VIDEO: 2010 Ferrari F450 Mule Caught Testing

Looks can be deceiving. What appears to be a modified F430 in this video is in fact a test mule of Ferrari's forthcoming F450 supercar sporting new hardware under the current generation model's bodywork. The F450, which is set to be revealed at this fall's Frankfurt motorshow, will be powered by a direct-injection V8 engine producing somewhere north of 500 horsepower. Get a taste of the new Ferrari revving its V8 powerhouse on the track and on the road in the two-minute-long video after the jump or click here to read more details on the new Prancing Horse model.

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com

Spied: 2012 Buick 'Baby' Sedan Based on the Chevy Cruze

Now that General Motors has taken the decision to trim down its passenger car portfolio with the sale of the Saturn and Saab brands as well as the demise of Pontiac in 2010, there seems to be plenty of space for Buick to expand in new vehicle segments that would otherwise be considered a 'no-no'. How else would you explain this new Buick small sedan prototype that was caught by our spy photographers testing in Germany?

The answer to the question could be that the small Buick sedan is destined exclusively for the Chinese market where the American brand is quite popular. Still, we're pretty sure that Buick's U.S. dealers wouldn't mind adding a smaller and more fuel-efficient sedan in their arsenal, especially now that American consumer tastes are slowly shifting towards more compact and frugal vehicles.

But while at this point GM's full intentions on the small Buick sedan remain a mystery, what is certain is that the saloon is based on the same Delta II platform as the new Chevrolet Cruze and next-generation Opel Astra that will be revealed this fall at the Frankfurt Auto Show.

This means that it will be roughly the same size as the Cruze sharing the same engine options that will include numerous four-cylinder diesel and gasoline units, the later in both naturally-aspirated and turbocharged forms.

But will this be enough for the small Buick sedan to be successful? Maybe in China, but in order for the car to make it in the U.S. and justify a higher price tag than its Chevrolet stablemate, GM will have to think out of the box and forget about its effortless badge-engineering techniques of the past.

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com

2010 BMW X1 Caught Undisguised During Photo Shoot!

So much for BMW's attempts to keep the forthcoming X1 model under covers during testing. A member of the French 'Forum-Auto' website captured the Bavarian automaker's small SUV completely undisguised in what appears to be a commercial photo / video shoot somewhere in Europe. Not surprisingly, the production version is virtually identical to last year's so-called X1 Concept with only a few minor visible differences that include the retrimmed grille and aluminum rocker panels.

The new X1 SUV is scheduled to make its world premiere at this autumn's Frankfurt Motor Show in September with the first cars arriving at BMW's dealerships by the end of the year.

Powertrain options will include numerous four-cylinder and straight-six diesel and gasoline engines and while not confirmed, it is said that the X1 may be offered in both rear- and all-wheel drive versions. Read more about the production X1 in our previous post here that also includes the latest spy shots of the car.

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com

VIDEO: 2010 Opel Astra Prototype Winter Testing

Opel's official Astra blog -yep, nowadays even specific models get their own blogs- has begun an informal countdown for the launch of the new German hatchback that will take place at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September. Up until now, the Germans have released a trio of videos featuring camouflaged prototype models shot during winter testing in Arjeplog, Sweden, which is a popular test destination for European carmakers.

The new Astra will be offered in all sorts of bodystyles including a five-door hatch, sedan, station wagon, coupe-convertible and a coupe-like three-door model. You can check out a whole set of photos and more analytical details on the 2010 Astra by clicking here.

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com

2010 Ferrari F450 Rendered - Set to be Unveiled at Frankfurt Show this Fall

As Ferrari is in the final development phase of the F430's successor, French car magazine Auto Plus decided to prepare an artist's impression of the new Prancing Horse supercar compiled from various spy shots of the prototype model. The rendering suggests a more modern design language with heavily concaved surfaces on the side panels. Up front, the styling looks less exciting, but let's not forget that this is an unofficial design proposal, nothing more, nothing less.

The Italian carmaker has been quite secretive about the details surrounding the F430's heir, but sources speculate that the supercar will most likely get a F450 badge reflecting the displacement of the mid-mounted V8, which will grow from 4.3- to 4.5-liters and feature a Bosch developed, direct-injection system. This also means that the F450's V8 will potentially be more powerful producing over 500HP, up from the F430's 490HP.

We've also heard through the grapevine that the F450 will be the Prancing Horse's first production model to feature an array of eco-friendly materials as well as several weight reduction measures, many of which were first seen on the firm's 2007 FXX Millechili concept (pictured above), a scaled-down version of the Enzo that weighed in at just 1,000kg / 2,204 lbs, or 366kg / 807lbs less than the model it was based upon.

According to out information, the F450 will make its world debut at the Frankfurt Show in September. Those interested in buying one, will probably have to wait until early 2010 to see it in Ferrari's dealerships.

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com

Saab's Insignia-Based 9-5 Sedan Caught Testing on the 'Ring

As Saab officials struggle to find a new owner for the troubled automaker to emerge from bankruptcy protection by June, the Swedish firm's engineers are continuing the development of the all-new 9-5 executive sedan. If all goes well, Saab's flagship model should be revealed for the first time this autumn at the Frankfurt Motor Show ahead of its showroom debut in the first quarter of 2010.

The replacement for the 9-5 has been long overdue as the current model was introduced into the market back in 1997 - talk about GM's commitment to Saab... The new 9-5 will use a modified version of the Opel Insignia's Epsilon II platform featuring a longer wheelbase.

As with the Insignia, the 9-5 will come with the option of front- or four-wheel drive layouts, while the engine range will also be similar and include 2.0-liter turbocharged four pots and 2.8-liter turbocharged V6 gasoline units as well as new 4-cylinder direct-injection diesels.

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com

Renault Official Confirms Twingo-Based Convertible for 2010

French automaker Renault has officially confirmed through its deputy vice president of small vehicle models, Yves-Eric Morel, that the company is readying a new cabriolet model based on the Twingo minicar that could be unveiled as early as the Frankfurt Auto Show in September with sales starting sometime during the first half of 2010. Unlike the conventional Fiat 500 and MINI droptops, the French automaker's cabrio be much more than just a Twingo without a rooftop as Renault's goal is to create a 'niche' model that will stand out from the crowd.

"We are working on a small convertible for 2010," Renault's deputy vice president of the small-car segment Yves-Eric Morel told Auto News Europe during a press event in Europe. "It's going to be a niche vehicle, and like any niche vehicle, the objective will be to do something different, that gives a boost to the brand's image. We're not going to do a Twingo CC," Morel said.

Although Morel declined to disclose any more specific details on the car, media speculation has it that the Twingo-based convertible will be a two-seater model featuring a retractable central-piece rooftop similar in design to the one found in the Ferrari 575 M Superamerica.

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com

VIDEO: 2011 BMW M5 Gone in 12 Seconds

This 12-second long video hypothetically shows a prototype version of the next-generation BMW M5 sedan that's expected about a year after the introduction of the new 5-Series Sedan and Touring models in 2010. There's no way of being 100 percent sure if it's an M5 or not, but it certainly sounds the part. The new M5 will be powered by the same 555HP 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine found in the X5M and X6M sporty crossovers.

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com

Scooped: JDM 2010 Subaru Legacy Touring Wagon

If the overly secretive teaser image of the JDM 2010 Subaru Legacy that is scheduled to be officially revealed in the Land of the Rising Sun on May 20th wasn't enough for you, Japan's Car Mode magazine has a full blown photo of the Touring Wagon version in its latest issue. Stylistically, the differences between U.S market 2010 Subaru Legacy that was unveiled in New York and the JDM model are limited to minor details like the prolonged air intakes at the corners of the front bumper and the redesigned exterior mirrors.

The Legacy Touring Wagon that is featured in these scoop photos is in effect an Outback stripped out of its 'crossoverish' doodads and plastic add-ons for a more conventional look. If you happen to prefer the simplicity of the Touring Wagon over the Outback then tough luck because while the Estate is scheduled for a European launch, Subaru has no plans of bringing it to the States.

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com

Rumorville: Toyota Readying Sporty Prius GT?

According to the Japanese grapevine, Toyota is developing a sporty, or rather a sportier, version of the new 2010 Prius Hybrid that will initially be available in the Land of the Rising Sun beginning from next year. Provided that the information is true, it remains to be seen if the so-called Prius GT will feature any mechanical and electronic upgrades or if Toyota will be content with a bodykit and maybe a lowered sport suspension as seen in the computer generated image above that was created by the folks over at Japan's Best Car magazine.

The CGI depicts the Toyota Prius GT with a more aggressively designed front bumper that features larger air vents and a lip spoiler along with side skirts and a set of multispoke alloy wheels wrapped in chunkier, low profile tires.

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com

2010 BMW 3-Series Coupe Facelift Spied?

With last year's introduction of the subtly refreshed BMW 3-Series Sedan and Touring models, it was only a matter of time before we heard something about the Coupe and Cabriolet versions of the most popular model in the Bavarian automaker's range. Now, the BMW-loving crew over at E90post are claiming to have the first spy photos of E92 3-Series Coupe facelift, courtesy of Brenda Priddy and her team.

However, don't get too excited as the only thing that sets this prototype apart from today's model is the taped bumper and well, that's about it. We'll have to wait and see if BMW actually limits the styling changes to the nose or if the Munich-based automaker proceeds to more extensive cosmetic changes.

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com

Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Centenaire: First Photos of Special Edition Series

At last month's Geneva Auto Show, Bugatti revealed the Veyron 16.4 Bleu Centenaire, a one-off special edition model built to celebrate the firm's 100th anniversary. Bugatti boss Dr. Franz-Josef Paefgen had announced then that the company would have a few more surprises in store for us at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este (April 24 - 26). Well, if we are to believe our fellow 'colegas' at Motorpassion, the 'surprises' come in the form of four special edition versions of the Veyron.

It is said that each of the four special edition Veyron 16.4 Centenaire pays homage to one of the company's pre-World War 2 Grand Prix drivers including Jean-Pierre Wimille (France, 1908-1949), Achille Varzi (Italy, 1904-1948), Malcolm Campbell (England, 1885-1949) and Hermann Zu Leiningen (Germany, 1901-1971).

While the special edition Veyron 16.4s remain mechanically intact, they do come with a special paint job that's combined with polished aluminum doors and front fenders as well as a other cosmetic upgrades. We'll have more on the Veyron Centenaire closer to the Villa d'Este festivities.

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com

2010 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV Facelift Scooped, gets new Diesel and Gasoline Engines

It's facelift time for Hyundai's mid-size SUV or if you prefer, crossover - who can tell the difference any more... In view of the fact that the latest generation Santa Fe has only been around for three years, don't expect to see any major cosmetic changes, just minor tweaks here and there that will include reshaped headlights and tail lamps along with restyled bumpers, new mirrors that incorporate turning signals and different alloy wheel designs.

Our spy photographers didn't manage to scoop the prototype's interior but our sources state that Hyundai will update the cabin with new trim options and add a few toys to the vehicle's equipment list.

Hyundai has paid more attention under the skin as the refreshed Santa Fe will benefit from the presentation of at least two new powertrain options including the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder Theta II gasoline engine that produces 175HP at 6,000 rpm and 168 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm. The second-generation Theta engine that can be mated to a five-speed manual or automatic transmission has already been confirmed for the U.S. market. Up until now, the Santa Fe was offered in the States only with a 2.7-liter V6 and 3.3-liter V6.

In Europe, Korea and other international markets, the 2010 Santa Fe facelift will also be available with Hyundai's newly developed 2.2-liter 4-cylinder 'R' diesel engine that cranks out 197HP and 435Nm or 320.1 lbs/ft of torque.

Though not officially confirmed, Carscoop's sources state that in the USA, Hyundai will replace the current 242HP 3.3-liter V6 with the Korean firm's new 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 277HP and 335 Nm or 247 lbs/ft of torque.

Expect to see the 2010 Santa Fe making its debut at the forthcoming Frankfurt Motor Show in September with the first cars arriving in Hyundai's dealerships on both sides of the Atlantic shortly after.

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com

Skoda Readying Fabia Hatchback Scout - Official Design Sketches

Yep, it's another faux-by-four variant from Skoda. In addition to the Octavia, Roomster and Fabia Estate Scout models, the Czech automaker is now getting ready to add the Scout badge to the Fabia hatchback. These official photos - courtesy of the European trademark office, show that the 5-door Fabia will receive the same visual off-road styling cues as the other Scout models meaning plenty of black plastic cladding all-around and new roof bars, and well, that's about it.

As with the Fabia Estate Scout, the hatchback model will be offered exclusively with a front-wheel drive layout while expect to see a similar engine line-up as in the standard car. That means 1.4-liter and 1.6-liter petrol engines with 85 and 105HP outputs respectively as well as two diesel powerplants, an 80HP 1.4-liter TDI and a 105HP 1.9-liter TDI.

The new Fabia Scout hatchback should make its premiere in one of the forthcoming international auto shows in Europe.

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com