While previous spy shots of a new BMW roadster prototype didn’t give us a good idea of its size, a new round of photos seem to confirm the vehicle is indeed BMW’s new Z9 — a competitor to the Mercedes SL-Class. Despite its disguise, one can recognize the rather long hood suggesting a front engine and rear drive. It’s also clear this is no BMW Z4.

A spiritual successor to the BMW Z8, the new Z9 roadster will probably be priced above the 6-Series. Once the new sports car hits the market, it will meet a large number of serious competitors. Among them the just launched Audi R8, a possible Mercedes AMG gullwing, the new Lexus LF-A, and Acura NSX.
The prototype’s canvas top is fake, hiding a a retractable metal roof beneath. A variety of six- and eight-cylinder models could be offered, with a range-topping Z9 M receiving either a 500 horsepower V10, or 600 horsepower V12.

Once again we see the super-sports car Lexus LF-A, once again as a concept car, with some tweaks to the exterior and the interior for the ’07 vintage. According to Lexus, the production version will be very similar to this LF-A when it comes out in late 2008, with a V10 engine outputting more than 500 ps and a top speed of more than 200 mph.

The engine is mounted in a front/mid position, with a transaxle transmission (gearbox and differential on the rear axle). The radiators have been moved to the rear too, to optimize weight distribution (you can see the huge air-scoops behind the b-pillar, and the huge vents under the rear lights).

Still an eminently desirable car… now with a bit more personality, compared to the original.

[Via: Leftlane News - See more pix]

The pioneering role that Audi assumes in the field of diesel technology stems from the peerless expertise it has amassed over a period of decades. Since the 1970s, the Audi engineers have been responsible for one vital breakthrough after another, the most important being the world’s first ever TDI engine to be fitted in a passenger car which made its debut in 1989. And in 2008, Audi intends to start making inroads into the US diesel market with Bluetec technology: thanks to Bluetec, TDI models bearing the four-ring emblem are not just sporty and economical; they can also run so cleanly that they comply with the emissions legislation in all 50 US states.

Now enough with all the ozone friendly formalities, lets get down to what we all like to here, the car. The concept car boasts a 6.0l V12 Twin Turbo Diesel Motor. This huge V allows for no less than 368kW and 1000nM torque, this allows this huge piece off machinery to get from stand still to 100km/h in about 5.5 seconds, and keep it going to 250km/h where it is electronically governed.

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Los Angeles marks the eagerly-awaited debut of the new Volkswagen Tiguan in “concept” form. From the looks of things, if you scratch the orange-trimmed tires and the similarly-patterned leather seats, you’re basically seeing what the car’s going to look like when the wraps are pulled off the production version in Q1 2007. Far more conventional than the rakish Concept A that introduced some of the car’s exterior (the front end) and interior design language, the Tiguan still looks to be a nice entry-ute for VW. The “baby Touareg” flavor works.

All the current VW corporate elements are in place — the grille, the new-style headlamps, etc. — and the simple, good-looking five-spoke wheels are pretty much a lock for production. We like what we see. In a nod to the many “green” themes in play at LA this year, the concept car sports VW’s new BLUETEC “Clean TDI” engine underhood. That’s something we really hope to see on the production car — the American one. Are you listening, VW?

[Source: Volkswagen UK, AutoBlog.com]

Apollo, once the son of the god of war Zeus, the template for masculine beauty, is now the namesake of the breathtakingly uncompromising super sports car that combines aesthetics and function like no other…

The Gumpert Apollo is the perfect synthesis of a road vehicle and track car – two uses for the price of one. Its said that it evokes passion and driving pleasure beyond all expectations. With 650 bhp, 360km/h top speed and acceleration from 0 to 100km/h in a mere 3 seconds.

The silhouette of the Gumpert Apollo, which has been optimized in the wind tunnel, reflects its above-average performance capability. In its profile, the Apollo’s dynamic appearance is further enhanced by its dimensions and its streamlined, long and wide shoulder lines. The mid-engine layout is emphasized by the cockpit, which is clearly situated toward the front of the vehicle, and the long wheel base; both factors ensuring optimum driving qualities. Massive air inlets and outlets in the front, and on the side in front of and behind the doors, leave no doubt about its potency – they supply the two turbochargers and the high-performance braking system with enough fresh air to ensure that the car maintains optimum operation for long periods of time.

British buff mag CAR reports that the Chrysler Firepower concept car is looking more like a legitimate production possibility.

With speculation rampant that Dodge is going to give the Viper a serious power boost (think 650 HP) for 2008 — an idea bolstered by sightings of Diamondback Viper test mules — the thinking is that Viper’s move upmarket opens up room for a new performance coupe to take its place in the battle against the likes of the Corvette.

The HEMI-driven Firepower would certainly fit the bill while also providing Chrysler dealers with a serious traffic magnet for their showrooms. If a production version retained the concept’s blend of performance with luxurious interior appointments, it might make for a very interesting ‘Vette alternative, indeed.

Of course, as we said, it’s all speculation — speculation that becomes more fun, however, when you consider that Chrysler honcho Tom LaSorda helped fuel it himself back in January.

Stay tuned.

[Source: CAR Online via]

This is going to be the ultimate sports-hatch by packing an extra 50+ bhp over the current BMW 130 or VW Golf R32.

Munich would love to call the car M1, but that would take away the glory from the legendary late 1970’s M1 supercar, so the range-topping 1-Series will have to do with a 135ti badge on the rear, hinting to the sophisticated 3.0-litre turbo engine delivering no less than 306 bhp!

It’s just been presented in the 3-Series coupe and should be able to turn the 1-Series into a real cannon ball on wheels.