Saab Bóreas Sports Coupe Design Study by Jorge Martí Vidal

And yes, we have another design proposal for a future saab model. This one is a compact sports coupe named Bóreas after the god of the north wind and bringer of winter in Greek mythology, and it's the work of Spanish designer, Jorge Martí Vidal. There's no info from the designer's behalf, but we could easily picture it as a modern day replacement to the Saab Sonnet. More pictures and a video after the break.

Volkswagen Group to Buy Italdesign Giugiaro?

Volkswagen's master plan is all about numbers. Being the biggest, baddest automaker out there. That's why it isn't any surprise to hear that Volkswagen might be bringing Italdesign Giugiaro under its wing (nothing is official yet).
An acquisition would be another major part of VW's world takeover scheme, assisting with the goal selling 10 million vehicles in 2018. Its ten brands intend to release sixty new or updated models this year, so more designers and engineers are needed.
Now is far from the first time that VW and Giugiaro have worked together. The Italian design house has helped create a variety of cars for those aforementioned ten brands.
The list includes: VW's Golf Mk1, Passat Mk1, Scirocco Mk1, and W12 / Nardo concepts; Audi's 80; Bugatti's EB118, EB218, and 18/3 Chiron; Porsche's 1970 Tapiro; Lamborghini's Marco Polo and Cala; Seat's Ibiza Mk1, Toledo Mk1 & Mk2, Córdoba Mk1, and Málaga.

Czechmate: New Skoda Fabia RS with 1.4 TSI 180HP in both Hatchback and Estate Forms Head to Geneva

The latest generation of Skoda cars are -rightfully, in our opinion- considered by most consumers as budget-priced Volkswagens under disguise, a notion that has helped the Czech automaker go from post-Communist joke to a global success story. Their newest "VW Group Transformer" is the 2010 Fabia RS that will make its world debut at this week's Geneva Motor Show
The sportiest version of the Fabia range shares a common platform as well as its engine, transmission and other hidden hardware with the vw polo gti and seat ibiza cupra models (and certain parts with the audi1...).
But with one significant difference: whereas the Polo GTI and Ibiza Cupra are available only as hatchbacks, the Fabia RS also offers a Station Wagon model that could open up a new market for Skoda.
Like its German and Spanish siblings, the Fabia RS hatchback and Estate models are motivated by the VW Group's 1.4-liter double-supercharged four-cylinder gasoline engine that delivers an output of 180 horsepower.
A seven-speed dual-clutch DSG transmission with paddle-shifters transfers power to the front wheels.
Skoda said that 0-100km/h (62mph) acceleration comes in 7.3 seconds for both versions with the hatchback reaching a top speed of 225km/h or 140mph, and the Estate 227km/h or 141mph.
Combined fuel consumption for both models is estimated at 6.4lt/100km, equal to 36.8mpg US and 44mpg UK.
It's worth mentioning that the previous Fabia RS model was offered exclusively with a diesel engine.
Being a sporty model and all, Skoda's err VW's engineers tweaked the Fabia's suspension and brakes and added the firm's new XDS electronic differential which is also found on the Ibiza Cupra and Polo GTI cars.
In the styling department, both versions of the Fabia RS features subtle cosmetic upgrades that include the new front bumper with integrated LED daytime running lights 17-inch alloy wheels, red brake callipers, tinted windows and a new rear bumper with a diffuser and dual exhaust.
Depending on the color of the body, the roof, rear spoiler and wheels for the Fabia RS hatchback can be finished in black, white or silver.
As for the interior, both cars get sports seats with "RS" logos on the backrests, a new three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel and aluminum pedals.

Sheep in Wolf’s Clothing: Lexus SC gets Mercedes-Benz AMG Makeover...

I really should hate this as much as that 95 Thuderbird mwith the '50s Ford front end, but I don't.
Maybe it's because this Z30 Toyota Soarer, otherwise known as the first generation Lexus SC in the U.S., with a Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM-esque front end and SL AMG rear end is so well done. Heck, it's a lot more convincing than those Miata-based replicas we see so often.
Of course, it's not all good. The window line is more E46 BMW M3 than CLK and the rear end looks more like a S15 Nissan 200SX than it does a Mercedes-Benz. And there's all that jiff about besmirching the manufacturer's name with this cheap knockoff, and ruining the original car.
Though it has to be said the Z30 Soarer was kinda boring to look at. It had those rounded, utterly inoffensive designed-by-committee looks that most Japanese cars of the '90s seemed to have. So if anything, this is a noticeable improvement.

VIDEO: Ford Shows Off 2012 Focus ST on the Road

For anyone secretly hoping that the Ford Focus ST Paris Show car would look better in motion, we're sorry to say it does not. Somehow this video makes that 'gaping mouth' grille look even worse, and all the odd creases and curves stand out even more. That 'Tangerine Scream' paintwork isn't doing it any favors either.
Admittedly, the Paris Show Car makes the old, pre-facelift ST look boring and understated by comparison, but is it really better to be garishly ugly than conservatively dull? At least things are better under the bonnet. A 2.0-liter turbocharged four cylinder good for 250 hp should make the new ST a real corker when it launches in 2012, as will the rumored dual-clutch Powershift 'box.
Here's hoping Ford reconsiders the styling before then. Oh well, at least if you're driving it, you can't see that hideous gaping grille.

Volkswagen Phaeton facelift pricing announced (UK)

Following its debut at the Beijing motor show earlier this year, Volkswagen has announced pricing and specification for the revised phaeton large luxury saloon, which is available to order from dealerships this week.

Prices for the revised model start at £46,195 for the 3.0 litre V6 TDI 240PS engine, while the 6.0 litre W12 450PS model costs £78,685. The 3.0 litre V6 TDI is available in short wheelbase (5,060mm) and both models are available with a long wheelbase (5,180mm), giving an additional 120mm of legroom to rear passengers.

The new phaeton features a re-profiled front end. The new face comprises bi-xenon headlight units with LED running lights which frame a more imposing front grille above a redesigned front bumper with integrated LED fog lights. Newly designed rear light units sit above a revised bumper, while new alloy wheel designs complete the exterior changes.

Inside the cabin, new trim finishes are complemented by a new multifunction steering wheel design and full colour display within the instrument cluster.

The 240PS, 3.0 litre V6 TDI 4MOTION Phaeton enjoys combined fuel economy of 32.2mpg (8.5l/100km) combined with CO2 emissions of 224g/km. On the other end, the 450PS 6.0 litre W12 4MOTION has CO2 emissions of 348g/km and combined fuel economy of 19.5mpg.

Standard equipment includes 4MOTION four-wheel-drive, x8 airbags, laminated windows, Continuous Damping Control (CDC) adjustable air suspension, leather interior w/18 way electrically adjustable front seats, advanced climate control, RNS 810 satellite navigation system and bi-xenon headlamps w/LED day-time running lights.

The phaeton is hand-built in Volkswagen’s transparent factory in Dresden, and comes with options such as alloy wheels, heated rear seats, Google Maps, wood/leather steering wheel, interior wood trims, parking heater, 1000w Dynaudio soundpack w/12 speakers, keyless entry & start, rear-view camera, and tyre pressure monitoring system.

Volvo V60 pricing announced (UK)

Volvo UK has announced prices for the all-new V60 sports wagon. Starting from £23,145 for the entry-level ES 1.6 litre T3 150PS with stop/start, rising to an eye-watering £37,895 for the flagship 3.0 litre 304PS T6 AWD SE Lux Geartronic Premium.

The V60 is available in four trim-levels (ES, SE, SE Lux and R-Design) and six engines (four diesels, two petrols). Deliveries start in December.

Entry-level ES trim comes standard with cruise control, electronic climate control, front passenger airbag cut-off switch, front and rear mats, infotainment system w/5”colour screen, steering wheel mounted audio controls, 16” alloy wheels, leather steering wheel and gear stick, and a 6 speaker audio system.

Low-mid spec SE comes with Tylosand T-Tec upholstery, 17” alloy wheels, electric folding door mirrors w/puddle lights, rain & light sensor, rear parking sensors, Bluetooth and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror.

Upper-mid spec R-Design adds 18” alloy wheels, bespoke interior, twin rear exhaust pipes and exterior styling features. Volvo anticipates that the UK will be the largest market in Europe for the R-Design model, accounting for 20% of R-Design sales.

Flagship SE Lux includes SE spec plus leather interior w/electric front seats with memory and adaptive bi-xenon headlamps with headlamps washer jets.

A ‘Premium Package’ is available on all but the entry-level ES. This consists of leather interior, DAB digital radio, satellite navigation system and an upgraded audio system.

Base D3 2.0 litre diesel engine kicks out 161bhp and 400Nm (295lb ft) of torque. Combined fuel economy is 51.4mpg (46.3mpg for Geartronic) and CO2 emissions are 144g/km for the manual model. The 2.0 litre D5 produces 203bhp and 420Nm of torque.

On the petrol front, the base 1.6 litre T3/T4 – available as a 6 speed manual or Geartronic gearbox – has 178bhp, 240Nm (177lb ft) of torque and will take the manual version from 0-60mph in 8.0 seconds and on to a top speed of 137mph. Stop/start means CO2 emissions are 156g/km and fuel economy of 42.2mpg with the manual gearbox.

The 2.0 litre T5 kicks out 237bhp and 320Nm (236lb ft) of torque. In the manual model, it will emit 189g/km of CO2 (194g/km on the Geartronic option) and will return up to 34.9mpg on the combined cycle.

Range-topping 3.0 litre T6 with AWD pumps out a muscular 300bhp and gives combined fuel economy of 28.5mpg and CO2 emissions of 237g/km. It will go from 0-60mph in under 6 seconds and will continue on to a top speed of 155mph.

KIA Mohave/Borrego leaked ahead of Detroit debut

The Borrego has been leaked online ahead of its world premiere early next year. Until now only two teaser shots of Kia's new seven-seater SUV primed for the North American market have been officially released. These are the first photos of a production model caught in South Korea that reveal both the Borrego's rear end styling and extensive interior shots showing design, fit and finish.

Manufacturered in Korea and set to enter North American markets between summer next year and early the following year as a 2009 model, the Borrego will be Kia's first entry into the hotly-contested midsize SUV market.

The first interior shots of the car show a neatly-designed but functional central console with nicely-integrated vents, switchgear and vehicle display with what can be assumed encompasses navigation, audio system and other electronically-operated car functions. Steering wheel-integrated handsfree controls and a fully automatic transmission are revealed by the new photos, while adjustable suspension, hill descent control and keyless ignition also appear to feature.

A V6 engine will be fitted as standard, while a new V8 unit - another first for the brand - will be optional. The new SUV will incorporate the latest in noise and vibrations-reducing engineering, also offering consumers the Korean brand's renowned 10-year/100,000-mile warranty.

2012 Jaguar XJR High-Performance Sports Saloon Rendered

We still don't know if Jaguar's future plans include the introduction of a high-performance 'R' model   but the folks over at Autogespot took the liberty to create a speculative rendering that shows us what the XJR might look like. Evidently inspired from the 510HP Jaguar XFR, the artist gave the XJ a more aggressive look by redesigning the hood and front bumper, adding chunky alloy wheels and side air vents, reshaping the rear bumper and well, that's about it.
If Jaguar decides to add an XJR model to its range, we assume that it will most likely be fitted with an even more powerful version of the 2011 XJ Supersport's 5.0-liter supercharged V8  that makes 510 ponies.

Autodelta Alfa Romeo 159 J4 2.2 Compressor with 245Hp Revealed

Following last week’s  Autodelta officially unveiled today the Alfa Romeo 159 J4 2.2 C which becomes the company’s third member of the bespoke J-series range, joining the Brera J5 3.2 C and Spider J6 3.2 C in the Autodelta line-up. Available for order from July 1st, the 159 J4 2.2 C features a 2.2-liter engine equipped with a Rotrex C30-74 supercharger and a specifically-developed bespoke ECU system that boosts output from the standard 185Hp to 245Hp while peak torque is raised from 230 Nm to 290Nm.

Strangely, Autodelta has yet to reveal performance figures but expect a sub-7,0 sec time for the 0 to 100km/h (62 mph) sprint. To complement the power increase, Autodelta has enhanced the 159 chassis dynamics by reworking the suspension that incorporates new dampers and springs and by adding a limited slip differential (LSD) that works on the front wheels. The J4 2.2 C also features uprated brake discs, which are additionally perforated at the front and rear, while the car sits on 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped in high-performance Dunlop Sp Sport Maxx GT tires (245/35 ZR19). 

Despite these additions, Autodelta supports that the J4 2.2 C is actually 5kg or 11 lbs lighter than the standard production Alfa 159 2.2 JTS thanks to the ultralight OZ alloy wheels and the new exhaust system and suspension components.

Design-wise, Autodelta has developed an tasteful bodykit that includes front splitter, rear apron and side skirts, with the front and rear apron sections designed to fit the standard bumpers of the production Alfa 159.

Where Eagles Dare: Cadillac CTS-V Coupe vs Audi RS 5 vs BMW

Ford Reportedly Considering New Lincoln Continental Model, but a Compact Makes so Much More Sense

Reports indicate that Ford has been meeting with dealer representatives to discuss the brand's options, including batting the Continental name around. Sadly, that's not likely because of the silly alphabetical naming system Ford's luxury brand has been using (I liked Zephyr to begin with) and the fact that Lincoln needs to be made young, not even more inaccessible.
As part of the renovation, Lincoln hopes to reveal up to seven new models in the next couple years. After the 2011 MKX, expect the rest of the lineup to get significant refreshes; that means new marketing and styling for the MKZ, MKS, Navigator, and MKT (with new limousine and extended-legroom models once the Town Car has moved on).
That leaves room for one new model, which could either be the aforementioned flagship or possibly even a compact entry-level model to make up for the loss of Mercury.
The compact seems more likely in the short term, as Ford is trying to convince Lincoln dealers it can make the brand youthful and yuppie to drive sales (versus its current aged, stagnant, and scattered state).
If that's the case, there's no need to rule out the flagship down the line. Once Lincoln can pull in some sales, money could then be aimed at the top-tier S-Class and LS segment. If Lincoln can get that far, it may very well be considered "ok". However, as it stands, Ford is looking shut down more than 200 dealers due to slumping sales.
Jesse Toprak, an analyst at TrueCar, says, "The biggest problem is [Lincoln's] brand identity itself. A lot of people have the image of the car that your grandpa owned." If you'll recall, that was Cadillac's major problem about ten years ago and now they're putting out M5-hunters, power-wagons, and good-looking crossovers. Should Lincoln be able to pull off the type of renaissance that Cadillac did, CEO Alan Mulally is even willing to get Lincoln its passport and go international with the brand.

SAAB 91 Concept Dreamed up by the Brand's Enthusiasts

What you see pictured here is a conceptual study for a B-segment SAAB hatchback model named 91 that was created by young Italian designer Fabio Ferrante with the help of an online community called "Saab 91 Petition and Support...

All-New Scion tC Coupe with 180HP 2.5-Liter Engine Revealed in New York

Making its world debut at the New York motor show alongside the N.A.-spec iQ mini, is the second-generation of Scion's tC compact coupe that is scheduled to arrive in U.S. dealerships later this fall. Highlights include...

New VW Golf R20 (GTI-R) may come to America

Volkswagen unveiled the new high-zoot R version of the MK VI Golf at the Frankfurt Motor Show last month, but it declined to say whether Americans would ever get a chance to buy one. Fans of the R32 will likely be clamoring for the new R20 if does make it to our shores, in part because of the 400 pounds it has shed.


While we are here in Wolfsburg today to drive VW's more pedestrian Golf varietals, we had a chance to follow up on the R20 possibility for America. First, we asked VW of America CEO Stefan Jacoby, who told us it was being studied and that no decision had yet been reached about the R20 for America. A little later, we talked with Andres Valbuena who happens to be the U.S. product planner for the Golf, GTI and New Beetle. That means he guides the direction of the Golf in this country.


To give you some perspective on where Andres stands on this subject, his personal ride back home in Virginia is a 2004 edition R32 with an added blower, so word that Valbuena is pushing hard to get the R20 should come as no surprise. Further, if it does cross the Pond, he wants it available in both two- and four-door bodystyles with a choice of manual or DSG transmissions.


If the R20 does make it here, odds are VW won't be able to justify two powertrains given the expected low volumes. In that event, Valbuena tells us he prefers the manual, but regardless, all R20s would be equipped with all-wheel drive. Working in the R20's favor is the fact that this is essentially the powertrain from the Audi TT-S which has both gearbox options. Hopefully, we'll have a decision from Wolfsburg within a year. If you want the R20 in your local VW showroom, make your voice heard in the comments because the automaker is listening.

Officially New Jeep Grand Cherokee 2011

V6 Honda Civic

Honda Recalling Close to 400,000 Accord, Civic and Element Models in the States

And yes, we have another recall. This time it's Honda issuing two recalls, one for 384,220 vehicles including the 2003 Accord and Civic Coupe / Sedan, and the 2003 and 2004 Element to fix a potential problem with their ignition...

Malignant Rumors: Jaguar Considering 2,000 Units a Year of Turbine-Powered C-X75 Halo Car

As Porsche begins development on the hybrid 918 Spyder, Jaguar is reportedly taking the idea of a limited-run production version of its Paris Motor Show C-X75 concept into consideration. Autoweek reports that the British...

Revised 2011 Nissan Rogue Priced from $20,810

Now that the 2011MY Rogue (for details on the facelift, read our previous post here) has arrived in showrooms, Nissan decided to release pricing for its updated compact crossover. The new Rogue is offered in two trim levels,...