Next Generation Hyundai Elantra Touring Spied

It’s no secret that the good folks at Endras BMW are decidedly obsessed with BMW and performance but it turns out they are also good old fashioned car nuts in general as a member of the Endras team spotted this prototype in Toronto.

The shape of the headlights, the similar interior to the sedan and its overall size point to it being the likely replacement for the current (and very tired looking) Elantra Touring. As evidenced by the interior shots, the new Elantra Touring will get a manual transmission option and it even looks to be a six-speed.

I wouldn’t expect the engine options to stray too far from the sedan counterpart which has a 1.8 litre inline four that makes 148 horses.

This spy shot comes on the heels of the other flavour of Elantra, the coupe, being spied totally undisguised just a few days ago.

More details are sure to follow soon on the new hatch from Hyundai.

[Endras BMW]

Oh Hi: 2012 Hyundai Elantra Coupe

Even though the Elantra just won car of the year at this year’s North American Auto Show, Hyundai is hoping to keep the line fresh by introducing a coupe version of their C-segment sedan. It has been spied recently on the back of a flat bed.

We knew this was coming and in terms of design there’s really no surprises here other than that dent in the rear quarter panel. Careful now!

So, coupes are generally known for being of a more sporty nature than their sedan counterparts and the Elantra coupe is…. different from this assumption. So far as I can tell, there will be nothing to set it apart from the sedan in terms of performance. Hell there’s nothing that sets it apart in design either except for less doors. It will get the same 1.8 litre inline four that makes 148 horses. Um, not exactly inspiring performance numbers.

Well, surely they will have reworked the suspension. Nope, not at all. Basically this is a just a less practical Elantra. Why would anyone want that?

You’d think Hyundai would have learned from GM’s Cobalt and Pursuit coupe variants that just chopping off two doors doesn’t make it a performance car. And at least GM had the decency to offer real performance upgrades to those cars in different trim levels. It’s not as if Hyundai isn’t capable of performance either as demonstrated in the current Genesis coupe and upcoming 2013 Genesis coupe.

Overall this Elantra coupe smells of poseur performance. And it will likely sell well because of it. Shame.

[Inside Line]

Next Generation Mini Cooper Interior Spied

No, the interior you’re looking at above is not a new BMW interior, it’s actually that of the next generation Mini Cooper.

The Mini’s current interior pays homage to the original Mini with a retro-styled large speedometer in the middle, along with some modern enhancements such as toggle switches and coloured interiors that match the exterior. The interior has always been quite polarizing and BMW is clearly listening to the nay-sayers.

Assuming this test mule spotted cold weather testing in the article circle isn’t some elaborute ruse to foil sneaky photogs, it seems the next generation is going to do away with the love it or hate it retro look in favour of a decidedly BMW-esque interior. BMW fans will recognize the familiar looking centre stack as well as the orange conservative styled gauges.

BMW has recently said that the next generation Mini will take on a more modern look, but it was unclear if this meant a more modern exterior or interior. This pic seems to at least confirm the latter.

[Photo credit: KGP Photography via Autoblog Canada]

Spotted: 5-Door Volvo C30

Well this certainly clears the rumours that the C30 was on its way out along with the V50 and S40, both of which have been confirmed to be discontinued after this year.

Volvo has been pondering the idea of a 5-door version of the C30 ever since its inception and now we have proof that it is indeed in the works. However, what isn’t clear is what the smallest Volvo’s nomenclature will be. Since the ‘C’ in all Volvo alphanumeric names designates coupes only, it’s likely this 5-door C30 will bare the name of V30 as V’s are typically reserved for wagon types. Then again, the C30 isn’t a wagon, it’s a hatchback. All very confusing, isn’t it? Regardless, this won’t be the only iteration of the 5-door C30 as a jacked-up crossover variant (like the XC70) is also reportedly in the works. It stands to reason that it would be called the XC30.

This is likely a smart move on Volvo’s part if they are truely wishing to compete with the big boys such as the Audi A3, Lexus CT200h, the Mercedes-Benz B-Class and the BMW 1-series hatchback. Also, with rumours of Saab returning back to its hatchback roots (assuming Saab lives on long enough), Volvo will definitely need a competitor for its ultimate rival.

The 5-door C30 or V30 or XC30 or whatever you want to call it, is expected to debut in late 2012 or early 2013 along with a complete redesign of the C30 coupe.

[Autoblog]

Alfa Romeo Based Dodge Caliber Replacement Spied

Canadians are going to get their first taste in decades of what Alfa Romeo has been up to lately, even if it will be wearing a Dodge emblem. The replacement for the Caliber will be largely based on the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, so much so that it seemed the only real changes would be swapping the Alfa badges for Dodge badges. A recent spy pic somewhat confirms this.

What you see above is actually a four door version of the Giulietta. The Giulietta has traditionally been a hatchback and since the Caliber is a hatchback it was originally thought to come to our shores in that form. The pic either suggests otherwise or suggests that there will be at least two different body styles for the Caliber successor. The signature Dodge crosshair grille in the picture actually doesn’t fit the Italian face too badly.

This Caliber replacement (rumoured to be named the Hornet) is currently set to officially bow at the 2012 Detroit Auto show. No engine specs have been released yet but the 1.7 litre four cylinder which makes 232 horsepower that comes in the current top trim level of the Giulietta would make an excellent version of an SRT-4, no?

[KGP Photography via Autoblog Canada]

Spied: 2013 Nissan Altima

Fresh off the heels of my complaining that the current Nissan Altima looks dated, comes some spy pics of the next generation.

This new Altima will get a revised front facia with more styling headlights, grille and fog lights. Yes, even the rear of the Altima will get a refresh with the new generation.  The rear tail lights look to be more attention grabbing along with a higher deck lid.

The new Altima is expected to get a new 2.0 litre turbocharged four replacing the aging (and sometimes whiney) 2.5 litre naturally aspirated four cylinder. The range topping 3.5 litre V6 will stick around with a likely power boost. Manual transmissions are expected across the line, not just on the base model like Toyota and Hyundai have done with their family sedans. Thanks for that, Nissan. If, for some reason, you prefer the automatic, Nissan’s slick shifting CVT is the order of the day.

Expect the 2013 Altima to bow next year and it can’t comes soon enough with the new Camry hitting the streets soon along with the hot-selling Sonata and Optima nipping at the heels. Not to mention credible product in the form of the Ford Fusion. Hit the jump for a rear snap.

[Autoblog Canada]

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Evidence Shown of 7-Speed Manual in Porsche 911

The internets were a buzz last month when rumours started to surface that Porsche was developing a seven-speed manual transmission for the iconic 911. The speculation was that the addition of a seventh gear would help out in the fuel efficiency department. Besides, automatics are now into the 8th gear realm and quite possibly beyond.

Well, now there is actually some evidence. Porsche has released a teaser video of the next gen 911 and one thing that almost went unnoticed was the gear shift during the shots of the cockpit.  It’s hard to make out, but if you look at the zoomed portion of the gear shift there’s actually an extra line going up and to the right.

In the current generation of row-the-gears-yourself 911s, the reverse gear is up and to the left. This would seem to suggest that the extra line to the right on the gear knob is indeed the rumoured seventh gear. And if it is indeed true, this could very well be the proverbial life saver that the manual transmission so desperately needs to stay alive past the next decade.

Click here to check out Porsche’s teaser video.

[Youtube]

Cadillac ATS Learns How It’s Done From BMW 3-Series

If imitation is one of the most sincerest forms of flattery then GM is sending a pretty big tip of the hat to BMW and the 3-series.

The newest member of the Cadillac family, the ATS, is apparently going to be a very familiar driving experience to the 3-series as Cadillac has supposedly bought various iterations of the 3-series and has stripped them down to the chasis to learn about how BMW makes the 3-series the benchmark in the sport sedan segment. Cadillac will then study, mimick and incorporate what they learned into the ATS. Sounds like they’re pretty serious about making a legitimate condender.

With that said, even if ATS succeeds at offering the driving experience of  a 3-series, it will be outdated from the get-go. BMW is very close to completing the next generation 3-series which will undoubtedly set the bar even higher. The new 3-series is expected to debut late this year. Same goes for the ATS.

I’m curious as to what Cadillac’s slogan will be for the ATS. Something like “Just as good as an older 3-series” just doesn’t seem to work that well, does it. In any event, even if the ATS is based on a previous generation 3-series, that still means it should perform very well. And with Cadillac’s typical pricing advantage over the Germans, it will position as a tasty alternative to 3-series, A4 and G37 loyalists.

[Autoblog]

Next Generation BMW 3-Series Strips Off More Camo

BMW is getting closer and closer to revealing the production version of the next generation BMW 3-series. For the first time, BMW’s best selling model has been snapped without any camo whatsoever. Despite the irritating swirly plastic wrap, this helps us to get a general sense of the lines and the shape.

The new 3-series seems to have a  rather shapely front hood along with squared off halos which we first saw on the new 6-series. This would suggest that BMW may be departing slightly from it’s rounded signature halo rings. However, it is a bit hard to tell with that swirly wrap. It’s possible that the halo’s will still be rounded. Whatever the shape, expect them to be LED’s on higher trim models. The tail lights will also be LED’s and will resemble pretty much every sedan in the line up. In fact they seem to have a striking resemblance to the tail lights of the new 5-series.

There’s no details on power plants just yet, but as BMW has already confirmed, there will be six, four and even three cylinder engines dropped in the engine bays of future BMW’s.

Click past the jump to see some more pics of the new 3-series.

[CarPix]

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Say Hello to the New Baby Jeep

No, Jeep didn’t drastically change its design language, that’s actually a spy shot of the upcoming Fiat Qubo which isn’t sold in North America. So why is it relevant to us Canucks? Well, the Qubo has been confirmed to come to North America – not as a Fiat though, as a Jeep in 2013.

This new Qubo was spotted cold weather testing in Sweden which means it should be able to withstand Canadian winters as well. The updated Qubo will get a 1.3 litre and a 1.4 litre engine with a 1.6 litre diesel available as well. It’s expected that these Italian engines will carry over to the baby Jeep. In Europe the Qubo is front wheel drive, but expect all-wheel drive to be the order of the day for our version. It is wearing a Jeep badge, afterall. As a result, there won’t be too much part sharing between the Qubo and the jr. Jeep but they will still share certain componants such as the chasis, so expect to see some Fiat parts taken from the parts bin.

And don’t worry all you Jeep purists, this new Jeep will get round headlights and a verticle grille. Jeep CEO Mike Manly has assured everyone that the design of the Jeep will be very much like his last name. Let’s just hope they take care of that rolling over problem that the current Qubo and Citreon Nemo have going on.

[Autoblog]

Next Generation Subaru Impreza Caught!

The next generation Subaru Impreza was caught with virtually no camouflage this past week.

Baring a similarity to its big brother, the Legacy, Subaru is clearly trying to keep a design theme throughout the lineup. They hope to make Subaru a more recognizable brand. That’s all fine and good, but I’ve got to say, the production version of the Impreza is a huge disappointment from the Impreza concept car they showed off last November. That concept was hot!

The model pictured above is likely the base model which will get a revised 4 cylinder boxer engine. The new engine is supposed to help the Impreza gain some extra fuel mileage all while boosting power. Both the sedan and the hatchback will carry over along with all-wheel drive standard, of course.

Luckily, since this is the base version, the WRX and STI will likely have more aggressive styling elements added on to give it a bit more character. Oh, and obviously there will be a much more desirable engine under the hood. No word yet on WRX or STI numbers, but stay tooned for that.

For more pics of the Impreza click here.

[Autoblog]

BMW i3 to Be Mid-Engine

BMW’s newest and smallest offering from the i sub-brand was recently caught out and about cold weather testing in Sweden. Well, all that snow essentially confirmed which wheels will be powering the little carbon fiber city car. The power slides, tail happiness and donuts essentially confirm it will be rear wheel drive.

Also confirmed is the mid-engine set up. This places the motor in front of the rear wheels and the battery pack below the trunk. BMW says the drivetrain can be completely separated from the body which means less labour time for you to pay for when you’re getting work done on your i3. It should make things a lot easier for mechanics (or yourself if you prefer to do it yourself).

Still no good shots of the exterior. That swirly paint is definitely doing its job, but it shouldn’t be too much longer before an official reveal is made.

[CarPix]

A Half Hour of Awesomeness

I’ve been holding off blogging on the upcoming M5 for a while because I feel the M5 commands a certain respect that should be returned in showing it off in its official form. It deserves better than simple spy shots with weird camoflage and swirly paint jobs.

But this is too good to pass up. You might have seen the shorter version of this film which highlights the M5 cold weather testing and having a good time of it. Well now BMW has leaked the entire video which is about 30 minutes of  tail slides, revving V8 goodness and beautiful still shots.

Right now, all we know is that the V10 found in the previous generation M5 will be replaced by a V8 – although it’s not certain if it will be the 4.4 litre V8 found in the 550i, but if it is, you can be sure it will be tuned to over 550 horses at least.

Also confirmed is the availability of a manual transmission – at least for our market. There were rumours going around that it would be auto only which had BMW purists shouting blasphemy from the hills but BMW has indeed confirmed it for our market. They have yet to confirm it for other markets however.

The official reveal will happen in mid-April. Car Driven will have all the details!

[Youtube]

You Can’t Fool Me, BMW!

You might have seen this picture floating around the internet – seemingly a BMW M3 prototype circling the ‘Ring that was caught by spy photographers. No, you’re eyes aren’t playing tricks on you, that is actually an M3 pick-up truck!

These photos were released last week but I held off blogging about it because something just wasn’t right about it. Why would BMW, a brand obsessed with performance, build a pick-up truck? It doesn’t make any sense.

Well it was confirmed today that this M3 pick-up truck is, as BMW puts it, “Aprilscherz”. If you’re German is a bit rusty, that loosely translates into ‘April fools joke’. Not to toot my own horn, but I’m so glad I didn’t fall for that one, while so many other sites did. Ha! You can’t fool me, BMW! I will admit, however, that there was a very small part of me that thought BMW might have been making a Holden SV6 Ute competitor, but that seemed very unlikely.

Anyway, even though I wasn’t fooled, it was actually pretty smart to get the April fool’s joke rolling early when people are unsuspecting of such things. Don’t think that BMW doesn’t have anything in store on April 1st, however. BMW, along with many other manufacturers love to pull pranks and I have no doubt they may have other tricks up their sleeve. Especially since they also announced that they will officially reveal the M5 concept that day along with other un-produced M3 prototypes. Consider me skeptical about that one.

In any event, it was a pretty funny prank. And just to be clear, BMW has no intention of building this M3 pick-up truck, but they do still have the test mule around which could allow them to enter the Australian V8 Ute racing series. BMW responded to that suggestion saying, “Well, we have the one unit available if they’d be interested, don’t we?”

Hmm, interesting!

[Autoblog]

Mini Cooper Coupe Closer to Production

About a month ago the Mini Cooper Roadster was caught out and a bout and now its hard topped brother has been caught doing this same. This can only mean that we are ever closer to seeing a production version of the two concepts, which were technically close to production ready in the first place. Autoblog’s stealth photog was able to snap this shot that confirms the production version won’t stray far from the concept.

The rumoured engine for the coupe is the same 1.6 litre turbo four cylinder that can be found under the hood of the current John Cooper Works Edition Mini Cooper, meaning it produces 211 horsepower and 192 pound feet of torque. The rumour also indicated that the roadster’s engine would be tamed somewhat to 175 horses and 177 pound foot torque. Given that the current Cooper S generates 181 horsepower, I’d wager that’s no longer true.

The coupe will also get, according to the photos, a retractable spoiler which is great for when it’s not needed i.e it’s a functional spoiler unlike 90% of spoilers out there today.

The coupe and roadster are expected to be revealed quite soon with the coupe going into production this fall ahead of the roadster.

[Autoblog]