The Audi Q5 hybrid has been confirmed and will be presented most likely at the 2010 Paris motor show, with production starting for a market appearance at the beginning of 2011. The Q5 will be the first Audi hybrid model to be produced, and will be one of the significant models presented in 2010, along with the new Audi A1 and Audi A7.

No technical details of the Q5 hybrid have been released, although it should include the 3.2-litre V6 petrol engine combined with lithium ion batteries. The new hybrid model will contribute to the 42 model line-up planned for 2015, increased from Audi’s current line up of 34 models. 7.3 billion euros are being invested in the development of new models to achieve this aim.

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The new Bentley Mulsanne and upcoming new Continental range could be joined by two smaller and more economical models as Bentley keep sales up in what is now a very difficult market for the luxury brand. Bentley could be going downmarket with almost a sub-brand called New Compact Bentley (NCB), to sit somewhere below the Continental offering in the Bentley line-up.

It will focus on keeping weight and price down on Bentley vehicles, as well as providing smaller, more economical engine options. To achieve this, we could see a new Bentley four-seat shooting brake model, and a crossover which would be like a kind of Bentley SUV. While the new Continental range will still have the Bentley W12 engine, the NCB range would have a V8, 4.5-litre option, with about 550 hp.

There’s some conjecture, but overall the so-called “NCB” project makes a lot of sense, with Bentley exploring diesel and hybrid technology. It will have plenty of competition from Rolls Royce, who has announced the Ghost hybrid, electric Phantom, and its own smaller crossover project called the “Short High Rugged International Metropolitan Project” (SHRIMP). So far Bentley is ahead in the stakes in how to choose names, at least.

Source | AutomobileMag via Autoblog

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Here are renderings of the Porsche Roxster compact SUV that may appear in 2012, as the company works on its “baby Cayenne” model. While Porsche has denied the project, the Roxster could be an ideal model in the aim of doubling sales within the next four years. Another model we might see as part of this project is the Volkswagen BlueSport-based roadster.

The Porsche Roxster, in these renderings, appears more as a crossover model than a real SUV, with sports-style design that reflects the Audi Q5. Meaning Porsche will be spoiled for choice on choosing a Volkswagen group model on which to base its compact SUV.

Source | Autosblog.fr

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Here’s a first look at the Volkswagen Tiguan restyling in this grainy spy shot which does look like something that’s just come out of the secret services sometime during the cold war. The new design reproduces that of the rest of the Volkswagen range, following in the steps of the Golf, Scirocco and Polo.

The front seen here is the definitive Tiguan facelight with a long, narrow grill and elongated headlights. In fact, it looks just like the Golf. The rear should follow suit with no dramatic changes as it continues the family feeling theme. We should see some new engines, possibly the new 1.6-litre TDI and the 2-litre TSI with 210 hp, and a Bluemotion version will also appear.

Source | Autointernationaal.nl

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We wouldn’t normally just re-post videos from other other blogs but it’s Friday and we needed a laugh. The guys at Autoblog found this video which is one example of people who don’t know how to drive but still get themselves an expensive vehicle or one that will turn heads.

Like men who buy a Porsche or a Ferrari but can’t drive it? Well this one details an SUV driver, who are often the ones we love to hate anyway. I assume the BMW X5 has its brake and its accelerator in the same spot as every other car on the planet… but then again.

Source | Autoblog

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If you’re a purist Maserati fan you’re not going to like this, but if you’re an SUV fanatic who wants a premium brand in that model, this could be for you. These renderings show a hypothetical Maserati SUV design in an attempt to migrate Maserati style over to the SUV category. The design is called the Maserati Kuba crossover.

It’s taking us some time to get used to and while we doubt Maserati will go the way of Porsche with the Cayenne and create its own SUV, it’s not a bad effort at all from designer Andrey Trofimchuk. See what you think.

Maserati SUV design

Source | Automotto

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A new Land Rover Defender is on its way, set to turn up in 2012 or 2013, in exciting news for dedicated Defender fans. The iconic model needs to keep up with the times to stay alive and we should see the traditional aspects of the Defender combined with new technology to meet current safety and emissions standards.

According to Land Rover managing director, Phil Popham, the new Defender will get more versatile and practical in keeping with its spirit. It will be based on the Range Rover Sport and LR4 platform, and should have a 2.7-litre diesel engine on the European market. If gets to the US, the Land Rover defender would be equipped with the new 5.0-litre V8.

Source | Leftlane

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Volvo is updating the XC90 for 2010 with a few modifications to the current model, and especially, a new seating arrangement that turns it into a seven-seater. New 18-inch wheels are included, as are brushed alluminium roof bars, and new exterior and interior colours.

The engine range is the same, keeping the V6 3.2-litre with 238 hp and the V8 4.4-litre with 315 hp. A five-cylinder diesel is also available, with 185 hp. The debut of a next generation XC90 will have to wait, postponed for a later date when Volvo resolves its current financial issues.

Volvo XC90 Model Year 2010

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A series of videos of the BMW X1 shows its production line, including pressing, welding, painting and final assembly at the Leipzig facilities. The new X1 was presented at the 2009 Frankfurt motor show and will soon reach its target of manufacturing 300 vehicles a day. The SUV will be available from October in 12 versions, with various kits including Base, Eletta, Attiva and Futura, with prices commencing from 33,600 euros.

Among the engines available are a petrol unit and two diesels: the 2.0D at 177 hp and 350 Nm, the 2.0D Twin Turbo with 204 hp and 400 Nm, and the 3.0i with 258 hp and 310 Nm. The smaller diesel engine is available both with rear wheel and all wheel xDrive, with six-speed transmission. In the future 18i and 18d versions will emerge at a lower price of about 29,500 euros.

Continue reading: BMW X1 production videos

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The BMW stand at the Frankfurt motor show features the 5-Series GT, the X1, the X6 ActiveHybrid, the 7-series ActiveHybrid, the X5M and X6M and a few new models as well.

Coming up, we take a closer look at the imposing Vision EfficientDynamics concept, but among the newbies is basically the whole family. It includes the 7-Series High Security, 7-Series M-sport, 7-Series XDrive with all wheel drive, the X3 18d, 1-Series model year 2010, 320d Efficient Dynamics, M3 Edition, M6 Competition Limited Edition and the whole new BMW Performance kit for four cylinder engines. The 2.0-litre diesel gets an increase from 177 hp to 197 hp and torque is up from 350 to 390 Nm.

The X5M and X6M both have 550 hp, while the many engine pics below also take a look at the X6 ActiveHybrid V8 4.4-litre unit with 485 hp and 780 Nm. Both the X6 and 7-Series ActiveHybrid have the new eight-speed automatic gearbox and Start-Stop systems. Check it all out in the gallery below.

BMW live pics from Frankfurt motor show

Continue reading: BMW range: live pics from Frankfurt

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