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2011 Ford Ranger Interior Scooped

Paul Maric — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 05:56:37 +0000

Our spy photographers have snapped exclusive photographs of the interior of the 2011 Ford Ranger.

Codenamed the T6, Ford Australia is developing the Ford Ranger for worldwide consumption.

These exclusive photos show a right-hand-drive version of the Ford Ranger, fitted out with the interior that will make the final production model. The interior Pavle.com.au spied recently was of a mule, this time around the interior represents the final product.

A Ford insider told CarAdvice earlier last year that the T6 Ranger would feature car-like levels of fit and finish. These exclusive pictures show a Fiesta-esque interior.

Featuring the same steering wheel as the Fiesta, in addition to a similar centre stack layout, it’s a sure bet that the 2011 Ford Ranger will launch with Ford SYNC and an LCD screen for upper models. The LCD screen also allows the fitting of a reversing camera.

People with keen eyes will also note a smaller LCD in the speedometer cluster, probably there for trip computer, fuel consumption and vehicle settings.

Also clear on the rearward facing photo is well appointed rear seats complete with adjustable headrests. The material and finish appear to be of a high quality.

The vehicle photographed also features tweeters in the wing mirror housing, hinting at a high quality sound system available at launch. A switch for the stability control can also be seen on the dashboard

With the launch of the Volkswagen Amorak, it’s quite clear that Ford needs to stay on top of the game and hit the ground running when the T6 Ford Ranger is launched in 2011. Commercial vehicles such as the Ranger are changing more from workhorses to car-like vehicles that double as work trucks.

2011 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class spy photos

Matt Brogan — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 22:58:21 +0000

CarAdvice spy photographers have again caught the upcoming 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class cold weather testing in Sweden.

Four examples of the new car were spied alongside the current SL and a new SLK.

Our snappers also managed to get a small glimpse of the interior, and told us that, although you can’t see it in the shot, there is a larger GPS screen located higher in the centre stack.

Renault Samsung SM5 spied testing in Australia

Paul Maric — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 02:56:07 +0000

Although it seems like an amalgamation of an automobile and a television, Renault Samsung has been operating in South Korea since 1994, where it was established as Samsung Motors. It wasn’t until 2000 that Renault bought 70% of the company and the name became amalgamated.

One of the company’s latest vehicles is the SM5, which was released to the Korean market in December, 2009.

The spies at Pavle.com.au have photographed Renault Samsung testing the SM5 in exclusive Australia spy photos. It is believed Renault Samsung is testing a 2.5-litre V6 from the Renault range to work with the SM5 via a CVT transmission. The engine is believed to be a variant of the VQ25DE, which is yet to be released in the SM5.

CarAdvice spoke with Renault Australia’s Managing Director, Rudi Koenig. Mr Koenig said

From time to time Renault tests a number of its’ future models here in Australia….they are not always models planned to be launched here.

When quizzed about whether the vehicle would be released locally, Mr Koenig said

At this stage no announcement has been made regarding SM5.

In the Korean market, the SM5 is priced alongside Hyundai and Kia, offering high-specification fitments and affordable pricing. If released for the Australian market, it would offer customers the chance to step into a Renault product, without the French price tag.

Renault Samsung announced that its sales had jumped a staggering 89.4% on this time last year, with exports increasing 100% and local product sales increasing by some 75.9%. Industry rumours have suggested right-hand-drive markets are an opportunity for the Korean based manufacturer to further improve sales.

CarAdvice will keep you posted with any further developments regarding both Renault Samsung and the potential local introduction of the brand.

2011 Peugeot 508 Kombi spy photos

Matt Brogan — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 22:05:05 +0000

Here are the first photos of the upcoming Peugeot 508 Kombi (or wagon).

From what we can see, the wagon seems to follow the manufacturer’s latest design trends with more sporty looks and a smaller exterior size.

We can also clearly see the LED rear lights with a unique design so far only seen on the 508 Kombi.

The 508 will be the successor to both the 407 and 607 and will feature a three car lineup. First to be released will be the Peugeot 508 sedan, followed by the 508 wagon and another later on, which rumour says will be a four-door coupe much like the Passat CC.

The 508 will also be the first Peugeot that will show the French company’s new design language.

A range of engine will be offered including petrol, diesel and diesel-hybrid, known as Hybrid4.

The first version of the Hybrid4 has a 121kW 2.0-litre HDi FAP engine linked to a 28kW electric motor. The combination produces 149kW, has an electric only mode and four-wheel drive when required. This system will make its first debut in the 3008 during 2011 but will soon follow to other models.

The Peugeot 508 is expected late 2011, possibly as a 2012 model year.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class facelift spy photos

Matt Brogan — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:31:15 +0000

Today, CarAdvice has the first photos of the facelifted Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Wearing very little camouflage, the revised C-Class features new front and rear bumpers, a revised bonnet, new headlamps and daytime running lamps, as well as a more upright grille.

We also expect some minor updates to the interior and some mechanical changes to make the facelifted C-Class even more fuel efficient.

At the same time as the fresh C-Class hits the market there could also be a shift in the model line-up, with a C-Class coupe replacing the CLC-Class. With the E-Class Coupe getting bigger and more expensive there should be room for a new Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe to slot in.

Opel Astra SportsTourer spy photos

Matt Brogan — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 22:04:50 +0000

Here they are, the very first spy photos of the Opel/Vauxhall Astra SportsTourer.

Our spy photographers have been waiting for signs of it for the whole northern winter, and suddenly it pops out wearing only light camouflage. And it’s looking really good too.

The tailgate aperture is not as large as that of the Insignia ST, and the taillamps are of a different design to suit – similar to those found on the Astra hatch.

The interior design and engine options will also be the same as the Astra hatch, and just like the five-door, a hotter Astra GSi version will also follow.

2011 BMW 6 Series spy photos

Matt Brogan — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 21:47:37 +0000

Here are the most revealing spy photos yet of the new BMW 6 Series cabriolet. For the first time we see the front kidney grill outlines and shape of the new headlights. This prototype also has the real taillights fitted.

It seems the new 6 Series will be available in two versions, a hardtop coupe (not yet spied) and a canvas soft top (cabriolet, as pictured). Our spy photographers said they have checked inside and “knocked” on the roof and it’s really a soft top this time.

The new 6 Series will be inspired by the CS-Concept car and the new 5 Series featuring many of the same design cues, such as the wider grille and larger headlights. Engine options may also carry over from the new 5 Series.

It is also rumoured that the new M6 will feature the twin-turbocharged V8 engine from the current X5 M and X6 M, replacing the existing V10 unit.

Mercedes-Benz SLK spy photos

Matt Brogan — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:01:02 +0000

It’s not the first time CarAdvice has shown you pictures of the upcoming 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK, but these are certainly the clearest – and least camouflaged – shots yet of the baby SLS.

The size of the new SLK looks much the same as the current model, though hopefully Mercedes-Benz has worked hard with the knife to cut off some unnecessary kilos.

The grille is very much like the current Mercedes-Benz SLS, and we can also see the LED-indicators beneath the headlamp assembly. Mirrors have moved down on the door blade and this time the folding roof will feature a big part in glass, if it will be standard or an option is not clear yet.

Rear lights seem to be LED type and the ugly whip antenna has moved from the rear guard to the boot lid.

We can expect a new range of engines with the new series and this time we will probably find a diesel engine under the hood for the first time in the SLK history.

So, when will we see the SLK in all its glory? It could be at the Mercedes-Benz stand at the Paris Auto Show in September, but it feels more likely that Mercedes-Benz will unveil its new SLK at next year’s Geneva Motor Show.

Kia Cerato (Forte) Hatch spy photos

Matt Brogan — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 22:59:30 +0000

CarAdvice can today bring you these first images of the upcoming Kia Cerato (Forte) Hatch cold weather testing on a frozen lake in northern Sweden.

These are the clearest spy photos yet of the all-new Kia Cerato Hatch (sold as Kia Forte in some markets), a new five-door model from Kia that will compete head-to-head with the likes of Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus and Mazda 3.

The Kia Cerato Hatch is expected to go on sale in late 2011 (as a 2012 model year).

Technical specifications and model line-up details have not yet been discussed, though it is highly likely these will remain the same as the Kia Cerato Sedan.

2011 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe spy photos

Matt Brogan — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 04:29:43 +0000

Here are the latest spy photos of the upcoming Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe. Still known as the Mercedes-Benz CL, the coupe will change its name to S-Class when the facelift is unveiled later this year (as a 2011 Model Year).

The lights, both front and rear, will be changed as will the bumpers. The grille is now more upright and split by two chrome bars. The interior will also receive some minor changes.

Engines will also receive a freshen up, and will likely include the same offerings as those in the new S-Class sedan.

2010 BMW 5 Series Touring spy photos

Matt Brogan — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 22:19:36 +0000

These just in this morning: spy photos of the upcoming BMW 5 Series Touring undergoing final cold weather testing ahead of its official unveiling in Leipzig this April.

While full specification details are yet to be released, it is expected the line up will closely resemble that of the sedan.

Australian availability of the 5 Series Touring has not yet been confirmed.

Opel Astra GSi twin turbo-diesel spy photos

Matt Brogan — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 21:57:30 +0000

Opel is working on a hotter version of its popular Astra hatch model to be dubbed “GSi”. Today’s spy photos show a prototype diesel version, probably powered by the new 2.0-litre twin-turbo engine delivering some 141kW of power.

The snapper told CarAdvice that he believes the car to be an Astra GSi, and not an OPC, by the badging on the car’s gearshift. Unfortunately he was knocked to the ground by the “crazy” test driver before he had a chance to hit the shutter.

He also told us the rev counter showed it was a diesel.

Compared to the standard diesel variant the GSi also appears to have a revised from bumper and larger twin exhaust outlets. It is tipped the even hotter OPC variant will follow the GSi, possibly as soon as Q3 this year.

2011 Ford Ranger spy photos

Matt Brogan — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 22:07:08 +0000

Our spy photographers have today snapped these pics of Ford cold weather testing its next generation Ranger in Sweden.

The photos show the prototype version of the dual-cab variant is a little bigger than the current version, appearing both longer and wider.

Ford will make this a “world-version”, meaning this generation will also replace the US version.

Hyundai Accent Spy Photos

Alborz Fallah — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 05:43:46 +0000

The Hyundai Accent is starting to show its age and so it was no surprise that the next generation Accent was caught undergoing testing.

It’s the first time we’ve seen the smaller brother of the Hyundai i45 testing on ice and it appears to be wearing some warm clothes.

Little else is known about the Accent, in fact it may not even be called an Accent when the next version hits our shores.

We suspect it’s based on the Hyundai i20.

We will keep you updated with more info as soon as we have some.

Hyundai Veloster Spy Photos

Alborz Fallah — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 05:17:25 +0000

Hyundai are a company on the move, having already launched the ix35 this year, it will soon follow with the i20 and i45 for the Australian market. To top it all off we received images of what appears to be the Hyundai Veloster concept in semi-production form.

Labelled the Scirocco from Korea, the Hyundai Veloster first came to light some three years ago at the 2007 Seoul Motor Show and we caught it at the Frankfurt Motorshow and the Sydney Motorshow.

The 2+2 front-wheel drive sports coupe seems to have made the cut to head into production.

It’s likely that the Hyundai Veloster will be powered by a 1.6-litre four cylinder engine with direct injection capable of around 110kW for the base model.

There is also the possibility of a more powerful version delivering around 140kW mated to a twin-clutch automatic gearbox. We would certainly like to see the Veloster available with the 2.0-litre R-diesel engine currently in the ix35.

Some rumours suggest that it may sport a Mini Clubman style rear hinged extra door on one side, even though the concept had no such feature.

Hyundai Motor Company Australia spokesman Ben Hershman told CarAdvice that currently there is no confirmation for the Veloster joining the model lineup in Australia.

We expect the car will make its official début next year and certainly hope that Hyundai Australia look at importing it for our market.

2010 Volkswagen Amarok single cab spy photos

Matt Brogan — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 21:20:55 +0000

Until now most images of the new Volkswagen Amarok have depicted a dual-cab model leaving many wondering if the extra load space offered in single-cab variants will fall by the way side.

Well, wonder no longer with these spy photos from Sweden showing a single-cab version of the Volkswagen Amarok cold weather testing without camouflage.

Engine options are expected to be the same as the dual-cab, but since the single-cab is more of a workhorse, there could be some changes in the option list meaning that the Highline version could be missing.

2011 Porsche 911 spy photos

Matt Brogan — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 21:41:39 +0000

A few weeks ago, CarAdvice showed you spy photos of the upcoming Porsche 911 Coupe. Today we have the first happy snaps of the 911 Convertible, cold weather testing in snowy Scandinavia.

The classic 911 styling will be kept, though it appears the car is slightly longer to allow for a roomier rear seat. Up front the headlamps appear unchanged from those introduced on the 997, but are slightly raised in profile due to safety regulations. Up back, new, more radically designed taillamps are a prominent feature.

The new 911 will come in both two-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive variants. Engines will further updated versions of the new direct-injection engines from the 997. Of course there will also be that great PDK-gearbox, and we guess that most Porsche buyers will get that rather than the manual gearbox. The good old handbrake will be changed into a modern electronic version.

Expect the new 911 Coupe to be unveiled first, and then six months after that the Convertible. The Targa enthusiasts will probably have to wait another six months for their model.

2011 Citroen DS4 spy photos

Matt Brogan — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 22:20:51 +0000

CarAdvice has this morning scooped the very first spy photos of the upcoming Citroen DS4.

Until now only seen in rendered “teaser” pics, today’s photos show the real production version of car featuring the LED rear lamps from the Concept, a higher ground clearance, but interestingly, no all-wheel drive.

Another mystery that’s not too clear is the probable inclusion of smaller rear-hinged doors (as seen in early renderings), similar to the Mazda RX-8. Though from today’s pics, this now looks unlikely.

It also looks as though the windscreen will be of panoramic type.

The Citroen DS4 should make a motorshow appearance by late this year with showroom sales expected in early 2011.

2011 Pagani C9 spy photos

Matt Brogan — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 21:58:41 +0000

Thanks to an eagle-eyed reader from South Africa, CarAdvice today have some of the first photos of the new Pagani C9 Supercar.

The C9 will feature a 6.0-litre V12 Mercedes-Benz AMG engine delivering 522kW of power and 1000Nm of torque. Production is scheduled to begin later this year with the car set to retail at around €900.000 (AUD$1,366,000) when it goes on sale in early 2011.

Oh, and for those playing at home, don’t you just love the “Government Approved” stickers!

2011 Ssangyong C200 spy photos

Matt Brogan — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 02:55:02 +0000

Ssangyong is still alive as these photos of the C200 prototype shows.

Ssangyong first planned to show this car in production form at the 2009 Frankfurt Car Show, but due to some economical problems and now being under bankruptcy protection all of the development has been delayed. Several weeks of strike action at the factory didn’t help either.

The C200 is aimed against Skoda Yeti, Toyota RAV4 and such, and will probably come with three engine options, one of them as hybrid.

Expect to see the Giugiaro designed C200 in all its glory during late 2010 as an MY11 model.