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Future Cars?
I finally got around to reading my Road and Track that came in the mail a few days ago. This months Ampersand is about cars we may see in the next few years. Here is what I found(These are just summaries):
2010 Porsche Boxster:
Expect more evolutionary changes like the 911 than revolutionary differences, like the Cayenne. The redesign will be more major than what happened in 2005, but still remain a Boxster. New engines will remain flat-sixes, but expect increases in displacement and power. The base engine is up to 3.0 liters and 270 hp and the Ss will be up to 3.5 liters and 315 hp. To avoid competition with the 911, the 911 should receive power upgrades prior to launch in 2009 as a 2010 model.
2010 McLaren Supercar:
After losing a Mercedes contract to HWA, McLaren has decided to build their own MR competitor for the 911 Turbo and Ferrari F430. Originally thought to use a BMW V-8, it seems as though the McLaren will use a 6.2L Benz unit good for a sub-4 sec 0-60 and a 200 mph top speed. Emphasis will be placed on weight by using a carbon fiber structure. This will avoid competition with the SLC because the SLC will be more of a Grand Tourer while the McLaren will be about performance.
2009 Audi RS5:
Expect an RS version of the S5 soon. It will probably use the V-8 from the RS4, but dont rule out a Lamborghini V-10. Expect other usual RS changes, including Quattro all wheel drive.
2011 Audi R4:
Rumor has it that Audi is working on a smaller R4. Expect a 2.0L turbo four, good for 250 hp and all wheel drive. A choice of a manual or DSG is expected. As for styling, nobody is sure if it will be just a miniature version of the R8 or if it will see Lamborghini ques. Basically, this should be a $40,000 to $50,000 car with near-Boxster performance.
2009 BMW 7-Series:
The new 7 should look very similar to the recent CS concept with a more conventional roofline. The 7 will grow a longer wheelbase as well. Power will be boosted, and rumors say an 8-speed transmission. BMWs iDrive will be reworked and dont rule out a 4-door coupe.
2010 Jaguar XJ:
Jaguar is due to begin work on the XJ now that the XF will be running around soon. Structure should be similar to the current XJ. Expect a few V-8s and a supercharged V-6 with 300 hp. A 3.0 liter diesel will be offered, and the US may even see it. Styling should be more radical than the C-XF including a coupe like roofline and the windshield integrating with the roof. Interior ques should be similar to those in the XF. Even bigger is that the brand will be up for sale and what the new owner will think of the car.
Other Stuff:
We are aware of a smaller version of the 350Z running around as a prototype. Expect this to be the new Z car due out In 2010. A 3.7L 350 hp V-6 might make this car be called the 370Z. Toyota is rumored to be putting their V-10 from the next supercar into a GS-F. Dont expect Hondas new NSX to be true to the original. It is being designed at a GT with a dual clutch system. In Korea, the Tiburon will be aimed at the Camaro/Challenger/Mustang. Rear drive will be used and the current engines will be joined by a 3.8L V6 and a 4.6L V8. The A-M Rapide is officially back underway, and should be in production by 2010. That Audi (VW) coupe prototype we have seen will be a Phaeton hardtop convertible. Apparently this will come here. A V8 Ferrari prototype has been spotted, making a Dino a strong possibility. It will either be build by Maserati or in the Ferrari hall which is being expanded.
If any of these are old news, I will gladly delete them.
I finally got around to reading my Road and Track that came in the mail a few days ago. This months Ampersand is about cars we may see in the next few years. Here is what I found(These are just summaries):
2010 Porsche Boxster:
Expect more evolutionary changes like the 911 than revolutionary differences, like the Cayenne. The redesign will be more major than what happened in 2005, but still remain a Boxster. New engines will remain flat-sixes, but expect increases in displacement and power. The base engine is up to 3.0 liters and 270 hp and the Ss will be up to 3.5 liters and 315 hp. To avoid competition with the 911, the 911 should receive power upgrades prior to launch in 2009 as a 2010 model.
2010 McLaren Supercar:
After losing a Mercedes contract to HWA, McLaren has decided to build their own MR competitor for the 911 Turbo and Ferrari F430. Originally thought to use a BMW V-8, it seems as though the McLaren will use a 6.2L Benz unit good for a sub-4 sec 0-60 and a 200 mph top speed. Emphasis will be placed on weight by using a carbon fiber structure. This will avoid competition with the SLC because the SLC will be more of a Grand Tourer while the McLaren will be about performance.
2009 Audi RS5:
Expect an RS version of the S5 soon. It will probably use the V-8 from the RS4, but dont rule out a Lamborghini V-10. Expect other usual RS changes, including Quattro all wheel drive.
2011 Audi R4:
Rumor has it that Audi is working on a smaller R4. Expect a 2.0L turbo four, good for 250 hp and all wheel drive. A choice of a manual or DSG is expected. As for styling, nobody is sure if it will be just a miniature version of the R8 or if it will see Lamborghini ques. Basically, this should be a $40,000 to $50,000 car with near-Boxster performance.
2009 BMW 7-Series:
The new 7 should look very similar to the recent CS concept with a more conventional roofline. The 7 will grow a longer wheelbase as well. Power will be boosted, and rumors say an 8-speed transmission. BMWs iDrive will be reworked and dont rule out a 4-door coupe.
2010 Jaguar XJ:
Jaguar is due to begin work on the XJ now that the XF will be running around soon. Structure should be similar to the current XJ. Expect a few V-8s and a supercharged V-6 with 300 hp. A 3.0 liter diesel will be offered, and the US may even see it. Styling should be more radical than the C-XF including a coupe like roofline and the windshield integrating with the roof. Interior ques should be similar to those in the XF. Even bigger is that the brand will be up for sale and what the new owner will think of the car.
Other Stuff:
We are aware of a smaller version of the 350Z running around as a prototype. Expect this to be the new Z car due out In 2010. A 3.7L 350 hp V-6 might make this car be called the 370Z. Toyota is rumored to be putting their V-10 from the next supercar into a GS-F. Dont expect Hondas new NSX to be true to the original. It is being designed at a GT with a dual clutch system. In Korea, the Tiburon will be aimed at the Camaro/Challenger/Mustang. Rear drive will be used and the current engines will be joined by a 3.8L V6 and a 4.6L V8. The A-M Rapide is officially back underway, and should be in production by 2010. That Audi (VW) coupe prototype we have seen will be a Phaeton hardtop convertible. Apparently this will come here. A V8 Ferrari prototype has been spotted, making a Dino a strong possibility. It will either be build by Maserati or in the Ferrari hall which is being expanded.
If any of these are old news, I will gladly delete them.
