2012 Archives | Page 26 of 30

Spy Shots: First photos of 2012 Volkswagen New Beetle

Filed under: Spy Photos, Hatchback, Volkswagen

2012 Volkswagen Beetle spy shots

2012 Volkswagen Beetle spy shots – Click above for high-res image gallery

Earlier this year we learned that Volkswagen has been readying a new New Beetle, and we now have the first spy photos of the next-generation Bug out testing. Rumor has it that this car could debut as early as next month at this year’s Los Angeles Auto Show, but we think a Detroit or Geneva debut is much more likely.

Though still in test mule stages, it’s obvious that the next Beetle will take a lot of its styling cues from Volkswagen’s Ragster concept, first shown in 2005. The longer, flatter greenhouse and softened curves give the cutesy Bug a more aggressive stance. Perhaps Volkswagen is trying to break the Beetle out of its “chick car” stereotype.

The 2012 Beetle will ride on the new Golf VI platform, and it’s expected that powertrains will be shared between both cars. Volkswagen’s 2.5-liter inline-five is a safe bet, as is the 2.0-liter TDI four, but sources within Volkswagen have told us that the next-generation Beetle will be available with a pretty potent engine. “Something you can take to the track,” they said. Hmm… Whatever the case, we’ll know more when the car makes its official debut within the next few months.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2012 Volkswagen Beetle

2012 Volkswagen Beetle spy shots

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: First photos of 2012 Volkswagen New Beetle originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Oct 2010 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus IS coupe could come as early as 2012

Filed under: Coupe, Lexus, Luxury

Lexus IS350 C F-Sport

2010 Lexus IS 350C F-Sport – Click above for high-res image gallery

The Lexus GS is set to get a comprehensive redesign sometime next year, including thoroughly upgraded underpinnings that will for the basis of Lexus’ next generation 5 Series fighter. Like the current GS platform, the new architecture will form the basis of the next IS, which in its current form is essentially a shortened and squished GS.

With that in mind, the next generation IS will follow shortly thereafter – likely sometime in 2012 – and in addition to the current sedan and convertible, Lexus could finally add an IS coupe to its lineup. Lexus recognizes that it hasn’t had a credible player in that market for far too long, and with the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class coupe around the corner and the two-door BMW 3 Series holding its own, the obvious question is why hasn’t Lexus done it sooner?

According to our sources, it was easier for Toyota to make a business case for the IS cabrio, particularly given the SC430’s imminent demise and Lexus’ need for a drop-top offering to fill the hole. If the coupe does come to fruition – and we’ve been told in no uncertain terms that it’s in the cards – expect the two-door IS to bow sometime in late 2012 or early 2013. And it’s safe to assume an F version will arrive with in year of the coupe’s debut.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Lexus IS 350C F-Sport

Lexus IS coupe could come as early as 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Sep 2010 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris 2010: 2012 Ford Focus ST hatches early

Filed under: Budget, Performance, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Ford

2012 Ford Focus ST

2012 Ford Focus ST live debut – Click above for high-res image gallery

To say that American enthusiasts have been anxiously awaiting a properly hotted up version of Ford’s European hatchback would be a gross understatement. And while we’re still waiting for a proper Focus RS to hit our shores, we’re certainly happy to see its little brother, the Focus ST, hit the showroom floor with promises of coming Stateside in 2012 ringing in our ears.

Here’s why our interest is piqued: a turbocharged 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine with 247 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque; a six-speed manual transmission and Ford’s new torque-vectoring power control system. Throw in a Tangerine Scream paint job and some 19-inch alloys in the Blue Oval’s signature Y-spoke ST pattern and we’re tickled pink.

Sure, we’re still waiting on an official price tag, but that won’t stop us from poring over these live photos from Paris, now will it?

Gallery: 2012 Ford Focus ST

2012 Ford Focus ST front 3/4 2012 Ford Focus ST profile

Gallery: 2012 Ford Focus ST

2012 Ford Focus ST

Paris 2010: 2012 Ford Focus ST hatches early originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Sep 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: 2012 Ford Focus worked out on the track

Filed under: Sedan, Videos, Ford

2012 Ford Focus video

2012 Ford Focus prototype out on the track – Click above to watch the video after the jump

We can’t divulge the details about the production-spec 2012 Ford Focus just yet (you’ll have to wait for next week’s Paris Motor Show coverage), but when it comes to what Ford’s new global C-car will be like to drive, this video should explain a lot.

It’s no secret that the new Focus was heavily tuned by Ford’s European team, meaning both the hatch and sedan should prove to be pretty engaging steers – just like their Fiesta siblings. In this video, we see a nearly completed prototype running around Ford’s handling course, and judging by the sights and sounds from this two-minute clip, we’re pretty eager to get our turn behind the wheel.

If the standard-spec Focus looks this good, imagine what FoMoCo has in store for the hotted-up ST. Follow the jump to watch the video of the Blue Oval small car doing some test laps. Thanks for the tip, Yaroukh!

Gallery: 2012 Ford Focus

[Source: YouTube]

Video: 2012 Ford Focus worked out on the track originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Sep 2010 19:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Clearest look yet at 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK

Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Paris Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz, Design/Style, Luxury

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK spied

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK – Click above for high-res image gallery

We’ve been staring at spy shots of the forthcoming 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK for months, but now we have our best look yet at what Benz’ baby coupe will look like once the camo tape is peeled away.

The grille gets a nose job to match its larger SLS AMG sibling, and the photo above reveals it to be a more pleasing aesthetic than in previous shots. Also, it seems the new SLK wants to play with the cool kids who are all wearing LED running lights.

If our intel holds up, the reason behind the larger grille isn’t just to mimic the gorgeous gullwing, but to feed the new 476 horsepower, twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6. If that mill is going in any SLK, it’ll be wearing an AMG badge on the back, and we’re hoping to get a better look when we stop by the Mercedes-Benz booth at the upcoming Paris Motor Show.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK

Spy Shots: Clearest look yet at 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Sep 2010 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2012 Audi S7 caught, but what’s under the hood?

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Performance, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Audi, Luxury

2012 Audi S7

2012 Audi S7 – Click above for high-res image gallery

When this first batch of spy shots landed in our inbox, we didn’t think too much about them. It’s an Audi A7 with the optional S Line bodykit. Big whoop. However, the rear view tells a different tale. Specifically, the quad-tipped exhaust system.

What we’re looking at is the first Audi S7 prototype which, according to earlier reports, could debut as early as next week at the Paris Motor Show.

If it does, we can expect a slightly lower ride height over the standard A7, upgraded brakes, wheels and tires, and a set of deeply bolstered buckets up front. But what’s under the hood?

Initial speculation suggested that the 4.2-liter FSI V8 found in the Audi R8 could be the engine of choice, but the latest intel floating around involves a new twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 outputting upwards of 450 horsepower and a healthy amount of torque.

Hopefully, all will be revealed in just over a week, but before then, scope out the S7 mule in the gallery below.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2012 Audi S7

Spy Shots: 2012 Audi S7 caught, but what’s under the hood? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Sep 2010 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2012 Ford Fiesta ST ready to back up its big brother

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, Hatchback, Ford

2012 Ford Fiesta ST

2012 Ford Fiesta ST – Click above for high-res image gallery

We can’t find much fault with the 2011 Ford Fiesta, but if there’s one major gripe, it’s a lack of power (well, and paddle shifters for the dual-clutch gearbox). However, it looks like that lone complaint may be addressed with the introduction of the Fiesta ST, the smaller sibling to the recently revealed Focus ST.

Similar to the mule caught in Detroit earlier this year, the three-door Fiesta is back with a massive front-mount intercooler, revised body work, new wheels and a high-performance exhaust, along with some racy Recaros that probably won’t make the trek from prototype to production.

While it’s doubtful Ford would port over the Focus ST’s 247 horsepower 2.0-liter EcoBoost mill, the 180-hp turbo’d 1.6-liter or rumored EcoBoost 1.4 are definitely in the cards. With the Focus ST finally having a shot in the States, the globally-certified Fiesta ST might come along for the ride. And maybe a set of paddle shifters will be included in the package.

Gallery: Spy Shots 2012: Ford Fiesta ST

[Source: KGP Photography]

Spy Shots: 2012 Ford Fiesta ST ready to back up its big brother originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Sep 2010 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Jeep pickup coming in 2012

Filed under: SUV, Truck, Jeep, Rumormill, Off-Road

Jeep Gladiator concept

2005 Jeep Gladiator Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

Adding fuel to the rumormill fire that Jeep is keen to introduce a small pickup based on its ever-popular Wrangler platform is a new report from our reliable friends from PickupTrucks.com that the project has been given the green light. The news comes just after we heard that just such a machine was shown to dealers with a wink-wink, nudge-nudge-style display.

According to PickupTruck.com’s sources, the light-duty hauler would debut in 2012 with a design heavily based on the Jeep Gladiator concept from 2005. To get the necessary length, Jeep is said to be utilizing the four-door Wrangler Unlimited chassis with the deletion of the two aft doors and the addition of a short truck bed.

Here’s hoping the final design, if it indeed reaches production, retains the external spare wheel and tire. While we’re wishing, we’ll cast a vote towards a removable hardtop as well. Regardless, this is one of those cases where we feel pretty confident in saying, If you build it, they will ~~come~~ buy.

Gallery: 2005 Jeep Gladiator Concept

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

Report: Jeep pickup coming in 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Sep 2010 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford introduces airbags with enhanced crash protection, debuting on 2012 Focus [w/video]

Filed under: Safety, Technology, Ford

Ford's next-gen airbag system

Ford’s next-generation airbag technology – Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford has given us a sneak peek at its production-ready 2012 Focus, and while our lips may be sealed about its specs and our impressions, we can now give you the lowdown on the Blue Oval’s new airbag technologies that will debut in its forthcoming C-segment stunner.

For the driver, the new steering wheel airbag uses a tether system that pulls in the lower section of the bag back toward the dashboard. This creates a small pocket that Ford engineers say will soften the blow of the airbag to the driver’s chest and ribs, reducing the threat of bodily injury in a frontal crash.

The side airbags also work to prevent injuries to the driver and front passenger by adding shoulder vents that stay open during inflation, reducing pressure for smaller occupants. Taller folks will block these vents with their shoulders, and this added pressure can actually prove to be helpful.

Along with the shoulder vents, Ford has used an adaptive venting system in its passenger-side front airbag, which diverts some of the inflation gas outside of the bags. This better protects passengers by enhancing head and neck protection by matching inflation force with the size of the occupant, which is monitored by the weight sensors already built into the seats.

As you’d expect, these safety features won’t just be limited to the 2012 Focus. Ford says that this technology will quickly spread to the rest of its model range within the next few years. To see exactly how these systems work, follow the jump to watch an instructional animated video, as well as actual crash test footage. Ford’s press release is available for your reading pleasure, as well.

Gallery: Ford’s Next-Generation Airbag Technology

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford introduces airbags with enhanced crash protection, debuting on 2012 Focus [w/video]

Ford introduces airbags with enhanced crash protection, debuting on 2012 Focus [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Sep 2010 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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(More) Spy Shots: 2012 Jaguar XF

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Jaguar, Luxury

2012 Jaguar XF spy shots – Click above for high-res image gallery

It feels like Jaguar’s renaissance has only just begun, and here’s the sedan that started it all, already prepping for its own renaissance. The Jaguar XF, in line to be fitted with some tailoring taken from the XJ’s handsome suit of sheetmetal, was caught again stretching its legs in the desert. The exterior changes won’t be radical, but expect a smattering of fascia work and some tweaking of lines and light clusters out back, along with some revised and refined interior elements.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2012 Jaguar XF