SPY SHOTS: 2011 Chevrolet / Holden Captiva SUV with Aveo-esque Fascia

Chevrolet's European arm is moving along with the development of the facelifted Captiva that's due to go on sale on the other side of the Atlantic later this year. Judging by these spy photos, if not all, most changes appear to be concentrated on the SUV's redesigned front end that looks heavily influenced from the Aveo RS concept we saw at this year's Detroit show.

Details remain scarce for now, but it is possible that Chevy might also perform some upgrades to the 2011 Captiva's interior and mechanical hardware.

The same changes will also pass on the compact SUV's siblings, the Australia-market Holden Captiva 7 that's sold alongside its sister model, the Opel Antara-based/rebadged Captiva 5 (known in the States as the Saturn Vue) and the South Korea-market Daewoo Winstorm.

_____________________________________________________________________

Current Chevrolet / Holden Captiva

»»  read more

U.S. Patent Drawings of 2012 Buick Excelle Sedan

If these U.S. patent drawings of Buick's forthcoming entry-level compact sedan are anything to go by, then the North American version of the car will be identical to the China-market 2012 Buick Excelle that was recently caught on film without any camouflage whatsoever.

We don't know if GM will keep the 'Excelle' nameplate for North America, but we do know that the General is planning to bring the car to the States in 2011.

As you may recall, the Excelle or whatever else GM decides to name it, is based on the latest generation of the European market Opel Astra and as such, it adopts the Detroit automaker's Delta II small car platform that also underpins the new Chevy Cruze.

Specific details about the powertrain options remain scarce, however, we reckon that the front-wheel drive saloon will probably be offered with a similar engine range to the Cruze including a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol, and quite possibly, the Astra's more powerful 1.6-liter turbo with 180 ponies.

»»  read more

SCOOP: Porsche Continues Testing of All-New 2012 Boxster

Once again, our spy photographers have snagged the brand new iteration of Porsche's Boxster model during testing in Germany.

The prototype version seen here continues to be under camouflage, though to a lesser extent than previous. According to our spies, the new model appeared to be slightly longer and wider than the current version, something that should benefit the roadster's interior space.

As with most Porsches, the exterior looks of the new Boxster will be a subtle evolution over the previous model. However, bigger changes are expected in the interior that will most likely take styling cues from the Panamera.

Underneath the sheetmetal, the Boxster's replacement will share a variety of parts with the 911.

It is expected that engineers will focus on weight reduction as one way to improve the mid-engine sport car's dynamics while it is also believed that Boxster will make use of the new aerodynamic systems like the front air intake mechanisms that is being prepared for the next 911.

The most radical change may very well concern the engine lineup as Porsche is said to be considering the addition of a high-output, turbocharged four-cylinder engine to the Boxster range. This move could help the company offset larger vehicles like the Cayenne and reduce fleet average CO2 emissions.

Either way, the flat six engines are likely to continue to be offered in the new Boxster, albeit further improved in terms of power and fuel efficiency.

»»  read more

2011 BMW M5 Sedan [F10] Rendered Again

From Alpine325Ci, the 'Bimmerpost' artist who created last week's pretty 6-Series photoshop (and those previous M5 renderings), comes another look at the next BMW M5.

As we can see, his take on the big M retains the new 5's attractive snout while gaining the M division's dumbfounded-expression front bumper and more aggressive skirts.

The mirrors also get a little tweak, and it wouldn't be a stretch to believe the F10 M5 would be coming with that carbon fiber roof.

As for technical specs, BMW will use a version of the X5M's twin-turbo 4.4 liter V8 that would probably put out more than the 555-horsepower it currently makes. This is a sports sedan, after all, in a very important segment image-wise. The less comparison to those sell-out X5s and X6s from M,the better.

Drive trains are likely to include BMW's DCT dual clutch transmission and, depending on demand, a no-cost manual option.

The F10 M5 is set to enter the market in 2011.

By Phil Alex

Via: Bimmerpost

»»  read more

Opel Corsa OPC: Nürburgring Edition Spy Shots

Here are some spy shots of what is believed to be the Opel Corsa OPC Nürburgring Edition special.

Based on the standard OPC, this should basically be the Corsa version of the Astra-based 2008 Nürburgring Edition model. That means it'll most likely come with the standard Corsa OPC's 192-horsepower (141 kW) / 170 lb-ft (230 Nm) turbocharged 1.6 liter mill and extra add-ons.

Other baubles to expect are upgraded Brembo brakes, Recaro leather seating, carbon-look decor for the interior, unique lightweight wheels, and maybe even a tuned suspension.

The front appears to get a new lip spoiler and the rear valence some big exhaust tips pushed to the sides (instead of the standard version's center piece).

Throw on some fancy graphics to break up all that yellow and it'll be a cute little racer.

By Phil Alex

»»  read more

Bentley-Snout Part II: Huatai's New B11 and B21 Sedan Snapped Ahead of Beijing Show

From the makers of the Porsche Cayenne clone (see here) B35 come these two Bentley-faced sedans called the B11 and B21. We're almost certain that many of you will find quite a few styling similarities (in the details) between Huatai's Beijing Auto Show sedans and other Western and/or Asian cars...

The only thing we know about the two family sedans from Huatai is that they will be offered with a choice of a 1.8-liter turbo and a 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engines. Full gallery after the jump.

Via: Bitauto

Huatai B11

____________________________________________________________________

Huatai B21

»»  read more