Tag: gen

Spy Shots: Next-gen Mercedes SL63 AMG beefs up

Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertible, Performance, Europe, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG spy shot

Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG spy shots – Click above for high-res image gallery

Well, take a look-see at what our intrepid band of spy photographers have just netted. Apparently, the go-fast gurus at AMG have been hard at work on a bevy of new Mercedes-Benz goodies, including the car you see above. Underneath all of that cladding lurks the next-generation SL63 AMG. Even with all of the plastic obscuring its bodywork, it’s clear that the engineers intend for the folding hardtop convertible to have some healthy air intakes in the front fascia. Why? We’re guessing it has something to do with the manhole-cover sized front brakes on this mule. Take a close look at the front stoppers and you’ll see six-pot calipers squeezing on cross-drilled rotors.

That’s probably a good thing considering that from what we understand, the SL63 AMG is slated to pack 571 galloping horsepower from a twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8. Something tells us we’re going to need those galactic brakes to bring this thing to a stop. Word has it that an AMG Speedshift seven-speed gearbox will provide shifting duties, too. Sounds like a tasty piece of heavyweight German engineering to us.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG Spy Photos

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Next-gen Mercedes SL63 AMG beefs up originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Aug 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Next-gen Hyundai Azera caught in Europe

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Hyundai

2012 Hyundai Azera – Click above for high-res image gallery

The current Hyundai Azera is not a bad looking car, but compared to the glut of new models that already are or will soon be populating Hyundai showrooms in the next year, it’s starting to look long in the tooth. Hyundai appears to be on the case, as an all-new Azera has just been spotted testing in Europe. Like the current sedan, the new model will slot in between the front-wheel-drive Sonata and rear-wheel-drive Genesis. It will also feature Hyundai’s new “fluid sculpture” design language, as evidenced by the characteristic rising crease along the doors that’s visible through the camouflage.

The grille and mirrors of this camo’d Azera, which is called the Grandeur in its home market of South Korea, look similar to the new Sonata, but the lower edge of the side glass rises at the back giving the car a more pronounced shoulder. Power is expected to come solely from a V6 like the current model, but we’d be surprised if its displacement doesn’t drop to the 3.0-3.3-liter range with direct injection and possibly a turbocharged version. Given CEO John Krafcik’s commitment to 50 mpg by 2025, a version of the new hybrid system seen in the Sonata Hybrid seems like a smart bet as well.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2012 Hyundai Azera / Grandeur

[Source: Carpix]

Spy Shots: Next-gen Hyundai Azera caught in Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Aug 2010 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda sets lightweight target of 2,200 pounds for next-gen MX-5

Filed under: Performance, Mazda

Mazda MX-5 Miata – Click above for high-res image gallery

The original Mazda MX-5 made its U.S. debut in 1989, and back then, the Miata was a lithe little roadster that immediately drew praise for its superior handling and a fun-to-drive nature. Each generation that followed packed on more pounds and additional amenities, slightly blunting the car’s appeal as a simple roadster at an affordable price. But the next MX-5 – due to arrive in 2012 – Mazda has set a target weight of 2,200 pounds and returning it to its former glory.

At just over a ton, the next-gen MX-5 will tip the scales slightly more than the original 1989 model, but it will still retain its 50/50 weight distribution that makes the roadster a wonderfully balanced machine. To keep weight in check, Mazda will employ one of its newly-developed, SKY-G gasoline engines which the company claims will boost efficiency by 15 percent while also increasing power over previous engine designs. Mazda predicts that its next-gen MX-5 could touch 50 miles per gallon, a remarkable achievement for the quintessential roadster.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Photos copyright (C)2009 Chris Paukert / Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Autocar]

Mazda sets lightweight target of 2,200 pounds for next-gen MX-5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Aug 2010 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next-gen PT Cruiser imagined despite car’s demise

Filed under: Hatchback, Chrysler

Next-gen PT Cruiser idea

Rendering of a next generation Chrysler PT Cruiser – Click above for high-res image gallery

The end of production of the Chrysler PT Cruiser prompted a reader at the Cheers and Gears forum to try his hand at rendering what could have been a next-generation edition of the retro hatchback. It’s often been said that following up a retro design is particularly difficult, though admittedly, BMW has managed to do so with the Mini.

The artist, Andrew Currie, has taken his cue from Mini by retaining the original PT’s basic shape, with the biggest changes applied to the nose. A larger grille with four round, exposed headlamps still retains the flavor of the outgoing model. If the design were applied to a more modern platform with an up-to-date powertrain and better handling, it’s certainly possible it could have been successful. The problem is that such designs tend to be fashion statements, and you know what they say about “One day you’re in …” In part, Mini’s success has come by expanding the concept to different body styles including the Clubman, Countryman and the upcoming coupe and roadster. It’s not clear that a single PT variant could do the job.

What do you think, could a new PT Cruiser with modern running gear still succeed? Let us know in our poll after the jump.

[Source: Sector 329 Graphics/Andrew Currie via Cheers and Gears]

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Next-gen PT Cruiser imagined despite car’s demise originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 17 Jul 2010 14:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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