2007 Hyundai Arnejs On Test

Hyundai's competitor in the C-Segment market in Europe has now been spied for the first time. The Arnejs concept (pronouced Ar-nez) made its world deubt at the Paris Motorshow this year.

Hyundai said the concept will be hinting at the production model. The concept was also caught parked outside the Paris motorshow venue.

This is only a prototype vehicle but a pre-production model is definatley hinted at the concept was caught alongside with the Kia Cee'd SW in Eastern Europe.

Although numerous prototypes are now circulating Europe, this is the first close up picture and if you look closely you can just about make out the interior.

The Arnejs and Cee'd will be taking on the crowded small family car catagory in Europe. The Cee'd is priced around £11,000 and the Arnejs should be priced around £11,000 aswell.

2007 Hyundai Arnejs On Test

Hyundai's competitor in the C-Segment market in Europe has now been spied for the first time. The Arnejs concept (pronouced Ar-nez) made its world deubt at the Paris Motorshow this year.

Hyundai said the concept will be hinting at the production model. The concept was also caught parked outside the Paris motorshow venue.

This is only a prototype vehicle but a pre-production model is definatley hinted at the concept was caught alongside with the Kia Cee'd SW in Eastern Europe.

Although numerous prototypes are now circulating Europe, this is the first close up picture and if you look closely you can just about make out the interior.

The Arnejs and Cee'd will be taking on the crowded small family car catagory in Europe. The Cee'd is priced around £11,000 and the Arnejs should be priced around £11,000 aswell.

2007 Mercedes C-Class Sedan Snapped

We've already seen some production ready 07 Mercedes C-Class in its factory in Germany and now we have a pre production test car on the streets of Germany. Underneath all this thin disguise is a executive sedan ready to take on the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4 and Saab 9-3/Cadillac BLS.

2007 Mercedes C-Class Sedan Snapped

We've already seen some production ready 07 Mercedes C-Class in its factory in Germany and now we have a pre production test car on the streets of Germany. Underneath all this thin disguise is a executive sedan ready to take on the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4 and Saab 9-3/Cadillac BLS.

2008 Jaguar XJ Facelift Snagged

It looks like the 2008 Jaguar XJ sedan will be getting a few styling updates as it undegoes cold weather testing in England. Although most of the bodywork on this prototype appears unchanged, the front airdam has a slightly different shape compared to current models. It's also clear that this test car is wearing the side vents currently used only on the top of the line Portfolio model. Changes in back look as though they'll be nothing more than a slightly reshaped bumper valance.

2008 Jaguar XJ Facelift Snagged

It looks like the 2008 Jaguar XJ sedan will be getting a few styling updates as it undegoes cold weather testing in England. Although most of the bodywork on this prototype appears unchanged, the front airdam has a slightly different shape compared to current models. It's also clear that this test car is wearing the side vents currently used only on the top of the line Portfolio model. Changes in back look as though they'll be nothing more than a slightly reshaped bumper valance.

2008 Mini Cabriolet Spied!

Spy photographers have captured the first photos of the second-generation Mini Convertible, caught testing on the streets of Munich. As with its hard-roofed counterparts, the new drop-top Mini doesn't stray far the design of the current model. The larger dimensions of the Gen-II Mini should certainly help to accommodate the folded soft top when in open-air mode, and rear passengers should benefit, too.

As on the current Mini Convertible, this new model maintains the bottom-hinged tail-gate. Comapring this prototype to the current cabrio suggests that the new Mini's soft-top has a slightly smoother profile, thanks to reduced intrusion from the top's understructure.
BMW revealed the new 2007 Mini Cooper in August. The new Mini Convertible will arrive in 2008 as a 2009 model. BMW may preview it at the Detroit Motor Show this January.

2008 Mini Cabriolet Spied!

Spy photographers have captured the first photos of the second-generation Mini Convertible, caught testing on the streets of Munich. As with its hard-roofed counterparts, the new drop-top Mini doesn't stray far the design of the current model. The larger dimensions of the Gen-II Mini should certainly help to accommodate the folded soft top when in open-air mode, and rear passengers should benefit, too.

As on the current Mini Convertible, this new model maintains the bottom-hinged tail-gate. Comapring this prototype to the current cabrio suggests that the new Mini's soft-top has a slightly smoother profile, thanks to reduced intrusion from the top's understructure.
BMW revealed the new 2007 Mini Cooper in August. The new Mini Convertible will arrive in 2008 as a 2009 model. BMW may preview it at the Detroit Motor Show this January.

2008 BMW X6 Crossover Spied!

Judging from this prototype we photographed in Germany, it appears that BMW has started development work on the X6–a new model spun off from the recently-released X5. This new performance-minded crossover appears to have taken the philosophy of the Mercedes CLS four-door- coupe, utilizing a sloped roof-line and and tauter packaging in the name of style. Sober concerns such as functionality and cargo capacity have been left to the X5, which has grown larger and more versatile in its recent second-generation redesign. From the looks of it, this X6 has been styled to match the bravado of cars like the Range Rover Sport, which take the SUV in a decidedly athletic direction.

The heavy camouflage obviously hides the nuances of the design, but the prototype’s smooth profile, steeply raked windshield, high waistline and slim greenhouse are readily apparent. The sloping roof arc is expected to continue straight into a coupe-like hoffmeister kink, bringing a little of the Z4 coupe into the crossover zone. One look at the chiseled ground-effects between the wheels also hints at some pronounced fender swells that should add to the sporting look.

When we first shot this prototype, speculation began on the exact identity of this vehicle, since another X5 spin-off–the V5–is said to be in the works. But the V5 is supposed to be a uniquely space- efficient vehicle in the guise of Mercedes’ R-Class, and this prototype doesn’t seem to fit that description. Given the success of the Range Rover Sport in the marketplace, and the lukewarm launch of the R-Class, BMW appears to be making the right move in putting the X6 ahead of the V5 in the development cycle. The X6 is likely still two years away from showrooms. The fact that it will share elements of the X5, that time-frame could be accelerated a bit.

2008 BMW X6 Crossover Spied!

Judging from this prototype we photographed in Germany, it appears that BMW has started development work on the X6–a new model spun off from the recently-released X5. This new performance-minded crossover appears to have taken the philosophy of the Mercedes CLS four-door- coupe, utilizing a sloped roof-line and and tauter packaging in the name of style. Sober concerns such as functionality and cargo capacity have been left to the X5, which has grown larger and more versatile in its recent second-generation redesign. From the looks of it, this X6 has been styled to match the bravado of cars like the Range Rover Sport, which take the SUV in a decidedly athletic direction.

The heavy camouflage obviously hides the nuances of the design, but the prototype’s smooth profile, steeply raked windshield, high waistline and slim greenhouse are readily apparent. The sloping roof arc is expected to continue straight into a coupe-like hoffmeister kink, bringing a little of the Z4 coupe into the crossover zone. One look at the chiseled ground-effects between the wheels also hints at some pronounced fender swells that should add to the sporting look.

When we first shot this prototype, speculation began on the exact identity of this vehicle, since another X5 spin-off–the V5–is said to be in the works. But the V5 is supposed to be a uniquely space- efficient vehicle in the guise of Mercedes’ R-Class, and this prototype doesn’t seem to fit that description. Given the success of the Range Rover Sport in the marketplace, and the lukewarm launch of the R-Class, BMW appears to be making the right move in putting the X6 ahead of the V5 in the development cycle. The X6 is likely still two years away from showrooms. The fact that it will share elements of the X5, that time-frame could be accelerated a bit.

2007 Hyundai Equus/Dynasty

Ok, Hyundai is now saying that this large luxury sedan will not be sold in Europe although Hyundai did test the sedan in Germany, but it should make it in the US by 2008 with both a 3.8 litre V6 and a 4.5 litre V8.

Hyundai is also claiming to compete with the Lexus LS, BMW 7 series and Mercedes S Class, Volkswagen Phaeton, Cadillac DTS (US maket), Audi A8 etc. Prices should be around $50,000

2007 Hyundai Equus/Dynasty

Ok, Hyundai is now saying that this large luxury sedan will not be sold in Europe although Hyundai did test the sedan in Germany, but it should make it in the US by 2008 with both a 3.8 litre V6 and a 4.5 litre V8.

Hyundai is also claiming to compete with the Lexus LS, BMW 7 series and Mercedes S Class, Volkswagen Phaeton, Cadillac DTS (US maket), Audi A8 etc. Prices should be around $50,000

2007 Ford Escape Undisguised for the first time!

Well here it is in full production trim, the 2008 Ford Escape. We've seen various prototypes of this lightly redesigned SUV over the past year, but now the refreshed Escape looks ready for its debut at the L.A. auto show later this month. Changes to the exterior are obvious while the interior upgrades are harder to spot. Not surprisingly the cabin looks similar to the already unveiled Mercury Mariner although the Escape has less brightwork and cheaper looking black plastic trim. Look for the 2008 Ford Escape to go on sale early next year.

2007 Ford Escape Undisguised for the first time!

Well here it is in full production trim, the 2008 Ford Escape. We've seen various prototypes of this lightly redesigned SUV over the past year, but now the refreshed Escape looks ready for its debut at the L.A. auto show later this month. Changes to the exterior are obvious while the interior upgrades are harder to spot. Not surprisingly the cabin looks similar to the already unveiled Mercury Mariner although the Escape has less brightwork and cheaper looking black plastic trim. Look for the 2008 Ford Escape to go on sale early next year.

2007 Mercedes GLK plays hide & seek

Here are the first pictures of Mercedes’ upcoming compact SUV, the GLK, which will be competing against the successful BMW X3 and Audi's, soon to be, Q5.

At first sight the test car looks like a disguised GL, but in reality it is one of the first real prototypes – not a mule - of the smaller GLK (short version of GL, K from the German kurz = short).

The GLK is using technical components from the yet to come new Mercedes C-Class, which is set to debut in March 2007, and it will stay very close in design to the recently launched GL-Class.

Possibly the GLK will debut as a 2008 model on the IAA car show in Frankfurt in September 2007, however Geneva 2008 sounds more reasonable.

Power is expected to come from four and six cylinder engines, both petrol and diesel, and later on there could be a V8 powered GLK 55 AMG version too. While the competitors from Munich and Ingolstadt only offer their SUVs with all-wheel drive, Mercedes will offer the car in both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions, with the GLK 220 CDI as the basis rear-wheel drive version and the GLK 280 as a petrol alternative. The all-wheel drive versions will be the GLK 350 with 272 bhp and the GLK 320 CDI with 224 bhp. All versions are expected to have the 7G-Tronic, TouchShift automatic transmission.

The chassis of the GLK is almost the same as the 4matic version of the new C-Class station wagon, except for bigger wheels and longer springs. The new Direct-Control chassis will make the car’s handling much better than with SUVs in general, in particular when taking narrow turns. With an overall length of approximately 4,50 m, the GLK will be about 30 cm shorter than the Mercedes ML .

In 2005, Daimler-Chrysler announced that the small GLK will be built in Bremen/Germany rather than in the US plant that assembles the ML and GL. The yearly production rate is expected to be 40,000 units with starting prices of about 35,000 Euros.
While the US is slowly moving away from big SUVs, Mercedes is loosing market shares to small SUVs like the BMW X3. With this new GLK they are hoping to get back to the top again.
The photos are showing a prototype of the GLK during a very short trip on a public road outside of the company’s headquarters in Stuttgart before disappearing again behind the protecting walls of its home base.

2007 Mercedes GLK plays hide & seek

Here are the first pictures of Mercedes’ upcoming compact SUV, the GLK, which will be competing against the successful BMW X3 and Audi's, soon to be, Q5.

At first sight the test car looks like a disguised GL, but in reality it is one of the first real prototypes – not a mule - of the smaller GLK (short version of GL, K from the German kurz = short).

The GLK is using technical components from the yet to come new Mercedes C-Class, which is set to debut in March 2007, and it will stay very close in design to the recently launched GL-Class.

Possibly the GLK will debut as a 2008 model on the IAA car show in Frankfurt in September 2007, however Geneva 2008 sounds more reasonable.

Power is expected to come from four and six cylinder engines, both petrol and diesel, and later on there could be a V8 powered GLK 55 AMG version too. While the competitors from Munich and Ingolstadt only offer their SUVs with all-wheel drive, Mercedes will offer the car in both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions, with the GLK 220 CDI as the basis rear-wheel drive version and the GLK 280 as a petrol alternative. The all-wheel drive versions will be the GLK 350 with 272 bhp and the GLK 320 CDI with 224 bhp. All versions are expected to have the 7G-Tronic, TouchShift automatic transmission.

The chassis of the GLK is almost the same as the 4matic version of the new C-Class station wagon, except for bigger wheels and longer springs. The new Direct-Control chassis will make the car’s handling much better than with SUVs in general, in particular when taking narrow turns. With an overall length of approximately 4,50 m, the GLK will be about 30 cm shorter than the Mercedes ML .

In 2005, Daimler-Chrysler announced that the small GLK will be built in Bremen/Germany rather than in the US plant that assembles the ML and GL. The yearly production rate is expected to be 40,000 units with starting prices of about 35,000 Euros.
While the US is slowly moving away from big SUVs, Mercedes is loosing market shares to small SUVs like the BMW X3. With this new GLK they are hoping to get back to the top again.
The photos are showing a prototype of the GLK during a very short trip on a public road outside of the company’s headquarters in Stuttgart before disappearing again behind the protecting walls of its home base.

2008 Audi A5 Coupe caught at the "ring"

Audi is developing an all new model with a prototype which can be seen on these photos during high speed testing in heavy rain at Germany’s race track Nürburgring. Dubbed “A5” (code AU 474/475) the new Audi will be a sporty coupe-convertible adapting the design of Audi’s concept car Nuvolari.

The showcar was on display at the Geneva Motor Show in 2003. The prototype photos show that the new coupe will be considerably larger than the current A4, almost the size of today’s A6. With the A5 Audi intends to be a step ahead of the strong A4 competitors such as BMW 3-series Cabrio, Mercedes CLK and the VW-Convertible Eos. Due to the bigger size, Audi is indeed about to fill a gap on the sporty CC-market. Neither the BMW 5-series, Mercedes E Class model ranges nor any other car maker in this class and size has a luxury coupe-convertible to offer.

The new Audi A5 convertible is going to be equipped with a traditional canvas top, power is expected to come from two engines, a 3.0 litre TDI V 6 and 3.2 litre FSI V6 fuel delivering 255 HP. The new model is expected to be released by the end of 2007.

2008 Audi A5 Coupe caught at the "ring"

Audi is developing an all new model with a prototype which can be seen on these photos during high speed testing in heavy rain at Germany’s race track Nürburgring. Dubbed “A5” (code AU 474/475) the new Audi will be a sporty coupe-convertible adapting the design of Audi’s concept car Nuvolari.

The showcar was on display at the Geneva Motor Show in 2003. The prototype photos show that the new coupe will be considerably larger than the current A4, almost the size of today’s A6. With the A5 Audi intends to be a step ahead of the strong A4 competitors such as BMW 3-series Cabrio, Mercedes CLK and the VW-Convertible Eos. Due to the bigger size, Audi is indeed about to fill a gap on the sporty CC-market. Neither the BMW 5-series, Mercedes E Class model ranges nor any other car maker in this class and size has a luxury coupe-convertible to offer.

The new Audi A5 convertible is going to be equipped with a traditional canvas top, power is expected to come from two engines, a 3.0 litre TDI V 6 and 3.2 litre FSI V6 fuel delivering 255 HP. The new model is expected to be released by the end of 2007.

2007 Skoda Fabia undisguised!

At the Paris Motor Show in September this year, Skoda officials confirmed that the Fabia will be replaced by a new model in early 2007, and here’s final prove that the company is at full throttle developing their very successful entry-level model.

Left- and right-hand-drive models are currently tested around the Mlada Boleslav factory almost every night. While the prototype still wears a bit of disguising on the lamp units front and rear and especially on the C-pillar, it’s clearly visible the new Fabia will get a front-end similar to the Roomster.

The black A and B-pillars add to a sportier look, and - although the outer dimensions of the car seem quite unchanged – it is obvious that the next Fabia generation’s styling is much younger and up to date compared to today’s conservative original. The new car will make its first public appearance at the 2007 Geneva Show, but we expect to see factory photos yet in January.

2007 Skoda Fabia undisguised!

At the Paris Motor Show in September this year, Skoda officials confirmed that the Fabia will be replaced by a new model in early 2007, and here’s final prove that the company is at full throttle developing their very successful entry-level model.

Left- and right-hand-drive models are currently tested around the Mlada Boleslav factory almost every night. While the prototype still wears a bit of disguising on the lamp units front and rear and especially on the C-pillar, it’s clearly visible the new Fabia will get a front-end similar to the Roomster.

The black A and B-pillars add to a sportier look, and - although the outer dimensions of the car seem quite unchanged – it is obvious that the next Fabia generation’s styling is much younger and up to date compared to today’s conservative original. The new car will make its first public appearance at the 2007 Geneva Show, but we expect to see factory photos yet in January.

New Car: 2007 Fiat Bravo

On January 29, the new Fiat Bravo will be presented to the international media in Rome, going on the market all over Europe in the following weeks.The model is built in the Piedimonte S. Germano plant (Frosinone), and aims to become a benchmark in the most important segment of the European market. To achieve this goal, the Fiat Bravo has been designed and developed as the ideal synthesis of Beauty and Substance.Beauty as the most up-to-date expression of Italian styleDeveloped by the Fiat Style Centre, the exterior design of the model is unmistakably ‘Italian’, another step forward in the development of the brand’s new stylistic identity.

The new Bravo arouses emotions at first glance, and it welcomes driver and passengers aboard in a passenger compartment where they will appreciate the quality of the materials and the care dedicated to even the smallest detail.The Fiat Bravo cleverly combines a compact five-door body with an extraordinary amount of interior roominess: it is 434 centimetres long, 179 cm wide, and 149 cm high, with a wheelbase of 2.6 metres, and a loading capacity of 400 litres that tops its class.Substance in the form of an innovative, reliable, quality car The Fiat Bravo aims to be a car of ‘substance’, thanks to a lavish array of technological features and quality standards worthy of a higher class where safety, comfort and driving enjoyment are concerned.

The Fiat Bravo is an agile car that is entertaining to drive in every situation, thanks in part to the wide choice of engines, which include the popular turbodiesel 1.9 Multijets (120 and 150 bhp), the 90 bhp 1.4, and a new family of turbocharged T-JET petrol engines (120 and 150 bhp 1.4 Turbo) that now make their debut, combining low consumption and outstanding performance.

New Car: 2007 Fiat Bravo

On January 29, the new Fiat Bravo will be presented to the international media in Rome, going on the market all over Europe in the following weeks.The model is built in the Piedimonte S. Germano plant (Frosinone), and aims to become a benchmark in the most important segment of the European market. To achieve this goal, the Fiat Bravo has been designed and developed as the ideal synthesis of Beauty and Substance.Beauty as the most up-to-date expression of Italian styleDeveloped by the Fiat Style Centre, the exterior design of the model is unmistakably ‘Italian’, another step forward in the development of the brand’s new stylistic identity.

The new Bravo arouses emotions at first glance, and it welcomes driver and passengers aboard in a passenger compartment where they will appreciate the quality of the materials and the care dedicated to even the smallest detail.The Fiat Bravo cleverly combines a compact five-door body with an extraordinary amount of interior roominess: it is 434 centimetres long, 179 cm wide, and 149 cm high, with a wheelbase of 2.6 metres, and a loading capacity of 400 litres that tops its class.Substance in the form of an innovative, reliable, quality car The Fiat Bravo aims to be a car of ‘substance’, thanks to a lavish array of technological features and quality standards worthy of a higher class where safety, comfort and driving enjoyment are concerned.

The Fiat Bravo is an agile car that is entertaining to drive in every situation, thanks in part to the wide choice of engines, which include the popular turbodiesel 1.9 Multijets (120 and 150 bhp), the 90 bhp 1.4, and a new family of turbocharged T-JET petrol engines (120 and 150 bhp 1.4 Turbo) that now make their debut, combining low consumption and outstanding performance.

Next gen Fiat Doblo caught!

The facelifted model of the Fiat Doblo is on sale now in the UK and Europe but already a replacement is planned.

The commerical van will be designed in Turkey, Bursa and could be built there too.

Prototypes have already been running around in Italy and Turkey.

Judging by the spy picture it will have a curvy front end like the Renault Kangoo and similar radiator grille to the Fiat Grande Punto.

It will be growing in size but should be a similar size to the Renault Kangoo, VW Caddy and Citroen Berlingo.

Next gen Fiat Doblo caught!

The facelifted model of the Fiat Doblo is on sale now in the UK and Europe but already a replacement is planned.

The commerical van will be designed in Turkey, Bursa and could be built there too.

Prototypes have already been running around in Italy and Turkey.

Judging by the spy picture it will have a curvy front end like the Renault Kangoo and similar radiator grille to the Fiat Grande Punto.

It will be growing in size but should be a similar size to the Renault Kangoo, VW Caddy and Citroen Berlingo.

2007 Skoda Octavia Facelift

It looks like the Skoda Octavia will go under the knife again for its 2nd facelift as this grainy picture shows when the vehicle was parked unattended in a car park in Czech Republic. The current facelifted model came out early this year.

Revised lights, bumpers and grilles will be part of the facelift.

The D-Segment car will take on the Volkswagen Passat, Toyota Avensis, Honda Accord, Vauxhall Vectra etc.

2007 Skoda Octavia Facelift

It looks like the Skoda Octavia will go under the knife again for its 2nd facelift as this grainy picture shows when the vehicle was parked unattended in a car park in Czech Republic. The current facelifted model came out early this year.

Revised lights, bumpers and grilles will be part of the facelift.

The D-Segment car will take on the Volkswagen Passat, Toyota Avensis, Honda Accord, Vauxhall Vectra etc.

2007 Porsche Cayenne Nearing to Production

That's right! The Porsche Cayenne facelift is nearing to production as many of these prototypes are wearing light red tape over the actual lights. It should be deubting at the Frankfurt Motorshow in 2007.

2007 Porsche Cayenne Nearing to Production

That's right! The Porsche Cayenne facelift is nearing to production as many of these prototypes are wearing light red tape over the actual lights. It should be deubting at the Frankfurt Motorshow in 2007.