The Lamborghini Estoque Concept was recently seen on the streets of Cologne, Germany.  Spotted without license plates, the car may have been the subject of a photo shoot.  Although the circumstances around the spotting are unknown, it seems clear that the sports car has not yet been put to bed.

Lambo’s four-door concept was first introduced last October during the Paris Motor Show.  Soon after, the front/mid-engined car was rumored to be axed, due to the economic crisis.

Back in March, Lamborghini responded to the rumors by saying the vehicle had not been cancelled, but, “No decision has been made to produce the Estoque.”  The company has said that a four-door would fit well with their current product line-up.

Big enough to fit four adults with enough room for a few golf bags, the Lamborghini Estoque Concept is meant to fit a class of cars called “super sports sedans” such as the Aston Martin Rapide, Porsche Panamera and Bugatti 16 C Galibier.
Source: exoticsonroad.com via: Worldcarfans

The German press managed to get their hands on this Mercedes SLS AMG roadster spy video showing the topless version of the 2009 Frankfurt IAA star under heavy camouflage.

From the number plates on the cars it can be seen that the clip was shot in the U.S. while the Mercedes SLS AMG roadster units were being tested. The most obvious engine choice for the Mercedes SLS AMG roadster will be same 6.3 liter unit with 571 hp that also powers the hard-top version.

Check out the Mercedes SLS AMG roadster spy video above.
Source: Youtube via: Zercustoms

With leaks happening left, right and centre before the Frankfurt show, this one was only a matter of time. And here it is: the Audi R8 Spyder. No more spy shots or speculation. The drop-top bomber from Ingolstadt has arrived… and it’s achingly gorgeous in this chocolate hue.

Without any official information to go off of, we can’t comment on weights and measures, but we do know Audi will only be offering the Spyder with the Lambo-derived 5.2-liter V10, putting out 525 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. On the styling side, there’s not much to report. Along with the removal of the roof, the sideblades have been dispatched in favor of a duo of scoops ahead of the rear wheels, while the windshield gets framed in brushed aluminum and a set of vented bulges trail off from the seats. Unfortunately, we don’t have any shots of the R8 with the top up, but when we get an eyeful in Frankfurt, we’ll get our first glimpse of the retractable soft-top and the R8′s new profile. Check out the images in the gallery below.
Source: Autoblog

With the Frankfurt Motor Show right around the corner, Mercedes-Benz is putting the finishing touches on its 565-hp, 6.3-liter AMG SLC supercar. A North American media event is likely scheduled for next month, and lo-and-behold, when the guys from Autoblog stepped out of the Intercontinental Hotel in Monterey, CA yesterday morning, four mildly camouflaged SLS prototypes were waiting outside.

According to one of our insiders, the M-B crew will be holding a press event in and around the Monterey peninsula (undoubtedly with track time at Mazda Raceway at Laguna Seca), and the engineers on hand were scouting roads and drive routes ahead of the September shindig.

Although we’ve seen countless spy shots of the SLS over the last year, this was our first opportunity to see Merc’s newest supercar up close, along with the upcoming convertible variant that’s likely to be revealed along with the coupe in Germany, or shortly thereafter.

In person, the SLS’ dimensions are nearly perfect, with its elongated hood and squat rear end coming off as far more subdued that its McMerc predecessor. Two things to note in the gallery below: first, the Aston-esque door handles are mounted directly in the middle of the doors, which seems like an odd choice considering there’s no apparent reason not to install the units below the window on the SLS’ strong beltline. Secondly, the convertible variant features a cloth top, although the vinyl camo appears to have a non-functioning zipper that follows the line of the gullwing coupe’s doors. We’re assuming the camouflage was just adapted to fit the convertible or perhaps it was a bit of visual trickery employed to throw off would-be spy photogs, but it still struck us as strange. Regardless, enjoy the images below and check out the massive carbon ceramic brakes complete with gold Brembo calipers.
Source: Autoblog

Not long after the official release and pictures of the all new Ferrari 458 Italia, the first on-the-road image has appeared. Maranello has gone with a contrast of black and white for this example to still obscure the design lines prior to its public unveiling. The location for the shot is not known but it appears to be in the countryside somewhere.

The 458 replaces the outgoing F430 which had a number of derivatives, including ultra-performance Scuderia versions. Details regarding the 458 include the fact that it has a 4.5-litre naturally aspirated V8 that pumps out 419kW (570hp) and peak torque of 540Nm. It is run by a new 7-speed double-clutch transmission that helps it go from 0 – 100km/h in 3.4 seconds on its way to a top speed of 325km/h (202mph).

Aerodynamic features include small aero-elastic winglets and a rear diffuser for downforce. The dry weight is 1380kg (3042 lbs) and it boasts a 42/58 weight distribution. Updated versions of the E-Diff and F1-Trac systems offer a 32% increase in longitudinal acceleration which when coupled with reduced drag, give the 458 what is said to be exceptional handling attributes.

It is a given that official examples of the car will be on display at the Ferrari stand during the upcoming international motor show in Frankfurt.

Speculation from CarsUK says that Lamborghini will be unveiling an ultra exclusive Lamborghini Reventon Roadster today. No official confirmation of this has been forthcoming from the Italians yet, so we shall all be playing the waiting game.

A few months ago the same publication claimed that Lambo was preparing to introduce this two-seater topless beast but that there were delays due to the fact that potential buyers loaded enough to plant the required deposit were nowhere to be found. Only a handful have apparently committed to the car that is said to cost about €1.1 million.

Today however, it is said the company will reveal the car anyway but only to a few prospective clients. Rare as it should be guaranteed to be, Lamborghini would nevertheless manufacture up to 20 units depending on demand.

As to which engine the car is likely to use, well that is also in the domain of rumours. The report says Lambo originally planned to produce an LP670-4SV Roadster but the engine fitted is giving them problems. So in the end what they will do is to simply turn the LP650-4 Roadster into a Reventon Roadster.
Source: Worldcarfans

The recent spate of leaks surrounding the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG were a clear indication that a few select members of the press were invited to a pre-debut debut ahead of the gullwing’s official unveiling at the Frankfurt Motor Show and that we could expect some initial driving impressions soon. Well, with the embargo dam critically injured, the first round of reviews have hit, revealing some critical details about Mercedes’ all-new supercoupe.

Both Road & Track and Inside Line have published initial impressions of the SLS, and aside from glowing praise of the gullwing’s dynamics (“The steering imparts a direct, communicative feel like no other Benz we’ve driven, SLR included.” – Andreas Stahl, IL and “Unlike many cars that corner extremely flat, adhesion at the limit is easy to sense and control, with ultra-predictable breakaway and recovery.” – Douglas Kott, R&T) the SLS’ specs are out in the open.

Unlike the SLR, the SLS’ chassis is all aluminum (all told, it tips the scales at around 3,550 pounds), and according to AMG Development Chief, Tobias Moers, “Aluminum is a better material, especially when it comes to quelling vibration.” AMG’s 6.2-liter M156 V8 is mounted aft of the front axle, but after undergoing a series of changes – dry-sump lubrication system and twin exhaust headers – it’s been designated the M159 and puts out 571 hp at 6,800 rpm and 479 lb-ft of torque at 4,750 rpm.

A seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox is integrated into the rear axle, helping the SLS achieve a 48/52 front-to-rear weight distribution, and the new transmission is mounted to the naturally aspirated V8 by a carbon fiber driveshaft housed within an aluminum torque tube.

The wheelbase spans 105.5 inches, with the front track coming in at 66.1 inches and the rear covering 64.9 inches. Double-wishbones are mounted at all four corners along with 19-inch wheels up front and 20s in the rear (shod in 265/35 R19s in front and 295/30 R20s out back). Carbon ceramic brakes are an option, and come in at 15.4-inches in front and 14.2-inches in the rear. AMG claims a 0-60 mph time of 3.8 seconds, a top speed of 196 mph and a 1.38g on the skid pad.

Every tantalizing tidbit about the SLS will be officially revealed in two month’s time, but if these initial impressions are any indication, Mercedes has a hit on its hands – assuming the SLS’ exterior is as intriguing as its stats.
Sources: Autoblog Via: Inside Line, Road & Track

The following video clip shows the upcoming BMW X1 in its familiar prototype make-up doing tests in Mallorca, Spain.

Indications are that BMW is not pitching the X1 against tougher offroad vehicles. On the clip the tiny SUV goes through its paces by firstly negotiating a gravel track with haystacks as apex points.

Later it takes a drive up a mountain pass, still on dirt. Then we see it on twisty asphalt, probably the car’s best surface. BMW always puts driving pleasure ahead of all else so that the car excels on tar is by design and not by default.

Launch models will be the xDrive20d which produces 130kW (177hp) and has an economy figure of 5.8 litres per 100km. There’s also the xDrive23d worth 150kW (204hp) and two entry level models namely the xDrive18i and xDrive18d.

BMW seems to have been battling keep the X1 away from spy lenses, so the company has decided to bare it all in public. Source: BMW via: Worldcarfans

Volkswagen’s has a new pickup on the cards, the “Robust”, and it has been snapped while out testing.

The following spy pics give us a good idea of what’s to come and show that VW is ready to take on the Toyota Hilux and Nissan Navara when it goes on sale in 2010.

VW will offer a two-wheel-drive and “off-road capable” 4×4 version of the new pickup. This will give much needed practicality and flexibility to the global markets the Robust is targeted at.

All production will take place in Pacheco, Argentina and rumour has it that it might be sold locally too. By the way, “Robust” is the working codename, but the name may change before the bakkie gets shipped out to dealerships.

Source: wheels24

Don’t be fooled but this isn’t a facelifted Mazda2 in disguise but actually the Japanese carmaker’s new city car. These spy shots are the first to show just that a Mazda1 is coming sometime soon.

Based on the Kiyora concept car first shown at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, the newcomer could make its appearance at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show. Though based on a Mazda2 this test car has a short wheelbase, and a dummy bonnet. It also features differently shaped taillights and headlamps, and shorter rear doors. It should come with a 1.3-litre direct-injection petrol engine, with a Smart Idle Stop System (SISS) that automatically shuts down and restarts the engine as required.

The unit is mated to a newly developed six-speed automatic transmission system which boasts similar fuel efficiency as a manual system.

[source: wheels24]