New Car Collection Blog's

Malaysian manufacturer Proton has stuck the boot in! The company has revealed an all-new saloon version of its Gen-2 family hatch.Called the Persona, the newcomer is intended as a luxurious range-topper for the mid-size range. From the nose to the base of the C-Pillar it uses the same body panels as the existing five-door model. Beyond this stylists have neatly integrated a traditional booted rear end, which promises increased luggage space.In keeping with its premium pretentions, the Persona comes loaded with standard kit. Included in the specification are climate control, electric windows, an MP3/CD stereo system and parking sensors.Under the bonnet is familiar Lotus engineered 110bhp 1.6-litre petrol engine, connected to either a five-speed manual or four-cog auto gearbox. The British sportscar firm have also had a hand in the chassis set-up.The Persona hits UK showrooms at the end of March and is priced at £9,795, which includes a £1,000 dealer discount. Choose the self-shifiting gearbox and you'll pay £10,595.

Could this be the fastest SUV in the world? German firm VW has pulled the wraps of its new high performance Touareg, the R50.The new range-topper features a tweaked version of the company's 5.0-litre V10 diesel that now pushes out 345bhp - and increase of 37bhp over the standard car. Even more impressive is the peak torque figure, which rises from 750 to 850Nm. As a result performance is blistering with the Touareg sprinting from standstill to 62mph in 6.7 seconds and onto a top speed of 146mph. However, the fuel economy and CO2 emissions remain the same as before at 22.4mpg and 333g/km respectively.To cope with the extra performance, VW's engineers have fitted the R50 with springs that are stiffened and lowered by 20mm. This is in addition to the grippy 4MOTION all-wheel drive systems and smooth-shifting six-speed auto gearbox.Externally, the newcomer is distinguished by an 'R' design package that comprises a roof-mounted spoiler, wheel arch extensions and matt chrome front grille. There's also distinctive 21-inch alloy wheels, blue brake callipers and twin oval exhausts.Climb into the cabin and you'll find 'R' logos embossed on the heavily bolstered Nappa leather sports seats, kick plates and pedals. The luggage compartment gets a special ski sack and net partition.However, VW won't have it all its own way in the rapid off-roader sector. Later this year sister firm Audi will launch its Q7 V12 TDI, which is capable of covering the dash from 0-62mph in a staggering 5.5 seconds.Until then the R50 will remain undisputed performance heavyweight champion. If you want one then you'll have to be quick as only a limited number will be brought to the UK, each priced at £61,885.

CITROEN C4 PICASSO IS THE FAVORITE

A few months ago, we were there when the 2010 Cadillac BRX, an upcoming version of GM’s TE family of crossovers that also includes the recently released Saturn Vue and the upcoming Saab 9-4X, was let out of the house for track testing. Now, another of the TE platform-mates has not only gotten out of the house, but is out on the road, barking and chasing cars.
Based on the pictures we just got from our spies, the 2010 Chevy Equinox appears to share its bodyside stampings, wheelbase, and certain other key elements with the Cadillac. This prototype’s front end appears to be darn close to that of the shorter-wheelbase Vue, though its thin bar in the middle of the grille—as opposed to a fat bar at the top of the grille—clearly gives this one away as a Chevy.
The interior shot reveals interesting thick-rimmed gauge pods and silver trim around the HVAC registers—design elements we’ve not seen on Chevrolets before.
Under the skin, little is known at this point. We expect GM’s 3.6-liter V-6 from the Vue will make it to the Chevrolet, and we half expect an SS version with a 300-plus-horsepower direct-injection V-6, as seen in the Cadillac CTS.
We’ll see what GM has done to address the Vue’s pesky weight problem, something which prevents even the hybrid version from getting truly great fuel economy.
But given that the current Equinox has provided the basis for a variety of alternative fuel powertrain experiments, including a small fleet of hydrogen fuel cell versions, we expect that the next one will include not only a two-mode hybrid, but also a plug-in hybrid, and the next generation of hydrogen fuel cell powertrains.
Regardless of what it has beneath it, we like what we see so far. If Chevy can pull the same kind of coup for crossovers that it did in the sedan market with the Malibu, we predict more praise for the bow-tie division.

X Marks the spot for hybrid SUVs! BMW has already confirmed plans for a clever petrol-electric version of its new X6, which our spy snappers have just caught testing (above) with a huge bump in the bonnet. And now the firm has taken the wraps off this ultra-advanced X5. Set to be unveiled at next month’s Geneva Motor Show, the car looks like a standard version of the 4x4, but the Efficient Dynamics logo on the side signifies that it’s anything but. Underneath the standard body, there’s a hybrid powertrain, which enables the concept to match the ability of a conventional X5, despite only having a 2.0-litre diesel engine. The twin-turbo unit is supplemented by a 20bhp electric motor mounted to the car’s eight-speed automatic transmission. The result is a 0-62mph sprint time of 8.9 seconds, economy of 43.5mpg and CO2 emissions of 172g/km.With aerodynamic 19-inch alloys to reduce drag, these innovative technologies show what is in store for buyers after an eco-friendly SUV.

Following the red Kizashi (pictured middle) from the 2007 Frankfurt auto show and the white Kizashi 2 (pictured bottom) from the 2007 Toyko motor show, Suzuki will roll out the Kizashi 3, its third take on a flagship model, on Thursday, March 20, at the New York auto show. The first two Kizashi concepts will join the newer sibling at New York. Suzuki hopes the concepts will wow American audiences and show the company's intentions to eventually offer a "larger, more It's fitting that Kizashi is the Japanese word for "prelude" or "foretaste." We don't yet have details, but expect wheels around 21 inches as on the first Kizashi as well as an environmentally friendly powertrain like the first Kizashi's 2.0-liter four-valve turbodiesel. With the Kizashi 2, Suzuki got an off-road-ready version of the concept out of its system, so we're ready to see more than just a sketch of the Kizashi 3 in person. upscale sport sedan."

And it appears the design team at the Japanese company has gone for style over load space. The newcomer’s tapered tailgate should look great when it’s finally revealed, although the angled bootlid will eat into luggage capacity. Despite the disguise, it’s also clear the forthcoming Avensis will get a shapely new front end to replace the dull design of the existing model. Slow sales, plus competition from a host of new arrivals in this class, mean the big Toyota needs to take a significant step forward.As a result, customers can expect big improvements in terms of cabin quality and handling as the Avensis takes the fight to the latest Ford Mondeo and the forthcoming Vaux­hall Insignia and Honda Accord.The British-built newcomer isn’t due to hit dealers in this country until 2009, although it could make its official debut at a major motor show towards the end of this year. And Toyota is expected to offer a range of four-door saloon and five-door hatchback bodystyles, in addition to the practical estate. Engines will be carried over from the existing model, so as well as a variety of petrol options, buyers will be given the choice of the manufacturer’s excellent 2.0 and 2.2-litre D-4D diesel powerplants.

The coupé made its debut at this week’s Geneva Motor Show, and is the work of coachbuilder Zagato, from Milan. The car started life as a Bentley Continental GT Speed, but you’re unlikely to confuse it with the standard model, thanks to a wide range of unique styling changes. From the front, its headlamps and massive mesh grille are pure Bentley, but the all-new bumper and long bonnet vents provide the hand-built Zagato-bodied version with a much more dramatic look. A pair of front foglamps and 10-spoke alloy wheels add to the visual impact.Traditional Zagato touches include a double-bubble roof and a neatly rounded tail. A host of functional parts have been carried over from the production car, but the slab-sided looks of the Continental GT have been dropped in favour of a much curvier body shape. Integrated light clusters sit flush with the surrounding bodywork at the rear, and the GTZ features an unusual two-tone green and silver paint finish. Its leather wrapped interior is also colour-coded to match the hand-painted exterior.Power comes from the same 600bhp W12 engine as the GT Speed, so the Zagato’s performance is impressive. The 0-60mph sprint in the standard car takes only 4.3 seconds, while top speed is 202mph.This isn’t that the first time the Italian firm has redesigned a luxurious British grand tourer for the super-rich. Zagato has a long history of working with British car makers, such as Aston Martin, while other collaborations with foreign firms include the Ferrari 575 GTZ from 2006 and the one-off Maserati GS Zagato, which was unveiled last year.

Check out Land Rover’s latest stunning show car – the LRX black and silver.
Following on from the popular baby-Freelander concept revealed at the Detroit Motor Show in January, the re-modelled Geneva Motor Show star is designed to show just how good the little Landie can look with a range of colours and accessories.Powered by a 2.0-litre turbodiesel hybrid powerplant, Land Rover claims the LRX is capable of 60mpg fuel economy with emissions of 120g/kmThe black and silver model will be unveiled at the first Geneva show press day tomorrow alongside the existing white LRX."With its metallic black paintwork, silver roof and precisely detailed exterior features, the second version of the LRX concept is designed to show how well the vehicle can deliver a contemporary example of personalisation," says Gerry McGovern, Land Rover's design director.When the production version of the LRX appears in 2009, a range of accessories will be offered to allow buyers to customise their cars. Phil Popham, managing director of Land Rover, added "we've always seen scope for LRX to provide a whole showroom of different models, with a range of powertrains including hybrids and bio-fuel capable engines."

It's seven-up for the Qashqai! Here’s the proof that Nissan’s compact SUV is getting in the family way. Our spies have caught this seven-seat version undergoing winter testing – and it will arrive in Nissan showrooms later this year, where it’s set to compete with Citroen’s C-Crosser, Mitsubishi’s Outlander and the Peugeot 4007. Buoyed by the success of the Qashqai, Nissan is keen to expand the range, and this seven-seater is the next logical step. As you can see from the light disguise on this prototype, the seven-seat Qashqai is identical to the five-seater up to the B-pillar. But as it sits on a wheelbase that’s stretched by around 200mm, the newcomer features a longer rear end, with revised quarterlights and a raised roofline to give even more headroom. Behind the second row of seats lies a third row of two chairs, which are spacious enough to accommodate a couple of average-sized adults. But boot space is unlikely to impress with a third row of seats in place – expect only enough room for some squashy bags. Fortunately, the extra seats can be folded away when not in use to increase the load area. Elsewhere, it’s business as usual, and the seven-seater Qashqai will feature the same line-up of engines as the smaller version. That means buyers will get to choose from two petrols – a 115bhp 1.6 and 140bhp 2.0-litre. There will also be two turbodiesels – a 105bhp 1.5 and 150bhp 2.0-litre – plus either front or four-wheel drive.Nissan hasn’t confirmed any prices yet, but the seven-seater model is likely to cost £1,500 more than the standard Qashqai.

Here's a Corvette with extra curves! Based on the Z06, this ultra-exotic version has a bespoke body and 750bhp from its highly tuned 7.0-litre V8. It’s called the Z03, and only 100 will be made, with deliveries starting later this year.The car is the work of Dutch design house Ugar Sahin, and has a bespoke carbon fibre body. There are also vents in the bonnet similar to those on the supercharged Corvette ZR1, so you can see the scarlet engine cover. Lightweight panels are used, so it weighs 45kg less, at around 1,370kg – add this to the power hike, and it’s sure to offer amazing pace.

THE curvy new BMW 7-Series is on the way. We’ve already caught disguised protoypes of the big saloon being put through their paces, but these are the best pictures yet of the luxury model. This mule for the German company’s flagship was spotted during a break from testing in South Africa by my friend, Sam (thanks so much, bro).The newcomer is bigger than the outgoing car, and set to borrow styling cues from the brand’s gorgeous CS Concept, which debuted at China’s Shanghai Motor Show last year. The slab-sided look of the current version has been ditched as BMW designers have given the next model a sleek new style.Company bosses expect the range-topper to go straight to the head of the class when the 7-Series goes on sale towards the end of the year. It will compete with established rivals, such as the Mercedes S-Class and Audi A8, after the production car debuts at the Paris Motor Show in October.

This car look familiar? Check the sculpted bodyside and the low-slung greenhouse. Check the wheel-in-each-corner stance and bob-tail rear end. Yep, it's basically the stunning Holden Coupe 60 unveiled in Australia yesterday. But with a modern interpretation of the classic wide-track Pontiac grille up front.

Now, here's the kicker: These photos are about three years old. This car is the still-born Zeta-based GTO replacement killed off by GM's decision to spend money on fast-tracking the GMT900 trucks into production instead. With funds diverted to GMT900, works on all U.S. Zeta-based products was stopped. This coupe, and a Buick sedan, did not make the cut when the program was re-started some months later.
Apart from the fact they reveal the Holden Coupe 60 is basically a three-year old design (executed under the direction of Mike Simcoe, the quietly talented Aussie responsible for the Commodore/G8 and now the designer with overall responsibility for all GM rear drive unibody cars) these pictures also show GM was contemplating a radically different front end design for the Zeta-based Pontiacs.
Had it been approved, this car's "wide-track" look would have appeared on the G8 sedan. However we understand it was a considerably more expensive option than the design that made it into production, primarily because it would have required unique headlights.
As we said in our story yesterday, the appearance of the Holden Coupe 60 doesn't necessarily mean a new Holden Monaro, and therefore a new Pontiac GTO (or G8 Coupe) is on the way. Holden needs Pontiac volumes to make production of the Monaro viable, but GM officials are worried that with the impending launches of both Dodge Challenger and Chevy Camaro, the U.S. coupe market is fast becoming saturated.
But what we do know now is GM could build a new GTO if we really wanted one.

The Vision GLK Bluetec Hybrid, which will debut at the Geneva auto show next week, mates a 2.2-liter turbodiesel four with a hybrid module for a total of 224 horsepower and about 413 lb-ft of torque, numbers that compare favorably to the 3.0-liter diesel currently doing duty in the M, R, and GL Mercedes lines. By combining a diesel and a hybrid, the GLK concept achieves nearly 40 mpg and accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 7.3 seconds.

Beyond better fuel economy, Mercedes claims the GLK concept will meet American BIN5 and European EU6 standards thanks to AdBlue injection as well as a number of other important, albeit not groundbreaking, touches. The electric motor, for example, functions as both a generator and a starter, making 118 lb-ft of torque on its own. The concept also features regenerative braking using a lithium-ion battery and a stop-start function that turns the engine off when the SUV pulls to a stop at a traffic light.
All environmentally-friendly technology aside, this is still a concept Mercedes is using to spread word about its GLK SUV, which will enter the market in fall 2008. Putting its best wheel forward, the GLK concept wears eye-catching multi-spoke 20-inch light alloy wheels and an alubeam blue paint Mercedes says has an "incomparable depth." LEDs on the front fascia and a polarizing three-bar silver grille let everyone know you drive a compact hybrid SUV. Inside, the special GLK gets an upper dash lined in black leather, lots of aluminum trim, and leather seats in a color recalling the alubeam blue on the outside. Dark blue piped seams complete the package.
We think a diesel hybrid is an excellent idea, especially since Mercedes understands that the technology can be applied to other cars in its lineup. Allright, Mercedes, we've seen the concept. How long until we can drive a production Bluetec hybrid?