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Rumormill: Toyota bringing Lexus GS, Scion FT-86 to New York Auto Show

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Coupe, Sedan, Lexus, Scion, Toyota, Rumormill

Lexus GS Toyota FT-86

Click either image for high-res image gallery

We’ve gotten word from a very reliable source that Toyota is planning two big debuts at the New York Auto Show, although neither is wearing a ToMoCo badge.

First up is a fully redesigned Lexus GS, something that we’ve reported on and spied before. Although it’s unclear whether the GS we’ll see in NYC is a concept or a production model, we do know that it will be underpinned by an all-new platform that will also be used on the next-generation IS, due out sometime next year.

The current GS has been on the market since 2005 and, despite consistent sales, it’s overdue for a refresh. Expect many of the same V6 and V8 powerplants to carry over, although we haven’t gotten word on an F variant or whether the 450h hybrid will soldier on.

More intriguingly is word that Scion will bring its own version of the FT-86 to the Big Apple’s auto show, although don’t expect a production version – this will be yet another concept similar to the version we saw at the Geneva Motor Show, just with new badges and a few stylistic tweaks.

Expect more details to follow in the coming weeks.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Next-Gen Lexus GS

Next-generation Lexus GS spy shots

Gallery: Toyota FT-86 II Concept: Geneva 2011

Toyota FT-86 II Concept: Geneva 2011

Rumormill: Toyota bringing Lexus GS, Scion FT-86 to New York Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Mar 2011 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Volkswagen green lights Bulli for production

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Volkswagen, Autoline on Autoblog, Rumormill

Volkswagen bulli

Volkswagen Bulli Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

What did you think of Volkswagen’s Bulli concept, which was just shown for the first time at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show? VW is apparently hoping you liked it, because rumor (via Autocar in the UK) has it that it’s going into production.

The concept version is powered by a 113-horsepower electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack, which can reportedly be charged in less than an hour. We don’t know if the electric powertrain will make it into the production vehicle (our guess would be no, but who knows?), and there is no word on pricing. Still, how cool would it be to once again see a modern Volkswagen Microbus prowling the streets of America? The mind reels at the possibility.

Gallery: Volkswagen Bulli Concept: Geneva 2011

Volkswagen Bulli Concept: Geneva 2011

[Source: Autocar]

Rumormill: Volkswagen green lights Bulli for production originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Mar 2011 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Toyota FT-86 could get hybrid option

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Etc., Toyota, Rumormill

Toyota FT-86 Concept

Toyota FT-86 Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

Toyota may have a few more changes in store for the FT-86. The company recently unveiled a second swipe at the car’s exterior at the Geneva Motor Show, but from the sounds of things, a new front fascia won’t be the only surprise when the car touches down. Auto Express is reporting that the Japanese automaker is open to the possibility of a hybrid FT-86 at some point in the distant future. The company’s engineers specifically reworked the vehicle’s front fascia and windshield to be more aerodynamic – a trait that would be more than handy on a hybridized version of the vehicle.

As of right now, though, the FT-86 is supposed to arrive with a Subaru-sourced powerplant under its swooping hood. There’s some indication that the production version of the vehicle will debut later this year at the Tokyo Motor Show, and that Subaru will yank the sheets back on its own version of coupe at the same time. We’re guessing that all of drivetrain and styling questions will be answered as we get closer to that event.

Gallery: Toyota FT-86 II Concept: Geneva 2011

Toyota FT-86 II Concept: Geneva 2011

[Source: Auto Express]

Rumormill: Toyota FT-86 could get hybrid option originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Mar 2011 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: More powerful Audi TT RS Plus on the way

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Audi, Rumormill

Audi TT RS in white

Audi TT RS – Click above for high-res image gallery

Is there a more powerful Audi TT RS on the horizon? According to some leaked information, that appears to be the case. An iteration of the two-door has appeared in internal Audi documents with the name TT RS Plus. It’s power output is listed at 355 horsepower, which is a 20 pony jump over the current 335-hp TT RS.

It may not sound like much, but if Audi can shed some weight, in addition to the horsepower increase, then it should have an even more serious sports car on its hands. The leaked document states that the car will be introduced in May, so until that happens we’ll dream that it looks something like the DTM-inspired TT RS we drooled over back in October 2010.

Gallery: Audi TT RS and Roadster

[Source: WorldCarFans]

Rumormill: More powerful Audi TT RS Plus on the way originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Mar 2011 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Mini Rocketman headed for production

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hatchback, Mini, Rumormill

Mini Rocketman Concept

Mini Rocketman Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

This year’s Geneva Motor Show was as packed as ever with new concept cars that point the way forward for the world’s automakers. And with their debuts now behind us, reports are pouring in on their prospects for production.

First came word that the Alfa Romeo 4C Concept is destined for U.S. showrooms, then reports surfaced of Jaguar passing on Bertone’s design pitch. Now sources from across the pond are indicating that Mini plans to go ahead with production of its Rocketman concept.

The subcompact show car aimed to pacify purists who bemoan the enlargement of the modern Mini range, and the new model could bridge the gap between the original Mini and the contemporary iteration.

According to Autocar, Mini plans on producing the Rocketman based on the BMW Group’s new front-drive platform and i-initiative technologies. Rather than replace the existing three-door hatchback, however, the production Rocketman would slot in below it (at least in terms of size) in the company’s rapidly expanding range.

Gallery: Mini Rocketman Concept: Geneva 2011

Gallery: Mini Rocketman Concept

Mini Rocketman Concept

[Source: Autocar]

Rumormill: Mini Rocketman headed for production originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Renault to produce Captur concept as a Clio crossover?

Filed under: Concept Cars, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Crossover, Renault, Rumormill

Renault Captur Concept

2011 Renault Captur concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

It typically takes months, if not years after a concept car debuts before an automaker confirms whether it will or will not go into production. But in the case of the Renault Captur, it hasn’t even been publicly unveiled yet and reports are already surfacing about its production car future.

According to foreign reports, Renault will build the dynamic crossover as part of the next generation of Clio hatchbacks due next year. Of course, certain elements will be lost in translation from show stand to showroom, but we hope the nifty turn signals integrated into the bodywork make the transition. Those wheels are pretty sweet, too.

We’ll get our first glimpse at the Captur concept at the Geneva Motor Show next week.

Gallery: 2011 Renault Captur concept

[Source: Paultan.org]

Rumormill: Renault to produce Captur concept as a Clio crossover? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Feb 2011 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Bentley to bring new Continental Supersports to Geneva?

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Bentley, Rumormill

2012 Bentley Continental GT

2012 Bentley Continental GT – Click above for high-res image gallery

The first generation of Bentley’s Continental range spawned as many variants as its engine has cylinders. Over seven years of production, they including the GT coupe, the GTC convertible and the Flying Spur sedan, in three levels of engine output (standard, Speed and Supersports), with countless special editions and factory-sanctioned coachbuilt variants (like Zagato’s GTZ and Touring’s Flying Star) along the way.

So what’s next in the pipeline? Well, now that the second-generation Continental GT has hit the market, we can expect the whole rigamarole to start anew. While the range will expand southwards with a new V8 engine option, rumors have begun to surface over the northward expansion with a new Supersports model.

Tipped to be even more extreme than the stripped-out, pumped-up, flex-fuel first-gen Supersports, the new version based on the new Continental GT could benefit from a more aggressive aero package with spoilers and vents aplenty, and a potentially even more powerful engine. Word has it that production could be capped at 100 units, and that Bentley could be planning a surprise unveiling at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show. That said, we’d be a little surprised if Bentley jumped right from the Conti GT to the top whack Supersports – if they follow tradition, other bodystyles and a Speed-series of models will arrive first.

Gallery: 2011 Bentley Continental GT

[Source: TopSpeed]

Rumormill: Bentley to bring new Continental Supersports to Geneva? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Feb 2011 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: GMC Acadia’s future uncertain

Filed under: Crossover, GM, GMC, Rumormill

2011 GMC Acadia Denali

2011 GMC Acadia Denali – Click above for high-res image gallery

Word on the web is that the GMC Acadia is back on the chopping block. You may recall that the big crossover found itself in dire straits once before when the entire GMC brand underwent a strategic review during the General Motors bankruptcy proceedings. After that brush with death, the decisionmakers at the company decided to give the entire brand – and by association, the Acadia – a stay of execution. Now a new report suggests that the next-generation Acadia may be scrapped to reduce product overlap within the GM dealer network.

General Motors currently produces three Lambda-based crossovers – the Chevrolet Traverse, Buick Enclave and the GMC Acadia – and the company says that it wants to keep overlap to a minimum for its Buick-GMC dealers. The next-generation Lambdas are expected in 2014 as 2015 models, but even if the Acadia gets axed, it’s likely that GM will still keep a trio of models based off of the three-row platform, only with Cadillac getting the third model instead of GMC. Thanks for the tip, Ed!

Gallery: 2011 GMC Acadia Denali

[Source: GMInsideNews]

Rumormill: GMC Acadia’s future uncertain originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Feb 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Jaguar considering shooting brake, Evoque-based CUV

Filed under: Wagon, Crossover, Jaguar, Rumormill

jaguar badge on XF grille

Jaguar is looking to expand on its existing lineup of vehicles. Currently, Leaping Cat buyers can choose from variants on the two-door XK, four-door XF and flagship XJ sedan. A two-door, four-passenger XJ-based coupe is reportedly in the works and will take aim at the Mercedes-Benz CL-Class. Also apparently being discussed is a shooting-brake based on the XF and an entry-level crossover based on the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque.

According to Adrian Hallmark, Global Brand Director for Jaguar, crossovers will be a definite part of the automaker’s future. Besides the proposed entry-level Evoque-based CUV, Jaguar is considering another crossover based on the Range Rover Sport.

[Source: Automobile]

Rumormill: Jaguar considering shooting brake, Evoque-based CUV originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Feb 2011 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 details emerge

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Performance, SUV, Jeep, Rumormill

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee – Click above for high-res image gallery

The last Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 was one heck of a muscle truck, but it was somewhat encumbered by being based on the last Grand Cherokee. The new model, however, is a different beast entirely, billed as the kind of vehicle that could help turn Chrysler’s fortunes around. So what’s next? The new Grand Cherokee SRT8, of course. And rumormill reports of its specifications are beginning to pour in.

According to insiders, the new GC SRT8 will bow at the upcoming New York Auto Show in April. And when it does, it is expected to pack the new 6.4-liter Hemi V8 with around 470 horsepower and just as much torque. That’ll be mated, according to the rumors, to a five-speed automatic equipped with paddle shifters – an SRT first. Couple that to a new adaptive damping suspension, 14-inch Brembo brakes and 20-inch alloys wearing Pirelli rubber and you can start to see where Chrysler’s Italian cousins are starting to pitch in. Heck, Chrysler is even said to be working on boosting the towing capacity, so the next SRT8 should be a more well-rounded vehicle to live with, as well. Thanks to all for the tips!

Gallery: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

[Source: WK2Jeeps.com]

Rumormill: 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 details emerge originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Feb 2011 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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