LAND ROVER

The 2009 Range Rover Sport looks like it's getting a slightly revised face. After undergoing minor cosmetic surgery, the Sport comes out with grillework that's reminiscent of the Land Rover LR2's as well as a new front bumper. Out back and along the sides, the SUV seems to be unchanged compared to the current model. One of Brenda Priddy's clandestine operatives snagged the freshened Ranger Rover Sport frolicking undisguised somewhere in Europe where it looks cold and snowy. As for when it'll be shown to the public, who knows? Geneva's just around the corner, though, so we'll have our gang keep an eye out for it when they're not eyeballing Renaults or noshing on good chocolate and tasty Lake Geneva perch filets.

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S Unveiled

Mercedes has unveiled the ultimate McLaren SLR, the SLR 722 S Roadster, which features the same 650 horsepower 5.5L V8 mated to a five-speed automatic as the coupe.
The SLR 722 S Roadster reaches 0-62 mph in 3.7 seconds and has a top speed over 200 mph. The Roadster also features a semi-automatic top that can be lowered in ten seconds.
Only 150 of these very special roadsters is going to be produced and will be available on January 1, 2009.

GM Asks The US Government for $2.6 Billion in Loans to Produce New Hybrids

GM has asked the U.S. government for an additional $2.6 billion in loans to support the development of new hybrid vehicles.
The loan request would help the development of two spinoffs of the upcoming Chevy Volt. This is the first time that GM has confirmed plans to produce spinoffs of the Volt. In January, GM unveiled the Cadillac Converj concept which was based on the mechanicals of the Volt. GM executives have stated that GM plans on using the Volt system in other models to raise volume and reduce costs.

BMW Z2 Gets the Green Light for Production...Expected in 2012

It's been rumored for a while that BMW has been working on a smaller roadster that will be dubbed the Z2 and according to AutoBild, BMW executives have now given the small roadster the green light.
The Z2 will be based on the 1 series and will be offered as a roadster and a small coupe, just like the previous Z4. The car was developed under BMW's Project i team and will be a front-engine, rear wheel drive car with a target weight of 2,200 lbs. Powertrain options are expected to be powered by a 1.6L turbocharged engine, an extended range hybrid, and an all electric motor with lithium-ion batteries.
A concept version is expected this fall at the Frankfurt Motor Show and the production version is expected in 2012 or 2013.

Lamborghini Estoque Four-Door Reportedly Killed

Autocar is reporting that Lamborghini has shelved plans to build the Estoque four-door concept, an apparent victim of the current economic situation.
Maurizio Reggiani, Lamorghini's head of research and development stated "The timing and market conditions are just not right for an additional model line."
The Estoque concept was a four door, four seat concept that featured a front/mid engine layout with standard all-wheel-drive.
According to Reggiani, the Estoque has been put on hold for the time being, which means that the project could be restarted once the economy improves.

Toyota Developing a Prius Coupe Dubbed the MR2 to Compete with the Honda CR-Z?

According to Auto Express the once loved MR2 is making a comeback, but not as the small mid-engined roadster like the last generation. Instead Toyota is going to apply the MR2 name to a new performance hybrid that would be similar to the upcoming Honda CR-Z.
The small coupe would feature rear-wheel-drive, a paddleshift gearbox and a specially developed version of the Prius’s hybrid powertrain.
Toyota executive vice president Masatami Takimoto recently told Auto Express: “We are aware of the fondness with which the MR2 is held in the UK and Europe, and are developing a small hybrid sports car.
“We have set a tough price point (expected to be around £20,000), as it will be easier to sell if it is affordable. It has to be fun to drive, too, which means the hybrid set-up must be different to the Prius’s, with greater responsiveness.”
It's also rumored that the revived MR2 hybrid will draw styling cues from the Toyota FT-HS sports car concept

New York 09' Preview: Acura Teases With a New Crossover Concept

Acura has released a few teaser images of its new crossover concept that is going to be unveiled at the New York Auto Show.
The crossover concept features styling that is very similar to the controversial BMW X6. That means its most likely a four-door coupe-like crossover.