2008 BMW M3 - Update on Car’s February 2007 cover story

Yesterday, we posted an article questioning the validity of the 2008 BMW M3 that’s featured on Car’s February 2007 issue. Today, we found scanned pictures of the specific article which, unfortunately, prove that the 2008 M3 we saw was photoshoped.

Even though the images are somewhat blurry and could easily be mistaken for being the “real thing”, the answer lies on the first page: “Images Barry Hayden / Motor Forecast”. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the name, Motor Forecast is a company that specializes in “chops” – for example, they came up with the Chevrolet Camaro Convertible rendering that was shown on Autoweek. Pics via: Supercars

Technorati: BMW+M3, autos, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, pictures, images, scoop

UPDATE: Officialy...Photoshopped

Ford Interceptor – Detroit preview for Ford’s 400 Hp, Mustang based sport sedan concept

Do I hear the words Chrysler 300C swirling in your head? If not you’d better as the concept you’re seeing here could evolve into a production version over the next few years aiming head on to Chrysler’s successful 300C.

Like the 300C, the Interceptor can be described as a modern interpretation of a 60's 4door muscle car. Even though it’s based on the Mustang platform, the Interceptor bears no resemblance whatsoever to it. Instead, Ford's designers borrowed several styling elements from other cars. As you can see from the pictures we added below, the design team started off with the 427 Concept (shown at the 2003 NAIAS), integrating styling elements from the 300C (roof / window lines) and the F-250 Super Chief (front end). The result is a car that, despite its size (roughly about the same of a Ford Five hundred), looks brutish but not “overweighed”.

Unfortunately, there are no interior pics out yet. We do know that it’s a 4 seater and according to FoMoCo, the Interceptor incorporates Ford’s patented four-point “belt and suspenders” safety belt design in all four seats and inflatable seat belts in the rear. - UPDATE: Click here for interior pics

Underneath the “shaker” hood, the Interceptor houses a 5.0 V8 Cammer engine. This is an upgraded variant of the 4.6 V8 under the hood of the current production Mustang GT that runs on E-85 ethanol producing 400 Hp. Power is sent to the rear wheels (22’’ by the way) via a 6speed manual transmission. Unfortunately the Interceptor also features a solid rear axle. Ford says they used it “for more hard-core performance feel”. We say "what ?"

Nevertheless, all-around, the Interceptor is a car than in our opinion should find its way into production in the (very) near future. Even if it’s not based on the Mustang platform, Ford could follow GM’s way, basing it on the current or better yet, the next generation of the Australian Ford Falcon.

Ford Interceptor

• Powertrain
  5.0-liter Cammer V-8
• Chassis lengths
  Overall length...........................................201.6 in.
  Wheelbase.................................................120.8 in.
  Overall width..............................................76.4 in.
  Overall height at curb..................................54.8 in.
• Track width
  Front...........................................................66.5 in.
  Rear............................................................67.8 in.
• Suspension
  Front....................... Double wishbone-independent
  Rear.........................3-Link Design with Panhard Rod
• Headroom
  Front...........................................................37.5 in.
  Second Row................................................35.9 in.
• Legroom
  Front...........................................................42.3 in.
  Second Row................................................35.6 in.

Ford+Interceptor, Ford+Mustang, autos, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, pictures, images, Detroit+Motor+Show, NAIAS

Related Posts: More on the Ford Interceptor, Ford denies rumors on 4door-Mustang, Original Ford Interceptor - MAD MAX

2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class – New spy pics

Unlike our previous article today concerning the validity of the 2008 BMW M3 that’s featured on the front cover of a car-magazine coming up next week, there’s no doubt whatsoever whether we’re going to see the brand new Mercedes C-Class. We already know from first hand that DaimlerChrysler has handed out invitations to journalists for the official unveiling of the W204 C-Class that’ll take place in Stuttgart on January the 18th.

As for the pictures we found on JESMB, even though we’ve seen better ones, we thought it was worth while posting them. Can’t say I’m excited from what I’ve seen up to now, in terms of design that is. Looks like Mercedes preferred to take the safe way evolving the current C-Class shape by adding styling cues from its newer models like the S-Class inspired wheel arches and CL-Class front headlights. Pics via: JESMB

Related Posts: Official 2008 Mercedes C-Class video

Technorati: Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes+C-lass, autos, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, pictures, images, scoop

2009 Porsche Panamera on Car’s February cover – True or false?

Aside from the 2008 BMW M3, Car Magazines’ February issue also features a picture of Porsche’s 4door Panamera. To make things even more spicy, the chaps over at Car posted an alluring teaser article and a larger picture of the Panamera:

Exclusive! Porsche Panamera: Here it is - the much talked about four-door, rear-driven, V8-powered GT which will be the fourth model in Porsche's highly exclusive model range in 2009. We've got the pictures, the details and the whole story.

Even though the image of the Panamera that’s hosted on Car’s site is a tad tiny for someone to validate its authenticity, I had a hunch that we’ve seen it before. A quick search on Carscoop’s archive revealed the following pic which is a rendering of the 2009 Porsche Panamera that we found on Autobild's site. Too bad. Via: Car

Technorati: Porsche+Panamera, autos, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, pictures, images, scoop

Official 2008 BMW M3?

This morning I stumbled upon Car magazine’s February edition (on sale January the 3rd) which to my surprise hosts the 2008 BMW M3 on its front cover. This is what Car says: “Be the first in the world to see stunning, detailed pictures of the new BMW M3”. Could this be the real thing or is it yet another article that features a couple of wonderful renderings mixed with a few spy shots? The Brits are too vague too say for sure, but I’ll contact a few of my “official” Bimmer friends later on the day and try to find out if it’s real or not.

Till then you can check out our previous posts on the 400Hp V8 M3 that include spy pics of the convertible and coupe versions as well as an enlightening spy video. Via: Car

Technorati: BMW+M3, autos, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, pictures, images, scoop

Attention all thieves - BMW Lock Picking Video

We know it’s a bit late for Christmas gifts but this BMW lock picking kit is ideal for the clepto-maniac on next years list. Shown on Germany’s largest commercial TV station, RTL, this lock picking presentation shows us how easy it is to decode a BMW car lock. At a mere 900 Euros the decoder tool, which consists of a main lock measure and little metal chips, will have a BMW door open in a matter of minutes. The presentation states that the 2004 models are the easiest to open. If you have a model manufactured in this year, get yourself a club FAST! Via: Autoblog.nl

Technorati: BMW, locks, autos, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, pictures, images

Cross… advertising: Best seller gets extra cozy with Mercedes

This is just another example of how consumerism and advertising rule our universe. An article from KickingTires.com (a Cars.com blog) reported on best selling mystery author James Patterson’s “The Cross” and his mega interest in the Mercedes R350. By mega interest we mean a whole chapter in the middle of the plot describing a trip to the Mercedes dealership! Not to mention various other references to the car throughout the novel. KickingTires made an interesting point- “we can’t help but wonder if Patterson is shuffling to book signings in his own shiny new R350.” Thanks Mercedes... Via: KickingTires.com

Technorati: Mercedes-Benz, R350, James+Patterson, Cross, novel, Best+seller, autos, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, pictures, images

Hippie-mobiles are "in": The Verdier VW Solar Power

Not sure if you’ve seen this before but we found it "totally out of site”. Well, apart from the music that is, as it has as many similarities to John Lennon as a Teletubbies show has to Snoop Dogg. The virtual model seen here was created by a Canadian company called “Verdier”. As we learned from their site, the Verdier Solar Power won the Special Prize from the Jury at the Caravaning Desing Award 2006/2007, Innovation for new mobility. The prize was awarded during the Caravan Salon Dusseldorf in Germany. Groovy!

Technorati: Volkswagen, Volkswagen+Camper, Volkswagen+Beetle, Westfalia, Youtube, videos, autos, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, pictures, images

Keep on crawling…

Seems like this chap had one too many as he tries to crawl his way across a busy road. And ok, he can blame the Vodka for his misfortunate behavior. But what the hell’s wrong with all those drivers who swivel around him as if he’s a piece of trash; what’s their excuse? Got to hand it to the director of this Lithuanian video for dressing it with an uncut version of a song that played in one of our beloved South Park episodes which, let me put it this way, talks about uncle love… Via: Jalopnik

New Fiat Bravo Interior & Exterior Pics

Now this is a refreshing break from all that Detroit madness we’ve been going through all week. The guys over at Caradisiac have managed to get up really close to the new Fiat Bravo prior to its January press revelation. We’ve got to admit that Fiat’s VW Golf predator looks even sexier in real life scenery. Most importantly though, for the first time, we get a clear look at its beautifully designed interior with the two-tone upholstery and the Alfa Romeo inspired gauges.

Kinda funny if you compare it to a Corvette’s interior for example as it makes a C6 look like a previous generation Daewoo in front of it -and we’re talking about a mainstream model that will sell in hundreds of thousands… Lets all cross our fingers though that the Bravo will say goodbye to all those electric glitches that highlighted its predecessors (the Stilo) career.

In the pics we also see an “R GT3” badge on the passenger’s side and the key ring. Possibly, it could be the name of the version we’re seeing but nothings sure. We remind you that according to Fiat’s autumn press release the new Bravo will be offered among others with two turbodiesel 1.9 Multijets motors producing 120 and 150Hp, and three petrol engines, a normaly aspirated 1.4 litre (90hp) and a turbocharged 1.4 litre in 120 and 150hp guises. Via: Caradisiac & Autoblog.it

Technorati: Fiat+Bravo, autos, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, pictures, images, scoop