Insider: Volkswagen Product Plan 2009 – 2011

We just got word from an inside source of ours on Volkswagen’s product plan for 2009 – 2011. First up is the new, sixth generation Golf (Rabbit in the States) that will be available in most European markets by early 2009. In the summer of the same year, VW will launch the next generation Polo that will compete in the supermini segment against the likes of the new Ford Fiesta and Peugeot 207. Towards the end of 2009, the German automaker will reveal the new Touran 7-seater minivan and the Golf Plus, both of which are based on the Golf. -Continued

In early 2010, Volkswagen will take the wraps off the all-new Passat Sedan and Station Wagon models while later in the year, the Germans will uncloak the second generation Touareg SUV that will go on sale in late 2010 or early 2011. Last up is the all new VW Beetle that will be available in most markets during the first quarter of 2011.

Lotus Eagle Teaser Picture – Official Debut at British Motor Show

The first all-new model to come out of the Lotus factory in 13 years, the Eagle, will be revealed on July 22 when the British Motor Show in London opens its doors to the members of the press. However, we managed to discover an official teaser image of the mid-engined 2+2 sports car that is rumored to be powered by a modified version of the Toyota Camry’s 3.5 V6 engine that in stock form produces 268Hp at 6,200 rpm and 248 lb.-ft. at 4,700 rpm.

Inside sources told Carscoop that the Japanese V6 engine will be offered in both naturally aspirated and turbocharged versions. The Eagle will essentially replace the top-of-the-line Esprit that went out of production in 2004 as Lotus will market the 2+2 lightweight coupe above the Elise, Exige and Europa. -Continued

Talking about lightweight construction, the Eagle will utilize the proven technology used in the Elise family of vehicles as well as the Versatile Vehicle Architecture (VVA) shown as the APX (Aluminium Performance Crossover) Concept Vehicle.

At the Geneva Salon in March, Lotus showcased the front module of the Eagle’s chassis which consist of three distinct parts, with the centre occupant section being the largest. Bolted to this centre section are the rear sub frame to which the engine and rear suspension are attached and the front module that incorporates the bumper beam and side members.

Alfa Romeo Confirms MiTo GTA with 230Hp 1.8 Turbo

During the European media presentation of the MiTo in Italy, Alfa Romeo’s executives confirmed earlier reports of a top-notch sport version that will out power its strongest European rivals like the 197Hp Renault Clio RS, the 192Hp Opel Corsa OPC even the 211Hp MINI Cooper John Cooper Works.

According to a colleague of ours that attended the presentation, the Italian automaker's execs said that the MiTo GTA will be equipped with a turbocharged 1,750 cc (1.7-liter) turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine developing around 230Hp. -Continued

Power will be transferred to the front wheels with Alfa’s Q2 electronic system that simulates the effects of a limited-slip differential by making full use of the braking and stability control systems, promising to offer better traction and improved handling. Although Alfa’s execs didn’t reveal any more details, the 230Hp MiTo GTA should be able to sprint from 0 to 100km/h (62mph) in the low 6 second region. The MiTo GTA is expected to make its market debut in Europe towards the end of 2009.

Insider: BMW Z4 Concept Coming This Fall, X1 SUV Concept & 7-Series definitely at Paris

It’s going to be busy period for BMW this fall as Carscoop learned from inside sources that the Bavarian automaker will take the wraps off three very important vehicles this year. First up will be the all-new 7-Series luxury sedan and the X1 Concept, both of which will make their premier at the Paris Auto Show in October, followed by a new Z4 Roadster Concept.

The X1 Concept will preview a production version of a 1-Series based SUV/Crossover that will enter the market towards the end of 2009. The new X1 that will be built in BMW’s Leizpig factopry in Germany will be offered with a line-up of four and six-cylinder petrol engines along with four-cylinder turbocharged diesel units.

The most significant change for the all-new fifth generation 7-Series will be its more elegant design –in and out- as BMW seems to have learnt its lesson from the heavily criticized current generation model. Along with its newfound design, the all-new 7er will also boast new engine choices along with an array of high-tech systems. -Continued after the jump

Last but not least, the new Z4 Roadster. Believe it or not, the Z4 has actually been in production for six years now as it was first introduced in 2002. Our source told us that BMW will unveil a concept version of the next generation model this fall, without however clarifying whether or not the Z4 will make its debut in Paris.

We must say though that we find it hard to believe that BMW will unveil three new cars at one show, so we find it more reasonable that the Bavarian carmaker will premier the Z4 Concept at the Los Angeles Motor Show that opens to the public from November 21 to 30, 2008.

Either way, our source stated the production version will follow in 2009 more specifically, at the Geneva Motor Show in March, 2009. In terms of design, expect the new Z4 Roadster to be partially inspired from the GINA Light Visionary model.

Nissan 370Z Unveiled During Presentation!

Thanks to a vivid Carscoop reader who wishes to remain anonymous, we now have the first (semi) official shot of the forthcoming Nissan 370Z. From what he told us, the camera-phone picture was shot during a recent Nissan event. Although the picture isn't of the best quality, it's apparent that the 370Z's design is more of an evolution of the current 350Z, albeit a bit more muscular.

Power will come from a revised version of the Infiniti G37's 3.7-liter V6 engine (hence the name 370Z), which should deliver somewhere in-between 330 and 350Hp. The rear-wheel-drive 370Z will be offered with both manual and automatic transmissions. The unveiling of the 370Z is expected to take place this fall at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show on November 19. -Thanks for the pic "T"

Insider: Mercedes to Introduce New 1.6-liter Turbocharged Engine This Fall

While here in the States we’re still hanging on to the use of 3.0-liter+ V6 naturally aspirated engines for our mainstream models, in Europe, car manufacturers are in the process of downsizing engine capacities and developing a new generation of turbos and compressors to compensate for the loss of engine displacement.

Now Carscoop has learned from an inside source that Mercedes-Benz will introduce an all-new 1.6-liter turbocharged engine this fall (most probably in September) that will replace the basic 143Hp 1.8-liter Compressor unit.

Our source stated that the new unit will generate approximately 156 Hp and it will be used initially at least, on the new C-Class (Sedan and Estate) and CLC models. The new turbocharged engine promises to combine high power output and maximized torque with low fuel consumption and reduced CO2 emissions. (pic: 1.8L Kompressor)

2009 Nissan Qashqai+2: LWB 7-Seater Version to Be Launched Next Week

This Monday on April 7, 2008, Nissan will introduce a new variant of its highly successful Qasqhai crossover – also know in Japan, Australia and other markets as the Dualis. As its name indicates, the Qasqhai+2 “crosses over” to the minivan/MPV territory by offering and additional third row of seats that are designed for children or small adults up to about 1.6m or 5.2 ft tall.

Compared to the standard Qashqai (pic), the new variant of Nissan’s compact crossover will feature a wheelbase extended by 135 mm or 5.3 in. taking it to 2,765 mm or 108.9 in. Overall, the Qashqai+2’s length has risen to 4,526 mm or 178.2 in., an increase of 211 mm or 8.3 in. over the five-seat version. Subsequently, the Qashqai+2 will also offer more luggage space compared to its 5-seater sibling, and in particular, almost 500 litres - an increase of 90 litres over the Qashqai. We’ll have full details and images on the Qasqhai on Monday. (Pic: Carscoop)

2009 Nissan Qashqai+2: LWB 7-Seater Version to Be Launched Next Week

This Monday on April 7, 2008, Nissan will introduce a new variant of its highly successful Qasqhai crossover – also know in Japan, Australia and other markets as the Dualis. As its name indicates, the Qasqhai+2 “crosses over” to the minivan/MPV territory by offering and additional third row of seats that are designed for children or small adults up to about 1.6m or 5.2 ft tall.

Compared to the standard Qashqai (pic), the new variant of Nissan’s compact crossover will feature a wheelbase extended by 135 mm or 5.3 in. taking it to 2,765 mm or 108.9 in. Overall, the Qashqai+2’s length has risen to 4,526 mm or 178.2 in., an increase of 211 mm or 8.3 in. over the five-seat version. Subsequently, the Qashqai+2 will also offer more luggage space compared to its 5-seater sibling, and in particular, almost 500 litres - an increase of 90 litres over the Qashqai. We’ll have full details and images on the Qasqhai on Monday. (Pic: Carscoop)

Insider: SEAT to Present Ibiza Concept Car in Geneva

We’ve been tipped off from a credible source of ours that VW’s Spanish subsidiary SEAT will premiere a pre-production version of the next generation Ibiza at next week’s Geneva Motor Show. The concept will not bear the Ibiza moniker but it will preview SEAT’s new supermini and to be precise, the sporty Cupra version. The production version of the Ibiza is set to make its debut at the Madrid International Motor Show this May. (Photo: Seat Tribu Concept)

Insider: SEAT to Present Ibiza Concept Car in Geneva

We’ve been tipped off from a credible source of ours that VW’s Spanish subsidiary SEAT will premiere a pre-production version of the next generation Ibiza at next week’s Geneva Motor Show. The concept will not bear the Ibiza moniker but it will preview SEAT’s new supermini and to be precise, the sporty Cupra version. The production version of the Ibiza is set to make its debut at the Madrid International Motor Show this May. (Photo: Seat Tribu Concept)

Insider: SEAT to Present Ibiza Concept Car in Geneva

We’ve been tipped off from a credible source of ours that VW’s Spanish subsidiary SEAT will premiere a pre-production version of the next generation Ibiza at next week’s Geneva Motor Show. The concept will not bear the Ibiza moniker but it will preview SEAT’s new supermini and to be precise, the sporty Cupra version. The production version of the Ibiza is set to make its debut at the Madrid International Motor Show this May. (Photo: Seat Tribu Concept)

Insider: SEAT to Present Ibiza Concept Car in Geneva

We’ve been tipped off from a credible source of ours that VW’s Spanish subsidiary SEAT will premiere a pre-production version of the next generation Ibiza at next week’s Geneva Motor Show. The concept will not bear the Ibiza moniker but it will preview SEAT’s new supermini and to be precise, the sporty Cupra version. The production version of the Ibiza is set to make its debut at the Madrid International Motor Show this May. (Photo: Seat Tribu Concept)

Land Rover to Present Customized Version of LRX Concept in Geneva

While we knew that Land Rover was going to present the LRX Concept in Geneva, what we didn’t know but learned from our sources is that the British firm is planning to unveil a slightly customized version of its compact crossover. According to our sources, the Geneva Show LRX Concept will feature among other things, a two-tone paint-job, new alloy rims and roof rails.

*The LRX pictured above is the one shown in Detroit

Land Rover to Present Customized Version of LRX Concept in Geneva

While we knew that Land Rover was going to present the LRX Concept in Geneva, what we didn’t know but learned from our sources is that the British firm is planning to unveil a slightly customized version of its compact crossover. According to our sources, the Geneva Show LRX Concept will feature among other things, a two-tone paint-job, new alloy rims and roof rails.

*The LRX pictured above is the one shown in Detroit

Land Rover to Present Customized Version of LRX Concept in Geneva

While we knew that Land Rover was going to present the LRX Concept in Geneva, what we didn’t know but learned from our sources is that the British firm is planning to unveil a slightly customized version of its compact crossover. According to our sources, the Geneva Show LRX Concept will feature among other things, a two-tone paint-job, new alloy rims and roof rails.

*The LRX pictured above is the one shown in Detroit

Land Rover to Present Customized Version of LRX Concept in Geneva

While we knew that Land Rover was going to present the LRX Concept in Geneva, what we didn’t know but learned from our sources is that the British firm is planning to unveil a slightly customized version of its compact crossover. According to our sources, the Geneva Show LRX Concept will feature among other things, a two-tone paint-job, new alloy rims and roof rails.

*The LRX pictured above is the one shown in Detroit

Land Rover to Present Customized Version of LRX Concept in Geneva

While we knew that Land Rover was going to present the LRX Concept in Geneva, what we didn’t know but learned from our sources is that the British firm is planning to unveil a slightly customized version of its compact crossover. According to our sources, the Geneva Show LRX Concept will feature among other things, a two-tone paint-job, new alloy rims and roof rails.

*The LRX pictured above is the one shown in Detroit

BMW to Introduce EfficientDynamics Concept Car in Geneva

The Bavarian carmaker’s Geneva Motor Show stand will host the worldwide debut of an eco-friendly concept car that has never been seen before. There are no pictures or details on the car and the only thing that BMW says is that the new will showcase the outlook and future direction of its EfficientDynamics programme -feel free to speculate. For those of you wondering what “EfficientDynamics” stands for, its BMW’s way of characterizing the concept (or the overall technologies used) to overcome the apparent conflict of interests between better performance and greater fuel economy plus low emissions. (Photo: Carscoop)

BMW to Introduce EfficientDynamics Concept Car in Geneva

The Bavarian carmaker’s Geneva Motor Show stand will host the worldwide debut of an eco-friendly concept car that has never been seen before. There are no pictures or details on the car and the only thing that BMW says is that the new will showcase the outlook and future direction of its EfficientDynamics programme -feel free to speculate. For those of you wondering what “EfficientDynamics” stands for, its BMW’s way of characterizing the concept (or the overall technologies used) to overcome the apparent conflict of interests between better performance and greater fuel economy plus low emissions. (Photo: Carscoop)

BMW to Introduce EfficientDynamics Concept Car in Geneva

The Bavarian carmaker’s Geneva Motor Show stand will host the worldwide debut of an eco-friendly concept car that has never been seen before. There are no pictures or details on the car and the only thing that BMW says is that the new will showcase the outlook and future direction of its EfficientDynamics programme -feel free to speculate. For those of you wondering what “EfficientDynamics” stands for, its BMW’s way of characterizing the concept (or the overall technologies used) to overcome the apparent conflict of interests between better performance and greater fuel economy plus low emissions. (Photo: Carscoop)