Audi and Quattro Autobild is reporting that the four-ringed automaker’s fabulous all-wheel drive system will be excluded from the forthcoming A1 mini car. Quattro tech won’t be added considering that the A1′s design study, the Audi Metroproject Quattro Concept, includes the word “Quattro” in its name. Regardless, while this news might be a problem, on the practical side, the inclusion of AWD means additional weight and cost, something that’s antithetical to the A1′s stated mission.

The A1 will reportedly only be available with one gearbox: a seven speed S-Tronic automatic transmission. Autobild reports that the A1 will be available throughout Europe in August or September of next year, with a sportback version coming online in late 2011 and a cabriolet in early 2012. The S1 will reportedly hit production in February of 2011 with a 1.4-liter TFSI powerplant capable of a very respectable 180 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of 6.9 seconds. We should know more when the compact runabout is revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

After various reports and some leaked images, M-B took the wraps off the the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class at a private event in Detroit. While the new E won’t make its public debut until March at the Geneva Motor Show, we were on hand in Motown to get the details straight from the company that Karl Benz built.

We’ve said plenty about the E’s new conservative sheetmetal and exterior elements, including the ConceptFASCINATION-inspired front-end and sedate, uninspired rump. Depending on spec, the new E-class will feature either twin foglamps or angular LEDs, trapezoidal or oval exhaust tips and a host of wheel options. The overall length has been stretched by half an inch to just under 16 feet, while the width has grown by 1.26 inches, the wheelbase is up 0.8-inches and height is half-an-inch taller than the outgoing model. Torsional rigidity is up by 30% and the new E is more aerodynamic, along with packing 11 standard airbags.

The 2010 model shows considerable promise inside, with an interior that evolves the C-class and GLK’s angular aesthetic and attempts to bring more of that bomb-proof feel that Benz was known for in the past. The transmission selector can be had on either the console or the steering column, ala S-class, with the COMAND controller placed on the center divider and some of the seat controls moving to the sides, next to the transmission tunnel.

The new E features enough gadgetry to sooth even the most weary CES attendee, beginning with a new standard system called Attention Assist that keeps track of steering angle and alerts the driver if they’re getting drowsy with an audible alert and a coffee-cup icon on the dash. Lane departure warning is optional, along with adaptive high-beam headlights that dim when oncoming traffic is approaching, radar-based cruised control, blind-spot monitoring and infrared night vision.

When the 2010 E-class goes on sale this summer, buyers can choose from either a direct-injected, 292-hp 3.5-liter V6 (E350) or a 388-hp 5.5-liter V8 (E500), both mated to a standard seven-speed automatic gearbox. 4MATIC models will arrive later, along with the E63 variant, and the 211 hp, 3.0-liter Bluetech diesel variant with urea injection is slated to go on sale at the end of the year.

Hot hatch enthusiasts know what it means when Renault unveils a new compact car: a new Renaultsport variant will follow. The French automaker’s performance division continues to roll out some the hottest compacts in the business, so when the wraps came off the third-generation Megane in Paris this past fall, it was only a matter of time before the tuned-up sport version would follow, and reports now indicate that it’ll arrive this March at the Geneva Motor Show.

For this latest generation of Megane, Renault continues to differentiate the sporty three-door from the more utilitarian five-door model, but the RS version promises to raise the bar yet again. Taking cues from the Megane Trophy racer (pictured above) also unveiled at the Paris show, the new Megane RS is tipped to feature a wider track, flared wheel arches, a wing bisecting the front air dam, and a center-exit exhaust. Power is expected to come from the company’s 2.0-liter turbo, but tuned to produce 250 horsepower. The requisite chassis tuning, optional limited slip differential and beefy Brembo brakes promise to round out the package.

[Source: Autocar via WCF]

Mark Fields, Ford’s president of the Americas, has confirmed that the Lincoln MKT crossover is due to be reveal this January at the Detroit Auto Show, while a refreshed MKZ will be unveiled at the Los Angeles Show in November.

We already knew the Ford Flex-based CUV was headed to Detroit, with power provided by either a 3.7-liter or a 3.5-liter Ecoboost V6. Both six- and seven-passenger seating arrangements will be offered, along with Blind Spot Monitoring and a Cross Traffic Alert system which utilizes two sonar modules to notify drivers that a vehicle has moved into their blind spot by shining a light on the corresponding outside mirror. Sales are expected to begin later in 2009 and Ford is insistent that the MKT won’t share any body panels with its platform sibling.

The facelifted MKZ sedan will sport the new split-wing grille originally found on the MKR concept. New taillights are also rumored to be part of the package and sales should begin later this year or early in 2009.

For years, Inquiring minds have been imagining what the world will look like in the not-too-distant future, and, as you’re no doubt aware, our brains have a knack for envisioning more than our feeble hands can produce. That appears to be the case with Volkswagen and its look 20 years into the future of the automobile. So, with that in mind, what does VeeDub see as the future of transportation in twenty years? To begin with, customizable cars which can be summoned up in just minutes. Traveling alone? Choose the One, a single-seater, for the smallest footprint possible. Want to have some fun? Choose the aptly named Ego, a sporty two passenger coupe with an instant custom flame job. If you need to haul the whole clan, the future’s family truckster VW Room needs no driver, leaving you with plenty of quality time with the kids.

Volkswagen envisions vehicles which communicate with each other, meaning that driver involvement is kept to a minimum, traffic is a thing of the past and accidents are completely avoided. Of course, no vision of the future would be complete without the elimination of fossil fuels, and VW sees to it that biofuels and electricity power the cars of the future. Interestingly, the not-so-futuristic up! concept is used as the starting point for the German automaker’s future designs. Head on over to the micro-site for more.

We were highly impressed with G-Power’s M5 Hurricane. After all, it’s twin-supercharged V10 produced nearly 50% more power than stock and it had a top speed of 211 mph, which G-Power claims to be faster than any other street legal Bimmer. With the BMW M6 packing the same 5.0-liter V10, it was only a matter of time before it received the same treatment. Behold the G-Power M6 Hurricane! While the twin blowers are set for lower boost, only 6 psi compared to the M5′s 10 psi, the M6 still produces a healthy 635 bhp @ 7300 rpm and 469 lb-ft torque @ 6300 rpm. This is good for a 4.5 second sprint to 60 mph and a top speed of nearly 200 mph. Not one to forget that appearance matters, G-Power also provides a new front and rear fascia, rocker panels, and carbon fiber rear diffuser along with 21-inch wheels that make room for a 15-inch brake system up front. M6 owners can drop off their car at G-Power’s German headquarters or can order a fully assembled car starting at a mere 183,000 Euros. Full details can be found in the press release after the jump.

The gang in Maranello is continuing to dribble out more imagery of the new Ferrari California roadster, now with the car now making its first appearance with its hard top up. This blue GT can be seen in the gallery below with the top up, down and halfway in between. Thankfully, in spite of the 2+ designation (whatever that means) the car still maintains two-seater proportions, so it doesn’t have a ridiculously long rear deck. There has been plenty of discussion in the comments about the virtues of the California’s design details, but the overall proportions are definitely classic GT the folding hard top manages not to screw that up.

Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo recently had his first crack at driving the new car at the company’s Fiorano test track and unsurprisingly came away feeling quite effusive about the newcomer. In the bosses words, “The California is, like all of our models, the epitome of cutting-edge innovation.” The new hard top can apparently change state in a mere 14 seconds. Hopefully it will also prove to be more reliable than some other such examples. It’s going to be a long summer of teasing from Ferrari before the California makes its debut at the Paris Motor Show in October. In the meantime, Ferrari’s latest press release is after the jump.

[Source: Ferrari]

Ferrari Concept 2008 by Sefsdesign

We realize that not everyone will agree with us on this one — passions seem to run highest over the cars that the fewest number of people will drive — but if the Ferrari California looked like this concept, we’d put down a deposit right now. Once someone else gave us the money to do so.

Sure, from the A-pillar forward is pure Maserati, and there’s no way a front intake like that could or should make it onto a Ferrari. Still, it’s a good looking front end, and we don’t mind design elements going up as well as down. Besides, a couple of keystrokes can get a proper Ferrari nose in place.

But from the A-pillar to the rear… those are the kind of aggressive, subtle lines we like in our Ferraris. Which is not to say we don’t like the California — we just like this a little better… A coupe, please. That color.
[Source: Sefsdesign]

The basic Jeep shape has essentially carried forward from World War II to the present day. It has also been replicated many times over by automakers scattered around the world, and variations on the theme continue to appear. The Chinese auto industry has never been shy about (ahem) “borrowing”, and Beijing Automotive has come through with one of the “better” quasi-clones we’ve seen so far. The B40 is obviously Jeep Wrangler-inspired, but rather than ape the Jeep’s signature front end, the B40 instead sports a more Land Rover-ish look (think LR2/Freelander 2). And you know what? It’s actually kind of interesting to look at.

The interior is gussied up with contrast-stitched leather seats, a nav system, and a steering wheel that looks like it’s been ripped from a modern Opel. The wheels are OEM Jeep knock-offs. One thing that jumps out at us is the door handles — they’re a flat style, similar to the ones Jeep used before switching to the circular push-button handles on the current JK Wranglers. We really like that old look better. Anyway, back to the B40 — the only technical info Autoblog Chinese has is that it’s powered by a gasoline engine. Offroad prowess is unknown, as is its production status, but at least we know what a Wrangler/Freelander love child might look like.

UPDATE: As has been pointed out in the comments, Beijing Auto is the current name of the automaker once known as the joint venture, Beijing Jeep. (Stands up, ready to catch javelins.) As such, this is in all likelihood derived from actual Wrangler mechanicals. As one commenter theorizes, if the nomenclature is related to the actual powertrain, this may well have the old 4.0L I6 underhood. You know — the one you can’t get in the USDM Wrangler anymore.

[Source: Autoblog Chinese]

Exterior Design:***

The 2009 Honda Pilot nicely embodies traditional SUV themes in a package that looks more compact than it actually is and manages to convey an approachability and friendliness lacking in its competitors. Shame it’s just a little boring.

Interior Design:****

Everything a family needs and more laid out in an intuitive but very buttony way. Plenty of space for eight, although full-size adults may not jump at the opportunity to spend time in the way back, with the middle row pulled forward, they’ll fit just fine. The trunk is cleverly configured, offering below-floor storage for wet and dirty stuff and a cargo shelf for items that need to remain easily accessible. With the seats folded down completely flat, there’s room for a stack of full-sized plywood sheets to lay completely flat.

 
Acceleration:****

The 250bhp V6 is fun to use and delivers more acceleration than its drivers are likely to need. The variable cylinder management has the ability to switch between 3, 4 or 6 cylinders seamlessly and is not noticeable in its use, except in the engine’s ability to deliver decent mileage for the form factor.

Braking:****

More than enough for even hard driving and repeated use, which is more than will likely ever be asked of it. The Hill Start Assist keeps you from rolling backwards on even the steepest of slopes.

Ride:****

Firm yet compliant, the Pilot’s stiff body is an excellent starting point from which its suspension can work exactly like it’s supposed to.

Handling:****

Surprisingly fun to drive for an SUV of this size, it’s competent both off-road and on. We were surprised by just how well it carved canyon roads and took to the rocky trails above them. We wouldn’t want to go mudding in one, but the Pilot is more than capable of accessing remote campsites. And we had fun sliding all over dirt trails with the Variable Torque Management locked into 70%-of-torque-to-the-rear mode.

Gearbox:****

The five-speed auto works best with overdrive off, but otherwise performed as it should. There’s no low-range transfer case, but the Variable Torque Management does a surprisingly good job of helping out off-road. Transmission cooler standard.

Audio:***

What at first looks like too many buttons proves to be an intuitive, decent stereo system with iPod and USB inputs.

Toys:****

In addition to the obvious Sat/Nav — easier to read than the Accord’s — the interior features all sorts of clever touches that will help make this an extremely practical vehicle. There are storage bins galore, the mid row seats slide fore and aft and split 60/40, folding flat, as does the rear bench. The rear view camera in the rear view mirror works well so you can watch people in the back enjoy the separate climate controls. Basically, everything needed to make family trips as stress-free as possible.

Value:****

What price utility? The Pilot carries 8 in safety, can tow up to 4500lbs with no modifications, can haul plenty of stuff inside, is good to drive, and for its size offers decent economy. There’s probably not a more practical car on offer from the high $20ks to the mid $30ks.

Overall: ****

Not the sexiest car on sale, but it is one of the most practical. The Pilot competently goes where all SUVs and CUVs should go, but typically don’t bother. Better to drive than most of the competition too, it nevertheless fails to set our fickle hearts on fire. Which is a shame. For us.