisguised.

Despite some S-Class underpinnings rumors to the contrary, we’re told that the new CLS does indeed ride on the E-Class platform, using the engine lineup from the E-Class range as well. This generation CLS should also have a Mercedes BlueHybrid powertrain as an option as well.

Have a closer look at the new CLS in our gallery above or scroll down below to read the spy shooters own comments on the mule.

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Mercedes-Benz hasn’t exactly racked up design accolades for its minivanesque R-Class crossover (much more on that in our spy shooter’s hilarious comments below), despite its being rather competent to drive. Bearing that in mind, the German automaker has set about doing a redesign of the R, seen for the first time in this set of spy shots.

From the placement of the camouflage on this test car it seems apparent that M-B is primarily working to update the front end of the R-Class, hopefully devising a face that is more in-line with the rest of the attractive Mercedes lineup. Have a closer look at the mule in our gallery above.

The folks over at Global Motors have gotten their hands on some renderings of what the next-generation Hyundai Sonata could potentially look like. The Hyundai mid-sizer is expected to be completely overhauled for 2010, going on sale in South Korea in the second half of 2009.

The new design of the Sonata follows the trend of "four-door coupe" stylings seen in the Volkswagen CC and Mercedes-Benz CLS and heavily relies on the design language set by the new flagship Genesis sedan. While no specific details can be confirmed at this time, this Sonata would indeed give the Honda Accord and Mazda6 a run for their money, especially if Hyundai's trend of low price points holds true. The Sonata is also expected to have Hyundai's first hybrid powertrain, as well.

Click on through to Global Motors to see the full renderings and stay tuned for more details and information as they arise.

+ Global Motors: Rendered speculation: 2010 Hyundai Sonata

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Now here's some sad news -- Honda CEO Takeo Fukui has reportedly announced that all development of the next NSX supercar has been cancelled. According to Autocar, Fukui also said that Honda will be shifting its main focus to hybrid powertrains, because hybrids offer "the most realistic path for CO2 reduction at this moment."

Interestingly, Fukui had told Autocar that "the new supercar is necessary for Honda" just one year ago, so it comes as a shock that the whole development process has suddenly been nixed. However, this is not to say that the NSX will not make a triumphant return much later down the road. (Here's hoping!)

+ Autocar: Honda NSX cancelled

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It seems as if Volkswagen may be working on the next generation of its Jetta sedan, though only very early progress has been made if this first mule is anything to go by.

The new car looks much the same as the current model, with just a few hints at what may turn into substantial changes for the VW volume model. A crudely applied extension in the middle of the car points toward a stretched wheelbase for the Jetta, while a poorly fitting front bumper section may spell the end for the chromed-out nose that the current car wears.

Have a closer look at the Jetta mule in our gallery above and scroll below to read a few of the spy shooter’s own words.

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Our spy shooters have just reported in with a few images depicting the newly updated Mercedes-Benz S-Class, showing the lightly disguised car in trims ranging from the storming AMG-tuned sedan to the all-new S400 Hybrid. The facelifted cars feature new headlight treatments with LED daytime running lights, revised front and rear bumpers, and a gently updated look for the car’s grille. 

Have a closer look at the upcoming range-topping Mercedes in our gallery above, or read on below for the spy shooter’s own words.

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It looks like the Mercedes-Benz engineers are still moving forward with the SLC Gullwing project, as our spy shooters recently caught the car testing in some bone-chilling weather. (-15 degrees Fahrenheit! Brr!)

According to the folks at CarPix, we can expect a twin-turbocharged V-8 under the hood producing roughly 600 horsepower. This engine will be mated to a seven-speed transmission and the car's body will be made of carbon fiber and aluminum to reduce overall weight. Look for a more production-ready version of this car to hit around 2010.

Scroll through the gallery of images above, or click through the post to read our spy shooter's own thoughts about the SLC Gullwing.

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Close students of the Mercedes-Benz GL SUV will be quick to notice the small revisions that have been visited on this mule, though the more casual observer may have a difficult time seeing the difference from the current vehicle. Our sharp spy shooter points out that Mercedes has updated the front bumper with cool LED driving lights, as well as different air intakes. The rear bumper has also been slightly massaged, along with the exhaust pipes and rear light clusters.

The GL engine range should stand as presently constituted for the new vehicle, though specific powerplants may be tweaked for small gains in fuel economy. Have a closer look at the new GL in our gallery of images above.