Volvo is finally giving its S60 sedan a redesign, and the production 2011 S60 debuts in a few weeks at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show. The new S60 goes on sale in the U.S. later this fall, and it will start out with a 300-hp version of the T6 powerplant (a 3.0-liter inline-6 with a twin-scroll turbo), plus all-wheel drive. Later on, there will be front-drive and five-cylinder-turbo models as well.
You can read full details and see 4 dozen pics in our auto show write-up. Here we bring you three videos. You can see the 2011 Volvo S60 on the move, then watch it crash into a barrier and then see a demo of Volvo's leading-edge Pedestrian Detection technology that debuts on the car.
2010 Geneva Auto Show: 2011 Volvo S60
Continue reading Videos: 2011 Volvo S60.
Categories: Future Vehicles,Geneva Motor Show,Sedans,Volvo
Ford decided it couldn't wait until the actual start of the 2010 Chicago Auto Show to reveal its two new variations of the 2011 Transit Connect utility van. One is a pure electric version of the standard model while the other is a taxi conversion.
The 2011 Ford Transit Connect Electric is designed as a short-errand hauler that doesn't give up any cargo capacity in return for clean running electric motor. The 2011 Transit Connect taxi is exactly what you would expect, a striped down people hauler with vinyl seats and extra wiring for a sign on the roof. The taxi version of the Transit Connect does introduce a natural gas or propane conversion for the standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder, however, and that conversion will be available for all Transit Connects, not just the taxi version.
IL News: 2011 Ford Transit Connect Electric
IL News: 2011 Ford Transit Connect Taxi
Categories: Chicago Auto Show,Ford,Future Vehicles,Minivans
The latest installment in the never-ending story of the sportscar that will never die, the 2010 Porsche 911 Turbo S is exactly what you might expect. It's essentially a slightly higher spec version of the standard 911 Turbo for those buyers who think the "standard" Turbo just isn't enough.
This time around, the 911 Turbo S features a 530-horsepower version of Porsche's 3.8-liter flat six. Not impressed? Then consider that it also puts out 516 pound-feet of torque and does so without any decrease in mileage, or so says Porsche.
The Turbo S will come with Porsche's PDK dual clutch transmission only which shouldn't be a problem as Porsche says it's good for a 0-60mph sprint of 3.3 seconds so equipped. It also comes standard with carbon ceramic brake discs, so stopping should be much of a problem either. Top speed is 195mph if you're into that sort of thing.
Available in either coupe of convertible bodystyle, the 2010 Porsche 911 Turbo S goes on sale in May. If you have to ask the price, it's not for you.
2010 Geneva Auto Show
Categories: Convertibles,Coupes,Future Vehicles,Geneva Motor Show,Luxury Cars,Porsche,Sports Cars
We've been following development of the Tesla Model S sedan ever since it was officially unveiled in March of last year. The car shown that day was a slick-looking concept, one that would surely draw plenty of attention, and money, to the project.
On the flip side, the car didn't reveal much about the actual development of the Model S. Sure it could drive around and all, but it was clearly for show as most of the car's engineering was still to be done. Where it would be built was also up in the air, but Tesla officials promised they had a site in mind and would announce it soon.
Well, here we are almost a year later and how is the Model S progressing?
Continue reading Is the Tesla Model S Any Closer to Production? .
Categories: Future Vehicles,Luxury Cars,Tesla Motors
The camouflage is starting to thin out as the 2011 Audi A1 gets closer to its official debut. Like the Mercedes-Benz B-Class we showed you yesterday, the Audi A1 is a small hatchback that has been considered for the U.S. market but will likely remain in Europe.
Like Mercedes-Benz, Audi is wary of getting spread too thin in the American market. If the A1 were to come in at the bottom around say $24-25K, the brand would stretch from there all the way to $155K for the R8 V10. That's quite a spread.
It begs the question: Do you consider Audi and Mercedes-Benz to be pure luxury brands only? Or would you consider an Audi or Mercedes that was priced more like a mainstream brand like Ford or Honda?
Categories: Audi,Future Vehicles,Geneva Motor Show,Hatchbacks,Luxury Cars,Spy Photos
Remember the Mercedes-Benz B-Class? It's a tiny little hatchback thing that almost made it to the U.S. a few years ago. The prototype you see here is the next-generation version, and like its predecessor, it has a chance of coming to the U.S.
Not a very good one mind you, mostly because Mercedes-Benz is a little unsure whether Americans are ready for such a small vehicle with a three-pointed start on the back. Then again, it would be a big help in terms of lowering the company's fleet-wide fuel economy numbers, so that could convince Dieter that's its worth the trouble.
Categories: Future Vehicles,Hatchbacks,Luxury Cars,Mercedes-Benz,Spy Photos
Last week we brought you a partial list of the upgrades in store for the 2011 Shelby GT500 courtesy of an order guide leak. This morning, some crafty members at TeamShelby noticed a video of the upcoming GT500 on one of Ford's media sites. The pictures you see here are screen grabs from that video which has since been taken down.
Continue reading More Details Leak on the 2011 Shelby GT500.
Categories: Chicago Auto Show,Classic Cars,Convertibles,Coupes,Ford,Future Vehicles,Sports Cars
Curious how the upcoming McLaren MP4-12C might look in Gulf livery and GTR trim? Well, apparently somebody named Jonsibal was as he posted these slick rendering to his website. There are additional setups posted, but these were our three favorites.
Jonsibal
Categories: Concept Vehicles,Future Vehicles,McLaren,Sports Cars
Yeah, no big surprise here. The 2012 Chevrolet Camaro has already been confirmed for production early next year, but it's nice to see that it's still on track.
The original supplier contracted to build the Camaro's convertible top went into bankruptcy, so Magna has stepped up to fill the order. A report in Automotive News suggests that Chevrolet is planning to produce roughly 20,000 Camaro convertibles in the first year.
Categories: Chevrolet,Convertibles,Future Vehicles,Spy Photos
Kia continues its dramatic design makeover with the all-new 2011 Sportage SUV. Slated for a world debut at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show next month, this compact SUV is lower, longer and wider than the current model.
No other details were released, but it's safe to assume it will have four-cylinder power and a choice of front- or all-wheel drive. Worldwide sales are expected to start late this year.
Continue reading 2011 Kia Sportage Headed for 2010 Geneva Auto Show.
Categories: Crossovers,Future Vehicles,Geneva Motor Show,Kia,SUVs
Spyker has outlined its plans for Saab as the deal with General Motors inches closer to reality. There aren't any real surprises, unless you think continuing with Saab's current lineup is somehow shocking.
According to Spyker officials, it will run Saab as a separate company and it aims to send the 9-3, 9-4X and 9-5 to the U.S. market. The redesigned 9-5 is expected to arrive this summer while the 9-4X will come in early 2011 and the 9-3 in early 2012.
IL News: Spyker Outlines Saab Future Product Plan
Categories: Auto Industry,Future Vehicles,General Motors,Luxury Cars,Saab,Sedans
The crafty, Mustang-obsessed folks over at MustangHeaven have uncovered the order guide for the 2011 Shelby GT500.
Were you hoping for a new aluminum engine block? Bingo, you got it. How about a glass roof coupe? Done. Some standard HID headlights? Check. MyKey? Check.
Other notable option is the SVT Performance Pack. It will include a 3.73 limited slip rear end, revised springs and shocks and unique side stripes.
MustangHeaven
Categories: Coupes,Ford,Future Vehicles,Sports Cars
Photo Illustration by Nick Wilcox, automotiverenderings.blogspot.com
So now that the 2011 BMW 5 Series is out in the open, it's time to move on to the really good stuff. We're referring to the next BMW M5, of course, you know the one we spotted on the Nurburgring late last year?
Now that we know the final shape of the standard model it's not too hard to fill out the details on the Motorsport-tuned M5. Unlike the M3, the M5 is always a bit more subtle. A deeper front air dam, extended side skirting and four pipes out back are the obvious cues along with lightweight wheels and a quarter-panel badging.
The big inlets up front are needed to feed the twin-turbo power plant that will reside under the hood. We received confirmation on that one from a BMW executive last year, so the only real question at this point is the final output. The 4.4-liter V8 will be the same motor used in the current X5/X6M models, so the M5 is guaranteed at least 555 horsepower. And the chances of BMW leaving it at that are slim, so something more in the range of 570-590 horses is a good bet.
Various rumors have also indicated that BMW is considering some type of electric assist for this M5 e.g. a production KERS system of sorts. That may have changed in the last year or so now that BMW is no longer participating in Formula 1. We asked our sources inside BMW anyway and they didn't have much to say. So either it's not going to happen or it hasn't been fully approved at this point.
One thing that is for certain is the use of BMW's M Double Clutch Transmission (DCT) in place of the current SMG setup. It could gain a gear over the M3's seven-speed setup, but either way it will be a huge upgrade over the single-clutch SMG.
Given that the standard 2011 BMW 5 Series is scheduled for its debut at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show, don't expect to see the 2012 M5 until either late this year or early in 2011.
Categories: BMW,Future Vehicles,Geneva Motor Show,Luxury Cars,Sedans
In addition to the 2011 Dodge Charger we showed you earlier today, there's another major refresh headed our way later this year. The 2011 Dodge Durango is also scheduled to return later this year and this prototype hints at the final design.
It's worth noting that this vehicle may emerge as the 2011 Dodge Magnum according to some internal documents. Not sure why Dodge would bother with the switch, it's not like the Magnum helped the previous vehicle much. This time around it won't be a wagon though, think more like a three-row crossover SUV. Pretty sure it will get V6 engines and possibly even a Hemi depending on how much leeway Chrysler has in terms of CAFE.
Categories: Crossovers,Dodge,Future Vehicles,SUVs,Spy Photos
Late last year Dodge revealed much of its future product plan to journalists in an effort to prove it had a future. Part of that plan was a revamped version of the Dodge Charger due in late 2010.
Although it's not slated to be a complete redesign, the 2011 Dodge Charger will be a heavy reskin along with the introduction of Chrysler's new V6 family. This prototype was spotted recently testing in Michigan and the changes are noticeable.
This car looks much closer to the Charger concept shown a decade ago at the Detroit auto show. Expect an updated interior as well as Dodge attempts to generate a little interest in the brand while the rest of Chrysler tries to hold on until the Fiat vehicles start arriving in 2012.
Continue reading Spy Photos: 2011 Dodge Charger Caught.
Categories: Dodge,Future Vehicles,Sedans,Spy Photos
