Audi Allroad makes a new addition to the A6 line up

Audi launched the 2nd generation of the Allroad based on the A6 platform. The new A6 Allroad features black trims around its wheelarches, bumpers and side skirts for that sporty outdoor look. It also carries with it the new trapezoid chrome grills which has now become the hallmark of Audis worldwide. Designed as a cross-over between an estate/station wagon and a SUV, the Allroad occupies a niche segment amongst luxury premium car makes. This new A6 also makes a new addition to the relatively new A6 range and would add to its 4 wheel drive sales. In the United States, it is expected to complement the Q7's sales in the sporty SUV segment and equipped with Audi's famed 'quattro' system, this new replacement looks to capture consumer's choice for a versatile off-road vehicle.


The interior of the A6 Allroad is derived from the A6's interior and features trapezoidal design cues to complement its grille. A two tone leather interior is also available as a choice for owners of this vehicle.

BMW set to replace the 3 Series Coupe/Cabriolet range

The new 3 Series was launched in the 3rd quarter of 2005 and this year, BMW will be ready to replace the 2 door variants of this popular model. The new 3 Series coupe and cabriolet to be codenamed E92 looks set to feature sleeker lines and a different grille compared to its saloon brethren. It is also widely expected that BMW is to implant a new turbo-charged engine into the 3 Series that will put in a buffer model between the in-line sixes and the M3. Note the dual exhaust pipes shown in the later picture of the 3 Series Coupe

Pictures above and below show that the new 3 Series will also have new stylized headlights and rear lights and it will also feature a rear sloping boot. However, until the real model of the car is finally disclosed, it will not be sure if boot space will be reduced.

BMW and Porsche wins top honours at NYIAS

BMW and Porsche have both been awarded top honours at the New York International Auto Show that started last weekend on the 14th of April. The show played host to the second annual presentation of the World Car of the Year award. This award was created to recognize and honor excellence in the automotive market on an international scale.

A jury of 46 international automotive journalists considered a variety of parameters; then individually reviewed, evaluated, and voted on the World Car of the Year entrants by secret ballot. The international accounting firm KPMG tabulated the ballots to first determine the finalists, and finally the winner. In the second ever presentation of this award, the BMW 3-Series was announced as the overall winner. Meanwhile, the new Porsche Cayman S was named the World Performance Car of the Year.


Two other automobiles that won awards at the show includes the new Honda Civic Hybrid and the Citroen C4. Both these cars won the World Green Car of the Year and World Car Design of the Year respectively.

Nissan to distribute next generation of GT-R in the United States

According to Nissan Motor President & CEO, Carlos Ghosn, the next generation of the famed GT-R is due to arrive in the United States under the Nissan brand, in line with the branding strategy of the group. The previous Nissan Skyline GT-R did not make it into the US market but was an instant hit elsewhere. In the 2001 Tokyo Auto Show, Nissan showcased a prototype concept of the next generation GT-R. With styling cues from the 350Z and the Infiniti G35 coupe, the next GT-R is expected to be launched officially in the 2007 Tokyo Auto Show. It could arrive in the United States in early 2008.

Saturn comes out with 3 new models at NY Auto Show

General Motors seems bent on taking back its lost market share from the Japanese auto makers and it has planned to do that via Saturn. This relatively young division of GM launched a total of 3 new models for the North American market over the weekend at the New York International Auto Show. The 3 models include a crossover concept vehicle, a mid-size saloon and a new family-size SUV. With the Prevue, Saturn showcases a concept to capture the market for sporty small-size SUVs. It will be targeted to buyers who are looking at the Land Rover Freelander and BMW X3, but at a much cheaper price.


An all new eight-seater SUV was also unveiled by Saturn. Named 'Outlook' the new SUV will accompany the Saturn Aura to rejuvenate the Saturn brand with a new family-look that is derived from the Saturn Sky. The Outlook is marketed by Saturn as a roomy family SUV. In addition, it adds a dose of practicality with a new 'Samrt-slide' seat that allows easy access to the third row seats.


The last model to be unveiled is a new mid-size saloon to take on the market leaders Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. Featuring a Euro-inspired design scheme from the GM-owned Opel/Vauxhall Vectra, the Saturn Aura looks sophisticated enough. On top of that, the car features steering-wheel paddles and an interior that is vastly improved.

Lamborghini Gallardo by Hamman

Lamborghini's Gallardo was perhaps the most successful car ever for this Italian marque. It has allowed many people who aspired to the raging bull to get a road-friendlier version of one. However without the gullwing doors of the Diablo and Murcielago, it just lacks that unique feel for owners. Thus comes Hamman, the German tuning specialist who has designed the new Lamborghini Gallardo with gull-wing doors that opens skywards.


The tuning works by Hamman for the Gallardo also includes a generous amount of carbon fibre, including a gorgeous carbon fibre deck spoiler as well as interior CF trimmings for the instrument cluster. To complete the 'dark and evil' look, Hamman can also customize black and/or gunmetal rims.

Bentley to introduce GT Convertible in New York this weekend

This weekend's New York International Auto Show should see Bentley officially launching the convertible version of the Continental GT, the company's most successful car to date. The United States will once again be the largest single market for Bentley and thus an official launch at the US will be important for the company.

The GT Convertible will be powered by the same W12 engine found in the VW Phaeton and the Bentley Continental GT and Flying Spur. It will utilize the all wheel drive chassis developed for the Audi A8 and have a top speed of 304km/h which puts it in the league of sports cars. First deliveries of the car is expected to be in end of 2006 and this latest convertible also completed the new range of Continental models for Bentley.

Shanghai Automotive to build own brand cars

Shanghai Automotive Industrial Corporation (SAIC), which was one of the leading bidders for bankrupt English-automaker MG Rover announced plans to build cars under its own brand name after building cars for Volkswagen and General Motors in China for decades. In addition SAIC also has plans to further export its brand of cars into developing countries like Eastern Europe and Latin America. SAIC seems to be heeding the state's call to create value in the industries and establish China-based brands that could bring pride to the country.

Jeep Patriot & Compass points company in the right direction

Jeep is a venerable name in the world of off-road vehicles and its status is up there with Land Rover. However with the formation of DaimlerChrysler, the management have chosen to settle the problems at Chrysler first. The latest concept cars shown in the 2005 Frankfurt Auto Show changed all that especially with the 2007 Jeep Compass to start deliveries in mid 2006 and the 2007 Patriot production model to be shown in the upcoming New York International Auto Show.

The Patriot concept makes it into the production model and features Jeep's signature 7 slot grille with rounded headlamps. In addition, the interior of the new Jeep shares some parts with Chrysler which should guarantee quality feel and should add a premium to the Jeep.

The Jeep Compass shown below is in the Rallye guise shown in the Frankfurt Auto Show and it is clear on the start that the Jeep Compass is aimed at the younger audience. The blacked out rims and the aggresive kits are meant to accentuate the design of the Compass. The front hood and raked windshield adds to the style of the new Compass to suit the active lifestyle of younger buyers.

New BMW M3 sighted on testing

With the launch of the E90 3 Series throughout the world complete, BMW will be looking to introduce the coupe version of the car, along with the replacement for the famed M3 series. The new BMW M3 is expected to be fitted with a powerful V8 engine and this time, it will be expected to come in the saloon and touring form in addition to the coupe and cabriolet model. Spy shots of the new M3 have shown that BMW is keen to further differentiate the M3 from its normal brethren and have redesigned the front bumper with a much larger air scoop and perhaps with a new interpretation of the 'kidney' grilles. On top of that, the rear of the BMW M3 is also differentiated by the 4 tail-pipes that indicates the sheer power of this car.

BMW is expected to place the new M3 at a premium level as rumors and spy shots of the 3 series also see BMW looking to launch a turbocharged version of the 3 series. Thus price increase for the new V8-engined M3 is to be expected.

Toyota and Lexus to launch sports roadsters and GTs

Artist's impression of the 2007 Toyota Supra
If there is any lack of passion for the Toyota/Lexus brand it has got to the be the lack of any sports models in the product line-up. The Toyota Soarer/Lexus SC430 does not count as one as it lacks a sleek body and a cool factor. With the Lexus LF-A concept, Toyota could be on its way to produce a double pronged attack on the sports GT and roadster arena. The new Toyota Supra could utilize the new V8 engines developed for the Lexus. In addition, Toyota could also be introducing its commercially successful hybrid engines into these new sports cars.


Notice the long bonnet and sleek rear end styling. The new design direction of Lexus is moving in the direction, allowing Toyota to have a new design style. Expect the new sports roadsters and GTs to incorporate this new styling theme.

New Audi TT Coupe officially launched

The new Audi TT was officially unveiled with a giant car sculpture yesterday at Berlin. Up to 500 invited guests attended the event in Germany’s capital which includes a number of international journalists. Guests at the launch of the Audi TT included the German Vice Chancellor and Minster of Labour and Social Affairs, Franz Muntefering, the Bavarian Prime Minister Dr. Edmund Stoiber, the Hungarian Economics Minister Dr. Janos Koka, footballers Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane from Real Madrid and Andreas Gцrlitz from FC Bayern Munich, FC Bayern Munich Chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and former German football star Gerd Mьller, who now trains the FC Bayern Munich amateurs.

Hatchback style for new Audi TT Coupe

The new Audi TT that will be launched worldwide today from Berlin is due to have a hatchback design as previewed in the Shooting Brake concept shown in the Tokyo Auto Show 2005. Preliminary sketches of the car shows a rear end that is nearly similar to that of the Porsche 911. In addition, it is likely to keep its rounded rear end profile as in the present car.


The Audi Shooting Brake concept also gave a teaser as to how the new TT interior will look like. Expect the new interior to keep the circular air vents and perhaps the higher end S-line TT's will get the flat-bottom steering wheel. These fine looking steering wheels have been reserved by Audi for its flagship sports models.

Mazda to introduce elongated version of CX-7

A picture of the Mazda CX-7
The Mazda CX-7 has just started selling in the United States, but Mazda is set to introduce the longer wheelbase version of the CX-7 with a total of 3 rows of seats. The CX-7 was based on the Ford Edge SUV platform and has its sights on the new Rav 4 and the Nissan Murano. However, the CX-9 seems to be targeting MPV owners who are looking for a more sporty car. In addition the Mazda CX-9 would replace the slow selling Mazda MPV.

The CX-9 is expected to be fitted with a larger engine and will be introduced in the upcoming New York International Auto Show on the 14th April.

Lexus to implant hydbrids into flagship 2007 LS

After launching the hybrid version of the RX and GS Series, Lexus is looking forward to debut its new luxury saloon, the LS Series with a hybrid engine in the upcoming New York International Auto Show. It is expected that the 400h hybrid engine that was shown in the GS Hybrid car will be used in the LS Series as well to create the LS 400h. Lexus is banking on high fuel prices to gain demand for its hybrid vehicles in the US and beyond. On top of that it hopes that the quieter ride, stable performance and lower emissions will put its hybrid engines forward in the industry.

Alonso wins Australia leg of Formula One

In the event-filled Australia F1 race yesterday in Melbourne, Alonso emerged victorious after finishing ahead of Finnish driver Kimi Raikkonen. Both Alonso and Raikkonen gained ground after safety cars led the race upon the crash between Felipe Massa, Rosberg and Klien. On the other hand, the second drivers for Renault and McLaren also had problems the race early after Fisichella's stalled car at the starting grid, though he finished 5th in the race and Montoya's crash nearing the end of the race costs him points in the race. Pole starter Jenson Button's car ended up in a cloud of smoke as it failed in the final lap, costing him his 5th position placing. Michael Schumacher also ran out of luck after crashing out of the race while chasing after Button.

Meanwhile, Toyota driver Ralf Schumacher took his first podium of the season for himself and the team and American Scott Speed earned the first point for Scuderia Torro Rosso as he came in 8th position in the race. The 2 BMWs finished the race at 4th and 6th position while Barichello manages a consolation for the Honda team when he ended the race at 7th position.