2012 Audi S8

2012 Audi S8

First up is the S8, which is expected to make its debut at the Frankfurt motor show in September.

The S8 will feature a new 4.0 liter, twin-turbo V8, developed together and shared with sister brand Bentley, with an output of approximately 500 PS (368 kW / 493 bhp). That beats the previous S8 by 50 PS but the new model will still outdo it on fuel-economy by about 20 percent. The S8 will come with an 8-speed automatic gearbox and Quattro all-wheel drive as standard.

Following on its heels will be an introduction of the 2012 Audi S6 and S7 models at the Los Angeles auto show. Both the S6 and the S7 also get the new 4.0 liter V8, with 440 PS (324 kW / 434 bhp) and 470 PS (346 kW / 464 bhp), respectively. Although, Auto Bild doesn't specify whether they get naturally-aspirated, single-turbo or twin-turbo variants of the unit.

Finally, comes the RS6 which will get that 4.0 liter, twin-turbo V8 too as Audi appears to be making the most out of the power plant. The unit will be configured to deliver 580 PS (427 kW / 572 bhp) and keep the model competitive with its arch-rival - the recently unveiled BMW (F10) M5 which comes with 560 PS (412 kW / 552 hp) and 680 Nm (502 lb-ft) of torque.

We've also previously reported that an RS7 is expected with that 4.0 liter, twin-turbo V8 tuned to around the 600 PS (441 kW / 592 bhp) mark.

Audi RSQ

Audi RSQ

Audi RSQ

Audi RSQ

Audi RSQ

Audi RSQ

The RSQ includes special features suggested by movie director Alex Proyas. The mid-engined sports car operated by the story's police department, races through the Chicago of the future not on wheels but on spheres. Its two doors are rear-hinged to the C-posts of the body and open according to the butterfly principle.

The striking shape of the angular body cutouts for the head-light modules influence the front-end appearance of the RSQ. They are combined with side air inlets. The xenon light tubes behind the clear-glass covers enhance the character of the front-end design.

Where you find the rear window on most sports coupes, an aluminium hood covers the engine in the RSQ. In plain view this cover is an oval, running right up to the windscreen and integrated into the body by a transverse bar.The gull-wing doors are another RSQ highlight: whenever Will Smith gets into or out of the car, the rear-hinged doors open upwards like a butterfly's wings, and twist slightly at the same time.

The cockpit atmosphere of the interior is emphasized by the wide panoramic windscreen that extends back into the roof. The glass surface runs from the right and left roof pillars as far as the rear of the cabin. This ensures a much greater field of view for the driver and passenger.

All relevant information for driving the car is fed into the digital display in the instrument cluster by means of Audi s Multi Media Interface (MMI) control system. The air conditioning and radio of the RSQ are classified as secondary functions. Entertainment functions have been omitted in favor of the sporting concept.

Mercedes Arik

Mercedes Arik

Mercedes Arik

Mercedes Arik

Mercedes Arik

Mercedes Arik

2014 Audi A9

2014 Audi A9

2014 Audi A9

2014 Audi A9

2014 Audi A9

German sources are reporting today that the Ingolstadt manufacturer is planning to develop the Audi A9, which is expected to go on sale sometime in 2014. The A9 will be one of Audi's top models, which will offer even more luxury and equipment than the current generation Audi A8. The 2014 Audi A9 will be based on the same platform as the A8, but it will not be a sedan. Measuring around 5 meters in length, Audi's A9 will be available as a four-seat coupe and convertible only. Can you even imagine such a long coupe? The Audi A9 convertible will have a canvas soft-top, and, together with the coupe model, will feature fully retractable side windows.

The Audi A9 coupe's most obvious competitor will

be the Mercedes CL, while the convertible version might go on the same market segment as the SL. Merc's CL has long been alone on the large coupe segment, so the A9 doesn't seem such an eccentric idea.

If it will ever be a reality, the Audi A9 will probably get the larger petrol and diesel engines in the car maker's line-up. Our sources expect the Audi A9 to be priced from around 80,000 EUR.

2013 Audi e-tron

2013 Audi e-tron

2013 Audi e-tron

2013 Audi e-tron

2013 Audi e-tron

Audi’s all-electric e-tron concept, which debuted at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, surprised us by showing up at the 2009 Los Angeles in a decidedly unique paint scheme. Headed for production with the nameplate of R4, the e-tron is a high-performance electric sports coupe created in the same vein as the less-than-green R8.

Although technically not an electric version of Audi’s R8 supercar, the e-tron concepts places a heavy emphasis on all-out performance and shares a considerable amount of design language as well. The e-tron features independent electric motors at all four corners, giving the concept a true quattro all-wheel drive system. Combined output is 313 horsepower and a staggering 3,319 lb-ft or torque.

That power is enough to accelerate the e-tron from zero-to-62 in 4.8 seconds. The rush from 37-75 mph is accomplished in 4.1 seconds, according to Audi.The e-tron utilizes a lithium-ion battery back, located low and behind the passenger compartment for optimal weight distribution (42/58). Audi says the e-tron carries enough juice for a 154 mile optimal range. Audi enlists all LED lighting and other power saving features ensure that maximum range.

Aside from the massive 1,036 pound battery pack, the e-tron is fairly light at its total weight of 3,527 pounds. Its low weight comes courtesy of an Audi Space Frame designed aluminum structure. All of what Audi calls the “add on” parts, like doors, hoods, roof and fenders are composed of fiber-reinforced plastic for added weight savings.

The show car features a production-like interior with simplistic controls and a revised MMI scroll pad with a touch-sensitive surface on the steering wheel, as well as a unique smart phone integration setup. The car is designed to allow users to insert specially-equipped smartphones into a slot in order to utilize the phone’s built-in audio and video capabilities.

Audi has confirmed that it will use its newly established and dedicated e-tron sub-brand to develop the production version of the e-tron. Audi set a target run of 1,000 units worldwide, but said it will only produce units that are pre-ordered, meaning the final number produced could fall short if the demand isn’t there.

2012 Dodge Magnum

2012 Dodge Magnum

2012 Dodge Magnum

2012 Dodge Magnum

2012 Dodge Magnum

2012 Dodge Magnum is a crossover vehicle designed to offer safety coupled with a thrilling driving experience. It features the architecture and proportions that convey a bold, aggressive, powerful image. The vehicle has the distinction of being the first rear-wheel drive car from the Dodge lineup in almost two decades.

2012 Magnum comes in four model types the base SE, SXT, R/T and SRT8. While the SE version is powered by a 2.7 Liter Hemi V-8 engine, the SXT version is powered by a 3.5 liter V-6, the R/T version is powered by a 5.7 liter V8 engine. The top of the line SRT8 version is powered by a 6.8 Liter HEMI V-8 Engine.

New Magnum model features a remodeled bumper, new headlights, a broader hood, and nicer sidesills. It also looks to have body colored mirrors with indicators built in, and completely redesigned side windows with a blended in b-pillar and a thicker c-pillar. The new rear side window features a teardrop shape, giving the vehicle a more stylish look than the current version.

Price range of MRSP: $22,495-$30,000.

2013 Jaguar XE

2013 Jaguar XE

2013 Jaguar XE

2013 Jaguar XE

Leftlane reported in late 2009 that Ratan Tata, head of Jaguar parent company Tata Motors, had confirmed Jaguar was readying an all-new roadster – believed to be called the XE – later confirming that this model is in fact coming in 2012.

The all-new XE model will likely come in both Roadster and Coupe form, and was confirmed to by CEO Carl-Peter Forster to be set to arrive in 2012. Forster has not commented about body styles, but Leftlane’s previous reports confirmed a roadster model, with a two-door coupe being a strong possibility in order to better compete with segment rivals from Porsche and Lotus, such as the Boxster, Caymen and Evora models.

The XE will feature an all-new aluminum platform, which will eventually underpin the XK, XF and XJ – as opposed to their current steel platforms. Although a mid-engine setup had been rumored, the XE will use a more conventional front-engine, rear-drive configuration.

Power for the base model XE is expected to come from a supercharged V6, which could produce up to 350 horsepower – but given Tata’s use of Ford-sourced motors, we wouldn’t rule out the possibility of an EcoBoosted 3.5-liter V6 with power in the same realm.

A mid-level model will check in with at least a 385 horsepower version of Jaguar’s 5.0-liter V8, while a 510 horsepower supercharged V8 will be reserved for the range’s top billing. A hybrid model is also rumored to be in the works.

Previous reports suggested the XE could be in Jaguar showrooms as early as 2011, but it looks like the XE won’t hit the market until 2012 as a 2013 model year. Expect the Jaguar XE to make its world debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, which coincidentally marks the 50th anniversary of the E-Type’s introduction.

2012 Kia K9

2012 Kia K9

2012 Kia K9

Kia is working on an all-new, larger, more luxurious sedan, and our spy photographers have sent us the first images of the new car in prototype form. Illustrated images of the K9 — believed to be sourced from a Kia meeting — surfaced on the Web late last year.

Internally code-named “CH,” this all new sedan will be riding on the same chassis that underpins the Hyundai Genesis sedan. While powertrains should be fairly similar to what is found in the Genesis sedan, there may also be a new, 4.0-liter V8 rated near 400hp. Hyundai’s new 8-speed transmission will also see duty in the K9.

Essentially, the K9 will take the spot of the aging Amanti in Kia’s lineup as the brand’s flagship model, while making a sizable move upscale in the process. However, it remains to be seen what nameplate the car will carry in production form.

Details on the K9 are incredibly scarce – with so few confirmed details that some are even suggesting the car shown in the illustrations and photos is a front-wheel drive vehicle, as opposed to the rear-wheel drive that is suspected based on the shared platform with the Hyundai Genesis. However, Hyundai has suggested that it will be bringing a new rear-wheel drive sedan to the U.S. as a 2012 model year – making the K9 the only known vehicle to fill that role.

2012 BMW 3-Series

2012 BMW 3-Series

2012 BMW 3-Series

2012 BMW 3-Series

2012 BMW 3-Series

BMW is planning to dramatically expand the number of offerings within its various model ranges, especially the strong-selling 3-series that is the backbone of the brand. All eyes are on the next 3, due for 2012.

Aside from the usual body styles—sedan, station wagon, coupe, and retractable-roof convertible—BMW will also build a five-door hatchback version featuring an aggressive design that will combine station-wagon practicality with coupelike style. In other words, the 3-series range will get its own version of the 5-series GT concept, BMW’s attempt to cross-pollinate an SUV and a station wagon. Like the 5-series GT, the 3-series GT will offer two adjustable seats with a center console in the rear and straddle the fine line between BMW SUV and BMW wagon in regard to overall height.

Optional equipment such as a lane-departure warning system, night vision, a system to prevent the driver from nodding off, and radar-based adaptive cruise control with collision-mitigating automatic braking will bring tech features of the 5- and 7-series into the realm of the 3.

Like the current 3-series, powertrain and suspension tuning will remain sporty. But for those who want greater control, BMW will offer a three-stage driving-dynamics button similar to that of Audi’s drive select. It will sharpen or soften damping as well as steering, gearbox, and throttle responses.