BMW CS Concept

BMW has taken the wraps off the CS Concept a new "four-door-coupe" designed to tackle the Mercedes CLS, Porsche Panamera, and Maserati Quattroporte. The car is likely a preview of the recently rumored 8-Series revival, or alternatively a four-door 6-Series. Either way, it points to BMW's future design direction for the company as a whole.

By Matt Stone

Jaguar has gone outside the box with nearly every aspect of the XF. Its look is fresh and bold. The interior design and technology are anything but retro. Unlike its competitors from Germany, there's no six-cylinder "base" model sold in the U.S. Perhaps trying to focus more beginner buyers toward the updated-for-2008 X-Type, you'll find no fewer than eight cylinders beneath an XF bonnet.

By Paul Horrell

Mini's new crossover SUV makes its first official appearance in 2009, part of a BMW crossover offensive that begins with the X6 due this year. The Mini is second, and in 2010, BMW will launch the X1, based on the new-to-the U.S. 1 Series. An all-new X3 is due in 2011. The X3 will grow in size and will be built in Spartanburg, South Carolina. This doesn't count the 2010 5 Series-based Progressive Activity Sedan, a kind of X6 with low aspect-ratio body.

Toyota returns to its compact-truck roots with its latest concept vehicle A-BAT (Advanced Breakthrough Aero Truck) making its world debut at the North American International Auto Show in January. The A-BAT uses a hybrid powertrain reported to provide modern versatility, roominess, and style for a new kind of buyer.

The British motor industry has been synonymous with financial disaster and is studded with motoring corpses-from Austin Healey to Allard, from Alta to Alvis (and that's just some of the As). But the most significant disappointment of late is Jaguar. So much promise, so many dollars, such letdown. To paraphrase Churchill, never has so much been invested in so few products with such little return. In spite of its hallowed name and much promise, Jaguar hasn't been owner Ford's finest hour.

You're looking at the inspiration for the rear drive architecture that will enable Cadillac to build a legitimate BMW 3 Series rival - and might underpin sporty compact rear drive cars for other GM divisions. The car shown here is the Holden Torana TT36, a concept developed by GM's Australian division and unveiled at the 2004 Sydney Motor Show.

Volvo XC60 concept

Set to hit the auto show stage next month in Detroit, the XC60 Concept is a preview of the production XC60 that is scheduled to go on sale in early 2009 as well as a first look at the future of Volvo's styling under new design director Steve Mattin.

Aston Martin made a statement at the 2007 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in the form of the production version of its Aston Martin DBS. The DBS was one of several significant Astons in attendance at Pebble as the automaker was one the weekend's featured brands.

The Aston Martin DB-ONE concept is the product of independent designer Ruben Vela, based in Spain.



The DB-ONE concept is a proposal for an extreme Aston Martin, with classical proportions combined with ultramodern surfaces resulting in a fresh vehicle which also represents the traditions associated with Aston Martin.

Aston martin CEO Ulrich Bez says the Rapide four-door Detroit show concept is going to reach production. It was an unplanned announcement, made in his native German to a German interviewer-Bez's P.R. minders didn't realize he'd said it until a few days later.

The Brera was first rolled out at the Geneva motor show in 2002, and it stunned the crowds. Styled by Giorgetto Giugiaro’s Ital Design it was never intended to become a production model. The prototype featured all wheel drive, carbon fibre bodywork and the engine was a 90 degree V8 that displaced 4.2 Litres and produced 402 bhp this was then set back in the chassis to aid weight distribution. The Brera featured the classic, long nose, short deck styling reminiscent of other powerful Italian GT’s.

Sportvans are the next big thing at BMW. In 2005, the Bavarian automaker confirmed it would build a sportvan/MPV/wagon based on the X5 (itself based on the 5 Series). The vehicle was developed under the working title RFK, but we believe it'll be called F5. Now comes word that BMW is planning a similar vehicle based off its 3 Series-called F3-though the company's board hasn't given it the green light, yet. BMW is expected to launch the F5 in mid-2009 and, if approved, the F3 the following year.

Acura unveiled a concept hint at the 2007 MDX, called "MD-X," at the New York show, but only drawings were available. There was no engine information and few details, other than that the next MDX would come with Acura's Super Handling-All Wheel Drive launched in the RL. We've heard, however, Acura plans to go considerably upmarket with the MDX, with fully equipped models topping $50,000, roughly $10,000 over current prices.

Acura is calling this rakish coupe the Advanced Sports Car Concept, but it's essentially the replacement for the much-missed NSX. It's not a direct replacement, however: The engine sits up front, and it's unlikely the production version will feature the all-aluminum construction of the original.

Green is in -- especially during this autoshow season. Virtually every automaker has a concept that is as frugal at the gas pump as it is easy on the environment -- at least on paper or in concept form. So it was no surprise when Chrysler announced three eco-concepts that it will debut at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show in January.