Here are the first official shots of the Volvo S60 Concept which will debut at the next Detroit auto show and will likely steal the spotlight from other sedans present. The S60 concept marks a significant step forward in design for the Swedish company, showing a dynamic coupè-sedan with a see-through roof and play on curved lines.

The transparent roof allows for a full view of the interior and provides for a well-lit cabin space. The seats are four separate, sculptured seats and the front car doors are in conventional style, while the rear doors are sliding.

The external style is still under concept form, but reveals some Volvo style elements such as the front of the XC60, while the rear is more agressive. Aspects from the old S60 have been kept and the new LED lights, when off, have a uniform red colour. If the S60 takes on this concept look, the battle amongst European sedans, especially for the Germans, could become more intense.

Continue reading: Detroit 2009: Volvo S60 Concept

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Sometimes I dream of a car that’s easy to park, especially in Europe, and the Toyota iQ could be the next solution. In this video you can see the iQ in parking action with even a little stunt move at the end. Whether you will actually be allowed to park you car like this is probably superfluous in the end - whoever gives you a fine, it will only be because they’re jealous.

Source | Globalmotors

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These latest spy shots of the Mercedes S Class restyling arrive from Sweden, prior to an expected presentation of the new look sometime in 2009. In particular one of the models photographed here is equipped with the S 400 BlueHYBRID engine, the first production series Mercedes hybrid with lithium ion batteries.

Mercedes is likely to be focusing more on the E Class next year, but the rest of the range should still get its moment of fame, as seen in this S Class facelift. The modifications are mostly reserved for the headlights, though the interior should also receive a few touch-ups. The debut in dealerships is set for the second quarter of 2009.

Continue reading: Mercedes Classe S restyling: new spy shots

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We would never have thought to use a supercar sedan for a romp among the sand dunes, but in this video you will find the off-road qualities of the Bentley Continental GTC clearly on display. The Bentley in the sand dunes doesn’t appear to have too much difficulty, though it’s a rather strange way to enjoy a cabriolet that costs 210,000 euros.

Source | Germancarblog

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The news that Subaru has withdrawn from the world rally championships is truly incredible, in fact it’s almost shocking. The image of the Japanese company is so linked to rally competition it’s hard to imagine a WRC without a Subaru Impreza whipping its way around the tracks.

The reason for the withdrawal has been put down to the world economic crisis which is currently having an effect beyond expectations if companies like Subaru pull out of their flagship racing competitions. In the words of Prodrive chairman, David Richards: “Subaru’s departure from the World Rally Championship is a great loss as it is one of the sport’s icons. The Subaru World Rally Team has created true champions such as Colin McRae and Richard Burns and its absence will be felt by many the world over.”

Let’s hope the crisis gets itself over with and we can see Subaru back in the dirt, showing what rally car driving is all about.

Source | Gazzetta
and The Independent

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A survey from the site of Italy’s newspaper Sole24Ore has revealed that the ugliest car ever is the Alfa Romeo Arna. This was a car developed from a Nissan project that has never really been accepted by Alfa fans of any era.

16 percent of votes went to the Alfa Arna, with other cars in the running for the ugly prize being the Fiat Duna, the Citroen Ami6 and the more recent SSangyong Rodius. Alfa Romeo has likely redeemed itself in recent years - below some shots of the Arna.

Thanks to Derek for the tip

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Here’s the first official video of the new Ford Focus RS and while we think you’d actually need to drive this snappy hot hatch to get a feel for its 300hp (and it may have been nice to have the lights on in this video), we’ll wait for dynamic footage to get a good idea of the 265km/hr top speed.

Continue reading: Ford Focus RS: first video

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We’ve seen plenty of images of the new BMW Z4, but to really enjoy this BMW (and be particularly jealous) we have to check it out in motion. In the following BMW Z4 videos after the jump, you can see the roadster soul reaching a more mature and refined style.

While this car has a long list of positive aspects, the only fault we can find is the weight; the Z4 weighs 1,480 kg for the S-Drive23i and 1,585 kg for the twin-turbo. The increase compared to the first version is about 150kg, but we think the evolution justifies it. Though maybe we’re being picky - if someone happened to offer me one, I wouldn’t say no.

Continue reading: New BMW Z4 videos

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I feel like we’re in a twilight world for the automobile industry at the moment, with talk of the US government needing to bail-out the flailing US car industry, and yet the Detroit motor show will go on, with some interesting innovations. Ford is set to present its new kinetic design at the next show, according to an interview with design director J. Mays and Automotive News.

The new kinetic is set to hail the next generation global style at Ford, with some sweetened aspects from the Iosis concept car creating an elegant and less complex look. Still under wraps is which car will be the first to reveal this new design, though word has it that it could be the 2010 Ford Taurus. Whatever the case, we’re still a year away from production at the moment. In the gallery, the Iosis concept.

Continue reading: Ford: kinetic design evolution at the Detroit show

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Our colleagues at autoblog.it had a test drive in Bologna of the new Ford Ka, an essential model for the brand’s 2009 range and a key to surviving the current economic climate, keeping a city car on offer.

It appears that designing this new Ford Ka could have been a difficult task, with a starting point of the Fiat Panda which has created a leap in fantasy in terms of style. The front is where you most notice the design changes.

While the look is generally less chic than the Fiat 500, this city car has its own personality with some crazy colours available (though we recommend avoiding the more bizarre options) and a cutesy look that puts a small on your face.

Continue reading: We road test the new Ford Ka

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