New Car Collection Blog's

R you ready for the hottest SEAT Leon Cupra ever? Auto Express has learned that the Spanish company is planning a high-performance R version of its flagship hatchback!
Power will come from a 265bhp 2.0-litre TSI turbo unit – the same as in Volkswagen’s Scirocco R and imminent Golf R.
The Cupra R promises to pick up where the previous-generation range-topper left off, with sizzling pace. While the standard 237bhp Leon Cupra covers 0-62mph in 6.4 seconds – faster than the VW Golf GTI – the newcomer is expected to achieve a time of less than six seconds.
Hinting at its potential will be a racy bodykit and sports seats, while under the skin it’s likely to get uprated brakes and retuned suspension. The XDS electronic differential system from the Scirocco and Golf GTI is also set to feature. Sales start before the end of the year. For more details click here.

Thanks to: Auto Express

It's all go at Bentley. Not only is it preparing the new flagship Arnage, the luxury car giant is also working on a hybrid.
These amazing spy shots reveal the Crewe firm is testing a Continental prototype with a petrol-electric drivetrain. Look closely at our exclusive pictures, and you’ll see the rear of the car is filled with a new unit featuring battery-powered motors. Also, a retractable spoiler is visible at the top of the bootlid.
The powerplant is a version of the hybrid in the Audi Q7 and Porsche Cayenne SUVs. That mates a 3.6-litre petrol V6, giving 280bhp and 375Nm, to a 284Nm electric motor. In the Bentley, it would be more powerful – expect the electronics to boost a new V8 or larger unit to around 500bhp. As well as stronger pace, this would give better economy than the Continental’s thirsty W12.
Bentley is likely to install the drivetrain across the range, including in the new Arnage. It will help cut fuel consumption and CO2 output in advance of new EU targets, which seek to force makers to reduce average emissions by 2015. For more details click here.

Thanks to: Auto Express

Fresh from the launch of the ESF Concept, Mercedes has shown that not just safety, but style is on their agenda too! The firm has revealed the special-edition SLK 2LOOK.
Priced at £31,235, the roadster is based on the SLK 200K, and will be limited to 150 examples. For the £2,395 premium over the standard model, the car offers Calcite White or black paint, while Obsidian Black Metallic and Mystic White are options.
Tinted headlamps, 18-inch alloys in either Chrome Shadow or Titanium Silver and 2LOOK badges also appear. Inside, black and white leather covers the seats, armrest, door panels and steering wheel, and a Mystic White dash contrasts with the black rooflining and carpet.
The 2LOOK also comes with heated seats, AIRSCARF – Mercedes’ neck-level heating system – and a transparent 2LOOK Edition wind deflector. For more details click here.

Thanks to: Auto Express

Timing on Jaguar's XE two-seat roadster may slip past its planned 2011 Geneva show introduction thanks to lean resources resulting from the global economic crisis. However, Motor Trend has learned that whenever it first appears, the sports car will get a 21st Century, green-economy boost in the form of a Chevrolet Volt-like powerplant. An electric motor with an extended-range three-cylinder gas engine is being engineered for the new-age E-Type, in addition (we hope) to Jaguar's conventional 5.0-liter and supercharged 5.0-liter V-8s. Whether the extended-range XE will make it beyond the concept stage is uncertain.
It's also unclear whether the electric XE would be in addition to an extended-range electric XJ rumored to be scheduled for introduction in late 2011, a year after the conventional XJ's release.

Ratan Tata, whose company bought Jaguar and Land Rover from Ford Motor Company, is said to support the XE's development. His father once owned a Jaguar XK120, and Tata told Autocar earlier this year, "We need to emerge with something shiny and new, which is why we are reprioritizing the roadster right now."
The 5.0-liter, 385-horsepower AJ V-8 and 510-horsepower, supercharged 5.0 are obvious choices for the XE. While an extended-range electric XJ would be designed to take on the Fisker Karma, an extended-range electric XE could be a competitor for the all-electric Tesla Roadster.

Thanks to: Motor Trend

Peugeot engineers have been caught final testing the Audi TT-rivalling 308 RC Z, which will be fitted with a Mini Cooper JCW 1.6 turbo, possibly tuned to 218bhp.
As you can see from our spy pictures the production car is almost identical to the concept unveiled at the 2007 Frankfurt show.
The headlights have been toned down slightly and the kink along the bottom of the side windows is not so exaggerated, but the overall proportions are the same.
The production car is even likely to retain the classic Zagato-style roof bulges and multi-spoke wheel design of the concept, although the centre exit exhaust is likely to be lost.
Peugeot believes the front-drive only RC Z will challenge non-quattro TTs but will undercut the Audi on price.
A Peugeot insider said the car has an almost identical footprint to the German coupe and prices will start below £20,000.
While the flagship gets the Mini JCW engine, the base model gets the 150bhp 1.6 THP (Turbo High Pressure) 16v engine that is currently found in the 207 150 GT.
The new generation 2.0-litre HDI in either 150bhp or 163bhp form will also be available, all mated to either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. A six-cylinder engine is likely to be ruled out.
The name of the production car is yet to be decided and will be revealed at the car’s Frankfurt show debut this year. Expect UK sales to start in May 2010.

Thanks to: Autocar

This is the first picture of the Bentley Arnage replacement, which the company is calling the 'new grand Bentley'.
Bentley says the new car will be "exceptional in all respects on the road" and that it represents "the purest expression of the Bentley spirit."

One of the clearest new design features is the adoption of a triangular clamshell-style bonnet that tapers towards the grille.
The previous Arnage bonnet opened along the top of the wings but the new design is similar to the Continental and Flying Spur.

It is expected the car will herald an all-new design era for Bentley, with the company using modified versions of Audi's spaceframe chassis in future.
Despite the radical engineering, which should remove around 150kg from the weight of the bodyshell alone, Bentley chairman Franz-Josef Paefgen has previously emphasised to Autocar that the new Arnage will continue to have the unique proportions of the current model, particularly the traditional high roof and seating position, that give the car its "soul".
Bentley has confirmed it is not close to launching either diesel or hybrid versions of its cars, because most recent research indicates that few buyers want it.
"We have the technology to do a diesel right now," said Paefgen, "but whether we do it really depends on how successful VW, Mercedes and others are at normalising diesel sales in the US.
"Bentley could never lead the field in that area. You could only ever respond to a strong demand."
The company's possible future requirements have been included in recent VW-Audi hybrid research, however, and it also has easy access to Audi's big-capacity V10 and V12 engines.
Despite global concern over high oil prices, it has recently built an Arnage prototype powered by the 987bhp Bugatti W16 engine.
Bugatti wants to find new uses for its legendary quad-turbo unit, which is hugely expensive to make and underutilised as power for the million-pound supercar alone. However, it is far from certain that the New Grand Bentley will use this unit.
The car is expected to be unveiled this summer.

Thanks to: Autocar

After months of internet rumors, Ferrari CEO Amedeo Felisa today reiterated Ferrari's direction in powertrain development, hinting more strongly than ever that a hybrid concept is in the works. Felisa said that in order to meet stringent 2014 European emissions regulations, Ferrari is looking at three solutions beyond those offered by the company's current V-8 and V-12 lineup. Felisa first noted that Ferrari is exploring turbocharging, but insisted that the engines would "still have that high-revving Ferrari feeling." Biofuel, a current hot topic among European politicians, is also being explored behind the gray Maranello gates. Felisa said, "The ECU in the California can already adapt to E85, so the know-how is there." Finally, and perhaps most interesting, Felisa hinted that a hybrid Ferrari concept will make its debut soon. "Not at Frankfurt," he said, "but shortly thereafter, probably at an American show." Our money's on the Los Angeles show in December.

Thanks to: Car and Driver

Sony has released fresh details on the full version of Gran Turismo 5, the latest generation of its PlayStation racing game - and confirmed a version of the title for the PSP handheld console.
The technology giant issued a new teaser video of its PlayStation 3 title at the E3 electronics exhibition in Los Angeles. The footage appears to reveal that the game will contain licensed cars from Nascar and the World Rally Championship for the first time. It also shows a Subaru Impreza rally car with bent body panels, hinting that car damage - one of the most sought-after features in the series - has finally been implemented.
No on-sale date for GT5 has been set, but Gran Turismo creator Kazonuri Yamauchi recently stated that the game is "ready for release", suggesting that it could be Sony's big title for Christmas 2009.
Sony also used E3 to launch a version of the game for PlayStation Portable. It will contain 800 cars, including Ferraris, and 35 circuits offering up to 60 configurations. Despite the memory limitations of such a small console, the classic Nurburgring Nordschleife will be among the tracks featured.
Gran Turismo Mobile will be available on Sony's UMD format for the existing PSP, and also via a digital download for the forthcoming PSP Go console. It will go on sale on 1 October.

Thanks to: Autocar

It's the day supercar fans thought would never arrive... Lamborghini has announced officially that a hybrid powertrain is under development!
Details are scarce at the moment, but in a bid to reduce the C02 usage of its vehicles by 35 per cent by 2012, the Sant Agata based firm has pledged to have a look at its cars’ eco-credentials. The methods under consideration include reducing weight, direct injection technology, stop/start systems, biofuels and finally hybrid tech.And to prove its serious about its environmental responsibilities, Lambo is in the process of installing 17,000 square metres of solar panels to the roo of its manufacturing facility. The panels are expected (once they’ve been fully installed and turned on) to produce 1582mwh of electricity per year – that's enough to run an ‘average’ house for over a century! It's also working on better insulation and more energy efficient lighting in a bid to drop the factory's C02 usage by 30 per cent by 2010. For more details click here.

Thanks to: Auto Express

The Rolls Royce Ghost is almost finished – and we've caught it tooling around southern Germany practically undisguised!The 5.4 metre long ‘baby’ Rolls can be seen here with a stainless steel bonnet and windscreen surround, a feature that was only previously seen on the 200EX concept car. The only attempts made at keeping the true identity of the Ghost under wraps are the blacked out badges on the front and back, a lack of ‘RR’ badging on the wheel hubs and the Spirit of Ecstasy bonnet mascot is notably absent. Power nuts will be pleased to know that the Ghost has an all-new turbocharged 6.6-litre V12 under its shiny bonnet, which should be good for over 500bhp. While it looks like the Phantom, and apes its ‘suicide doors’, the Ghost actually shares a platform with the BMW 7-Series. Though it will be priced neatly inbetween them both at around £180,000 (before options).We’ll find out more about it in September, where it’ll be launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show. For more details click here.

Thanks to: Auto Express

Saab will finally unveil the all-new 9-5 at this autumn’s Frankfurt show as part of its drive to become a successful independent car maker.
As well as the 9-5 saloon — shown here in its final production form, and due next spring — Saab engineers are putting the final touches to the 9-5 Sport Combi estate and the 9-4X SUV, which is aimed at the BMW X3 and Audi Q5. Both cars are due later in 2010.
Although the new 9-5 shares its Epsilon 2 platform with the Vauxhall Insignia, the Saab has a longer wheelbase and unique styling inside and out.
The 9-5 will be offered with two different types of suspension — standard and premium — as well as four-wheel drive. Engines will range from a turbocharged 2.8-litre V6 to a four-cylinder diesel that emits less than 140g/km of CO2.
The car goes into production early next year, replacing the 13-year-old first-gen 9-5. However, before that can happen, finding a new owner is an overwhelming priority for Saab. Sources are confident that a deal with a new investor will be signed and sealed by mid-June.
Saab will be formally abandoned by owner General Motors in January 2010, and the firm is currently in Swedish bankruptcy protection. Saab has already finalised a detailed business plan for the future that will see it launch four new cars (9-5 saloon and estate, 9-4X and the recently launched 9-3X all-roader) in 18 months.
A further facelift is scheduled for the current 9-3 range, too. Saab sources have told Autocar that the company will be able to prosper with just two platforms: Epsilon 2 (which underpins the 9-5) and a Saab-modified version of the Delta platform that is found under the new Vauxhall Astra.
Both the 9-5 and new 9-3 will be built at Saab’s Trollhattan HQ. The new 9-4X will be built by GM in Mexico, alongside its sister car, the Cadillac SRX. However, company insiders say the real volume will come from the next-generation 9-3, which will directly compete with the Audi A3 and VW Golf.
Potential investors have already been shown a full-size model of the car, which is expected to be launched in late 2011 or early 2012. Saab says it will be able to survive as a small ‘niche’ player because of its ‘á la carte’ purchasing plans. It benefits greatly from its new contract with GM, which means it can use the Epsilon and Delta platforms without paying a licensing fee.
Saab says it can engineer an entire car in-house, thanks to its extensive development capabilities. These lie in crash safety, refinement, all-wheel drive design, turbocharging, and hybrid drive and alternative fuels.
In future, Saab says it is likely to buy components from suppliers and rival manufacturers, rather than developing unique solutions.
Sources say Saab — which will not execute its own base engine design — has already talked to Peugeot-Citroën and Mini about using their drivetrains. Any deal could see the 1.6-litre Mini Cooper S turbo engine used in the new 9-3.
A lot of smaller components, such as premium-quality door locks that meet Saab’s own specs, will also be bought off the supplier shelf, saving huge amounts of development money.

Thanks to: Autocar

Magna International and Russia’s Sberbank are set to give Opel €500m (£440m) to safeguard jobs while the company is restructured abroad.
Sberbank’s CEO Germna Gref said the investment was needed to minimise job cuts during the takeover and restructuring process.
“According to a preliminary plan, we could do with minimal jobs cuts in Germany but would need a bigger restructuring of foreign assets," said Gref.
He also said that Sberbank was unlikely to remain as a long term partner to Opel, and reports suggest the bank could sell up to a Russian car maker once the restructuring process is complete.
The €500m investment will be split between Magna and Sberbank according to their respective stakes in Opel, which are 20 per cent and 35 per cent respectively.
Elsewhere, Volkswagen has spoken of its concern at Magna’s takeover of Opel, saying that there is likely to be a conflict of interest.
Magna is a key competent supplier to many of Volkswagen’s brands, including Audi and Seat, and it also supplies Porsche, which is Volkswagen’s largest shareholder.
Volkswagen spokesman Michael Brendel said, “Volkswagen will monitor this development very closely. Tax money has been used to a large extent for Opel's rescue. We hope that through this a sustainable and successful result will be achieved effectively”.

Thanks to: Autocar

If the Ghost is the new 'Baby Rolls', here's the MINI version! Spied in the workshop receiving its finishing touches, this is definitely one small car with big ideas.
Featuring a Royal Blue paint-job, bodykit and new alloy wheel design, it certainly appears upmarket from the outside. Inside the cabin, swathes of cream leather cover everything up to and including the air-vents, while high-quality walnut veneer finishes off the Rolls Royce ambience perfectly.
But before you start beating down the door of your local dealership, there's no conformation that the special edition will make into production. However, a spokesman for the brand told Auto Express recently that a limited-run MINI based on one the other brands under BMW's umbrella was not out of the question. For more details click here.

Thanks to: Auto Express

Lincoln is in the midst of a styling renaissance, of which the Ford Edge–based Lincoln MKX was one of the forefathers. Now that Lincoln’s corporate style is galvanizing around the split-waterfall grille, our spy photographers have captured evidence that the company will wrap the MKX’s nose with the now-familiar look for 2010.
While the family schnoz is the most immediately recognizable element of the redesigned MKX, perhaps the more important updates will take place inside, where the Lincoln’s somewhat stodgy interior gets a needed injection of pizzazz. As Ford and Lincoln try to spin themselves as technology leaders (witness the equipment list available on the new MKS and MKT), both the style and substance of their technologically advanced offerings become increasingly important.
To that end, the MKX gets a new stitched-leather dash that cascades around a wildly edgy new center-console design. The touch-screen nav system is nestled in a sculpted console that appears to sport tactile sensors—rather than traditional buttons—for the HVAC and audio controls. The smoothing of interior shapes also will reach to the new steering wheel, which loses a spoke and the previous blocky styling for a more upscale shape reminiscent of an Acura wheel, but without the button overload.
While nothing is confirmed yet, the new EcoBoost twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 is proliferating through Lincoln’s lineup and could endow this crossover with a serious performance edge. We wouldn’t be surprised to see the 355-hp mill powering the MKX somewhere down the line.
Regardless of powerplant, the interior of the upcoming MKX looks like it will take on a more space-age look in line with Lincoln’s new, high-tech image. Although the jury is still out on the brand’s new corporate grille, the inside of the 2010 MKX is shaping up to be a pleasant place to pass the miles.

Thanks to: Car and Driver

Less than a week after officially filing for chapter 11 bankruptcy, General Motors has announced the pending sale of the Saturn brand to Penske Automotive. The transaction, if completed, would shift the rights of Saturn to Penske, and would continue the sale of the Aura, Vue, and Outlook vehicles under a contract basis with GM.
Although the deal could save more than 350 dealerships and 13,000 jobs, according to GM, it won’t save the slow-selling Saturn Astra hatchback or low-volume Sky roadster. Penske does intend to preserve the customer-focused mentality upon which Saturn was founded in 1990. “Saturn has a passionate customer base and outstanding dealer network,” said Roger Penske, chairman of Penske Automotive Group. “For nearly 20 years, Saturn has focused on treating the customer right. We share that philosophy, and we want to build on those strengths.”
The completion of the sale is expected to close in the third quarter of this year, pending many conditions and approvals from the U.S. Treasury, which now holds a majority stake in GM. It has been rumored that Penske has been in talks with Renault Samsung Motors to import the Korean-built vehicles under the Saturn name. Already owning the sole distribution rights in the States to the teacup-sized Smart brand, it wouldn’t be shocking to see this rumor become reality.
Ownership by a small, agile organization like Penske makes sense for Saturn, which always aimed to be a small, agile organization itself. But the brand was continually hampered by the bureaucracy that comes with being part of a huge conglomerate like GM, losing out on development and advertising dollars to higher-volume divisions like Chevrolet.

Thanks to: Car and Driver