Kia Sorento Facelift Recall (UK)

Kia is recalling all UK right-hand drive facelifted Sorentos, after a mix-up with the airbag wiring.
Because the wiring has simply been transposed, an impact on the left of the car would result in the airbags on the right-hand side of the vehicle going off, and vice versa.

Only vehicles built between 4 May 2006 and 28 March 2007 are affected; a total of 1561 cars.

Kia Sorento Facelift Recall (UK)

Kia is recalling all UK right-hand drive facelifted Sorentos, after a mix-up with the airbag wiring.
Because the wiring has simply been transposed, an impact on the left of the car would result in the airbags on the right-hand side of the vehicle going off, and vice versa.

Only vehicles built between 4 May 2006 and 28 March 2007 are affected; a total of 1561 cars.

Mercedes Goes Bluetec With GL And ML

2008 Mercedes GL 420 CDi Bluetec:

First one out will be the Bluetec version of the GL 420. Revealed as a concept at the Detroit Auto Show, Mercedes is now testing the real car in cold weather conditions. The production GL 420 Bluetec will keep the same big grille as on the concept, but the wider fender flares and the 21 inch wheels are not planned for the production.

With the GL 420 Bluetec Mercedes shows that even large high-performance SUVs can offer economical fuel consumption and extremely low emissions.

With its powerful V8 diesel delivering 290 bhp and 700 Nm of torque, the GL 420s anticipated fuel efficiency is just 9.8 litres per 100 km ( 24 mpg ). Seen here on these spy photos from Sweden, the bigger grille is disguised with some duct tape.

2009 Mercedes ML-Class Bluetec:

The model will combine advanced hybrid techno­logy with the brand's low-emission Bluetec diesel know-how. Likely to hit dealers in 2009, the 4x4 should emit less than 200g/km of CO2 and return 40mpg.

That puts it on a par with the latest C320 CDI.While there's no official confirma­tion yet, a senior source admitted: "It's a safe bet that our first move into hybrids will come with the M-Class, using a 3.2-litre V6 Bluetec diesel."By linking the two-mode hybrid system, developed with BMW and General Motors, Mercedes believes it can eclipse Lexus's trend-setting hybrid SUV, the RX400h.

The set-up uses an electric motor in the transmission to reduce weight, improve efficiency and absorb less power. BMW's M5 is also likely to get the green technology, while the Chevrolet Captiva and Vauxhall Antara are two of GM's candidates for the set-up.

Mercedes Goes Bluetec With GL And ML

2008 Mercedes GL 420 CDi Bluetec:

First one out will be the Bluetec version of the GL 420. Revealed as a concept at the Detroit Auto Show, Mercedes is now testing the real car in cold weather conditions. The production GL 420 Bluetec will keep the same big grille as on the concept, but the wider fender flares and the 21 inch wheels are not planned for the production.

With the GL 420 Bluetec Mercedes shows that even large high-performance SUVs can offer economical fuel consumption and extremely low emissions.

With its powerful V8 diesel delivering 290 bhp and 700 Nm of torque, the GL 420s anticipated fuel efficiency is just 9.8 litres per 100 km ( 24 mpg ). Seen here on these spy photos from Sweden, the bigger grille is disguised with some duct tape.

2009 Mercedes ML-Class Bluetec:

The model will combine advanced hybrid techno­logy with the brand's low-emission Bluetec diesel know-how. Likely to hit dealers in 2009, the 4x4 should emit less than 200g/km of CO2 and return 40mpg.

That puts it on a par with the latest C320 CDI.While there's no official confirma­tion yet, a senior source admitted: "It's a safe bet that our first move into hybrids will come with the M-Class, using a 3.2-litre V6 Bluetec diesel."By linking the two-mode hybrid system, developed with BMW and General Motors, Mercedes believes it can eclipse Lexus's trend-setting hybrid SUV, the RX400h.

The set-up uses an electric motor in the transmission to reduce weight, improve efficiency and absorb less power. BMW's M5 is also likely to get the green technology, while the Chevrolet Captiva and Vauxhall Antara are two of GM's candidates for the set-up.

4 New V10's Coming To Europe

German car manufactures are planning 4 new V10's for Europe. Porsche with the V10 Panamera which will be launched in 2008, BMW X6 V10 and two V10's belonging to the Audi RS8 and Audi RS6.

2008 Porsche Panamera V10:


Porsche is already undergoing high speed tests at the Nurburgring in Germany and undergoing cold-weather testing in Northern Sweden. The could be shown at the Frankfurt Motorshow later on this year. Prices are expected to start from £55,000 going to £84,000 for the range topping V10

2008 BMW X6 V10:


Theses test mules are sighted around the Nurburgring in Germany with huge roof spoilers. The test mules themselves are regular BMW X6's with a few modifications. The entry model will cost £40,000 with the V10 reaching around £70,000. Engines could possibly be a 6.0 litre petrol developing around 450bhp or so


2008 Audi RS8:


Prototype have been sighed at the Nurburgring only and a few have been burnt up on there. On the exterior parts of the prototypes are extended side air intakes, large front air intakes and the internal V10 which can't be seen

2008 Audi RS6:


Theses have been disguised in a checkerboard camouflage and are the the Nurburgring in Germany. These test mules tend to be 5 door hatchbacks with 4 tailpipes, twin exhaust pipes on each side. Expect a price tag of £55,000 to compete with the BMW M5

All prototype have 4 exhausts pipes with 2 on each side.

4 New V10's Coming To Europe

German car manufactures are planning 4 new V10's for Europe. Porsche with the V10 Panamera which will be launched in 2008, BMW X6 V10 and two V10's belonging to the Audi RS8 and Audi RS6.

2008 Porsche Panamera V10:


Porsche is already undergoing high speed tests at the Nurburgring in Germany and undergoing cold-weather testing in Northern Sweden. The could be shown at the Frankfurt Motorshow later on this year. Prices are expected to start from £55,000 going to £84,000 for the range topping V10

2008 BMW X6 V10:


Theses test mules are sighted around the Nurburgring in Germany with huge roof spoilers. The test mules themselves are regular BMW X6's with a few modifications. The entry model will cost £40,000 with the V10 reaching around £70,000. Engines could possibly be a 6.0 litre petrol developing around 450bhp or so


2008 Audi RS8:


Prototype have been sighed at the Nurburgring only and a few have been burnt up on there. On the exterior parts of the prototypes are extended side air intakes, large front air intakes and the internal V10 which can't be seen

2008 Audi RS6:


Theses have been disguised in a checkerboard camouflage and are the the Nurburgring in Germany. These test mules tend to be 5 door hatchbacks with 4 tailpipes, twin exhaust pipes on each side. Expect a price tag of £55,000 to compete with the BMW M5

All prototype have 4 exhausts pipes with 2 on each side.

Photoshoot For The Peugeot 308

New pictures arise on the web of the 2008 Peugeot 308 Hatchback caught undisguised in South Africa on a photoshoot.

This specific photo was taken through an office window. The Peugeot team were all over South Africa taking pictures of their Ford Focus fighter.

Although there are only photos of the front end undisguised, in France, Peugeot had a production ready 308 in their HQ undisguised and we all know what Peugeot/Citroen and Renault's security is like....rubbish the rear end was uncovered for the first time.

Peugeot will officially reveal the new 308 in autumn at the Frankfurt Motorshow with sales expected to start in 2008. Also in the pipeline will be a 308 SW, 308 Coupe-Cabriolet, 308 SW based SUV and a 308 based MPV with sales beginning in 2009.

Photoshoot For The Peugeot 308

New pictures arise on the web of the 2008 Peugeot 308 Hatchback caught undisguised in South Africa on a photoshoot.

This specific photo was taken through an office window. The Peugeot team were all over South Africa taking pictures of their Ford Focus fighter.

Although there are only photos of the front end undisguised, in France, Peugeot had a production ready 308 in their HQ undisguised and we all know what Peugeot/Citroen and Renault's security is like....rubbish the rear end was uncovered for the first time.

Peugeot will officially reveal the new 308 in autumn at the Frankfurt Motorshow with sales expected to start in 2008. Also in the pipeline will be a 308 SW, 308 Coupe-Cabriolet, 308 SW based SUV and a 308 based MPV with sales beginning in 2009.

Dodge Challenger's The World

Like we say you don't have to be a member of the Barry Newman fan club to see that it's a dead ringer for the 1970 Challenger R/T.

From the dual headlights to the kicked-up shoulders in back, the Challenger concept is a heritage design from top to bottom. Not everything is early-'70s vintage. Take a good look at that grille. Dodge designers managed to cram the Dodge crosshairs in there without making it look quite as obvious, or as hard to swallow, as the same treatment on the Charger. There's more 21st-century hardware under the lightweight hood in the form of a 6.1-liter Hemi V8 hooked to a six-speed manual transmission. And yes, it does have a pistol-grip shifter.

Built on a shortened version of the rear-wheel-drive LX platform used for the Charger sedan and Magnum wagon, the Challenger concept is more than just a one-off design study. Dodge officials told us that if there's enough positive reaction to this coupe on the auto show circuit we could see production versions as early as the 2008 model year. We can't imagine a poor reaction to this modern-day Kowalski cruiser, so as far as we're concerned the Challenger is a done deal.

With production of the 2009 Dodge Challenger slated for next spring, it was only a matter of time before prototypes started showing up. What we have here isn't quite a full-blown prototype just yet, but our newest spy photos show what appears to be the front clip of a Challenger grafted onto the body of a Charger R/T. This is a common practice when engineers want to test airflow to the engine of a car that has a radically different grille design compared to existing models. Despite the heavy camouflage, it's clear the Challenger's front end will look almost identical to the prototype which should come as no surprise given that Dodge officials have already promised minimal styling changes for the production Challenger.

With an official unveiling scheduled for the 2008 Chicago Auto Show, we expect this will be the first of many Challenger spy photos to come.

Dodge Challenger's The World

Like we say you don't have to be a member of the Barry Newman fan club to see that it's a dead ringer for the 1970 Challenger R/T.

From the dual headlights to the kicked-up shoulders in back, the Challenger concept is a heritage design from top to bottom. Not everything is early-'70s vintage. Take a good look at that grille. Dodge designers managed to cram the Dodge crosshairs in there without making it look quite as obvious, or as hard to swallow, as the same treatment on the Charger. There's more 21st-century hardware under the lightweight hood in the form of a 6.1-liter Hemi V8 hooked to a six-speed manual transmission. And yes, it does have a pistol-grip shifter.

Built on a shortened version of the rear-wheel-drive LX platform used for the Charger sedan and Magnum wagon, the Challenger concept is more than just a one-off design study. Dodge officials told us that if there's enough positive reaction to this coupe on the auto show circuit we could see production versions as early as the 2008 model year. We can't imagine a poor reaction to this modern-day Kowalski cruiser, so as far as we're concerned the Challenger is a done deal.

With production of the 2009 Dodge Challenger slated for next spring, it was only a matter of time before prototypes started showing up. What we have here isn't quite a full-blown prototype just yet, but our newest spy photos show what appears to be the front clip of a Challenger grafted onto the body of a Charger R/T. This is a common practice when engineers want to test airflow to the engine of a car that has a radically different grille design compared to existing models. Despite the heavy camouflage, it's clear the Challenger's front end will look almost identical to the prototype which should come as no surprise given that Dodge officials have already promised minimal styling changes for the production Challenger.

With an official unveiling scheduled for the 2008 Chicago Auto Show, we expect this will be the first of many Challenger spy photos to come.

Honda Runs About With The Next Accord

Honda unveiled the Accord Coupe Concept at the Detroit Autoshow couple of months ago and now a sharp eyed member of public captures 2 tset mules on the run abouts in America. The photos may not look clear because they were taken with a cellphone/mobile phone.

As you see the coupe is on test now and the testing of the sedan for the US market will being in late 2007.

Honda Runs About With The Next Accord

Honda unveiled the Accord Coupe Concept at the Detroit Autoshow couple of months ago and now a sharp eyed member of public captures 2 tset mules on the run abouts in America. The photos may not look clear because they were taken with a cellphone/mobile phone.

As you see the coupe is on test now and the testing of the sedan for the US market will being in late 2007.

Audi Charges Around The Nurburgring With The RS8

So, you think the R8 is all you need? Well think again, if you want to keep up with your neighbours Porsche Turbo you will need some more power. And for that case Audi is developing the R8 into a RS8. Let the R8 join the Carreras and Astons Vantage, but if you want to play with the big boys you will need something else.

The RS8 is your answer, the V10 comes from the Lamborghini Gallardo but probably detuned to 490-500 bhp but the speed and sound are there. The main visible difference to the R8 are the bigger air intakes on the sides and newly designed side skirts. Also the front brakes appear to be bigger.

Looking at it, driving high-speed test at the Nürburgring it really shows how well balanced the RS8 is. Smooth in and out through every curve, and very quick on the long straight. The RS8 is developed by Audi’s sport division, Quattro GmbH who also develop the RS6. Will it beat the Porsche Turbo? Well it got the looks and it got the speed, so I guess we just have to wait for the first duell between those two.

Audi Charges Around The Nurburgring With The RS8

So, you think the R8 is all you need? Well think again, if you want to keep up with your neighbours Porsche Turbo you will need some more power. And for that case Audi is developing the R8 into a RS8. Let the R8 join the Carreras and Astons Vantage, but if you want to play with the big boys you will need something else.

The RS8 is your answer, the V10 comes from the Lamborghini Gallardo but probably detuned to 490-500 bhp but the speed and sound are there. The main visible difference to the R8 are the bigger air intakes on the sides and newly designed side skirts. Also the front brakes appear to be bigger.

Looking at it, driving high-speed test at the Nürburgring it really shows how well balanced the RS8 is. Smooth in and out through every curve, and very quick on the long straight. The RS8 is developed by Audi’s sport division, Quattro GmbH who also develop the RS6. Will it beat the Porsche Turbo? Well it got the looks and it got the speed, so I guess we just have to wait for the first duell between those two.

Ford Mondeo Caught Again!

This month seems to be the Ford Mondeo month for us as I posted about the production then I posted about the Mondeo caught in London and now we have even more photos of the Mondeo in Germany, Nurburgring to be exact.

This is set to be the most popular car this year due to its eye catching design, size and striking features like the alloys, front lights and lower grille and S-Max/Galaxy shaped rear lights.

Going on sale in the UK 17th May.

Ford Mondeo Caught Again!

This month seems to be the Ford Mondeo month for us as I posted about the production then I posted about the Mondeo caught in London and now we have even more photos of the Mondeo in Germany, Nurburgring to be exact.

This is set to be the most popular car this year due to its eye catching design, size and striking features like the alloys, front lights and lower grille and S-Max/Galaxy shaped rear lights.

Going on sale in the UK 17th May.

2007 Fiat Linea At The Nurburgring

The Fiat Linea is the new segment C three-box saloon designed by Fiat Style Center, which presents an elegant , dynamic external line . The same style stylistic attention has been payed to the interior , the lines of which are armonious and well balanced with interior to create a bright and friendly environment capable of guaranteeing extraordinary interior roominess and superior comfort in terms of ergonomics and space available to the driver and passenger.

This impression is confirmed by the generous dimension which set it at very top of its segment = 4,56 m. long ; 1,73 m. wide ; 1,5m tall with a wheelbase of 2,6m in addition to have a luggage compartment boasting an impressive 500 litres.

An elegant functional car, with a strong Italian imprint, the Fiat Linea will be market in different equipment levels and equipped with features more usually found in higher segment vehicles.
The Fiat Linea’s generous equipment is dedicated to the protection of driver and passengers and the customer can choose from a wide range of gasoline and diesel engines that combine excellent performance, low fuel consumption and absolute respect for the environment, coupled to both manual and automatic transmissions.

Manufactured at the Tofa Factory in Bursa for export to European and Extraeuropean markets, the Fiat Linea is on sale now across mainland Europe and Turkey but there is no word if the sedan will be on sale in the UK or Northern Europe.

Fiat is still testing the small sedan as these photos show a production car entering the Nurburgring racetrack.

2007 Fiat Linea At The Nurburgring

The Fiat Linea is the new segment C three-box saloon designed by Fiat Style Center, which presents an elegant , dynamic external line . The same style stylistic attention has been payed to the interior , the lines of which are armonious and well balanced with interior to create a bright and friendly environment capable of guaranteeing extraordinary interior roominess and superior comfort in terms of ergonomics and space available to the driver and passenger.

This impression is confirmed by the generous dimension which set it at very top of its segment = 4,56 m. long ; 1,73 m. wide ; 1,5m tall with a wheelbase of 2,6m in addition to have a luggage compartment boasting an impressive 500 litres.

An elegant functional car, with a strong Italian imprint, the Fiat Linea will be market in different equipment levels and equipped with features more usually found in higher segment vehicles.
The Fiat Linea’s generous equipment is dedicated to the protection of driver and passengers and the customer can choose from a wide range of gasoline and diesel engines that combine excellent performance, low fuel consumption and absolute respect for the environment, coupled to both manual and automatic transmissions.

Manufactured at the Tofa Factory in Bursa for export to European and Extraeuropean markets, the Fiat Linea is on sale now across mainland Europe and Turkey but there is no word if the sedan will be on sale in the UK or Northern Europe.

Fiat is still testing the small sedan as these photos show a production car entering the Nurburgring racetrack.

Maserati GranTurismo Coupe Caught

Maserati is still testing its new coupe which will be racing its way into our showrooms in late 2007 and early 2008. Numerous photos have been taken of a production model with black alloys and wearing silver tape which is plastered over the rear lgiths, bootlid and front bumper testing in Germany, Nurburgring and Italy.

This photo as you can see was taken at the Nurburgring by our spy photographer.

The new Maserati GranTurismo, styled by Pininfarina, made its worldwide debut at the Geneva Motorshow. The Maserati GranTurismo is a muscular and sporty car, that can be enjoyed every day and at the same time is engaging for the driver. Its excellent handling and sportiveness make it a point of reference in its category. The Maserati GranTurismo is built with particular attention to comfort, choice of materials and details and with enough room for four people, as only Maserati can do.

The new Maserati GranTurismo is a high-performance sports car, exciting to drive with a 4.2 litre V8 engine, delivering 405 HP, and a weight distribution of 49% at the front and 51% at the rear. It is fitted with an automatic gearbox and equipped with an adaptive control system which adjusts the gear-shifting mode to the driving style and the driving conditions.Maserati’s tradition of the Gran Turismo concept dates back to 1947 when the Trident Company, following its clients’ demand, unveiled at the Geneva Motorshow its first Gran Turismo, the A6, designed by the great Pinin Farina.

It was the first Maserati road car and was produced in 58 units. The car was acclaimed by the automotive press for its advanced technical content and for its avant-garde style solutions.The new model name – Maserati GranTurismo – is not incidental. Once again, the partnership between Maserati and Pininfarina gives birth to a car that is able to generate emotions and sets itself apart from competitors, due to the technique with which it is built and its unique style.The new Maserati GranTurismo represents a further step towards the completion of the Trident product range, following the worldwide launch of the Quattroporte Automatic at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Maserati GranTurismo Coupe Caught

Maserati is still testing its new coupe which will be racing its way into our showrooms in late 2007 and early 2008. Numerous photos have been taken of a production model with black alloys and wearing silver tape which is plastered over the rear lgiths, bootlid and front bumper testing in Germany, Nurburgring and Italy.

This photo as you can see was taken at the Nurburgring by our spy photographer.

The new Maserati GranTurismo, styled by Pininfarina, made its worldwide debut at the Geneva Motorshow. The Maserati GranTurismo is a muscular and sporty car, that can be enjoyed every day and at the same time is engaging for the driver. Its excellent handling and sportiveness make it a point of reference in its category. The Maserati GranTurismo is built with particular attention to comfort, choice of materials and details and with enough room for four people, as only Maserati can do.

The new Maserati GranTurismo is a high-performance sports car, exciting to drive with a 4.2 litre V8 engine, delivering 405 HP, and a weight distribution of 49% at the front and 51% at the rear. It is fitted with an automatic gearbox and equipped with an adaptive control system which adjusts the gear-shifting mode to the driving style and the driving conditions.Maserati’s tradition of the Gran Turismo concept dates back to 1947 when the Trident Company, following its clients’ demand, unveiled at the Geneva Motorshow its first Gran Turismo, the A6, designed by the great Pinin Farina.

It was the first Maserati road car and was produced in 58 units. The car was acclaimed by the automotive press for its advanced technical content and for its avant-garde style solutions.The new model name – Maserati GranTurismo – is not incidental. Once again, the partnership between Maserati and Pininfarina gives birth to a car that is able to generate emotions and sets itself apart from competitors, due to the technique with which it is built and its unique style.The new Maserati GranTurismo represents a further step towards the completion of the Trident product range, following the worldwide launch of the Quattroporte Automatic at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Production Renault Twingo caught out and about

A few people caught a production model of the new Renault Twingo undergoing final shake-down testing in France. The car was snapped on a transporter and was being returned to Renault's HQ.

The official production model was unveiled in Geneva last month.

For the first time, Renault will bring the Twingo over into the UK in right hand drive form in 2008. The current model has enjoyed huge success across Europe ever since its launch back the 1993. The vehicle then recieved a facelift in 1998. More than 1.5 million units were sold with some being imported into the UK.

Power will come from three 1.2 litre petrol engines; 60bhp naturally-aspirated, 75bhp 16v naturally-aspirated and a 100bhp turbocharged model and one 1.5 dCi diesel engine with 65bhp. The latter should achieve 65mpg and emit 113g/km of CO2, howeveer, it will not come to the UK. All engine will be linked to a 5 speed manual gearbox and no automatic will be offered. A more powerful 1.6 litre petrol with 133bhp is set to be in the pipeline.

The Twingo will take on the Ford Ka, Fiat 500, Toyota Aygo, Citroen C1 and Peugeot 107 in the European market. Prices have yet to be announced but the basic model will start around £7,000 rising to £12,500 for the top of the range model.

Production Renault Twingo caught out and about

A few people caught a production model of the new Renault Twingo undergoing final shake-down testing in France. The car was snapped on a transporter and was being returned to Renault's HQ.

The official production model was unveiled in Geneva last month.

For the first time, Renault will bring the Twingo over into the UK in right hand drive form in 2008. The current model has enjoyed huge success across Europe ever since its launch back the 1993. The vehicle then recieved a facelift in 1998. More than 1.5 million units were sold with some being imported into the UK.

Power will come from three 1.2 litre petrol engines; 60bhp naturally-aspirated, 75bhp 16v naturally-aspirated and a 100bhp turbocharged model and one 1.5 dCi diesel engine with 65bhp. The latter should achieve 65mpg and emit 113g/km of CO2, howeveer, it will not come to the UK. All engine will be linked to a 5 speed manual gearbox and no automatic will be offered. A more powerful 1.6 litre petrol with 133bhp is set to be in the pipeline.

The Twingo will take on the Ford Ka, Fiat 500, Toyota Aygo, Citroen C1 and Peugeot 107 in the European market. Prices have yet to be announced but the basic model will start around £7,000 rising to £12,500 for the top of the range model.

2007 Mercedes C-Class Out In The Wild

Here we have are one of the first real life pictures of the 2007 Mercedes C-Class up close. The vehicle is already on sale in some European markets and sales are beginning now in the UK.

Mercedes hopes that the new C-Class will eat the Audi A4 & BMW 3 Series alive. Pricing is yet to be announced in the UK but basic European models starts from €34.212,50. Also the car has received an award for being the most environmentally friendly in its class.

The black Mercedes C 220 CDI was snapped in Stuttgart by a member of public walking past. Numerous road tests were done with the C-Classes competitors like the BMW 3 Series and turns out that the 3 Series came out on top but the C-Class wasn't slated because of its rear legroom.

Expect UK prices to start around £23,000 for the basic model with the AMG going upto £60,000

2007 Mercedes C-Class Out In The Wild

Here we have are one of the first real life pictures of the 2007 Mercedes C-Class up close. The vehicle is already on sale in some European markets and sales are beginning now in the UK.

Mercedes hopes that the new C-Class will eat the Audi A4 & BMW 3 Series alive. Pricing is yet to be announced in the UK but basic European models starts from €34.212,50. Also the car has received an award for being the most environmentally friendly in its class.

The black Mercedes C 220 CDI was snapped in Stuttgart by a member of public walking past. Numerous road tests were done with the C-Classes competitors like the BMW 3 Series and turns out that the 3 Series came out on top but the C-Class wasn't slated because of its rear legroom.

Expect UK prices to start around £23,000 for the basic model with the AMG going upto £60,000