2014 Cadillac ATS and ATS-V Spec Sheet Makes the Internet Rounds, but is it Real?

A supposedly official preliminary spec sheet of Cadillac's forthcoming new small luxury sedan surfaced on the internet today. We're not going to call it a leak just yet as we're not at all certain for its authenticity. That said, we'd advise you not to take anything you read on the paper after the jump for granted.

Labeled as the 2014 Cadillac ATS, the spec sheet says the Detroit firm's BMW 3-Series rival will be offered with three engine options including a 270HP 2.0-liter turbocharged four-banger and a 330HP 3.6-liter V6 for the standard versions, and a 470HP 6.2-liter V8 for the M3-challenging ATS-V. The four-and six-cylinder models are said to be hooked up to an 8-speed automatic transmission, while the flagship V8 comes with a 6-speed auto.

While we can't vouch for the numbers and data shown on the spec sheet, we can tell you that the ATS, or whatever else GM decides to name its new entry-level sedan, is expected to hit the market within the next two years.

Via: Cheers and Gears & Atsforums

BMW 5-Series GT Spotted by Reader in New Jersey

Carscoop reader Kenneth Helman caught these photos of the forthcoming BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo in a parking lot somewhere in New Jersey. Even though the Bavarian firm has already released a slew of official shots as well as initial specifications, for some reason the automaker chose to mask the BMW logo - as if anyone could confuse the 5-meter (196-in.) long crossover for something else...

BMW's newest addition to the 5-Series range will debut at this fall's Frankfurt motor show and go on sale in most parts of the world by the end of year.

Depending on the market, the liftback crossover will be offered with a choice of three power plants, a 3.0-liter twin turbocharged inline six petrol with 306HP for the 535i GT, a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 petrol delivering 407HP in the 550i GT and a 3.0-liter straight-six diesel with 245HP in the 530d GT.

We thank Kenneth again for the shots, and remember that if you find any scoops of your own, don't hesitate to send them our way.

2010 Citroen C3 Hatchback Scooped Uncovered During Dealer Presentation!

There's a reason why automakers don't permit cameras or modern mobile-phones at private presentations. Or at least they try not to allow because more often than not, someone will manage to sneak in a camera and take a few pics. And that's exactly what happened during a private showing of the all-new Citroen C3. These photos that where sent by an anonymous reader over to our colleagues at Worldcarfans, reveal the new C3's looks in detail.

The French automaker's new proposal in the supermini category that will compete against the likes of the Ford Fiesta, VW Polo, Renault Clio and Fiat Grande Punto, preserves the basic lines of the outgoing C3 but borrows several styling cues from Citroen's latest models such as the DS3 concept's fascia and the C5's tail light design.

The new C3 shares the same platform architecture and mechanical hardware with the DS3, but the latter will be positioned more upscale rivaling cars like the MINI Cooper.

The lineup will most likely include a 1.6 HDi turbo diesel with 90HP and 110Hp, and two gasoline units, a 1.4-liter with 95Hp and a 1.6-liter with 120Hp.

We'll see the new Citroen C3 in the metal at the Frankfurt motor show in September 2009, before it goes on sale across Europe before the end of the year.

Via: Worldcarfans

Audi A5 Sportback Caught Unmsaked at Photo Shoot in California!

While 'das' Germans at Audi are playing hide and seek with the new A5 Sportback releasing only one cryptic teaser shot of the five-door coupe, a member of the Audi enthusiast forum at Fourtitude captured the sleek-looking sports sedan during a photo shoot on the campus of the University of California, San Diego. The pictures aren't of the best quality but they clearly outline the shape of the A5 Sportback that is set to be officially unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show this fall.

Even though the front-end of the car is masked in the photos, it is evident that the styling will be similar if not identical, to the A5 Coupe. From the B-pillar and back, the Sportback gets its own unique styling highlighted by the swoopy roofline.

When the A5 Sportback goes on sale thorough Europe this September, it will be available with two gasoline and three diesel engines with prices in Germany set to start from €36,050. For the full Monty on Audi's sport sedan click here to read our detailed report.

Photos via: Fourtitude

Lexus LS 460 SZ: Sporty Variant said to Debut at Tokyo Show this Fall

News just in from Japan: in its July issue, Best Car magazine is reporting that Lexus will reveal a sportier variant of its LS 460 luxury sedan at the Tokyo Motor Show in October. The magazine claims that the car will carry the SZ moniker and that it will feature a subtle aerokit that includes a new grille treatment plus uprated Brembo brakes and BBS alloy wheels shod in chunkier tires. The LS 460 SZ is estimated to cost in Japan between 9 and 10 million Yen or around to $100,000 US.

There's no mention of any upgrades under the hood so it is possible that the SZ may simply be a special Japanese-market model / trim-level. But as is the case with these kind of rumor-reports, we'll just have to wait for Lexus to come out with something official before we make any definite conclusions.

Nurburgring Webcam Captures Prototype Models

The Nurburgring webcam (click here) is one of our favorite free-time activities as the fact that you never know what you're going to stumble upon makes it rather addicting. Just a few minutes ago, after a couple of bimmers, a Volkswagen Scirocco and a Ford Focus RS, we saw two camouflaged prototype models. We are not 100 percent sure, but we reckon that the first car up front is the 2010 Opel Astra followed closely behind by Buick's small-sized sedan. What's your guess?

2012 Honda CR-V: New Rumors and Rendering Surface from Japan

While here in the States we're still trying to find out whether or not Honda will reveal a mildly refreshed CR-V in 2010, in Japan Mag-X has already started speculating on the next-generation model. In the July issue of the magazine, there's a detailed report accompanied by an artist's impression of the 2012 Honda CR-V that is said to be introduced for the first time in October 2011 at the Tokyo Motor Show, with worldwide sales expected to begin shortly after.

According to a translation of the article provided by TOV member 'Dan', the report claims that Honda will have finalized the exterior design of the new CR-V by the end of the year. It is also stated that the 2012 CR-V will be built upon the current model's platform featuring modest increases in length, width and height (4,535mm x 1,820mm x 1,685mm respectively).

As for the powertrain options, the Japanese magazine states that the initial engine range will be carried over from today's model and include, depending on the market, 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline units as well as a 2.2-liter turbo diesel that is already on offer in Europe.

Mag-X also mentions that while Honda does not plan to introduce a V6 option to the range, the Japanese automaker will present an 'advanced engine' at a later stage but the report does not provide any further details on the matter.

And for those wondering about the credibility of the article, well, only time can tell if Max-X's report is based on pure speculation or on specific information provided by inside sources.

Spy Video: Jaguar's 2010 XJ Sedan Scooped on the Road

We're still struggling to figure out how the 2010 Jaguar XJ sedan will look like as neither the cryptic teaser photos nor the spy shots of the armor-like camouflaged prototype models are of any help. But we'll soon find out as Jaguar has promised to officially reveal the new XJ in a few weeks time, on July 9. In the meantime, follow the jump to check out a prototype model of the new XJ that was caught on film by a member of Youtube.

VIDEO: Audi R8 Spyder Spied Barely Camouflaged on the Nurburgring

Ever-expanding Audi is adding the final touches on the R8 Spyder (could be named Spider though) that is expected to premiere at the Frankfurt motor show in September. A thinly disguised prototype model of Ingolstadt's drop-top supercar was captured on film during testing at the Nurburgring race track. Despite the fact that only the rear window seems to be covered, the dark finish does not allow us to view the design in all its glory. What is clearly visible though is the R8 Spyder's fabric roof.

If we're not mistaken, the prototype seen in the spy footage appears to be equipped with Audi's 5.2-liter V10 FSI that churns out 525HP at 8,000 rpm and a peak torque of 530Nm or 390.91 lb-ft. Unverified reports from both sides of the Atlantic suggest that the R8 Spyder will initially be available only with the V10 engine, though we find it hard to believe that the German firm won't offer the smaller 4.2-liter V8 engine in the near future.

VIDEO: Pagani Teases the Exterior of its Upcoming C9 Supercar

For the third week in a row, Pagani is teasing its upcoming C9 supercar. Compared to the previous videos, the literally dark atmosphere of the clip makes it harder for the viewer to discern the details of the curvaceous body, including the tail lights, exhaust tips and front bumper. An added bonus is a clearer shot of the steering wheel and instrument panel. Hit the jump to watch the teaser and screenshots.

Carscoop Reader Spots New Kia Cadenza Filling up in California

It's been a little over a year since Kia lifted the wraps off its stylish replacement for the Amanti, called the K7 in South Korea and Cadenza in other countries, but we're still waiting for the firm's flagship sedan to show up in the USA. However if these (fuzzy) photos are anything to go by, Kia may be getting ready to launch the Cadenza onto the U.S. market.

The silver-colored mid-size sedan was scooped by Carscoop reader Nick K., who you might remember from the first ever Prius MPV spy shots we posted last September, while filling up at a gas station in California.

"The other day I was sitting at a restaurant in Corona Del Mar, California and spotted a Kia Cadenza (K7). Here are the VERY zoomed in pictures I took with my phone," Nick told Carscoop.

The Cadenza, which sits above the Optima in Kia's range, is available in its home country with a choice of three gasoline engines ranging in output from 165HP for the four-cylinder model to 295HP for the 3.5 liter V6. All variants feature front-wheel drive and a new six-speed automatic transmission.

Kudos to Nick K. for the Kia spotting!

Chevy Dealer Says 2012 Camaro Z28 with Supercharged V8 Production Begins in January 2012

The much anticipated Camaro Z28 will begin rolling off the production line in January 2012, according to a dealer that spilled the beans over at the Camaro5 forums after attending a National Chevrolet Dealer’s meeting.

Here's what BeckyD/RodgersChevrolet noted about the Z28 on the Camaro forums:

• 2012 Camaro Z28 production begins January 1, 2012
• Internally referred to as the "HP Model"
• 6.2L supercharged engine
• Magnetic Ride suspension
• 285F / 330R tires
• Hood design to have louvre/slat design seen in spy photos (dealers in attendance were shown a gray Z28 model)
• Slight (not major) updates to the interior, with some brighter trimwork

The dealer also gave out some additional info on the upcoming 2012MY Camaro, which is slated to arrive in dealership this summer. According to the tipster, GM told dealers that is preparing a 45th Anniversary special edition package with a "carbon flash color", all black interior and unique wheels, which will be available on both the coupe and convertible models.

Via: Camaro5