- click picture for the 2010 Jaguar XFR high-res gallery -
Thanks to 4WheelsNews breaking the embargo, we can already show you the first official images of the 2010 Jaguar XFR ahead of the Detroit Auto Show. The XFR will get a new version of Jaguar’s AJV8 engine, a 5.0 liter supercharged powerhouse that produces 510 bhp. Actually, that’s good for an amazing 0-60 mph run in just 4.7 seconds and top speed limited to 155 mph. The XFR is also fitted with new 20-inch Nevis alloy wheels and larger brakes with calipers displaying the “R” logo.
A new front end with a new bumper design incorporating large, chrome trimmed air inlets, hood vents, new fenders, side sills, a decklid spoiler, and new rear bumper should all help to bring forth the sporting intentions of the British top cat.
Inside you’ll find a new dark aluminum trim, sports seats bearing the “R” logo and a sport steering wheel.
Stay tuned for more information!
- click picture for the Bentley Continental GTC Speed gallery -
Even though the Bentley Continental GTC has only been out for two years Bentley considered it was time to perform a light facelift to the luxury four-seater convertible. And while at it Bentley has finally taken the drophead into their Speed garage for the 600 bhp W12 transformation.
With 600 horsepower - 100 horses more than the Azure T, it makes the Continental GTC the most powerful convertible Bentley has ever made. The Speed treatment alters the front end, with a more upright, dark-tinted matrix grille. The GTC Speed version also gets a lowered suspension by 10 mm at the front and 15 mm at the rear with revised spring and damper settings for improved handling, a ‘Dynamic’ mode for the ESP system and wider 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels.
- click picture for more 2009 Honda Insight brochure photos -
Despite Honda’s attempts to keep information secret until the car’s world premiere at the Detroit Auto Show later this month, a set of scans from the official Japanese market model (JDM) brochure have been leaked out. While Honda has officially released a 3/4 front shot of the production version in December, the brochure pictures show all angles including the more conservatively styled rear-end (compared to the concept).
The brochure also reveals images of the Japanese-market Insight Modulo, a sportier version of the hybrid featuring a body kit, auxiliary lighting and larger alloys. According to the scans, the Insight will be available in three trim levels in Japan, G, L and LS.
The brochure was first uploaded on the Honda enthusiast site ‘Temple of Vtec’.
We’ll have more (verified) information once the car comes to Detroit. One thing we do know is that the Insight will go on sale worldwide in the spring of 2009 with U.S. prices said to start from around $18,000 to $19,000.
- click picture for the 2010 Shelby GT500 gallery -
Ford is going to unveil the most powerful Ford Mustang ever in Detroit, later this month. The 2010 Shelby GT500 has had its power tuned up to 540 bhp and some 510 foot-pounds of torque. The GT500’s performance comes from a 5.4-litre V8 engine with a supercharger. The power dome on the hood serves a real purpose by taking in cool air to keep the engine at its best peak performance level.
Carroll Shelby, founder of Shelby Automobiles, says: “We’re proud of the many enhancements that were developed jointly by the Ford and Shelby Automobiles team last year that we’ve now incorporated into the new 2010 Shelby GT500. Building on what we learned to create the Shelby GT500KR, this new car offers a great combination of power, handling and braking. It is truly a special car that is a great deal of fun to drive.”
Next to the already announced unveiling of the production version Karma plug-in hybrid sedan, Fisker now plans to also debut a new concept car at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. The Sunset will officially be called Fisker Karma S and is very similar to the Karma.
Fisker says the concept has similar architecture and will use the Karma’s Q-DRIVE powertrain. This system offers a 50 mile range on a single charge to its Lithium-Ion battery pack, and produces up to 408 bhp from the two electric motors. More details will follow about the Karma S at the company’s press conference on January 12, 2009.
Ahead of the North American International Auto Show, Chevy has introduced the all-new 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. After getting their bailout, the GM is trying to go back-to-business with the new crossover SUV’s official unveiling in Detroit next month.
Chevrolet puts a lot of emphasis on the fuel economy of this car, they claim to get 30 highway miles per gallon on the small engine, and 21 mpg in the city. The larger engine choice gets 25/18 mpg.
Sale starts mid-2009, and the all-new 2010 Chevrolet Equinox will be introduced at the first manufacturer’s press conference in Detroit, in January.
Mercedes-Benz has released a video showing the SLR Stirling Moss ahead of its debut at the Detroit Auto Show in January. The video clearly shows how past and present come together in this car. The car is named after the legendary British racing driver Sir Stirling Moss, and the new SLR shows a remarkable resemblance to the classic racer.
Volvo will show this S60 Concept at the Auto Show in Detroit in January 2009. This is a show model of the car that will replace the current S60 in 2010. The concept car has officially been revealed by Volvo, ahead of Detroit, with this video.
Stephen Odell, President & CEO of Volvo cars, said, “The sporty design gives visual promise of an enthusiastic drive and I can assure you … that the all-new S60 will live up to that promise. The driving properties are better than in any previous Volvo. The car’s technology will help you to be a better and safer driver.”
Volvo Cars design director Steve Mattin continues to say that “In forthcoming models, you will see more and more of our ‘racetrack’ design cues. The car’s lines do not end abruptly but instead forge a continuous flowing pattern inspired by the fast sweeps of the racing track. In the concept car, this is particularly visible at the rear.”
At the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, Subaru will unveil the Legacy Concept to celebrate the model’s 20th anniversary. The concept most likely indicates the new styling of the future models, which is why we see the new headlight design and the square grill. We’re a little unsure about the fender flares on the concept, because they seem a bit too large for a mid-size sedan. Stay tuned, more information will follow next month.
Next month Audi will reveal the Audi A7 Concept at the Detroit Auto Show. The new car is expected to be a four-door coupe/sedan model, comparable with the Mercedes-Benz CLS. It’s good to hear that a non-US car company is going to reveal a new model, and we look forward to the premiere!
