New Car Collection Blog's

After completing the stunning Gallardo LP 560-4 and 550-2 Valentino Balboni, you would think Lamborghini would take a break. A series of renderings on Lambocars.com, a Lamborghini enthusiast Web site, may prove otherwise.

Confirming rumors, Buick is using the Detroit auto show to debut a higher-performance derivative of the Regal sports sedan. Although the Regal GS is officially a concept car, it won’t take much to bring this one to market, since it’s very similar to the Opel Insignia OPC already on sale in Europe. The regular Regal hits U.S. streets late this spring.

Externally, the GS is differentiated from the stock Regal by a 0.4-inch-lower stance accented by 20-inch forged aluminum wheels, as well as twin ports on the hood, unique rocker panels, dual exhaust outlets, additional front air intakes, and satin-finish metallic accents on the window surrounds. Inside, it gets Recaro sports seats, a squared-off steering wheel, and metal pedals.

However, unlike the OPC, which is fitted with a 325-hp, 2.8-liter turbocharged V-6, the GS concept features a tweaked version of the Regal’s 2.0-liter direct-injection turbo four making 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The engine drives through a six-speed manual transmission in the show car, but expect an automatic option when the GS goes into production. According to Buick execs Craig Bierley and Jim Federico, the reasons for the four-cylinder versus the V-6 are many: The bigger engine doesn’t make as much power when tuned to meet U.S. emissions regulations, and because it weighs more, there’s not a lot of difference in power-to-weight ratios. The V-6 also guzzles more gas than the turbo four, and the latter provides better weight distribution.

Thanks to: Car and Driver

These are the first official images of Toyota's updated Yaris, which gains a range of minor cosmetic tweaks, along with improved spec levels (at least in models offered to European buyers).

The company hasn't gone overboard with the external mods, which are limited to a redesigned headlight cluster, matt silver door handles and new alloy wheels (or new wheel caps in cars with steel rims). The derriere is distinguished by mildly revised tail-lights.

Meanwhile, the colour palette gains two new additions -- hues dubbed Light Purple Silver and Blue metallic.

Toyota boasts the new Yaris represents five per cent better value than before as automatic air-conditioning and front foglights become standard in Euro-spec cars.

The company's European arm has also introduced a new model variant -- the 'Yaris 2010' -- which comes equipped with analogue instrument dials, a perforated leather steering wheel and gearshift knob and higher-grade upholstery trim.

Euro buyers can choose from three powerplants -- 1.0-litre VVT-i and 1.3-litre Dual VVT-i petrol units and a 1.4 litre D-4D (turbodiesel). Each engine features Toyota's Optimal Drive technology, which is said boost fuel efficiency and lower emissions.

As a result, all three engines generate under 120g/km, with model range fuel consumption averaging below 5 litres/100 km, according to Toyota. Moreover, Yaris whole-fleet CO2 emissions will be reduced from 130.8 g/km in 2008, to 117.4 g/km in 2010.

Toyota Optimal Drive focuses on lightweight, compact design, enhanced combustion efficiency and low-friction components. The company claims the petrol engines have been enhanced via a high-efficiency intake port, a high compression ratio and "long reach" spark plugs.

The 1.3-litre petrol engine features Stop & Start technology, while the 1.4 litre D-4D oiler is equipped with new Piezo injectors, variable nozzle turbocharging, a de-coupling generator and new electrical Exhaust Gas Recirculation.

Thanks to: Car Point

This is the Suzuki R3 MPV concept, which is being evaluated for the Indian market.

Unveiled at the Delhi motor show today, the six-seater is based on a stretched SX4 platform, and was conceived as a smaller rival for the ultra-successful Toyota Innova.

The production version - which is reported to be 18-24 months from reality - is expected to be built on a monocoque so that it is more car-like in its driving characteristics than a typical body-on-frame design.

The R3 is expected to be powered by Maruti Suzuki's K-series petrol engine in 1.2 and 1.4-litre variants, while a Fiat-derived 1.3-litre diesel is a possibility.

However, VW’s recent purchase of a 20 per cent stake in Suzuki raises the possibility of engines from the German car maker finding their way into the R3.

Thanks to: Autocar

The Tata Pr1ma concept has been unveiled at the Delhi motor show, and the Pininfarina penned design shows a luxury saloon that could give hints to a production car in the future.

Tata says it has been built as a showcase for the brand's fundamental design characteristics, which it says are sportyness and interior space and quality.

To this end, the car has been given a coupe-like profile, but also a large 2700mm wheelbase that allows for good interior space.

It's shape and lines have also been designed to flow along the car's length, with the tapered rear conveying the car's 'purposefulness' according to Tata.

Tata also revealed the Tata Venture MPV, which will go into production later this year.

Despite being less than four metres long, the Venture is an eight-seater and has what Tta describes as 'adequate' luggage space.

It is powered by a 69bhp 1.4-litre turbo-charged diesel engine.

Thanks to: Autocar

The Tata Magic Iris has been unveiled at the Delhi motor show, and like the Nano it is designed to get people off bikes and into cars.

The five-seater Magic Iris seats two up front and three in the back, and has a 611cc water-cooled diesel engine. It delivers 11bhp - more than the typical three-wheeled motorbike - and has a top speed of 34mph.

Construction is basic: its sheet metal roof, car headlamps and tail lights are all heralded as steps forward in safety over a three-wheel bike. It is available on 12-inch radial or 10-inch crossply tyres.

No prices have been released, but it will go on sale this year and Tata promises it will have a lower maintenance costs and a higher load capacity (and therefore earning potential) than a three-wheeled bike.

Thanks to: Autocar

This is the Tata Aria crossover, unveiled today at the Delhi motor show.

Built on an all-new platform, codenamed X2, the Aria will be Tata’s most expensive model and luxurious model in India when it goes on sale later this year.

Standard features include six airbags, stability control, a surround sound system, climate control, GPS and cruise control. The asking price will reflect this, with reports suggesting it will cost from £12,000.

The Aria is powered by a 137bhp 2.2-litre diesel engine with 236lb ft of torque. It is available with four-wheel drive as an option.

Tata says it combines the space of an MPV with the off-road ability of an SUV, and says it has put the car through an extensive test process, including in Europe. Despite this, it says it has no immediate plans to put the car on sale outside of India.

The Aria was originally unveiled as a concept car of the same name at the Geneva motor show in 2005.

Thanks to: Autocar

This is the Toyota Etios concept, which shows a new small car for emerging markets.

The sub-four metre Etios was unveiled at today's New Delhi motor show and is reported to be 90 per cent production ready. It will go on sale in India at the end of this year.

However, it won't be a Nano rival, because it's set to cost around $10,000 (£6000). Instead, it will challenge one of India's other best-selling cars, the Maruti Swift. To this end, Toyota has put an emphasis on providing a larger and better quality interior than the Swift's.

The Etios is based on an all-new platform, codenamed EFC 800 L, and Toyota is showcasing both the hatch and saloon body styles in Delhi. The latter is set to go on sale first, followed three months later by the hatch.

Toyota wants a gradual ramp-up in production to ensure that there is no compromise on its quality and hence wants the hatch, which will sell in larger volumes, to come later.

Toyota is understood to have squeezed out costs to ensure that the Etios is as price-competitive as possible. That means limited sound-proofing, a hard but durable interior, basic seats and one windscreen wiper.

The Etios will come with two engine options: 1.2 and 1.5-litre DOHC petrol engines. Plans to offer a 1.4-litre diesel powerplant have been put on hold.

It will be sold from the end of 2010 in markets including India, Russian and South America, and it is likely to be built at Toyota’s new Indian factory from late 2010, with production also earmarked for Brazil in 2011.

Toyota is hoping to sell 70,000 examples of the car in India in the first year, with a gradual increase in production from there on.

A Toyota spokesman said that there are no plans to adapt and sell the car in Europe.

Thanks to: Autocar

Honda has unveiled a low-cost city car concept at the Delhi motor show.

The car, which is expected to be built in India and Thailand, is currently being referred to as the "New Small Concept" and being built under the codename '2CV'.

Honda has said only that it will be powered by "a small engine", but sources sugest it will be offered with 1.0-litre and 1.2-litre petrol engines.

Honda has committed to selling the car in emerging markets "before 2011", and insiders have suggested a modified version could be sold in western Europe after that.

The new Nissan Micra is being developed in much the same way; it is the first car to be built on a new global small car platform, designed to be cheap enough to build and sell in developing markets but also sophisticated enough for Western Europe.

The Honda will cost around £6800 and be a rival for cars including the Micra, Toyota Etios and Maruti Swift.

Thanks to: Autocar

Our spy photographers have been snapping heavily disguised prototypes for months, but now Renault has given Auto Express a first glimpse at how the convertible will shape up with this moody teaser shot.

The CC, which stands for Coupé-Cabriolet, is the sixth model in the Megane range and boasts seating for four and a folding glass roof. That means, in profile, there will be a large rear to accommodate the folding top, a sweeping coupé roof-line and lights and details borrowed from the hacthback model.

Power options will mirror those offered elsewhere in the Megane range. So expect to see an entry-level 1.5-litre dCi engine and a 178bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine.

The new car will be officially unveiled in Switzerland on the 2nd March and in Paris on the 5th March. Priced at around £20,000, the Megane CC will go on sale in May. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

Vauxhall is flexing its muscles with the all-new Meriva. These are the first official pictures of the supermini-MPV – and the big news is that it will get Rolls-Royce-style rear-hinged back doors.

The FlexDoors were previewed on last year’s Meriva design concept at the Geneva Motor Show. They make access easier and allow parents to put small children into rear-mounted car seats without having to contort themselves around the door. For peace of mind, the FlexDoors can only be opened while the car is stationary – an automatic lock engages as soon as the car pulls away.

But it’s not only the doors that offer extra flexibility – the interior has been designed to provide more storage and adjustability than any of its rivals. Vauxhall has taken a fresh approach to the centre console, creating the FlexRail. This is effectively a base to which owners can fix a variety of storage compartments and armrests, specified separately.

In addition, the current Meriva’s FlexSpace interior layout has been tweaked. The rear seats are now easier to fold down and slide back and forth, to create more boot space or legroom as required. Vauxhall claims the front seats – which take their design from those in the larger Astra and Insignia – are the most adjustable in the class, and are more comfortable, too.

The Meriva’s styling also continues the family theme. Up front is the familiar griffin badge, stylish grille and large, swept-back headlights. Vauxhall’s blade-like shape features on the car’s flanks, while an exaggerated kink in the window line not only creates a distinctive profile, but gives rear passengers a bigger glass area to peer out of. A panoramic roof will be offered to allow more light to flood into the cabin.

Vauxhall has clearly put a lot of effort into the Meriva’s quality and styling, but it hasn’t ignored the driving experience. Thanks to a longer wheelbase and wider front and rear tracks, buyers can expect improved stability in corners and an accomplished ride.

Power will come from a range of six turbocharged petrol and diesel engines, with outputs from 74bhp to 138bhp. An ultra-efficient ecoFLEX model will also appear, featuring low-rolling-resistance tyres and higher gear ratios. And the average emissions of the entire range has been lowered by 15 percent, or 25g/km per model.

We’ll bring you more details on the Meriva ahead of its first public unveiling at the Geneva Motor Show in March. For more details click here.

Thanks to: Auto Express

When the 2011 Cadillac CTS coupe debuted at the Los Angeles auto show, it was practically a given that General Motors would follow up with the ultra-hot CTS-V coupe at the Detroit auto show.

With the CTS-V sedan’s supercharged powertrain and other go-fast mechanicals fitted to the two-door’s wedge-y profile, the V coupe will be a sexy and formidable alternative to other existing performance coupes, the mightiest of which is BMW’s M3. As with the regular CTS coupe, the V shares the sedan’s 113.4-inch wheelbase, while being both two inches lower and shorter and with a one-inch-wider rear track.

The V coupe is identical to the V sedan from the base of the A-pillar forward, carrying over the aggressive front fascia with gaping air intakes, the V-signature mesh grilles, and the bulged hood that covers the 556-hp, 6.2-liter supercharged V-8. As with the V sedan, a choice of six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions will funnel power to the rear wheels. Also carrying over are large Brembo brakes—15.0-inch front, 14.7-inch rear—the specifically tuned suspension with driver-adjustable magnetorheological shocks, a limited-slip differential, and 19-inch alloy wheels shod with Michelin PS2 summer rubber. The V coupe also adds a taller center brake light that doubles as a spoiler and a unique rear fascia that frames the two large center exhaust outlets.

Opening the doors is accomplished via Corvette-style touch pads. Once inside, the interior is familiar to those who have seen those of the base coupe or sedan. V-specific touches include optional Recaro sport seats, black center-console and door trim, wheel-mounted paddle shifters for automatic models, and suede-like seat inserts. While optional on the sedan, the faux suede material is fitted to the coupe’s steering wheel and manual shifter as standard equipment. A new Saffron interior-color option—exclusive to the V coupe—is available as well and offers contrasting seat inserts and leather stitching.

Performance should be at least as blistering as the sedan’s—we’ve tested the four-door to 60 mph in as little as 3.9 seconds—and we expect the V coupe to be just as serious a challenger to the M3. We don’t have specific pricing yet, but figure on a $3K to $5K premium over the four-door, which starts at $61,545, when the V coupe goes on sale this summer.

Thanks to: Car and Driver

Mercedes-Benz will launch the next S-class with a plug-in hybrid model, and will the roll out the technology across the rest of the range.

“It makes a lot of sense to bundle the high-price tech option to the sort of customers willing to pay for this sort of thing,” said Mercedes R&D boss Thomas Weber.

With weight reductions and aerodynamic improvements anticipated for the next-generation S-class, the plug-in version is likely to turn in impressive economy figures: over 80mpg and less than 100g/km of CO2 are being talked about by insiders.

There won’t be a purely electric version, though; Weber ruled such a car out due to concerns over the car’s range. “It could be possible, but no,” he said. “Our customers expect a certain range and a level of comfort, safety and space; such things lead to a certain weight and that won’t mean a good [battery] range.”

Less expensive versions of the next S-class will also be offered with Mercedes’ next generation of six and eight-cylinder petrol engines. All will have direct injection, use stop-start and will be capable of being turbocharged or used in conjunction with electric motors. The company claims they will provide 10 per cent more power, 25 per cent more torque and 25 per cent better economy than existing petrol motors.

Thanks to: Autocar

Audi will enter the junior hot hatch ranks with the new 180bhp S1 in 2011, taking on the Mini Cooper S and Alfa Romeo’s new Mito Cloverleaf.

The S1 is scheduled to make its world debut at next year’s Paris motor show. UK sales will start six months later, with prices expected to kick off at £19,000.

The A1 and S1 were first previewed over two years ago, when Audi showed the Metro Project Concept, since renamed A1. The production S1 will feature the newer interpretation of Audi’s single-frame grille, as seen on the five-door Sportback concept.

The S1 will also get deeper bumpers, a lower ride height, chrome-coloured mirror housings and 17-inch wheels.

A sister car to Volkswagen’s upcoming Polo GTI — alongside which the new Audi is currently being developed — the S1 uses a tuned version of the VW Group’s versatile turbocharged 1.4-litre, direct-injection four-cylinder engine.

Already used by Audi in the entry-level 122bhp A3, the S1’s engine will get increased boost pressure and other detailed changes to the induction system to increase power to 180bhp and torque to 184lb ft.

However, the S3 will do without four-wheel drive, making it the first S model not to use a quattro drivetrain. Instead, the S1 will be front-wheel drive, using a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox with steering wheel paddle shifters.

Although the S1 is still more than year away from going on sale, Audi development boss Michael Dick has already indicated that the car’s performance will match that of rivals such as the Mini Cooper S and Mito Cloverleaf. He put the S1’s 0-62mph time at under seven seconds and said its top speed will be beyond 140mph.

More than straight-line performance, however, it is the dynamic properties that will set the new car apart, Dick said.

“A great deal of attention has been paid to the tuning of the front end, particularly the properties of the bushes and the electric steering rack. We’ve found an excellent combination of steering feel and overall grip,” he said.

Before the S1 arrives in British showrooms, Audi will establish the rest of the A1 range. It is hoping to emulate the success of Mini, which has enjoyed a worldwide sales climb to over 200,000 units a year (more than a fifth of Audi’s total 2009 sales volume) in recent years. Audi boss Rupert Stadler confirmed that UK sales will begin next September, after the car’s launch at the Geneva show in March.

The smallest and most affordable Audi since the demise of the A2 in 2007 is based on VW’s PQ25 platform — as used in the VW Polo, Seat Ibiza and Skoda Fabia.

The steel-based structure has been selectively modified by Audi. It has added stiffening within the floorpan and made changes to the chassis (a mix of MacPherson struts up front and a torsion beam at the rear) aimed at providing greater levels of refinement and more engaging dynamics than its cheaper VW Group siblings.

The A1 will be launched as a three-door. Audi intends to market it as a coupé and aim it directly at the Mini and Mito. A year on from launch, a more practical, family-oriented five-door A1 Sportback will be added to the line-up as a rival to the Mercedes-Benz A-class.

Also under development in Ingolstadt, but not due until 2012, is an A1 cabriolet with a fabric roof. The car will be launched with four-cylinder petrol engines: an entry-level 85bhp 1.2 and a 122bhp turbocharged 1.4-litre unit.

They will be joined by three diesels: a 74bhp 1.2 three-pot and Audi’s new 1.6-litre four-cylinder unit in 89bhp and 104bhp guises. A 138bhp 2.0-litre diesel is also under consideration, although it isn’t likely to form part of the initial line-up.

Thanks to: Autocar

The new Porsche Cayenne has been spied testing virtually undisguised ahead of its launch at the Geneva show in March.

Like the current model, the new Cayenne shares much of its mechanical make-up and chassis with the Volkswagen Touareg. We’ll see the new Touareg at the Detroit show next month.

The Cayenne in our pictures has nothing more than some tape around the lights and covering the badges to hide its identity.

Despite the overall similarity to the current car, it’s clear that Porsche has toned down the Cayenne’s controversial styling. The front end is less aggressive, with smaller, thinner air intakes and more elegant headlamps. The bulges in the bonnet are less prominent, too, contributing to the Porsche’s lighter, more delicate look.

It’s not just the styling that has been toned down. Despite a longer wheelbase, the new Cayenne is significantly lighter than the current model; the weight reduction is said to be around 170kg, which should help to bring the kerb weight of the entry-level V6 model down to around 2000kg.

Some of this weight loss can be attributed to the increased use of aluminium in the Cayenne’s bodyshell and for panels such as the doors. But Porsche has also trimmed the Cayenne’s mechanicals, ditching much of the car’s standard off-road kit such as the low-range gearbox and locking rear differential.

The car’s off-road ability should be helped by the reduced weight, along with more advanced traction control and four-wheel drive systems.

The Cayenne’s interior is all-new, too, and is heavily influenced by that of the Panamera saloon. The Cayenne will get the saloon’s steering wheel and high centre console with rows of switches arranged on either side of the gear selector, plus its instrument cluster and central screen flanked by two tall air vents. Expect higher levels of luxury and significantly better materials, too.

Thanks to: Autocar