The Frankfurt Auto show is just a couple of months away and one of the most eagerly anticipated cars of the year, the Mercedes SLS AMG Gullwing will be there on display. But, given the number of spy shots and image leaks we’ve had, an official media release could happen sooner.

This time around, the image that has surfaced is also very genuine as it reveals the form a little more clearly and it comes from Autowerald.com (Netherlands). The apparent generic studio background and lack of computer morphing is enough evidence that this is a preview image for dealerships or existing customers. And, since the image quality is low, it is been snapped from a printed brochure or a magazine.

Guess what, rumors are also doing rounds that a Hybrid version of this car would surface in 2015.

[via  autowereld.com and Autobild.de]

Honda is surely keeping its word by developing more eco-friendly cars. The latest launches confirmed for the green brigade include the CR-Z and the Fit Hybrid. Honda is surely on track to develop the planned 500,000 units per year by 2012.

The Compact Renaissance Zero abbreviated as CR-Z first came into reckoning at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show. Now ready as a petrol/electric car, it will be ready by 2010 and will either use a 140 horsepower 1.8-liter engine or a 2.5-liter one. The Fit Hybrid was also being speculated since a couple of years and the production was confirmed in 2008. The market ready CR-Z will hit the market in February 2010 and Fit Hybrid will be sold by the end of that year.

[via wcf]

The auto buffs have known about the V-packaged CTS sedan since the New York International Auto Show last year and now that GM finally is back on track (at least with its strategies), the GM vice chairman has confirmed the production of the CTS-V Coupe and Sedan. There might be further additions to the line-up with a sport variant of the CTS slated for a 2010 release. Also, a V-series wagon could be possibility in the future as the demand does exist.

What is exciting about the V-series is that it packs the 6.2-liter V8 engine found on the Corvette ZR1, making it a real scorcher. This engine is capable of 556 horsepower with 551 ft-lb of torque. The engine is assisted with Vette’s six-speed Tremec TR-6060 manual transmission.

[via autoblog.com]

In an attempt to take on the German competitors, Jaguar have just introduced their super luxury sedan — the all-new Jaguar XJ model. The Brits took the wraps off their new model in an exclusive event at the Saatchi Gallery in London and promised that the new Jaguar XJ is going to do its best to become the new class-leader in a segment led by the BMW 7 Series, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the Audi A8 and the Lexus LS. With an amazing exterior that uses an aerospace-inspired aluminium body architecture and featuring a bunch of powerful engines the 2010 Jaguar XJ is slated for an impressive debut. Right now the XJ is available for pre-order and deliveries will begin early 2010.

Engines and quick specs

• 3.0-litre V6 diesel — starts at £52,500,
• 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 with 385hp (283kW)
• 5.0-litre V8 supercharged outputting 510hp (375kW)
• and a  470hp (346kW) version of the supercharged V8

A lot of well intended people these days get their camera phones to spy on new models that are about to hit the market. Same goes for a Middle East tipster who was at the right place at the right time (what a coincidence) and got the new Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (known as Lexus GX in the US) on film. Apparently the car loses some of its muscle looks thanks to a redesigned front fascia with swoopier headlights, a vertical-bar grille and a raised lower bumper detail. With minimal changes in the back that includes more pronounced taillamps and a unique U-shaped chrome garnish, we’d definitely want to get behind the wheel on the new Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. How about you? [via]

The new 2011 Hyundai Sonata  has been spotted summer testing under the hot desert sun (that can reach well over 45 degrees Celsius) of Dubai . After testing the vehicle at freezing temperatures in Sweeden, Hyundai’s new Sonata has been spied without clothes, in its actual size and stature. A bit curvier than the current model the 2011 Sonata will run on a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol or a more powerful 3.3-litre V6 for the petrol engines, the new 197hp 2.2-litre R-Type diesel and even a hybrid. Word is that the 2011 Hyundai Sonata will see daylight in May 2010 and that deliveries should begin late (October) next year. – via

The new Citroen C3 has already made its appearance – or at least that’s what Marius surprised while walking the residential streets of Deauville in France. Smart and chic, the new Citroen C3 is much different from the old model, with a “Zenith” windshield and an improved rear bumper (that seems to be colored, instead of black). And although it’s the same silhouette we definitely think the C3 looks good enough for a shopping trolley and makes for a pretty city commuter. Don’t you think? [via astonmarius.skyrock.com]

Hennessey have just announced that they’re planning a new Hennessey ZR700 limited edition based on the Corvette ZR1. A super car with an upgraded supercharger, exhaust, and air induction system, the ZR700 churns nothing less than 705hp and 717 lb-ft of torque from the powerful LS9 engine. As for the whole package, Hennessey ZR700 runs on carbon fiber wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires, a carbon fiber front splitter, canards, and a rear spoiler. All these help it out to fly naught to 60mph in 2.9 seconds. As for what’s inside, Hennessey is going to revamp the interior of the Vette ZR1 with lightweight carbon fiber seats, and an Alcantara steering wheel and shift knob. You’d better hurry to secure one of the 24 models to be produced in 2010.