Why? We’re just happy to see the de-Banglefied looks, especially the loss of the diagonal feature line aft of the front wheels.

Telling the story of a car magnate who destroys his personal and professional life through business and romantic indiscretions, "Solitary Man" is a strangely prescient film for the new BMW Z4 to leak through. The styling of the car is strongly reminiscent of the BMW CS concept, with wider, more pronounced intakes and headlights replacing the shark-like awkwardness of the previous model. [via ZPost.com]

Thanks for the tip, Tim!

We're told the Ragster concept, first shown at the 2005 Detroit Auto Show, provided a slight glimpse into how a redesigned New Beetle could look. Our sources tell us the Beetle will lose some of its cutesy flair in favor of a more grownup look, something that will appeal to more than a few VW fans. The car will ride on the same next-gen Group A platform due out next year for pretty much every small and mid-size car in the VW stable, and feature similar choices from VW's lineup of four-cylinder engines. It's also a possibility VW will give U.S. buyers the choice of an 1896cc TDI inline-four that is currently serving duty in the Polo. A convertible model will follow the introduction of the coupe and there is also a possibility of a second four door Beetle model that will ride on the Golf platform. We’ve had KORSdesign illustrate what this new New Beetle could look like. Tell us what you think in the comments below.

The new hatch, like the sedan, should get either the 2.0-liter four cylinder engine with 148 HP and 135 lb-ft of torque or a new 2.5-liter four pumping out a sweet 167 HP and 168 lb-ft of torque. Do you want transmission choices? Mazda will let you have a five-speed automanual, five-speed manual or glorious six-speed gearbox. Unfortunately, you're still likely to be limited to one transmission per car.

[Source: Mazda via Carscoop]

KGP Spy Report

Development of the Rolls Royce RR has been ramped up as of late, and the new wave of prototypes have yielded our first glimpses of the "Baby Rolls." Although the overall interior is still very well covered, we can see some hints that lots of wood will be put to use on RR4's dash. A starter button is placed on the dash to the right of the steering wheel. We had to wait until an engineer got behind the wheel to nab some shots of a new iDrive-style controller residing on the center console. Separate buttons for "Tel" and "Nav" can be discerned in our close-up shot of the new controller.

We must assume that the new interface is closely related to the new iDrive system about to launch in the new 7-series. However, there are clear differences between the control knob in the new 7-series and this RR4 prototype, so it seems that BMW will be careful to avoid any parts-bin feel to their new "entry-level" Rolls.

This set contains interior shots of two separate RR4 prototypes—one has what appears to be a steering wheel from the '09 7-series, while the second test vehicle has a fully badged Rolls-Royce wheel, with revised switches that give us the true look of the new Roller's steering wheel.

The RR4 is expected to arrive as a 2010 model with a price ranging between $250,000 -$280,000—about 100-grand less than Rolls Royce's flagship Phantom. The RR4 will share many components with the '09 7-series, but we're beginning to see that those shared bits will definitely lie beneath the surface

It actually looks quite retro. There's shared Mercedes switchgear is pretty evident, such as the COMMAND knob on the center console, temperature switches, flat-bottomed steering wheel and headlight switch. Power's still expected to come from the 6.2-liter V8 pumping out 550+ HP and 445 lb-ft of torque. Our next hope is we can start to finally see what the exterior's going to look like as the SLC begins to slither its way out of the Viper-skin it's hiding in. [via World Car Fans]

Part of Ford's Motor Company's One Ford plan includes bringing over the Ford Fiesta four-door and five-door models to the US as part of its expanded small car lineup. There's been no word on whether or not we'll also get the Ford Fiesta Panel Van. We can only hope. [Source: China Car Times]

Thanks to a leaky auto show website we now know the 370Z will be capable of 332 hp, an increase of 26 hp from the 3.5-liter VQ V6. We also know the Nismo S-Tune will bring upgrades tot he 370Z shortly after its release. It's worth noting, again, all of this has happened before the car has been released. [GTR-World]

We'll let Mag-X take it from here:

The drawing reveals a well-proportioned four-door car with Prius-like lines and angles—especially the front slope of its windshield and hood—while retaining design cues which are unmistakably Lexus, most notably the back-end and taillight styling.

The publication says the Lexus HS250h will most likely be outfitted with the 2.4-liter engine and electric motor combo found in the Toyota Camry Hybrid, and share many of the same mechanicals as that car. This includes the current-generation nickel metal hydride battery. Carrying over the powertrain would be significantly more cost-effective than developing an entirely new system for the Lexus brand.

Setting itself apart from the more mainstream Toyota brand, the Lexus concept car will feature a technology and entertainment module, controlled from the center console, much like BMW’s iDrive system. A roster of luxury equipment not offered by the Prius or Camry Hybrid will also be included.

If the HS250h sedan comes to fruition, it could join the Lexus lineup by late 2009 or early 2010. Price, technical specs, and other key stats will remain unknown, until official word from Toyota.

[Mag-X via HybridCars]

"The decklid spoiler is redesigned into a duck-tail form, with several options, including one that incorporates a rear-view camera, are available."

Feel free to ignore the poor grammar, Ford accidentally forgot they hocked the grammar check software for MS Word. Full comments below.

Coming or going, the 2010 Mustang casts an evocative, dramatic presence on the road. The enhanced muscular look of the 2010 Mustang carries through to the rear of the car. “It’s a huge improvement,” said Chief Designer Douglas Gaffka.

Design Manager George Saridakis and his team created a more-compact, wraparound look and enhanced Mustang’s width and stance through a new two-piece rear fascia. Reinforcing the Mustang’s heritage are the tri-bar tail lamps. The three individual red chambers, each lit with LED technology, are separated by two clear vertical back-up elements to ensure the tri-bar look is identifiable when lit or unlit. Continuing on the theme of embracing Mustang’s heritage with contemporary execution, the proud and distinctive three-piece central badge is a modern and expressive evolution of the iconic Mustang gas cap, executed in contrasting polished and satin finishes.

“We’re proud of Mustang’s heritage; it’s a fantastic car with a rich, proud history,” Saridakis said. “For the 2010 model, it was a huge challenge and also a huge honor to reference Mustang’s DNA and execute new forms in a modern way.”

The decklid spoiler is redesigned into a duck-tail form, with several options, including one that incorporates a rear-view camera, are available.

Back in July we showed you an internal document that leaked renderings and details of not only the new Cayman, but the 2010 Porsche Boxster too. The biggest update is the addition of an optional limited-slip differential, which could just elevate the cars to 911 levels of performance. Check out the specs below and check back with us in two weeks for full coverage from the LA Auto Show.

• More power and torque in comparison to Cayman/S:
+20 HP / +25 HP and +27 Nm / +30 Nm (2010 Cayman: 265 HP, 221 lb-ft; Cayman S: 320 HP, 273 lb-ft)

• Performance differentiation in comparison to Boxster II/S II:
+10 HP/ +15 HP (2010 Boxster: 255 HP; Boxster S: 310 HP)

• Improved performance (driving dynamics, laptimes, fun to drive):
- increased power and torque: new DFI technology for S-model
- faster acceleration and take-off:

• PDK 7-speed with new steering wheel, shifts faster than manual gearbox

• Launch Control, with Sport Chrono package in conjunction with PDK
- improved driving dynamics/lap times: axle-differential-lock,

• PDK, PASM and 19" wheels

• Reduced fuel consumption:
-2% - 14% (with DFI Engine + PDK) vs. Cayman I

• Improved standard equipment:
6-speed MT, CDR 30, PSM+, drive-off assistant

• Light Innovation
- New double tube headlights
- LED front position lights,
- Bi-Xenon headlights incl. dynamic cornering lights and LED daytime running lights (option)

• Interior Change
- New CDR 30 with 5 inch screen
- New PCM 3.0 touchscreen (option)
- Air ventilated seats (option)
- New PDK steering wheel

• Style Change
- Front and rear end
- Mirrors
- Exhaust pipes
- Wheels 17" / 18 "/ 19"

• Light Innovation II
- LED taillights
- LED brake lights
- LED rear fog light

• Chassis Innovation
- Revised chassis setup
- Rear axle-differential-lock (option)
- Brake assistant
- Larger brake disc/caliper front

• Improved dynamics

• Powertrain Innovation
- New DFI-engine generation for 3.4 l
- New VC+ 2.9 l engine
- New 7-speed PDK (option)

• Improved fuel efficiency

[via Cayman Club] Thanks for the tip, Ken!

That's right, the engine sits crossways in the engine bay and, though this particular mule was all-wheel-drive, it opens up the opportunity for a front-drive Explorer in the future — we know, sacrilege. The mule's Frankensteined body work is sliced and stitched together all over the place too, with a slice on the fender just behind the peak of the wheel well, a line that runs all the way down the center of the roof and a newly formed rear bumper. You can also see how they've made the A-pillar extra wide with a considerable rake. Inside, the family truckster looks the part of any Ford Freestyle, but gets a Ford Mustang steering wheel for some reason. You'd never know it was wider than stock. If this does indeed turn out to be the Explorer we think it is, things will certainly be different than what we're accustomed to on the big, tough and boxy version we have today.

Autoexpress expects to see available gas and diesel 600-cc two-cylinder engines and the VW corporate 1.2-liter inline-three. The Audi difference will likely be most apparent on the inside, where the company's up! iteration would receive high-line trim and amenities. Of course, don't hold your breath waiting for anything equipped with a diesel two-cylinder to hit our shores anytime soon. Frankly, now that Porsche owns both companies, we'll wait for a Bruce-d up version. [AutoExpress via World Car Fans]

Suzuki's new Kizashi sedan arrived arrived in Germany completely unclad, for a few quick laps around the 'Ring. We caught the prototype stationary, as the test group arranged entry onto the race circuit. This is the first time that we've seen the Kizashi completely free of its heavy camouflage, relying solely on some black and white graphics to try to trick the eye.

It's immediately clear that Suzuki stylists have managed a faithful transition from the Kizashi3 concept sedan to this production model, although some of the show car's sexy profile has been lost in translation—especially around the C-pillar and rear deck. However, we can't help but notice that the Kizashi's rump has some serious BMW 1-series coupe overtones. While it's not saying much, this is clearly the most promising sedan in Suzuki's history, what with its expected 3.6-liter DOHC V6 perhaps producing as much as 300-horsepower. A 2.5-liter four-cylinder is also expected to anchor entry-level models.

A new style of test mule has begun running around Ford's development centers, perhaps offering the first signs that testing has begun on Ford's car-based Explorer. The rough test mules (we've now seen several running the streets of Dearborn) are a mix of Ford Taurus X and Ford Flex, but there are some telling alterations, raising the prototype's ride-height, along with a higher cowl, and rigged A-pillars to accommodate what appears to be a more steeply-raked windshield. There are also clear signs around the rear hatch and roof rails that the platform has been widened. While the front clip is pure Ford Flex, the lowest slat of the Flex's three-bar grille has been removed, perhaps to better approximate airflow of the next Explorer's grille.

Ford also used the Taurus X body on mules for the Ford Flex and Lincoln MKT, but those mules had additional length added to their wheelbases. This latest mule features no such additions, suggesting that this new model will be shorter than the Flex for a more fuel-friendly footprint.

Ford confirmed earlier this year that the Explorer would be ditching its body-on-frame SUV construction in favor of a new unibody, car-based approach for greater fuel-efficiency. The Explorer's new direction was previewed by Ford's Explorer America concept at the 2008 North American International Auto Show, and the general proportions of these latest mules seem to adequately approximate that concept.

The new unibody Explorer crossover is expected to reach the market in 2010.

It's also pretty likely we'll see that engine mated to your choice of either a seven-speed automatic, like the just-introduced G37 sedan, or with a manual transmission. But the real story here's going to be the reduction in size of the new "Z," as Nissan moves it to the FM platform, reducing the size from the 350Z's current 104.3-inch wheelbase to something just shy of 100 inches — taking it back to more sports car-esque roots.

We've also been told to expect a familiar-looking interior, but with significantly upgraded materials from the 350Z's oft-discounted plastic dash. We're told we'll find out for sure how close our renderings are come October 29th when we hear we'll see the first official photos of the car, and all the deets on the technical side should hit November 11th. Don't expect to see a roadster come next month, but don't toss it out as an optional reveal for later into the winter auto show schedule.

Some say he has a tattoo of a Saleen S7 on his rear end. Others tell us he was born with a penchant for oil rather than his mum's milk. All we know is he's called the Auto Insider and he's always ready to provide the scoop from the other side of Eight Mile.

We've seen the Panamera out testing in camo more than a few different times, but this phony teaser may be the best speculative glimpse yet at the forthcoming four-door. [via 4wheelsnews] [Autoblog] Thanks for the tip Gavin!

Expect the 2011 Nissan Titan to not only share platform hardware with the Dodge, but also engine options and transmissions. Yes, if Chrysler President Jim Press is correct, there is a possibility that your Nissan will have a Hemi. There’s no official word yet on whether the upcoming Ram’s two-mode hybrid system will make it into the Nissan but we see no reason why it wouldn’t. On the exterior, as you can see, will be an extension and modernization of the Titan front fascia although we're told since the new truck is still in clay form, it's got all sorts of opportunities for changes. As for the interior, the 2011 Nissan Titan will receive a unique instrument panel and inner door skins although the rest of the interior could be pulled from the ‘09 Ram, namely seats and other items not directly noticeable to the occupants. Pricing and release dates are unknown at this time, but look for the 2011 Nissan Titan to make its debut sometime in late ‘09 and go on sale in early to mid ‘10 as a 2011 model.