2012 BMW 1-Series Supersport: The M1 Coupe with a Twin-Turbo Four-Banger

In addition to the three- and five-door hatchbacks, coupe, convertible and quite possibly, Shooting Brake, SAV (three-door version of the X1 SUV) and Gran Turismo (something in the likes of the 5-Series PAS) variants of the next-generation 1-Series that's due in 2011, Car Magazine claims that BMW is also readying an M division-prepped Supersport model. While it won't carry the M1 badge because of the synergies created with the firm's iconic mid-engined supercar of the 70s, the Supersport model is exactly that; an M version of the 1-Series Coupe.

As you can see in the above sketch from Car Magazine, the 1-Series Coupe Supersport will supposedly receive a pair of round headlamps as a homage to its spiritual predecessor, the famous 2002 series and especially, the 2002 tii model.

Though BMW has not released any information whatsoever on the car, it is claimed that the 1-Series Supersport will equipped by a new, high-revving, twin-turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a capacity of 2.0- or 2.2-liters producing somewhere around 300HP. Power of course will be sent to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual or alternatively, a double-clutch semi-automatic transmission.

Via: Car Magazine

2010 Subaru Legacy and Legacy Outback Artist's Impressions

In spite of the fact that the revealing of the close-to-production Legacy Concept at the 2009 Detroit Show in January hasn't left much to the imagination, nevertheless, Japan's Best Car rendering artists have attempted to tone down the design of the study to give us a more accurate view of the 2010 Legacy that is rumored to be unveiled at this April's New York Auto Show.

As well as performing a few minor changes on the sedan to make it look more production ready, Best Car's artists also drew up a couple of renderings of the station wagon and Outback variants of the 2010 Legacy.

Via: NASIOC , Source: Best Car

Artists Impression of 2010 BMW 5-Series

Talented illustrator Jon Sibal has crafted yet another rendering, this time depicting the forthcoming 2010 BMW 5-Series sedan that is due to be revealed late next year. As well as using styling cues from the 5 Series-based Gran Turismo concept that was shown in Geneva, Jon Sibal also took into consideration a couple of supposedly leaked photos of the new 5er, including one of the car's front bumper.

Only time can tell if this artist's impression of the next-generation 5-Series sedan has hit the spot or not, but until then, click here to check out our spy photos and read more about the the Bavarian firm's new executive model that will compete head-on with the recently revealed Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

Source: Jon Sibal , Via: Worldcarfans

Toyota iQ Roadster Rendering Speculation from Japan

Rumor has it that Toyota is developing a roadster version of its newly introduced iQ minicar that will make its first appearance in concept form at the Tokyo Motor Show to be held from October 23 through November 8, 2009. This latest speculative rendering that comes from Japan's Motor Magazine depicts a Daihatsu Copen-like two-seater roadster with a set of protective roll bars that is based on the underpinnings of the iQ.

If the rumors turn out to be true and Toyota does decide to go ahead and build a production variant of the roadster, then it will most likely be equipped with the same powertrains as the iQ hatchback, including the 1.0-liter and 1.33-liter gasoline engines and quite possibly, a 1.4-liter diesel. However, since we have a long way to go before the 41st Tokyo Salon opens its doors to the public, we're keeping this on Rumorville for now.

Source: Motor Magazine

New Mercedes-Benz E-Class Convertible Rumored to Debut in Frankfurt

According to the grapevine, Mercedes-Benz will lift the covers on the convertible version of the new E-Class Coupe (click here for photos and details) at this fall's Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany. Though not confirmed, it has been said that the E-Class Convertible will retain the current CLK's soft-top configuration and four-seat layout. Merc's BMW 3-Series and Audi A5 Convertible rival will be offered with the same engine range as the Coupe variant including a 204HP 1.8-liter turbocharged four-pot and a 388HP 5.5-liter V8.

Via: Inside Line (Photo: Carscoop)

2010 Kia Sorento SUV: Official Sketches, Debut set for April

In addition to the teaser photo released earlier in February, Kia has issued two new renderings along with initial details of its forthcoming 2010 Sorento SUV. The Korean automaker said that the second-generation Sorento, codenamed XM, is set for launch in April, meaning that it will most likely make its world premiere at the Seoul Motor Show. The teaser sketches reveal that the new model will follow the 2007 Kue concept car's edgy and chiseled lines while it will also feature Kia's new corporate grille.

Kia Motors Chief Design Officer Peter Schreyer said, "The dynamic design of XM adopts simple linear lines to lend a powerful, yet polished appearance. Sporty and striking, XM represents a new breed of SUV."

The 2010 Sorento will most likely offer buyers the option of adding a third row of seats, increasing passenger capacity to seven.

The new Sorento will become the first Hyundai-Kia vehicle to come equipped with the firm's all-new environmentally-friendly passenger diesel R-engine. The 2.2-liter 4-cylinder unit produces an output of 200-horsepower. According to Kia, when hooked up to a 6-speed automatic transmission, the new Sorento 2.2R will have a combined fuel consumption of 7.1lt / 100km or 33.2mpg US.

Kia also plans to satisfy diverse consumer tastes by offering the model with a 2.4 gasoline and a 2.7 LPI (Liquified Petroleum Gas ) engine. The Korean carmaker claims that this makes Kia XM the first vehicle in the world to run on all three fuel types.

Sales of the new Sorento are expected to commence in Korea this spring, with the rest of the world following in late 2009 and early 2010.

Source: Kia , Via: Kia-World

Alfa Romeo Giulia Photoshoped on Chrysler 200C RWD Concept

In the world of Photoshop, there are no boundaries other than one's imagination. Take this proposal for the Alfa Romeo's 159 successor called Giulia for example; the guys over at CWW Automotive Design based the chop on Chrysler's latest concept car, the mid-size 200C study that was presented at this year's Detroit Show.

Pure fantasy? Maybe in what concerns the design, but if Chrysler LLC and the Fiat Group end up joining forces and if the American automaker manages to stand on its feet, the 200C that uses a shortened version of the 300's RWD platform could find its way into production and at the same time serve as a base for a next-generation Giulia offering Alfa their first rear-wheel drive sedan in nearly two decades.

Too many 'ifs' if you ask us, but dreaming never hurt anybody.

Via: CWW

Fiat 500 Convertible Teaser Sketches - Official Photos to be Released Next Week

Fiat has just announced that the first official photographs of its all-new Fiat 500 Convertible will be released on Monday, February 16, two weeks ahead of the car's world premiere at the at the Geneva Motor Show. But to just to keep us on our toes, the Italian automaker uploaded two teaser sketches as well as a fuzzy photos of the rag-topped 500 on its dedicated micro site. The teaser shots confirm earlier reports that 500 Convertible will not be equipped with a fully retractable rooftop but instead, it will feature a folding-back canvas top covering the roof and the rear glasshouse.

Following its introduction in Geneva, the 500 Convertible will go on sale across Europe by summer 2009, and if all goes well with the proposed partnership between the Fiat Group and Chrysler LLC, we could see it coming to North America.

The canvas-top 500 is expected to be offered with the same powertrain options as the tin-top model including 1.2-liter and 1.4-liter gasoline engines and a 1.3-liter turbo diesel.

VW Releases Teaser Sketch of U.S Market 2011 Mid-Size Sedan - Larger than the Passat

On Thursday, Volkswagen's North American arm released the first-ever teaser sketch of its forthcoming mid-size sedan codenamed NMS that will be manufactured at the company's first U.S. production facility in more than 20 years, located in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The sketch reveals that the yet to be named saloon will be more 'wedgy' and squared-off than Volkswagen's current proposals with the front-end design bringing to mind the fascia of the German automaker's latest concept car, the BlueSport Roadster.

It is said that the NMS will be slightly larger than the current-generation Passat with Volkswagen promising that it will feature "spacious legroom", a "large trunk volume" and numerous cupholders - we didn't say that, VW did.

During an official presentation in Berlin, Germany, last October, VW officials said that their North American market mid-size sedan will be offered with the firm's latest Fuel-Stratified Injection (FSI) gasoline and TDI diesel engine units, mated to a dual-clutch transmission. Production of the NMS is expected to begin in Chattanooga in early 2011.

Via: Autoweek

Lamborghini Gallardo Super-Leg-gera High Heels

While we wouldn't mind seeing our lady wearing this pair of Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera inspired, carbon-fibered high heel shoes, unfortunately for us but luckily for our chic gal, these heels weren't made for walking or anything else for that matter. Actually, unlike the Opel Agila shoes we showed you in the past, the Lambo high-heels you're looking (maybe even mocking) at the picture above, are the fantasy product of a creative photoshop artist called Tim Cooper.

Via: Auto Plus , Source CGS

Japanese Magazine Spins out New Mazda RX-7 Rendering

Another day, another artist's impression of a fourth-generation Mazda RX-7 model. This time, the speculative rendering comes from Japan's Motor Magazine with the artist taking a more 'wedgy' approach to the design that incorporates all the usual styling cues from Mazda's latest production and concept models like the 'smiley' front grille, the pronounced front wheel arches and the sharp-angled headlights.

It's not our style to create stories out of nowhere, so we must say that both officially and unofficially, our Mazda sources have yet to confirm the return of the RX-7 in the Japanese automaker's car range. Plus, with the current global economic downturn and dire predictions for the near future, we gather that like any other automaker, Mazda will be cautious in its spending preferring to invest in the development of its core models rather than in niche cars like the RX-7.

Via: Motor Magazine - Thanks for the scan JK!

Fan Comes up with BMW M7 Rendering, Bavarians' Still not Interested

In yet another case of 'too-much-time-itis', a reader of our Dutch friends at Autblog.nl has come up with a new fantasy rendering of the BMW M7 - a car that has never been confirmed, and most probably never will. Using a blacked out 7-Series as a base, the artist photoshoped an "M" style bumper, lowered the car a few inches and added a set of... Brabus alloy wheels. Even though the German saloon looks pretty menacing here, we reckon that if BMW ever decided to build an M7, it would look far more aggressive than this proposal.

Via: Autoblog.nl , Source: Autojunk.nl

2010 Hyundai Equus Luxury Sedan - New Interior Sketch

Hyundai has issued a new sketch depicting the interior of its BMW 7-Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class killer (okay, we're being sarcastic now), the 2010 Equus that is scheduled for release this month. If this rendering is anything go by and with the exception of the fact that it sports more wood than a lumberyard, the luxury sedan's cabin is nothing out of the ordinary in terms of design. The Asian-market only 2010 Equus is based on a stretched version of the Genesis sedan platform and it will be offered with V6 and V8 powertrains.

Via: Hyundai-blog

Volvo C30 DTM Racecar Illustrations

Swedish designer Bo Zolland from Vizualtech has sent us a series of renderings demonstrating a Volvo C30 racecar that could potentially compete in the DTM or the Le Mans endurance series. "The idea was to create a Diesel or 'green' racing car with low emissions and high output, combined with nasty looks," said Zolland. Check out the rest of the illustrations right after the jump and tell us what you think.

Source: Vizualtech

2011 Jaguar XFR-S Rendered for your Delight

At last year's 2008 Geneva Motor Show, Jaguar revealed a limited production version of the XKR called the XKR-S that featured subtle chassis alterations and a series of visual enhancements. While the British firm has not announced any plans for the introduction of a similar version of the new XFR sport saloon that was unveiled at the Detroit Show earlier this month, chances are that Jaguar will most likely give the green light (if it hasn't already) for the development of the XFR-S.

With this in mind, the crew over at Jaguarmania came up with a series of renderings depicting the XFR-S. In their opinion, the 'S' model will gain a set of unique 20-inch alloy wheels, different side sills and a new rear-diffuser incorporating larger tailpipes. We're guessing that if Jaguar goes ahead with the XFR-S, it will most likely get an even more aggressive look with a new front spoiler, blacked-out chrome effects, a larger wing and a lowered suspension.

Source: Jaguarmania - Grazie Giancarlo!

2011 Nissan Versa / Tiida Rendered, Gets New Turbo Engines

The Nissan Tiida, also known in the U.S. and Canada as the Versa, has been around in Japan since 2004. That is a long time in automobile-years so it comes to no surprise that Japanese magazines like “Best Car” have started publishing renderings of the Versa / Tiida’s replacement, expected in 2010. The artist’s rendering seen here, depicts a no-frills design proposal for the sedan variant that would also spawn a five-door hatchback version.

Best Car claims that, at least in what concerns the Japanese-market model, the 2010 Tiida / Verso will be offered with new range of turbocharged petrol engines. Since it is rumored that Nissan’s next-generation compact car will be based upon the Renault Megane architecture, the engine range could include Renault’s new 1.4-liter and 2.0-liter TCe turbocharged petrol units that deliver 130 and 180 HP respectively.

Expect to see the new Versa / Tiida hitting showrooms in the States and Europe sometime in 2011.

Rendering: Best Car

Nissan Drops the top on its 2010 370Z Roadster - Official Design Sketches

Nissan has registered a series of official design sketches for its upcoming 370Z Roadster at the European Trademark Office. Like its predecessor, the 350Z Roadster, the drop-top version of the all-new 'Z' coupe that was introduced towards the end of 2008, will be equipped with an electric folding fabric roof. As you would expect, the new 370Z Roadster will sport the same 3.7-liter V6 engine as the coupe model, rated at 332HP / 7,000 rpm and 270 lb-ft of torque / 5,200 rpm. It will be available with a close-ratio 6-speed manual or a new 7-speed automatic transmission.

Due to the necessary structural add ons, the 370Z Roadster will most likely gain a few extra pounds over its tin-top sibling. In terms of prices, the convertible 'Z' will cost a bit more than the coupe that starts off from $29,930 for the entry-level model equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission and from $31,230 with the new 7-speed automatic.

According to Carscoop sources and unless something changes down the road, Nissan is planning to perform the global debut of the 370Z Roadster that will be sold as a 2010 model, at the New York Auto Show this April.