Lambo teaser #4

The trickle of images from Sant'Agata continues today as Lamborghini has shipped yet another teaser of the new car that it will show on Thursday at the Paris Motor Show. This time around we get a frontal image of the headlight area. Unlike the last two production models, the Gallardo and Murcielago, the orientation of the light cluster has been switched from vertical to horizontal. There is also a large vent visible implying that the engine is up front this time around. We only have one more day to wait for the full reveal, so it will be interesting to see what Lamborghini has wrought when it unveils the Urus or Estoque or whatever this concept turns out to be named.

[Source: Lamborghini]

Enthusiast designs four-door Ferrari PanaQuattroMeraPorte

Since everyone else is getting in on the four-door supercar game, Ferrari might as well give one of its cars the taffy pull treatment. Rather than wait for one of the design houses classically associated with the Prancing Horse to apply masterstrokes of design, Russian enthusiast Krasnov Igor came up with his own quad portal thoroughbred. We're not thrilled with the results, but we'll bestow an A for effort. Looking like a Scaglietti that got tossed in the blender with an Elise's roof and a Lamborghini tail, the wheelbase and proportions just don't look quite right. Perhaps the Lambo tail is a nod to the car's intended role as a competitor to the Lamborghini Urus/Estoque/whatevertheywannacallit, but we're thinking that car's styling will be far more cohesive.

[Source Cardesign.ru]

Peugeot RD concept

The Peugeot RD Concept, designed by Carlos Arturo Torres Tovar from Columbia is one of the ten finalists of the 5th edition of the Peugeot Design Contest 2008.
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The RD concept is a 3 wheels car perfect for traveling through the busy traffic of a city. The interesting thing about this concept is that the car is able to change direction and to become more compact during heavy traffic and low speeds. The big front window offers the driver the best view of the surroundings, and also offers all the necessary information the diver commands talking to the car. The concept has no doors, only the front window that is also the roof of the car.

Volvo developing 300-hp C30 with AWD

Rumors of a new Volvo hot hatch have gotten hot again with talk of a new 300-horsepower C30 for Europe. According to reports, the new model would be powered by the same 2.5-liter inline-five cylinder turbo engine that powers the new Ford Focus RS. One difference between the two cars, which share a similar platform, is that the Swedish beauty would be offered with a Haldex all-wheel drive system in contrast to the Blue Oval's torque-steer inducing front-engine, front-drive layout. Larger 20-inch wheels ought to fill out the arches quite nicely, and a special body kit should bring the whole look closer to the tarmac. To keep demand high, Volvo may limit the new model to 4,500 units worldwide, though we have no idea where it will offer the hatch besides the U.K. Considering that the Swedish automaker has diluted its R-nameplate, we're also not certain what this performance-minded C30 will be called, but we're sure it'll be the most fun we've had in a Volvo for quite a long time.

[Source: Autocar]

Audi S3 gets 7-speed DSG

Audi made a bit of a splash earlier this year with the announcement that the new-for-'09 S3 would be available in either the three-door style or the more practical Sportback five-door hatch. Equipped with a high-pressure 2.0-liter turbo engine with 265-horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, the S3 can scoot to sixty in just 5.5 seconds, all while getting nearly 30 miles per gallon. Making the most of that power is the firm's new seven-speed twin-clutch S-Tronic gearbox, which we've had nothing but good things to say about in its past six-speed incarnation. That gearbox will command a £1,450 premium over the standard manual transmission for our European friends. That price will also include twin steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, another first for the S3. Total cost for the three-door stands at £28,920, while £29,420 will get you an S3 with Sportback. Of course, Quattro all-wheel drive comes standard on both. Sadly, the whole S3 package is available only in Europe.

[Source: Audi]

Toyota's Vegas-bound Venzas

When you think about the Toyota Venza, we doubt the first thing that comes to mind is customization. But that hasn't stopped Toyota from tapping Street Image, Inc. and long-time partner Five Axis to create a duo of Venza project cars for November's SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

The two low-slung crossovers (don't call them wagons) attempt to highlight and accentuate the active lifestyles of the Venza's core demographic, beginning with the Street Image variant (above) that boasts an upgraded engine and brakes, massive rollers, a lowered ride height, body kit, a black/burgundy interior and a sat-nav-equipped entertainment system. Toyota says the Street Image SportLux version attempts "to give the occupants the feel of a refined sports car while retaining the Venza's utility and functionality." We say, good luck.

Five Axis makes a slightly more compelling case for customizing the Venza with a stow-away rack system created by Magna Car Top Systems that can transport everything from bicycles to skis. New front and rear bumpers, wider fenders and pot-hole averse 20x10.5-inch wheels round out the exterior mods on the Venza AS V.

[Source: Toyota Open Road Blog]

Spy Shots: 2011 CLS

The coming CLS appears to offer more of the same: the current CLS is based on the E-Class platform; the next one is expected to be built atop S-Class underpinnings. Other than bigger body with a wider track, and bolder styling to harmonize with Mercedes' current design language, not much is expected to change.

That is usually the case with iconic cars. Having invented the category of the four-door-car with a more coupe-like silhouette, Mercedes could be waiting to see what its rivals -- from Aston Martin to VW -- will bring to the segment before it makes a revolutionary move.

[Source: Global Motors]

Corvette ZR1 to cost £109,000 in UK

The car that Top Gear liked to drive, if not exactly to look at, has a price they definitely won't want to pay. At an on-the-road price of £109,000, the ZR1 costs nearly £48,000 pounds more than a Z06 in the UK. As if that weren't problematic enough, that price puts the left-hand-drive-only ZR1 £8,000 past the 911 Turbo and a colossal £55,000 beyond the GT-R Premium Edition. True, that's still the base GT-R, but Nissan has a whole lot of room to play with when it prices the V-Spec.

True as well, the price of the ZR1 also includes a driver training course and a 3-year / 60,000-mile warranty, which should count for something. Perhaps not £55,000, though. Luckily for Chevrolet UK, it will only have to sell two of them this year, and single digits in the years to come. You can read the full press release after the jump, and then decide if you'd rather have one lump of incredible American metal or a GT-R and a Swiss bank account.

[Source: GM]

Mercedes-Benz reveals SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S

As the era of the Mercedes McLaren SLR winds down to its conclusion sometime in 2009, Mercedes-Benz is releasing what may be the ultimate example of the breed. The SLR 722 S Roadster picks up where the 722 coupe left off dropping the 650-hp supercharged 5.5L V8 into the open top body shell. With a top speed of 220.6 mph, this may be the fastest open top production car ever built. And unlike the first generation Dodge Viper, Mercedes has devised a soft top that can withstand sustained 200 mph+ top speeds. Mercedes has tapped into McLaren's F1 experience to create the fully carbon-fiber body that can provide the structural integrity needed at those speeds. The semi-automatic top just needs to be unlatched from the windshield header manually before the rest of the process is handled by the electrical actuators. The vehicle dynamics are also aided by dropping the suspension by 10 mm at each end of the car and recalibrating the spring and damper rates. Only 150 examples of the 722 S Roadster will be made available starting Jan. 1 2009.

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Citroen GT in stereoscopic darkness

Citroen has let slip another drip in the GT by Citroen reveal, and this time it's a video showing off the dramatic shapes of "The Drive of Your Life." Dig those mirrors, and the glasshouse swept back in monumental fashion. Whatever is pushing the car's massive rims apparently needs a lot of air, with two raked scoops behind the canopy and two more on the sides ahead of the rear wheels. And the rear end of the car looks like -- dare we say it -- a tail... It's Mach 5 if the car comes together like we expect, or platypus if it doesn't. The Paris Motor Show reveal is in but a few days, and you can mark us down as officially excited.

[Source: Gran Turismo]

Aston Martin One-77

More details about the limited edition Aston Martin One-77 have surfaced, providing us with a price, a handful of specs and some new views of the bespoke supercar.

Despite what the original teaser revealed, sources indicate that the One-77 will be packing a naturally aspirated 7.3-liter V12, as opposed to a 7.0-liter unit, putting out 700 hp and 553 lb.-ft. of torque. Power will be channeled through a rear, mid-mounted six-speed automated manual transmission, featuring Auto Shift Manual and Select Shift Manual (ASM/SSM), and controlled by an electro-hydraulic system.

The coupe will be available in left- or right-hand-drive, but seating will be limited to two. The exterior body panels will be made of handcrafted aluminum, while the monocoque body structure will be fashioned from carbon fiber. A deployable rear spoiler, adaptive suspension, carbon ceramic brakes and stability/traction control are all part of the package, and the One-77 is expected to tip the scales at just over 3,300 pounds.

A "Direct Customer Sales Contract" was supposedly leaked to 925.nl, which covers the details in all their fine-print glory, along with the price tag. One of 77 One-77s will set you back £1,050,000, excluding VAT and all the other taxes that go into the purchase. While Aston Martin isn't on the schedule for this week's Paris Motor Show, we're hoping to catch a glimpse of the new coupe in the City of Lights before it goes on sale towards the end of 2009.

[Sources: 925.nl and al-eds.com]

Owner crashes KTM X-Bow first time out

It was bound to happen, but it hurts nonetheless. The KTM X-Bow is hot off the presses, and it didn't take long for some brand new ones to show up on the 'Ring in Germany with their new owners behind the wheel. That hallowed circuit has led to the demise of more than a few machines, not to mention their drivers, and will inevitably continue to claim casualties as racers test their skills on its winding asphalt. The latest victim is one of the aforementioned German-powered, Austrian-built sportscars from KTM. According to reports, the car spent some time skidding on two wheels -- fitting considering KTM's motorcycle heritage -- before meeting the barrier and coming to an involuntary halt. Fortunately, it appears as if the carbon-heavy structure did its job well and protected the owner and passenger. It breaks the heart, but rest assured, it won't be the last. Click on the cropped pic for full-size shots of the carnage. Thanks for the tip, everyone!

[Source: The Sun]

Corvette ZR-1 pricing announced (UK)

GM has confirmed pricing for the 638bhp Corvette ZR-1, which will cost a cool £109,000 when it goes on sale in the UK next month.

It will certainly be a rare sight in the UK, with the company planning to register just two examples over here in 2008 followed by ‘single-digit volumes’ in 2009.

The announcement means that the ZR-1 is nearly £47,000 dearer than the £62,100 Z06. Corvette would argue that, seen against similar 600bhp supercars like the Ferrari 599 (£197,425) and the Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 (£217,375) the ZR-1 could seem like something of a bargain.

British ZR-1s will be left-hand drive only, and the current dollar exchange rate means that potential buyers might be tempted to skip the warranty and bring one in direct from Stateside – the same car is selling for $103,300 (£56,000 excluding taxes) in the U.S.

Press Release:

Ultimate American Corvette ZR1 supercar boasts 205 mph top speed
Supercharged 6.2-litre V8 delivers 647 ps and 819 Nm
0-to-62 mph in 3.6 seconds, with 1.0g cornering ability
Advanced Driver Training Programme for every customer
Very limited numbers available in UK priced from £109,000 on-the-road

The fastest ever and most powerful series production car from General Motors, the 2009 Corvette ZR1, is on sale in the UK with first customer deliveries scheduled for late 2008. The eagerly-awaited ZR1 made its UK debut at the British International Motor Show in July, just a few weeks after claiming the ‘unofficial’ production car lap record at the Nurburgring’s Nordschleife circuit with a time of just 7 minutes 26.4 seconds. The left-hand drive ZR1 will be available in the UK featuring a single premium specification level, with a number of exquisite and exclusive details inside and out setting the ZR1 apart from every other Corvette and supercar on the road. The ultra exclusive proposition will be available in the UK in small numbers with just two Corvette ZR1 arriving in 2008 and only single digit volumes available to order for delivery in 2009. The ultimate American supercar is priced from £109,000 on-the-road.

“The ZR1 combines a series of cutting edge technologies such as carbon-fibre, ceramics and sophisticated electronics with the instantly recognisable and distinctive design to create the ultimate American supercar,” explains Jonathan Nash, director in charge, Corvette UK. “The result is spectacular. The Corvette ZR1 boasts astonishing performance, is visually striking and feels very special to drive. It outperforms much of the exotic supercar competition costing twice as much, while presenting buyers with a unique balance of stunning performance and exceptional driveability.”

“In addition, Corvette UK is determined to deliver an ownership experience par excellence, which starts with the specially-designed driver training experience and continues with technicians in the official Corvette service network receiving specific training on the unique features of the ZR1,” adds Nash.

Race-bred Technologies:

To achieve its incredible performance, the new ZR1 features a range of technologies from the elite echelons of motorsport, including lightweight carbon-fibre panels, carbon ceramic brake discs, an advanced aerodynamic package and lightweight race-engineered titanium engine components. At the heart of the ZR1 is an all-new, hand-built, race-tuned supercharged LS9 6.2-litre V8 engine that produces maximum power of 647 ps at 6500 rpm and peak torque of 819 Nm at 3800 rpm. The force behind the ZR1’s performance and refinement is a large, positive-displacement Roots-type supercharger with a new, four-lobe rotor design. It is augmented with an integrated charge cooling system that reduces inlet air temperature for maximum performance. Power is delivered to the rear wheels via an upgraded six-speed, ‘short-throw’, close-ratio race-bred manual transmission featuring a high-capacity twin-plate clutch. This new system also contributes to the ZR1’s exceptional driving quality, with smooth and easy shifting. The twin-disc design allows the clutch to handle a higher torque capacity with levels of inertia and pedal effort similar to the Corvette Z06. The ZR1 has a curb weight of just 1528 kg and its staggering power-to-weight ratio betters that of the significantly more expensive Porsche 911 GT2, the Ferrari 599 and even the Lamborghini LP640. The mighty Corvette V8 engine launches the ZR1 to 62 mph in just 3.6 seconds and on to a top speed of 205 mph. The ZR1 is built on the same aluminum-intensive chassis as the Corvette Z06 and features similar independent double wishbone front and rear suspension, manufactured in aluminium. Vehicle weight is distributed 51%/49% front/rear and the independent double wishbone suspension (front and rear), works with the ZR1’s advanced Magnetic Selective Ride Control to deliver a highly compliant ride without compromising on its exceptional handling and grip that is capable of generating more than 1.0g lateral acceleration in corners. Colossal engine power is matched by massive Brembo carbon-ceramic brake discs, clamped by six-piston front calipers and four-piston rear calipers. Ventilated and cross-drilled, the discs measure 394 mm (front) and 380 mm (rear) – making them among the largest carbon-ceramic discs available on any production vehicle. The brakes are prominently visible through the ZR1’s exclusive 20-spoke polished chrome alloy wheels – 19 inches in diameter at the front and 20 inches at the rear. These are fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tyres – P285/30ZR19 (front) and P325/25ZR20 (rear) – which have been developed specifically for the ZR1.

A Truly Exclusive Appearance:

The exterior of the ZR1 is truly distinctive. Widened, carbon-fibre front bumpers with specific, dual lower ports, and a full-width, body-colour rear spoiler (incorporating the centre high-mounted brake lamp) are also unique to the ZR1. All of the exterior features were developed to enhance high-speed stability. One of its signature features is a raised, all-carbon-fibre bonnet incorporating a clear, polycarbonate window. This provides a view of the top of the engine’s intercooler, with the legend ‘LS9 SUPERCHARGED’ embossed on the left and right sides, and an engine cover with the Corvette crossed flags logo at the front. Exposed carbon-fibre is used for the roof, sill mouldings, underside of the bonnet and for the prominent front splitter. A choice of seven exterior colours will be available – Black, Blade Silver, Velocity Yellow, Cyber Gray, Victory Red, Atomic Orange and Jetstream Blue. Inside ZR1, high-quality materials, craftsmanship and functionality support the premium-quality experience promised by the car’s performance. A custom leather wrapped interior package is standard, and unique features include ZR1-logo sill plates and headrest embroidery, a bespoke instrument cluster design, and a Head-Up Display that includes a boost gauge. Driver and passenger are supported firmly and comfortably in lightweight, power-adjustable, heated, leather seats. Infotainment is courtesy of a Bose® premium audio system with seven speakers and a dual-slot CD and DVD player, plus a DVD-based navigation system with 6.5-in LCD touch screen.

Unique Ownership Experience:

In order to ensure that UK buyers can safely enjoy the performance potential of their ZR1, each owner will receive an exclusive invitation to a specially-developed driver training course. Highly experienced instructors will help customers to develop and advance their driving skills – for both track and road driving. UK customers will also receive an exceptional level of ongoing aftersales care commensurate with the exclusive nature of their new acquisition. The UK’s official Corvette service network will provide specialist care in their workshops, where cars will be maintained by dedicated technicians specially trained on the unique bodywork, running gear and powertrain features of the ZR1. The ultimate Corvette supercar comes with a three-year / 60,000 miles manufacturers’ warranty.

2010 Audi A8?

The Audi A8 is understated and elegant...but its design is a little long in the tooth. It stays as is for model year 2009, but a significant revision is due for 2010, and we should expect to see that car unveiled sometime during the upcoming show season. Thanks the Gulf4Cars forum, we might have our first look at what to expect. Our Arabic's a little rusty, so we don't know where these scans (at least they appear to be scans) came from, but they look fairly solid, so let's comment on what we can see.


[Source: Gulf4Cars]


Assuming they're accurate (far from guaranteed), the photos (or 'chops) show an evolutionary exterior design -- no surprise, as the A8's a good-looking car. Up front, the gigunda shield grille is bookended by new-look headlamps that follow the lead of the 2009 A4. Down low, the side intake/fog lamp housings are reshaped as well. Out back, the taillamps ape the ones found on the A4, A5, and revised A6 -- a move that ensures the family resemblance is maintained straight through the lineup.



Inside, there are some immediately noticeable changes. Yes, the design themes are typical Audi fare, but the control arrangement has been rethought. A restyled shifter is now located farther back and closer to the driver on the center console. It looks kinda lonely there now, because the main MMI controller and audio functions have been relocated to the angled console extension under the climate controls -- where the ashtray lives on the current car. It'll be interesting to see how this works in practice, because while the audio and MMI interface placements in the current A8 family may seem unorthodox, they're actually easy to use.

We'll keep you posted as more info on the next-gen A8 trickles out in the weeks and months to come, when it'll become obvious whether these images are legit or not.

Mercedes S 400 BlueHYBRID first official video

The S 400 BlueHYBRID is the first hybrid model from Mercedes. It will go on sale in the sumer of 2009.

It will be powered by a combination of a modified V6 gas engine and a compact hybrid module. The engine delivers a maximum output of 279 hp, while the electric motor generates 20 hp. The result is a combined output of 299 hp and a combined maximum torque of 284 ft. lbs. The S 400 BlueHYBRID accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds, and reaches an electronically governed top speed of 155 mph

BMW X1 rendering

Yesterday we showed you BMW’s teaser video for the X1, but that really didn’t reveal much. Now here’s a little more detail courtesy of a rendering from AutoBild. The X1 will go into production in the fall of 2009 and will compete with SUVs like the Volkswagen Tiguan.

In America we will see the 2.5 liter version delivering 218 hp. Europe on the other hand will also get the X1 30i with 265 hp and the 30d, whose engine delivers 245 hp.

More details on the future small SUV from BMW will likely be available after the concept is officially shown at the Paris Auto Show in October.

2008 Volvo XC70

The Volvo XC70 is another installment in Volvo’s history of offering alternative cars. In the 60s, the PV 444 was the alternative to the straight lined cars from Detroit; the 700 series of the 80s and 90s was the alternative to the yuppie BMWs; and now the XC70 is the alternative to a SUV.

Although 2008 is only the second model year for the XC70, the concept has been around for almost a decade more as the Volvo Cross Country. The original Cross Country took Volvo’s reputation for safety and built an off-road image (thanks to Swedish winters) that is now enjoyed by our XC70 as well as its big brother, the XC90 SUV.


Exterior

The design of the car is definitely Volvo – distinctly European but more serious than a German. The XC70 uses the V70 wagon as a base, and then adds all-wheel drive, eight inches of extra ground clearance, and tougher plastic coating for the bottom of the lower body panels. The overall effect takes your parents wagon and transforms it into something that commands respect at the ski lodge.


Part of Volvo’s traditional design means the doors and lower panels bow out from the bodywork, which makes the upper half of the car look distinct. This somewhat segments the design of the car and contributes to the boxy image that Volvo has earned. This “yin and yang” idea of hard edges with curves makes the design likeable. Following this same idea is the minimal use of chrome on the paintwork. Most of the car is in a singular deep color, which lets the grille and wheels stand out.

As far as function goes, if you don’t need a full SUV, the XC70 just makes more sense. Because the XC70 is basically a wagon, the tailgate is much easier to access and the load floor is much lower than an SUV.

Interior

The interior is what sells this car. Everything that was not in wood or silver was covered in a light tan color (known as Sandstone). This color was part of the leather wheel and seats as well in the places where leather is not necessary (like the dash panel or door handles.) The feel is absolutely premium and it made us feel a little more comfortable about the over $44,000 price of our tester ($37, 250 base price). Our only concern is that all the dirty/sticky little hands of soccer kids may pollute this great look.

The controls were very intuitive. The climate control system is one of the best around. For over a decade, Volvo has you choose where want the air to go by simply pressing the part on their person-like diagram. Our premium sound system included a center channel speaker and was both clear and deafeningly loud — a nice surprise from a Volvo. The only piece missing that we would expect on a premium car is a navigation system. It is available as an option, and its absence left the dash and center console area free to have a much cleaner look.

Safety is Volvo’s hallmark, and the inside screams it. The doors close with a heavy “thunk” that makes you feel like you’ve entered a cage. There are airbags for the front passengers, front seat side airbags and side curtains for everybody. Volvo has a whiplash protection system where the front head rests move during impact speeds to cradle people as they return to the seat. The rear seats even have adjustable height settings for younger/shorter passengers.

Test Drive

This car handles like an agile tank. The all-wheel drive and extra safety features makes this a heavy car. Our XC70 tipped the scales at over 4,000 lbs, which is hard to mask in how it feels on the road. Think of a BMW carrying a load of bricks.

The extra weight is felt in road manners. The steering doesn’t require much effort, but you can feel there is a power assist necessary to turn the car. The best way to describe the steering is light and deliberate. The same can be said for the braking. It doesn’t take much effort to stop the car, but when you hit the brakes hard, you can feel that there is a lot of heft coming to a halt. All of this extra mass doesn’t detract from the car; it actually adds to the feeling of security.

One place where the wagon doesn’t seem as big is the turning radius. For all the feel of added mass, it can surprisingly go around tight corners.

The only real problem where the weight may be felt is in the acceleration. The 3.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine makes 235 horsepower and 236 ft. lbs. of torque, which is matted to a six-speed automatic transmission. This setup may leave a few feeling a little lean on power. This is a Volvo and the focus is on safety before acceleration. But if you decide you need to go faster, the simple fix is to delete a few options and upgrade to the T6 model that adds an extra 46 horses.

Conclusion

We liked our family wagon. It looks different than a SUV, it rides taller than a wagon, and it makes us feel distinguished. The XC70 is the anti-SUV. Most SUVs have go anywhere styling but usually just go to the supermarket. The XC70 has everyday styling of its V70 sibling, but because it has the all-wheel drive, it’s more likely to climb a snowy hill or run the dirt roads.

Ford Ka production begins in Tychy

While the 2009 Ka will be at the Paris motorshow, the first volume production examples of the new city rolled off the production line at a special ceremony in Fiat’s Tychy plant, in Poland. The new Ka is jointly developed with Fiat, but while it shares most of its underpinning with the Fiat 500 that is also built along with the Panda in the Tychy plant, the two city cars don’t share any sheetmetal or any major interior components.

"It was three years ago that we reached agreement with Fiat to produce the new Ka here in Tychy," explained Ian Slater, vice-president communications and public affairs, Ford of Europe.

"One of the strengths of this co-operation has been that both parties wanted to produce vehicles which would be very different in looks and character. I'm satisfied that in doing so, we've set up a 'win-win' opportunity for both companies."

Ford’s investment in the 500-Ka project amounted to €210 million and it resulted to the addition of another 1,000 jobs in the plant and more among locally-based suppliers. Annual production of Ford Ka will be 120,000 units a year.

2 engines will be available; 1.2 litre 69PS Duratec petrol engine that returns 119g/km of CO2, while the 1.3 litre TDCi 75PS Duratorq turbodiesel returns 67.2mpg and emits just 110g/km. UK models will come as Studio, Style, Style + and Zetec. Option packs and individual options like heated front seats, panoramic glass sunroof, Bluetooth connectivity/USB port and 6 speaker audio system will be available alongside other options. Sales start in Spring 2009.

Related link:

New Car: 2009 Ford Ka

LaCrosse mules ditch heavy disguise

Spies have caught the all-new LaCrosse sedan undergoing final shakedown tests in Detroit, MI. The LaCrosse prototype has been spotted before but never without heavy camouflage covering the restyled sheet metal.

Carrying design cues from the Buick Invicta concept car - shown in China earlier this year, two distinct prototypes were present — one with a solid rear bumper and no visible exhaust pipes, and a second model with sporty dual exhaust tips peeking through the bottom of its rear bumper and larger tyres.

A quick glance into the LaCrosse's interior reveals a much more upmarket cabin, similar to the Cadillac CTS. Spy photographers on the scene reported that the 2010 LaCrosse was testing with rivals including the Lincoln MKS, Mercedes E-Class and Volkswagen Passat.

The 2010 Buick LaCrosse is expected to debut in mid-November at the 2008 Los Angeles motorshow.

Daytime running lights to be compulsory by 2011 (UK)

All new cars could have headlights that remain on all of the time from 2011. A Dutch study found that daytime running lights could prevent 5,500 deaths and 155,000 injuries across Europe each year, and the switch has been backed by the European Commission.

The proposal is now being sent to the European Parliament for final approval. Daytime running lights were made compulsory in Scandinavian countries in the late 1970s. In 2006, Austria, Croatia and the Czech Republic became the first countries outside of Northern Europe to follow suit. Volvo cars have always had daytime running lights as standard and now other car firms are slowly following suit.

However, the proposals have come in for criticism, as it is estimated that having headlights on all the time will increase the average fuel bill by up to 5% or £160 a year.

Britain has opposed the measure as unnecessary, but is unable to block it because a majority of other EU nations were in favour and transport issues.

Fiat's compact commercial van scheduled for a refresh

Following the successful launch of the Citroen Berlingo, Fiat is upping its game by redesigning the popular Doblo van. Redesigned bodyshell, interior and door-mirrors with indicators are all part of the new package.

As soon as engineers saw spy photographers hiding in the bushes, they turned the van around giving us a clear, 360° look at the newcomer. Like its predecessor, the vehicle will be aimed at young families in the passenger-car variant segment with a conventional top-hinged rear door but will be available as a commercial version featuring a split back doors as well. The tall grille and high mounted headlights hint heavily at the PSA Fiat Fiorino/Peugeot Bipper and Citroen Nemo commercial vans. One mule, sighted in Turin, Italy, showed different headlamps designs to the mules in these photos. 2 body sizes or another variant on the way?

Prototypes are currently testing in Austria and Germany and upon its release in 2010, the Doblo will rival the Renault Kangoo, Peugeot Partner, Citroen Berlingo, VW Caddy and the Ford Transit Connect/Tourneo.