Autoblog

Development work continues on the new "entry-level" model inbound from Rolls Royce dubbed the RR4. By "entry level" we mean that the new RR4 will cost a cool $100,000 less than the Phantom, which means we should expect a price tag in the $250,000 - $280,000 range.

Spy photographers from KGP have caught a development mule out testing and brought back the first pictures of the RR4's interior. Wood inlay can be seen on the center console and dash, which should be expected for any car costing more than your house. Also snapped were the iDrive-like controller, which we assume will use a reskinned version of the new iDrive system from the 7 Series with a few Rolls-specific tweaks, and the RR4's new steering wheel that features some interestingly integrated switchgear. The RR4 will actually ride on a version of the 2009 BMW 7 Series platform, but don't expect much parts bin sharing between the two in order to keep the Rolls as pure as possible.

The RR4 will be aimed squarely at the Bentley Continental Flying Spur and may also spawn a coupe and convertible to compete directly with the Continental GT and GTC, respectively. We expect our first peek at the production version around the time of the Geneva Motor Show in early 2009.


[Source: KGP Photography]

Audi has just introduced a long-wheelbase version of its new A4 for the Chinese market, joining the long-wheelbase A6 that has been available in China since 2000. While many automakers have recognized the Chinese desire to have a little extra length, this is the first time a vehicle in this size class has been elongated. Labeled as a premium B segment car in China, the Audi A4L's wheelbase is 2.36 inches longer than the standard A4, most of which gets added to rear-seat legroom. The A4L will be built in Changchun, China and will feature a chassis specially designed to handle the sometimes-rough Chinese road conditions. Engine options will be the 180-hp 2.0 TFSI four-cylinder and the 265-hp 3.2 FSI six-cylinder. The Audi A4L will debut at the Guangzhou Motor Show on November 18, and should be in Chinese dealerships by January 2009. Full press release after the jump.


[Source: Audi]

Looks like there won't be much of a fiesta for Ford this year, as the Opel/Vauxhall Insignia has captured the 2009 European Car of the Year award by just one point over the hot little hatch with the big blue oval on its snout. Scoring 321 points to the Fiesta's 320, the Insignia claimed the victory with the bronze going to the Volkswagen Golf (223 points). It's the first win for Opel in 22 years, although the European branch of GM has scored four runner-up spots in the past. You might even say this is payback for Ford, which snatched the top prize from Opel in 2007 when the Ford S-Max nipped the Corsa by two points in the balloting. According to the jurors, the Insignia won this year based on its "artistry with German precision" good looks, active and passive safety features, comfort and a wide array of efficient engines including that 280-hp turbo V6. Options such as the Opel Eye that reads road signals, FlexRide suspension and nine-mode Adaptive Forward Lighting were also cited. Hopefully this car will eventually show up Stateside as the next Saturn Aura. Thanks for the tip, everyone!


[Source: Car of the Year]

What a difference 20 inches and 1,000 lbs makes. The latest occupant of the Autoblog Garage is the Mercedes Benz C63 AMG. You might recall that a few months ago we tried out one of the big dogs from the Benz lineup, the S63 AMG and came away somewhat awed by the technology but distressed by the driving experience. This time around we got the baby brother of the family and found what may well be the best driver's car in the current Daimler lineup. Ever since the C-class was born as the 190E back in the '80s, Mercedes and BMW have had a back and forth rivalry in the high performance compact sport sedan/coupe segment. As the M3 has grown and evolved over the past two decades, so to has the Stuttgart challenger.

Just like the original M3, the lineage started with the four-cylinder 16-valve 190E-2.3-16 and has grown through a succession of V6 and V8 engines. Despite the nomenclature, this latest edition is stuffed full of 6.2L of AMG V8 dripping with power and torque. Can the latest C63 finally topple the M3 from its throne? Find out after the jump.


Photos Copyright ©2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Back in July we told you that Fisker had tabbed Valmet Automotive to build its upcoming Karma. Now we get word that all of the contracts have been finalized and production looks certain. Valmet will be doing all of the engineering and manufacturing for the Karma, that sexy new four-door plug-in hybrid sports sedan designed by ex-Aston Martin designer, Henrik Fisker. Production should start about a year from now, in late 2009. The first cars should show up Stateside, with European deliveries following soon after, in early 2010. The companies are planning an annual production of about 15,000 cars worldwide.

The $80k sedan uses lithium ion batteries, and owners should expect about 50 miles of driving before the gas engine ever kicks in. Range should rival the Chevy Volt at 350 miles per charge. Unlike the Volt, however, the Karma will have a top speed of 125 mph, and a 0-60 time of about 5.8 seconds. Even with the price of gas plummeting, we think Fisker should have little trouble selling 15,000 of these beauties a year, even at $80k. Full press release after the jump.


[Source: Valmet Automotive]

The all-new 2009 Hyundai Genesis sedan has been capturing more than its share of the spotlight this year. The luxury-oriented four-door sedan was launched with much ballyhoo over the summer. With a long list of standard features, a choice of six- or eight-cylinder power, and its sights pointed directly at some heavy-hitting established competition, the sedan rolled into showrooms with high expectations. After a few short introductory drives, Hyundai put both models in the Autoblog Garage so we could spend some time getting a bit more intimate with its new players. How solid is the chassis, engine and powertrain? How does the sedan hold up to the daily grind? How does the late-arrival fare against its status-laden competition? Find out after the jump.

Photos Copyright ©2008 Michael Harley / Weblogs, Inc.

Our friendly neighborhood Toyota/Lexus spokesman, Curt McAllister, dropped us a note with an official announcement of what's coming to the Lexus booth at next week's LA Auto Show, and as expected, the big reveal will be the reworked RX luxury crossover. Like the current crossovers, the RX will come in two prescription strengths: the conventional RX350 with a 3.5L V6 and the hybrid flavored RX450h. The bump in nomenclature from the current RX400h likely implies some enhancements to the powertrain including a bump from the current 3.3L V6 to the 3.5L engine used in the 350. It's assumed the RX400h will also boast enhancements to the hybrid drive system with tech pulled from the 2010 Toyota Prius. The photo above, taken of the Japanese brochure, appeared online showing an evolution of the current design rather than a revolutionary redesign. In addition to the RX, LA will host the North American debut of the all-wheel-drive equipped LS460 and the IS 250C Convertible.

[Source: Lexus]

We're always up for a new 3-Series, and a performance variant straight from the manufacturer is even better. It looks like a new Bimmer is forthcoming from BMW performance, and the post-jump YouTube video shows just enough to keep us intrigued. We can catch a few details, and from what we can see and hear, this new performance Bimmer sedan will likely be faster and lighter than the standard 3. What it doesn't look like is an upgraded M3, as the front air dam isn't as large or aggressive as its M-powered sibling and it's lacking the M's quad-tip exhausts. What we do see is BMW Performance badging, carbon fiber side mirrors, and plenty of plastic molding to keep the souped-up 3-Series closer to the ground. BMW did mention that we'd see the new Performance 3-Series in its entirety some time in November, and we'll be first to show it to you when it hits the Internets. Hit the jump to view BMW's 40 second teaser video, and make sure to turn up your speakers.

[Source: eGMCarTech]

AutoObserver is showing pics of a face-lifted Lincoln MKZ prototype that looks to be taking on more of a familial facade. With the relative (very relative) success of the new MKS flagship, Lincoln has apparently decided that grafting the MKS mug onto the mid-size MKZ can only help, as well. Not that the old nose really needed rhinoplasty, but the entry-level luxury sedan would look out of place lacking the brand's new "Winged Grille" that debuted on the MKS and will also be seen on the upcoming MKT three-row crossover. We don't know if a new grille is going to do the trick on its own, though we expect the MKZ to also benefit from the same across the board engine updates as the 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan, sans a hybrid version. All three vehicles will be unveiled at the 2008 LA Auto Show next week, and we'll be sure to bring shots from the show floor.

[Source: AutoObserver]

The changes to the Chinese-market Hyundai Sonata are not enough to raise the roomy sedan's profile above handsome anonycar, but it's encouraging to see Hyundai figuring out freshening cycles without bringing the weird. This Sonata has been facelifted by BHMC, Hyundai's Chinese joint venture, and the car in the pictures is either a pre-production model, or a Monday-morning car, as it's missing some window trim. The tweaked nose and rump echo the styling of so many cars on the road that you can just pick your favorite brand as the one Hyundai copied. Derivative? Maybe, or it may just be that there's only so many places to go with a modest refresh of a modestly styled car. The interior also garnered some attention, getting adjustments to the seat and dashboard trim in the bright, airy cockpit. The design may not be quirky enough to please some, but a handsomely styled car at a competitive price will always find buyers. Thanks for the tip, 94 Taurus owner!


[Source: Carscoop]