Rumors & Spy News (Plus Pics)

[Hooligan]

I think I mentioned this one before, but:

New BMW 3-Series
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/?domai...xpress.co.uk/news/evo_news_story.php?id=32643
Bangle strikes again! This one I don't like. The sides and rear are still old-school BMW, but that front end is getting melty. If you're going to re-design a car, re-design the damned car. I think this really is Bangle's problem: he just throws a few curves and slashes together to see what sticks. New headlights from another car (next 5-Series, I think) does not make for a "re-design".

New Lancer EVO
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/?domai...xpress.co.uk/news/evo_news_story.php?id=32640
More of the same, but we get pricing this time. Base model is cheaper (by a third!), but a bit heavier. More torque is a good thing. Seems like a WRC trick: they stick to the HP limit, but torque goes through the roof.

Rolls-Royce Phantom
http://www.pistonheads.com/news/default.asp?storyId=6031
A Maybach with a RR grille. As in "ugly". As in "fugly". More power, suicide doors, blah, blah, blah. It's a slug that's grinning at me.

Yaris/Echo Turbo
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/?domai...xpress.co.uk/news/evo_news_story.php?id=32702
Power's there, and the handling might be, but the looks will never be there. A Mini competitor it will never be.

Weismann
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/?domai...xpress.co.uk/news/evo_news_story.php?id=32704
A TVR competitor? More like a German car, with a cross between Morgan and TVR styling, mixed with BMW mechanicals. Sounds like a recipe for pure blandness.

V6 Elise
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/front_...xpress.co.uk/news/evo_news_story.php?id=31967
Now this sounds interesting. I think the turbo Elise would have been better (less weight; you think the Elise is a handful now? Just you wait...), but a torquey V6 would be a totally different car, too. It certainly does sound fast. I'm sure many will appreciate the loss of the screaming K-series, but it could be replaced by the totally un-special Toyota hum.

 

[vat_man]

Originally posted by M5Power
These are the stock wheels if you don't order the alloys...

...I think it's a good bet to order the alloys.

And the rear may be one of the ugliest rears to a car, ever.

Erk - it looks like an unpainted Nissan Serena.

 

[The Porko]

Originally posted by M5Power
and the RAV-4 is mainly sold to 40+ year-old women.

The New Rav-4s are nice and they go alright too. Here in Aus there sold to all ages, but i mostly see young to middle age ppl driving them. Do you guys get the 3 door version.

 

[1X83Z]

Originally posted by Hooligan

New BMW 3-Series
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/?domai...xpress.co.uk/news/evo_news_story.php?id=32643
Bangle strikes again! This one I don't like. The sides and rear are still old-school BMW, but that front end is getting melty. If you're going to re-design a car, re-design the damned car.

Hooligan, you said the exactly wrong thing, because you just got me started.

Something I absolutely HATE in the automotive industry is car manufacturers redesigning their cars -- mostly bargain basement vehicles -- with minor body touches so that in time (and after a million "minor body touches") they're so overdone that it's ugly. So, off into my example:

1982 Chevrolet Cavalier hatch:

1985 Chevrolet Cavalier hatch:

1985 Chevrolet Cavalier sedan/coupe:

1988 Chevrolet Cavalier coupe:

1990 Chevrolet Cavalier coupe:

1995 Chevrolet Cavalier sedan:

2000 Chevrolet Cavalier sedan:

2003 Chevrolet Cavalier sedan:

So there you have it: 20 years, one major re-design. And then Chevrolet wonders why they lag way behind Toyota in sales. NO EFFORT!

 

[bigwhlkid]

evolution of filth

 

[1X83Z]

Originally posted by The Porko
Do you guys get the 3 door version.

We used to, but it was so small that people regarded it as unsafe (which, frankly, it was) and it was removed from the market with the debut of the new model.

 

[risingson77]

I kinda like the way the new Cavys look. A bit more "grown-up".

 

[The Porko]

Originally posted by M5Power
We used to, but it was so small that people regarded it as unsafe (which, frankly, it was) and it was removed from the market with the debut of the new model.

What is it with you americans and unsafe 4WDs. The Tropper here whichs is the jackroo like vat man said has no problems, the rav 4 3door has no problems if u dont take a turn to fast. I guess its like that in most 4wds due to its ride height.

 

[risingson77]

I think the safety issue with SUVs has less to do with the machinery than it does the driver. It would be nice if the driving tests were a touch more strict around here.

 

[Hooligan]

Originally posted by M5Power
Hooligan, you said the exactly wrong thing, because you just got me started.

Something I absolutely HATE in the automotive industry is car manufacturers redesigning their cars -- mostly bargain basement vehicles -- with minor body touches so that in time (and after a million "minor body touches") they're so overdone that it's ugly. So, off into my example:

[...]

So there you have it: 20 years, one major re-design. And then Chevrolet wonders why they lag way behind Toyota in sales. NO EFFORT!

I'm not sure why that's the wrong thing? Are you agreeing with me? Because the example that you gave with the Cavalier is exactly what Bangle did....

 

[1X83Z]

Originally posted by The Porko
What is it with you americans and unsafe 4WDs. The Tropper here whichs is the jackroo like vat man said has no problems, the rav 4 3door has no problems if u dont take a turn to fast. I guess its like that in most 4wds due to its ride height.

The last 3-door RAV4 we got was (is) smaller than the new Mini, which is the smallest car for sale in America. No-one cared if they RAV4 could flip, but it was the fact that it was so damn small that got it branded unsafe.

 

[1X83Z]

Originally posted by Hooligan
I'm not sure why that's the wrong thing? Are you agreeing with me? Because the example that you gave with the Cavalier is exactly what Bangle did....

Yes, I'm agreeing with you -- I hate touch-ups of cars. As you said, "If you're going to redesign a car, redesign the damned car." Although I like the 'new' 3-series, I wish they would either let it be or get on it with a full re-design.

And the reason it was the wrong thing was because I was going to type out a long rant about why it's so bad that auto makers do this, but it was late.

 

[Hooligan]

Volkswagen Tarek
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/?domai...xpress.co.uk/news/evo_news_story.php?id=32777
Freaky looking thing. Reminds me of the Mega. I like the F400 Carving-style wheel alignment...unless that's accidental. A bit cartoony, though, but it is purpose-built for Darkar.

Subaru Impreza S202
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/?domai...xpress.co.uk/driven/driven_story.php?id=32227
Each generation of Impreza, as it is phased out, seems to get its own best-of-breed. Too bad they always save it for last: RB5, P1, and now S202. Best Subaru yellow so far. Looks better than it does on the Baja, at least. To drive it, though, is a goal I will never get to fulfill.

Ferrari 360 GT
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/?domai...xpress.co.uk/news/evo_news_story.php?id=32763
I actually got to sit in one. Back in September in the Greenwich Ferrari shop.... (And this one time, at driving camp....) All tarted up for racing, but it certainly matches this description.

 

[Hooligan]

Dodge Magnum SRT-8
http://www.pistonheads.com/shows/detroit2003/article.asp?storyId=6041
"I want to see the hands of all those who were part of the market research report that made this car. Um, I see...two of you. Mr. Tweedle-dum and Tweedle-dee. Thank you, you may sit down. Someone will be by to have you shot."

Ford Capri
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/?domai...xpress.co.uk/news/evo_news_story.php?id=32919
http://www.channel4.com/apps26/4car/special/motorshow7/main.jsp?pg=2&id=250
Anyone but me seen this car? I like this thing quite a bit. My parents had a Capri, but not one of the good ones. Fortunately, it was stolen inside 6 months (or so they say). The front end on this concept looks so 1970's, I can hear Oye Como Va in the background. The side looks like a flipped Mustang vent, and from the rear-3/4 it looks very Aston Martin. If all that was their intention, then J. Mays gets a gold star from me.

Lotus Esprit RIP
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/?domai...xpress.co.uk/news/evo_news_story.php?id=32931
Sad to say, but it was really needed. The Esprit was aging, and had been for 15 years (bad for a 30-year old car). If Lotus was unwilling to do serious work on the car, then perhaps it was time to put it to bed. Perhaps the M250 project lurking around Proton headquarters (now that they own Lotus 100%) could be reborn as the Esprit replacement?

 

[Hooligan]

Shelby S2:
http://www.channel4.com/apps26/4car/jsp/main.jsp?lnk=240&storyid=5070
http://www.pistonheads.com/news/default.asp?storyId=6151
They quote 0-60 in 3.2 seconds. If I'm not mistaken, that's McLaren's quoted time, and so far the fastest full-production car record. Now that 3.2s has only been done once for the McLaren, and was quoted ever since. Most estimates are at 3.4s. Now Carroll is claiming he can do 3.2 with a front-engined V8 at only 450HP. Eh?


Future Saab:
http://www.channel4.com/apps26/4car/jsp/main.jsp?lnk=240&storyid=2125
http://www.channel4.com/apps26/4car/jsp/main.jsp?lnk=211&id=5051
This car in the second link looks downright abhorrent. Like a mutant or something. But Saab could do with some spring in its step. Not that the bridge between Subaru's LLBean crowd and Saabs cordoroy-jacket-with-leather-elbow-patches crowd is all that big.


Impreza 3.0:
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/?domai...co.uk/news/evo_news_story_main.php?1&id=33562
And speaking of Imprezas, the 2.5L turbo bound for the US seems like just the tip of the iceberg. Three-point-zero is the next number (I knew this was coming). First version might be n/a at 240HP, with the turbo'd one at 350HP, but either way the glass gearbox is showing its true colors. Getrag is a nice pick....


Blenheim Speedster:
http://www.pistonheads.com/features/default.asp?storyId=6036
I could swear I've seen this car.... Isn't this the AC/Shelby Cobra? Sure, that was a great car then (probably still is now), but could a Chrysler-powered version be good? Because it surely isn't worth the UK-150,000 they're charging for it. For that price, I'd rather get a 100% pure original Cobra...and a vacation cross-country to "run it in" for myself.

Dodge Avenger concept:
http://www.pistonheads.com/shows/detroit2003/article.asp?storyId=6059
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/?domai...xpress.co.uk/news/evo_news_story.php?id=33152
A stubby, taller version of the Crossfire, isn't it? Dunno. Interesting curves, interesting details, but it doesn't go together as a whole. Needs...cleaning up, somehow. It's too high off the road, as it too much resembles a sedan. Rear looks fat & abrupt, like it should have been a coupe. I remember the Aztek has a similar a$$-in-the-guillotine look, too.

Ford Thunderbird Supercharged:
http://www.channel4.com/apps26/4car/jsp/main.jsp?lnk=211&id=4810
Niiiicccceee.... I'm no fan of the current T-bird, but 390HP in a boat like that means wafty-but-fast. Still, tacky design prevails. Give J Mays another go at this. Retro is one thing; retarded is another.

MG ZT V8:
http://www.channel4.com/apps26/4car/jsp/main.jsp?lnk=211&id=4851
I don't remember the Rover 75 being FR. In fact, the 75 is resolutely FF. So is the MG ZT. The ZT was nice. The ZT XPower is sah-weet. They don't say whether it's the sedan or wagon, so I'm hoping sedan. This makes at least 3 manufacturers (with Audi & Mercedes) releasing small cars with powerful V8s. There's rumours of a BMW M3 V8, and the possible Lexus IS430, which makes the performance sedan category starting to look a lot like the muscle car category from 30 years ago. Mmmm...muscle cars....

A3 Allroad/RS3:
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/?domai...xpress.co.uk/news/evo_news_story.php?id=33150
The A3 is a Golf. We all know that. But it's a snob Golf. The Audi badge doesn't do much for it. Then there was the S3. Nice, but the GTi is a better drive, AWD or no. That brought us to the VW R32, which looks great. Now there's the Audi RS3, which is a twin-turbo "R32" V6 at 280HP. Okay, why? Is VAG really trying to step on its own toes? The R32 is cool as ice, the S3 is a half-notch below it, and the RS3 a half-notch above. If VW is pining for the luxury market, they shouldn't have released the R32. If Audi is aiming for the sport market, they should have made the RS3 a notch-and-a-half above the R32. Great cars, I'm sure, but why?

MG Midget:
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/?domai...xpress.co.uk/news/evo_news_story.php?id=33139
Finally, a competitor to the Copen and Seat Roadster. Looks okay, though. Kept enough MG TF cues to make a reasonable car. Clean up the headlights and MG's got themselves another winner.

Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet:
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/?domai...xpress.co.uk/news/evo_news_story.php?id=33051
Most knew this was coming. After the 993 turbo/cab, the 996 was sure to exist. But I wouldn't get one. At that speed, your toupee is sure to go quick, regardless of how much crazy glue you put on.

 

[Hooligan]

Infiniti M30:
I just saw this today, about two hours ago. It's as ugly as I thought. In fact, I thought the hood wasn't closed all the way, such was the crappy line arrangement. Oversized, overdesigned, and over here.

Infiniti FX45:
Seen not long after the M30. I didn't know these were on sale yet. I could be wrong...but it did have dealer plates (PEPE Infiniti in White Plains, NY). Looks kind of VEHICross-ish...very much so, actually. I would even go so far as to say it's a flamboyant design. Had quite a few good looks at it, until I swerved too close trying to get a look at the front end. Then I sped off after nearly forcing the guy into oncoming traffic. How embarrassing...

 

[1X83Z]

Originally posted by Hooligan
Infiniti M30:
I just saw this today, about two hours ago. It's as ugly as I thought. In fact, I thought the hood wasn't closed all the way, such was the crappy line arrangement. Oversized, overdesigned, and over here.

What are you talking about? The M30 came out in 1989 and was done by 1991. It was based on the R30 Skyline. I see convertible versions every so often, and they're extremely rare. I like M30's, it's the only Skyline coupe we ever got. But if you're allowed to post everytime you see an M30, I'm going to post whenever I see an ES250!

I assume you mean the M45, which I find attractive.

Infiniti FX45:
Seen not long after the M30. I didn't know these were on sale yet. I could be wrong...but it did have dealer plates (PEPE Infiniti in White Plains, NY). Looks kind of VEHICross-ish...very much so, actually. I would even go so far as to say it's a flamboyant design. Had quite a few good looks at it, until I swerved too close trying to get a look at the front end. Then I sped off after nearly forcing the guy into oncoming traffic. How embarrassing...

Were the wheels like the ones in all the press pictures, or were they more docile?

 

[Hooligan]

Originally posted by M5Power
What are you talking about? The M30 came out in 1989 and was done by 1991. It was based on the R30 Skyline. I see convertible versions every so often, and they're extremely rare. I like M30's, it's the only Skyline coupe we ever got. But if you're allowed to post everytime you see an M30, I'm going to post whenever I see an ES250!

I assume you mean the M45, which I find attractive.[/B]

Yes, I meant the M45, and no, I don't find it all that interesting. Kind of like an overy chunky Crown Victoria.

Were the wheels like the ones in all the press pictures, or were they more docile?

I think so. They were just like this:

An interesting car, but I think Infiniti was trying too hard to be different. Very few of the curves mesh together. It just looks like a big toy in person.

 

[1X83Z]

Originally posted by Hooligan
Yes, I meant the M45, and no, I don't find it all that interesting. Kind of like an overy chunky Crown Victoria.

I like the M45, I find it delightful. Is it rear-drive?

An interesting car, but I think Infiniti was trying too hard to be different. Very few of the curves mesh together. It just looks like a big toy in person.

The wheel wells are huge... it'd look better if they were smaller.

 

[Hooligan]

Porsche 911 Turbo Transformer:
http://www.channel4.com/apps26/4car/jsp/main.jsp?lnk=211&id=5274
"Verrry interestink, but schtupit!" The M Roadster look doesn't do the normally attractive 911 shape any favors. The natural gas angle is nice, though, especially since they say it still makes 420HP. I guess converting from one fuel to another isn't all that hard.

[RANT] And speaking of converting, why are the hydrogen-powered cars fuel cells? Isn't hydrogen combustible? I remember at least that much from chem class. Why not fill your car with water, have the tank pump send it through a hydrolisis (splitter), route the gaseous hydrogen and oxygen to the traditional combustion chamber, and compress & ignite as usual. Spent gases? Same water from the fuel cell. Total effort into research? Probably less than 20% funding. Petrol attributes kept? Same old pistons, same old cams, same old engine layout, same old rip-roaring V8's, same old engine tuning.... What the hell are we doing with EFF'IN FUEL CELLS? [/RANT]

Zonda Roadster:
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/r/?[url]http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/evo_news_story.php?id=33683[/url]
Um, neat. Now the targa Lambo has a competitor. I can't imagine there being much advantage to either. With the ease both of these get to 100MPH, are open windows of any kind a good idea?

Subaru Coupe:
http://www.channel4.com/apps26/4car/jsp/main.jsp?lnk=211&id=5262
This must come from Ford's and Peugeot's WRC performance. The era of the compact sedan is over. Neither the Impreza nor the Lancer are making much of an impact anymore. It's the shorter-wheelbased hatches that are getting to the podium. Further proof Subaru is abandoning the Impreza for WRC use is the upcoming 2.5L-based STi heading for the U.S.. Well, the evolved from the Legacy to the Impreza, it'll be interesting to see what WRC forces Subaru to move to next. The did well the past two changeovers....


Saab 9-1:
http://www.channel4.com/apps26/4car/jsp/main.jsp?lnk=240&storyid=2125
I could understand Saab needing some real pep in its lineup. Heck, it needs more of anything, having exactly two cars in the showroom. So share the Impreza steering rack around GM (including the Solstice), and share the AWD system (it's far from special, unlike ATTESA or the EVO setup), but for god's sake, don't put the boxer engine in anything that doesn't have the big dipper on the front! *sigh* Now I know how Porsche feels with that all-to-familiar V8.

 

[Hooligan]

Ugly Corvette:
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/?domain=evo&page=news/evo_news_story.php?id=34574
No joke this thing is ugly. I've never been a fan of two-tone paint, but those turbine wheels put it way over the edge.

V8 3-series...and not an M3:
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/?domain=evo&page=news/evo_news_story.php?id=34536
I'm actually surprised at this one: a 345i will be produced. As in, a 4.5L V8...and it's not even an M3! I can't imagine what BMW has in store for the M3. Perhaps the '99 M5's 5.0L V8?

VX220 with more Boost:
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/?domain=evo&page=news/evo_news_story.php?id=34513
As if you couldn't get more power in such a little car, 230HP will now be spun out of control through the VX's poor rear tires.

 

[Hooligan]

Alfa GT Coupe:
http://www.channel4.com/apps26/4car/special/geneva2003/main.jsp?pg=1&id=257
This would have been much more interesting if it were rear-drive. A bit angly for Alfa, but it still makes me wish they sold cars in the US....


Alfa Kamal:
http://www.channel4.com/apps26/4car/special/geneva2003/main.jsp?pg=2&id=286
The camel reference is not lost on me, but what is is the silly-putty design. It's as if an RX300 was blasted on the sides by jet engines. Probably necessary for Alfa to succeed, but lacks all interest from me.

Laraki Fulgara:
http://www.channel4.com/apps26/4car/special/geneva2003/main.jsp?pg=1&id=271
I first thought this was a F360 work-over, but then I saw the Aston-ish tail. Where has this company been hiding? It's actually quite nice. Wonder if it drives as well as it looks...in silver.

Lambo Gallardo:
http://www.channel4.com/apps26/4car/special/geneva2003/main.jsp?pg=1&id=268
It quite literally looks like a smaller Murcielago. A bit stumpy towards the rear; reminds me of how some musicians can't figure out how to end a song. Add another supercar to the pile on the left.... Still, masses of supercars do tend to arrive at economic low-points, and upward-trends follow soon afterwards.

Peugot Hoggar:
http://www.channel4.com/apps26/4car/special/geneva2003/main.jsp?pg=2&id=261
What is this: Everyone copies the Lotus 340R? The F400 Carving, the, um, something else, and now the Hoggar. A twin-engined diesel dune buggy. Fascinating idea that will attract less than 10 buyers. Good thing it's just a concept.

Lancer Evo:
http://www.motortrend.com/features/news/112_news30/
A 2.4L n/a 4-door. Think Mitz is planning their own 2.4L turbo AWD 4-door sometime in the next year? Not even after Subaru did it? I think so.

600HP Merc CL
http://www.pistonheads.com/news/default.asp?storyId=6318
612HP, 738 lb-ft. I can't imagine anything more ridiculous in a luxury car. If it came with 4Matic as standard, then there might be some chance of getting that all to the ground without melting the tires once a day. Otherwise, with the traction control reigning things in, how can it be any faster than any other AMG car? Perhaps this is why the entire AMG lineup performs pretty much the same.

WRX PP:
http://www.pistonheads.com/news/default.asp?storyId=6334
If the PPP comes to the US, I am so in line for this. But then again, I don't think it will. Just imagine what meeting CARB will do to it. And I don't even want to think about insurance. Oh, well. Guess I'll just have to do it myself.

Subaru B11S:
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/?domain=evo&page=news/evo_news_story.php?id=34670
This scares me. Not so much the car itself -- that's fine -- but the fact that the Subaru character will be forever changed. I kinda liked the almost-generic design. You could always spot one, but it wasn't Alfa-unique. Subaru's wore subtle faces. Come to think of it, this does look rather Alfa-ish. And that's no bad thing, but I can't see Solberg zipping through the Acropolis in one of these. Either the Impreza will stay separate from this, or this will be the Impreza, and Subaru will create something 206-sized (which it needs to do anyway to remain competitive).

Audi Nuvolari:
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/?domain=evo&page=news/evo_news_story.php?id=34724
http://www.channel4.com/apps26/4car/special/geneva2003/main.jsp?pg=2&id=277
Again, the Alfa influence, or at least partly. The front is still quite Audi (Rosemeyer, even), but the rear is half-Alfa, half-Vanquish. Nicely moves the TT idea foward some 20 years. Honestly, the current TT looks downright dated compared to this thing. Interior is great, but I'd go for a more conventional instrument cluster. The concept one would make me cross-eyed after an hour or so.

 

[risingson77]

No.

 

[1X83Z]

Yeah, really - talk about ugly...

 

[risingson77]

Well, it's gotta be ugly if I object - normally I don't think much about vehicle aesthetics.

 

[Duke]

Originally posted by Hooligan
Dodge Magnum SRT-8
http://www.pistonheads.com/shows/detroit2003/article.asp?storyId=6041
"I want to see the hands of all those who were part of the market research report that made this car. Um, I see...two of you. Mr. Tweedle-dum and Tweedle-dee. Thank you, you may sit down. Someone will be by to have you shot."[/B]

What is your dislike about this car? I'd buy one in a heartbeat to replace my current minivan (called the War Wagon because it soldiers on without a problem). The SRT-8 is 10 times better looking and probably 10 times more fun to drive than any of the new breed of "SUV" ( a misnomer if ever there was one) things that are currently littering up dealer lots. All they are is station wagons anyway, just made a little taller and called something manly so stupid rich guys can buy them while maintaining their virility. This new Dodge is at least honest about what it is - a station wagon, and a badass one in the bargain.

Can you honestly say you dislike this, but like any of the new breed SUVs - the fugly Infiniti, its brother Nissan that looks like a giant steam iron, or the rest of that lot? I wouldn't give you a nickle for the lot of them, except to trade in on something like this Dodge.

 

[Frustrated Palm]

I like it IMO. Finially another rear wheel drive car with some power too ...

 

[Hooligan]

Originally posted by neon_duke
What is your dislike about this car? I'd buy one in a heartbeat to replace my current minivan (called the War Wagon because it soldiers on without a problem). The SRT-8 is 10 times better looking and probably 10 times more fun to drive than any of the new breed of "SUV" ( a misnomer if ever there was one) things that are currently littering up dealer lots. All they are is station wagons anyway, just made a little taller and called something manly so stupid rich guys can buy them while maintaining their virility. This new Dodge is at least honest about what it is - a station wagon, and a badass one in the bargain.

It reminds me of all those "pimped-out" Escalades and Yukon Denali's. It's not a hideous car by any means, but far from attractive. Like the Avantissimo, but with Dodge accents. Putting a truck face on a relatively small wagon doesn't do it for me. Then again, this is just a concept.

I also don't get the point of it. All that power, with little or no control. Or maybe too much control, as in the new line of AMG's, where it's all TSC'd out. Hemi's are on my hotlist of cool engines, but it just doesn't feel right in a wagon. Then again, I grew up without the benefit of Ford Galaxy's.

Can you honestly say you dislike this, but like any of the new breed SUVs - the fugly Infiniti, its brother Nissan that looks like a giant steam iron, or the rest of that lot? I wouldn't give you a nickle for the lot of them, except to trade in on something like this Dodge.

I don't care much for the Nissan/Infinity toy either. Too pseudo-futuristic. Nice performer, I'm sure, but on-road only. Thus: What's the point of this exercise? Don't we have sportwagons already? Why make this taller (yet no more capacious) and heavier, and be forced to up the engine to compensate? Clarkson was right: Let's get back to the basic four.

 

[vat_man]

Originally posted by M5Power
Yeah, really - talk about ugly...

Well, if the next generation Legacy/Liberty (due September) is a shocker, it'll probably be good for my resale...

That thing is a shocker, though - Alfa Romeo 147 meets Porsche 911. There's not a single Subaru element in there - except maybe the sills.

Oh yeah - after seeing a few of them around, I've gone off the new Impreza front end. Too Suzuki Baleno.

 

[Frustrated Palm]

Here is an actual spy photo...

I always thought the Murcialago was the replacement for the Diablo, or was it the Countache? Cant remember.

Audi is expected to finally launch the successor to the Lamborghini Diablo at this fall's Frankfurt Motor Show. The new model could be called Canto.

These photos are showing a prototype with almost no disguise during final testing at Nürburgring in Germany. Redesigned by Bertone, the Diablo replacement will be powered by a 600 HP V 12 engine.