Gotcha! Here are the best pictures yet of Mercedes’ next SLK. Spied testing in Germany, these latest shots reveal almost every detail of the newcomer’s styling.
Penned by design boss Gorden Wagener, the SLK refines the successful two-door folding metal hardtop bodystyle that debuted way back in 1997. The all-new third generation car gets a prominent nose that’s clearly inspired by Mercedes’ range-topping SLS AMG supercar, while the swept-back headlights owe much to the latest CLS that will debut at the Paris Motor Show.
In profile, the SLK looks very similar to its predecessor, albeit with a new crease which runs from the front wing indicator back into the doors to add a little extra visual drama. Once again, the SLK features a two-piece retractable roof .
At the rear, the SLK features an angular bootlid, which is similar to that sported by the current E-Class Coupe, flanked by LED taillights. The newcomer also gets trapezoidal exhaust pipe tips.
On the inside, the design will be influenced by the SLS. A minimalist design and retro air vents are likely to feature, along with the firm’s clever AirScarf neck warmers built into the seats.
Under the bonnet, the SLK gets a new range of engines. The entry level SLK200 will get the 201bhp 1.8-litre CGI petrol, while the convertible gets diesel power for the first time, courtesy of the 201bhp 2.4-litre CDI unit from the E-Class. The 300 V6 model is discontinued, but the SLK350 gains the revised 302bhp direct injection V-Series 3.5-litre V6. A performance version is likely to be offered, which may be powered by AMG's hotly anticipated twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 which produces around 465bhp. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express
MEET the Citroen that’s riding high! These are the first pictures of the firm’s new DS4 hatch, which delivers on the style promised by the DS High Rider concept seen at this year’s Geneva Motor Show.
Following the DS3, which is based on the C3 supermini, the DS4 features a more extravagantly designed exterior than the C4 which underpins it. The newcomer measures 4.27 metres long, 1.81 metres wide and 1.53 metres high, making it shorter, wider and 10cm taller than the regular C4 and a little bigger than the MINI Countryman.
At the front, the hatchback wears the latest Citroen family face, that debuted on the C5. The extra chrome on the two-bar grille and the pair of boomerang-shaped daytime running lights add class, while at the side, generously flared wheelarches house 19-inch alloys, although smaller rims are available.
The coupé-like roof line and upswept shoulder line taper towards the rear, where the handle for each of the small back doors is hidden.
On the tail, the DS4 features a scalloped bumper with neatly integrated exhaust pipe exits.
The interior boasts higher-class materials than in the regular C4 hatch. Liberal use of chrome for the dials, leather on the dash and doors, plus aluminium for the pedals demonstrates the firm’s attention to getting the luxury details right. Buyers will be given the choice of five leather combinations. Top-specification cars feature hide trim designed to mimic expensive watch bracelets linked together. Meanwhile, every variant gets a panoramic windscreen which extends backwards into the roof line and helps bathe the cabin in light.
Also available is a high-end stereo system and front seats with a massage function. All cars come with a unique selection of four exotically named tones for the various warning sounds: Classic, Crystal Symphony, Jungle Fantasy and Urban Rythmik.
Despite the DS4’s style and luxury, practicality is still high on the agenda. The passenger door pockets have been enlarged, and a cooled centre console storage bin is standard fit. At 370 litres, the boot is larger than that of a Volkswagen Golf, too. Safety kit includes blind-spot monitoring and a speed limiter, fitted in accordance with the Safety Assist section of Euro NCAP crash tests.
Under the bonnet, the DS4 features a line-up of five engines. Diesel buyers can choose from a 110bhp 1.6-litre unit with e-HDi stop/start tech and regenerative braking, and a 160bhp 2.0-litre. There are three petrol choices, too: a 120bhp 1.6 VTi, and a pair of turbocharged 1.6-litre units with 155bhp or, in the range-topping car, 200bhp.
The DS4 debuts at October’s Paris Motor Show, before going on sale in the UK in early 2011. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express
Nissan announced its 2010 L.A. Auto Show model introductions today, and by the looks of the vehicle list, they're sure to attract plenty of attention. Three of the four planned debuts are world premieres.
Headlining the display is the brand's all-new Ellure concept. The sedan is said to add strong innovation to the typically drab four-door sedan.
Kia has been on a great momentum lately with a tidal wave of new releases, and it looks like the transformation of the line-up continues on course with the all-new Rio, spied today for the first time. Code-named "UB", the upcoming redesign of the Rio subcompact ostensibly carries on the chiseled family look of recent Kia's as it is yet another work of Peter Schreyer. 
For our readers interested in the upcoming Kia Forte Hatchback, we have two new official images from Kia as well as some information that accompanied these pictures. 
Unless you've been living under a rock these days, you probably know what an Apple iPad looks like and does. The gotta-have-it gadget has been selling like hotcakes and has been making headlines (typical of any Apple release) in the world of electronics lately. But the touch-screen tablet device from Cupertino caught the attention of car-lovers and alike when Hyundai introduced the industry-first electronic owner's manual for its flagship Equus sedan on, you guessed it, the iPad. And today, we have our first look at the iPad for the Equus.
Hyundai has released auto show information and on-sale dates of three upcoming small cars today.
With Hyundai busy taking care of the Genesis and Equus for its luxury department as of late, the automaker seems to have forgotten about the Veracruz, as it soldiers onto the 2011 model year with only minor changes again. For the 2011 model year the Veracruz GLS premium package has been updated and has the following features: power tilt-and-slide sunroof, power tailgate, auto dimming interior mirror with HomeLink® and compass, and auto-dimming, tilt-in-reverse exterior mirrors. 
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Take away this Chinese test car’s disguise, and it’s clear to see how MG’s new supermini is shaping up.
The MG3 will be the smallest model to wear the octagon badge since the Rover 25-based ZR, and these spy shots show it retains the good looks of the MG Zero on which it’s based.
The Beijing Motor Show concept’s big central exhaust and chrome wheels have vanished, but the dynamic stance remains – as does the wide hexagonal front grille – giving the 3 a welcome hint of sportiness.
On sale in China in next month, from around £6,000, the model will be powered by a 109bhp, 1.5-litre petrol engine from sister firm Roewe. Also under development is a 1.3-litre four-cylinder unit and a turbocharged version of the 1.5. The latter could power a more focused MG3 hot hatch.
Tentative plans are to build European versions of this car at MG Rover’s old Longbridge plant in the West Midlands from 2012. Our spies in China have also seen a variant with a chunkier tail-light treatment – which could be a new Streetwise. Although the pumped-up Rover 25 was a flop here, it has since proved a sales hit in China. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express
Yes, it's another BMW1 Series M Coupe teaser video, but we're not complaining. Rather than showing the M Division's latest hot coupe on a track, it's stagnant in a showroom under a tight fitting cover.
If you didn't catch the other teaser video and spy shots, the 1 Series M Coupe is said to be the spiritual successor to the original E30 M3, meaning it should be light, compact, and powerful.
Rumor has it that BMW's speed-hungry engineers fitted their N54-series, twin-turbo, 3.0-liter inline-six engine underneath the short hood. How do an estimated 350 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque sound? Yeah, we thought so, too.
Lotus has officially revealed details on the Evora S and IPS in advance of the Paris Motor Show.
Last week, leaked email messages from Lotus executives showed that the Evora S and Evora IPS automatic-equipped car would debut in Paris.
Lotus says that aside from supercharging the 3.5-liter V-6 from Toyota, the 345-horsepower Evora S has a retuned suspension and overall more responsive driving experience.
"You don’t realise what you were missing from your driving experience until you get behind the wheel of the Evora S," said Dany Bahar, Lotus’ Chief Executive Officer.
Other motorists won't miss your Evora S, though, especially if you activate the exhaust baffles that apparently make the car sound more muscular.
The Evora S has a sport button that lets the driver customize throttle response and activate the exhaust bypass valve. That button is also the key to raising the instantaneous rev limit and lowering the interference from the dynamic stability control.
“The Evora S...retains core Lotus values such as performance through lightweight but it also gives more than that," said Lotus Chief Commercial Officer Andreas Prillmann. "It’s the perfect combination of top performance, style and comfort. Form doesn’t sacrifice function in the case of the Evora S.”
Clearly, the S model is the pure enthusiast's choice in the Evora lineup. Still, it's likely the other new debut -- the Evora IPS (Intelligent Precision Shift) -- will help pay for the S model.
The Evora IPS is powered by the regular 276-horsepower V-6, now mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Aside from manual paddle shift and automatic drive modes, the IPS has a sport mode that enhances the feeling of control.
"It’s been a long time since Lotus created an automatic and we’ve spent a great deal of time refining this one to make sure that it perfectly complements the Evora drive experience," Bahar said.
Both new Evoras will debut at the Paris Motor Show, starting at the end of September.
Thanks to: Motor Trend
With a major revamp expected for the 2012 model year, Hyundai is keeping the changes to the Genesis light for the 2011 model year. The big news is a 10-horsepower increase for the 4.6L Tau V8 model for a total of 385 horsepower on premium unleaded fuel (378 on regular). According to the automaker, the Genesis V8 now propels itself from zero to 60 miles per hour in 5.3 seconds, an improvement over 5.7 seconds of the 2010 model.
The Hyundai Tucson will carry over to the 2011 model year with more standard equipment and an all-new entry level GL model equipped with a new 2.0-liter Theta II four-cylinder engine. Available at dealerships right about now, the Tucson GL is only available in a front-wheel drive configuration. In addition, the 2011 GLS trim level receives upgraded model content and a premium suspension is now standard on the Limited model. 
