Skoda is almost no presence in this region, but they still manage to sell more than a handful of cars in Europe. The Superb, which is based on a stretched version of the Volkswagen Passat platform, has been fully redesigned. So instead of looking like a cheap copy of the Passat, it now has a bit of brand identity, no matter how dull it may be.
The 2008 Detroit Auto Show will showcase the second-generation high-performance Cadillac CTS-V. The 2009 CTS-V outdoes its chief competitor, the BMW M5, by utilising GM’s new LSA supercharged V8, derived from the LS9 in the new Corvette ZR1, but tuned for refinement obviously.
Mercedes-Benz is preparing to offer a new compact soft-roader called the GLK for the 2009 model year. To show it off early, Merc has released this lightly-disguised concept, called the Vision GLK Freeside, although I feel there isn’t much here to show off with.
The new Corvette variant that was spotted over the last few years in testing has now been officially designated as the ZR1. Chevrolet has revived the ZR1 designation for the first time since the C4-based original faded away in 1995. And it is a monster.
BMW has announced that they will publicly debut their new X6 “sport activity coupe” at the Detroit Auto Show in January 2008. They have, however, released details on this confused vehicle, which will be powered by a 3.0-litre turbo-I6 and a 4.4-litre turbo-V8.
The capital of Saudi Arabia will be hosting the Riyadh Motor Show 2007, from the 9th to the 13th of December, at the Riyadh Exhibition Centre. While we expect no women in skimpy clothes on the stands, we don’t expect any women drivers to be there either. However, this reminded us of this year’s Dubai Motorshow, and thought we’d publish some numbers about the most expensive cars shown there.
The limited-edition 2008 Ford Mustang Bullitt was unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show last month. The Mustang Bullitt, named after the 1960s movie Bullitt, is available in green like Steve McQueen’s original in the movie, but it can also be had in black. The classic movie is often credited for creating the car-chase movie genre.
We haven’t asked for a Hyundai tester in ages because, well, who wants to drive a Hyundai? But at last month’s Los Angeles Auto Show, Hyundai officially showed off their new rear-wheel-drive Genesis coupe, but in so-called “concept” form. This is basically a weak disguise with paint and stickers to show off the tuning potential of the car.
The 2009 Nissan Murano has been officially unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The profile is much the same as the current Murano, but the rear benefits from new LED tail-lights and there is an optional panoramic roof, along with a power upgrade for the standard V6.
This is the 2009 Lincoln MKS, Ford’s attempt at rejuvenating the dying Lincoln brand, unveiled at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show currently running this November. It is a full-size luxury car based on the Ford Five Hundred platform, which itself is a derivation of the Volvo S80 platform. In other words, it is a front-wheel-drive barge competing in a world of rear-driven powerhouses.