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Hot on the heels of yesterday's sneak peek at John Cooper Work's uprated styling and tuning kit for the MINI Cooper S are these leaked official pictures of a re-worked Clubman, set to premiere at next year's Geneva Motor Show.

Drawing on its three-doored sibling for inspiration, the Clubman by JCW incorporates a new front bumper, (redundant) air scoop, carbon fibre mirrors and new exhaust tips. A unique stripe design has been applied, stretching from above the grille and over the bonnet, while it continues double-striped over the rear. Red brake callipers feature under extra light-weight 18-inch alloy wheels, for more precise road handling ability.

Power is expected to be hiked to near 215 hp from the MINI's 1.6-litre tubrocharged unit, in line with that of the JCW Cooper S hatchback. Torque is to rise to around 200 lb.-ft.

Further modifications such as carbon fibre instruments and switchgear can be expected, while an F1-style light on the instrument cluster indicating optimum gear shift time is also likely to feature. Stay tuned for more details ahead of the car's debut at Geneva next Spring.

The UK's Car Magazine has updated an older article with some nice renderings of the Audi RS5 based on S5 press photos. Referencing recent spy photos, the artists shows us a clear view of the front and rear bumper fascia along with enlarged wheels and clever use of shadowing to give an appearance of significantly flaired wheel arches.

Car Magazine reports the RS5 will receive the 4.2 liter V8 currently in the RS4 with the addition of two small turbochargers for an additional 30hp to 450hp total and 500 ft/lbs of torque across the rev range. With quattro all-wheel-drive system showing more rear end torque split bias, the RS5 will give more neutral handling for a targeted 55:45 front to rear weight distribution. Chassis gets ceramic brake discs from the R8 and magnetic flowed struts from the TT. The RS5 is expected to make its public debut at Frankfurt this September with market launch in early 2008 for £53,000 which is £2300 more than the BMW M3.

Mid-cycle update

Do not change what is not broken. Hyundai designers took his saying to heart for the mid-cycle facelift for the best selling sedan on the Korean peninsula. The bumper, headlamps and radiator grille received some minor touch-ups, while new alloy wheels were added and the waistline molding, rear bumper and taillight clusters were adjusted to resemble the front design more than before.

More drastic changes are found under the hood, as the Sonata Transform is the first model to receive the second generation Theta engine. The Theta II engine delivers more horsepower and improves acceleration while maintaining fuel economy, better yet it even improves mileage and lowers emissions. The performance boost has been attained through the addition of a variable induction system and a variable valve timing system.

Engine Improvements:

	Power in PS (kW)	Torque (kgf,m)	Manual	Auto
Theta 2.0	144 (106) – 158 (116)	19,2 – 19,6	5-speed	4-speed
Theta 2.4	161(118) - 171 (126)	22,3 – 22,8	5-speed	5-speed
Theta LPI 2.0	136(100) – 137 (101)	18,9 – 18,9	5-speed	4-speed
Lambda 3.3	233 (171) – 242 (178)	31,0 – 31,5	-	5-speed
Diesel 2.0	146 (107) – 150(110)	32,0 – 32,0	6-speed	4-speed

The interior has been redesigned to create a more upscale feeling through a new crash pad, new floor console and door trim.

The new Sonata is on sale now in Korea, export models (which may differ slightly from Korean models) will start shipping early 2008.

Carscoop has discovered some images of the HKS tuned Mitsubishi Lancer EVO X which finally debuted in production trim at this past Tokyo Motor Show. With initial info only available in Japanese, Carscoop's translation mentions the tuning package will include the obvious upgrades such as a bigger turbo with modified engine control unit, air intake and new exhaust. Naturally, suspension gets lowered, brake upgrade and light weight wheels round out the chassis improvements. Visually, nothing has changed yet.

Three special editions

The Nissan March is 25 years old and Nissan celebrates with three special editions. Actually, two of the three special editons are loosely based on the first, namely the Nissan March 25^th Happiness.

The Happiness is in turn based on the March 12S and 14S Four models but comes with an exclusive Silky Beige body colour. Inside, the Happiness special edition comes with odor-absorbing headliner, automatic interior lighting system and some more gadgets.

The Nissan March Plus Safety is based on the March Happiness but with additional safety features (like the name suggests) like SRS side airbags for the driver and front passenger, SRS curtain airbag and Xenon headlights.

Third in line is the March KISEKAE (Japanese for 'dress-up') and is based on the 12S and 14S Four models but with a choice of two exclusive seat covers with matching interior trim and pedals. Choices are Bubbly (soap bubble motif) or Striped (based on the March striped miniature model).

Pricing starts at YEN 1,189,650 (almost EURO 7,140) ranging upto YEN 1,566,600 (just under EURO 9,400) and the models go on sale today across Japan.

WorldCarFans sister site CarSpyShots.net has posted today these amazing shots of the all-new Hyundai rear-wheel-drive sports coupe. Looking a bit watered down compared to the recently released design sketches of the muscular Concept Genesis Coupe, this vehicle snapped during a market research event is standing next to its target competitor, the Ford Mustang. In an effort to minimize preconceived biases, both vehicles are painted exactly the same color as well as having all emblems covered. Additionally, participants are given a questionnaire about the vehicles presented regarding their impressions in which they refer to the vehicles by a given letter. As seen in these photos, the Hyundai is wearing a sign on the front bumper with the letter F.

Although spy photos taken from research clinics are nothing new, these are the clearest photos we have seen from such an event. Normally, the specially selected participants of these market research events are obviously prohibited to have cameras. But judging by the vantage point of the photos it seems the spy photographer may have been an insider with access to the rest of the facility allowing a view from above the curtains.

The presence of the Mustang as the target competitor reaffirms previous reports that the sports coupe will receive a V8 engine (the 4.6-liter from the Genesis). Codenamed BK, but often referred to as the Hyundai Mustang by Hyundai insiders, the sports coupe replaces the front-wheel-drive Tiburon coupe, but will most likely be given a new name since it has nothing in common with its predecessor as well as emphasizing a high performance rear-wheel-drive nature. The Hyundai Genesis Coupe which is based on the BH/Genesis platform will first arrive in Asia in late 2008 or 2009, and arrive in the U.S. for the 2010 model year. A convertible version is expected to follow.

[UPDATE]

New information from NewTiburon.com. According to a participant of the focus group, two engines mentioned were a 2.0-liter turbo with 215hp and 217 ft-lbs of torque priced at $19,000 and a 3.8-liter V6 with 300hp and 280 ft-lbs of torque starting at $25,900. There was no mention of a V8 engine but that doesn't mean it won't happen. However, the focus group was conducted in June of this year which leaves plenty of time for changes. Other features mentioned include iPod integration in center console, bluetooth function through head unit, sunroof, mirror mounted LED turn signals and limited slip.

We finally got our chance to get up close and personal with the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X, and we're impressed. The car has had a very busy month, having been rolled out in Japanese showrooms and getting its auto show debut in Australia.

Mitsubishi keeps showing off the Lancer Evolution X in red, but the car looks totally hot in black. Already available with a five-speed manual transmission, the 10th generation Evo will get mated to an optional Twin Clutch Sport Shift Transmisson (SST) sometime in November. Stability of the new Evo was increased by trimming 20mm off the front overhang. The sports car made for a city was built with lightweight aluminum throughout the body, and a new, lighter-but-stronger engine, that is also a bit more friendly on Mother Earth.

This new engine gets 280 horsepower and 311 ft-lb of torque. More airbags, and Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) was added to the Mitsubishi flagship for enhanced safety.

Pricing for the base level Evo SR will be around €18,375, with the GSR starting at €21,425. The Twin-Clutch SST will set you back an additional €1,475.

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X will also take the world stage at Rally Japan being held this weekend. Mitsubishi plans to use the Evo as a course car preceding the WRC race.

To replace Tiburon

These latest spy photos from Death Valley capture a prototype of a new Hyundai sports coupe as it undergoes hot weather testing. This new coupe will replace Hyundai’s current sports coupe, the Tiburon, but it is not yet known if Hyundai will choose to keep the Tiburon name, or give it a new name to emphasize its all-new model.

A major change from the current Tiburon, which is front wheel drive, is the new rear-wheel-drive trans in the coupe. It will likely also be larger, since the new coupe will be based on the same BH platform as Hyundai’s soon to be released large rear-wheel-drive sedan, the Genesis. While the current Tiburon offers a choice of a 2.0 liter 4-cylinder or a 2.7 liter V6, engines for the new coupe are likely to be quite different. Rumors abound about the possibility of a turbocharged 2.0 liter 4-cylinder with direct fuel injection. Also expected is a 3.8 liter V6, which will be the standard engine in the Genesis. A top performance model might even have the 4.6 liter V8 that will be optional in the Genesis, but this is unconfirmed.

The new coupe is expected to be launched next year.

Hyundai goes upmarket

With production set to commence a little over a year from now, Hyundai is on track with final testing of the much anticipated rear-wheel-drive premium sports sedan model, Genesis. Unlike the concept, this prototype is still wearing one of the two "test" grilles that didn't pass in consumer and design clinics. The vertical grille, as seen on these prototypes, was passed over and replaced by the horizontal grille as shown on the New York Auto Show concept.

The Genesis will be powered by a newly developed DOHC 32-valve V8 engine producing well over 300hp, which propels the vehicle from 0-60mph in under 6 seconds. This vehicle marks an important milestone for the Hyundai brand as it enters the mid-size premium market segment. The Genesis takes a leap past Acura who doesn't even offer a rear-wheel-drive platform no less a V8 engine and places it with such competitors as BMW, Infiniti, Lexus and Mercedes to name a few.

We expect to see the Genesis driving around for the next year or so, just like this, wearing a few yards of black vinyl to hide the final details, until the production version arrives in dealership in autumn 2008. The Genesis will be priced under $30,000.

New Member of the Cadillac Family

• First station wagon in Cadillac’s history
• New 2.0 liter bio-ethanol fuel option with 200 hp (147 kW)*
• New two-stage turbo diesel engine with 180 hp (132 kW)
• Optional all-wheel drive for Wagon and sedan
• StabiliTrak standard on all trim levels, also for BLS sedan

The 2008 Cadillac BLS includes a new wagon version, the addition of a new bio-ethanol engine and a new, powerful two-stage turbo diesel engine. All-wheel drive will be available in spring of 2008 with the 2.8 liter V-6 turbo for both the sedan and Wagon.

Both of the BLS models will be offered with two direct-injected, 1.9 liter common rail turbo-diesel engines that are fitted with maintenance-free diesel particulate filters and either six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions. The base diesel engine has an output of 150 hp (110 kW) and 300 Nm of torque. New is a 180 hp (132 kW) two-stage turbo-diesel delivering 400 Nm of maximum torque, giving the BLS a top speed of 220 km/h and 0-100 km/h acceleration in 9.1 seconds. Sales of the new two-stage turbo diesel start in December 2007.

The BLS Wagon and sedan will also be the first Cadillac models to be offered in Europe with the option of a low-emission, bio-ethanol engine. The BLS 2.0 liter FLEXPOWER will go on sale in November 2007. Like the three turbocharged gasoline engines and the two turbo-diesels, the 200 hp (147 kW)* turbocharged FLEXPOWER engine offers the dynamic performance customers have come to expect from Cadillac, when using bio-ethanol (E85) as an alternative to traditional gasoline. The FLEXPOWER engine runs on E85 bio-ethanol, unleaded gasoline or any combination of both fuels.

Exterior: expressive design combined with wagon versatility

As the first station wagon in Cadillac’s 104-year history, the BLS Wagon marks a new milestone for the brand. Clear, crisp and sharply defined contours, characteristic Cadillac design features and a striking wedge shape that is emphasized by the tapered lines of the side windows all make the Cadillac BLS Wagon an appealing new entry in the midsize station wagon segment.

“The BLS Wagon is a strong addition to the Cadillac portfolio for customers seeking dramatically designed luxury vehicles that offer versatility and performance along with outstanding ride and handling,” said Cadillac General Manager Jim Taylor. “We think it will do well in many European markets where consumers desire a high degree of versatility and functionality in their vehicles.”

From the front bumper and Cadillac hallmark V-shaped chrome-plated grille, to the trademark vertical tail lamps with the latest LED technology and rear bumper, the Cadillac BLS Wagon measures 4,716 mm, compared with 4,680 mm for the BLS sedan. At 2,038 mm wide (including exterior rear view mirrors) and 1,543 mm in height (including roof rails and roof antenna), the BLS Wagon combines a compact, sporty shape with a high degree of versatility and functionality.

The BLS sedan and wagon also feature jewel-like headlamps, fog lamps integrated into the body-color front bumper and a wide air intake below the grille. A narrow chrome strip runs along the side windows accentuating the car’s striking wedge shape and contoured lines.

Interior: luxurious atmosphere and state-of-the-art infotainment systems

The Cadillac BLS Wagon offers plenty of interior space to support a wide variety of luxury and leisure interests. With the rear seats in use, the cargo space measures 419 liters loading space, with an additional 12 liters below the floor. With the rear seats folded down, the total amount adds up to 1,285 liters of space.

Standard equipment consists of silver roof rails, dark tinted glass rearward of the B-pillar, a tailgate opening with a chrome sill plate, a cargo cover, cargo net and chrome cargo hooks. The interior of the BLS Wagon is highlighted by a three-spoke, leather-wrapped steering wheel and an analog clock in the center stack. The circular instruments have white numerals and red needles on a black background. Optional refinements include leather seating surfaces and heated seats.

Four trim levels are available: Business, Elegance, Sport and Sport Luxury. The standard Business trim level offers 16-inch alloy wheels, Cadillac’s StabiliTrak electronic stability program engine immobilizer, front, side and head curtain airbags, trip computer, three-spoke leather steering wheel with control buttons, cruise control, air conditioning, a seven-speaker audio system with CD player and “Piano Black” interior decor trim. Leather seat upholstery, a Bose sound system, DVD navigation system and wood interior trip is a package option for the Business trim level.

The intermediate trim level, Elegance, features additional equipment, including wiper rain sensors, eight-way power seats, dual-zone climate control and 17-inch alloy wheels. Red walnut wood veneer trim enhances the interior decor.

The Cadillac BLS Sport adds 18-inch wheels and lowered sports suspension for the front McPherson struts and four-link rear axle. The chassis tuning ensures dynamic handling performance without compromising comfort. The BLS Sport interior is highlighted by the use of stylish aluminum trim instead of wood and the circular instruments have white numerals and red needles on a black background.

The Sport Luxury level is available in combination with the 2.8 V6 engine and the 1.9 turbo-diesel engines. In addition to the Sport content, it includes Bi-Xenon headlamps, heated and electrically adjustable leather seats with memory function and wood, instead of aluminum, trim.

The premium audio system from Bose includes new Centerpoint® simulated surround sound and additional rear-door speakers.

Turbo-charged engines: three gasoline, two turbo-diesel and one bio-ethanol

The front-wheel-drive BLS sedan and Wagon are offered with a large range of power units, giving consumers the choice of three turbocharged gasoline engines, two turbo-diesels, and a turbocharged bio-ethanol engine. The 1.9L four-cylinder base diesel with common rail direct-injection technology develops 150 hp (110 kW) and 320 Nm of torque at 2000 rpm. In addition, a powerful new 1.9L four-cylinder diesel with common-rail direct-injection delivers 180 hp (132 kW) and 400 Nm of maximum torque at 1850 rpm.

The gasoline engine offerings — all turbocharged — include two, 2.0 liter four-cylinder versions (175 hp/129 kW and 210 hp/154 kW and a 2.8L six-cylinder engine at 255 hp (188 kW), which features a twin-scroll turbocharger and variable phasing of the intake camshafts. The new 2.0 liter four-cylinder turbo-charged E85 bio-ethanol engine develops 200 hp (147 kW.)* The BLS Wagon offers a six-speed manual transmission and five- or six-speed automatic transmissions, depending on the engine.

All-Wheel Drive: optional for sedan and wagon

All-Wheel Drive with Active Torque Transfer technology will be available on both the BLS sedan and Wagon with the 2.8L V-6 turbo engine in the spring of 2008. This latest-generation Haldex technology is activated when needed and works with the electronic stability system to provide enhanced vehicle control. It electronically engages the clutch before take-off, avoiding wheel spin and achieving immediate and maximum traction. No front wheel slip is required before the rear wheels are engaged. AWD models with the 2.8L V-6 receive a horsepower upgrade to 280 hp (from 255 hp).

StabiliTrak: now standard

All BLS models now have StabiliTrak electronic stability control as standard. Model year 2008 also includes standard Tire Pressure Monitoring on the Sport and Sport Luxury trim levels.

* using E85 bio-ethanol

A new era has dawned. Well for paint, anyway. A decision affecting residual car values as much as it does neighbourhood standings is that of car colour. Be it graphite, silver or gray, the choices are endless. But with the introduction of a new technology using 'paramagnetic' paint coating, the choice won't be set in stone the moment the car rolls off the production line. In fact, the concept is to allow owners to change the paintjob whenever they see fit - whether that be in the car park or at the lights.

The technology works by running a current through a special polymer applied to the vehicle before painting. This polymer contains particles of 'paramagnetic' iron oxide. With the application of an electric current, the spacing of the oxide's crystals is adjusted, affecting their level of light reflection and thus our colour perception.

Cars, being rather conductive metal objects, are therefore the perfect medium for such a technology, with the small current maintaining a particular colour. However, with no current, such as when the car is turned off, the paint would return to its default colour of white, making finding the car after a shopping trip a tricky business indeed.

It may sound like science fiction, but first commercial applications of the technology are expected on the market as early as 2010, with Nissan having already developed a 'self-healing' paint. Make sure you check out our recently-introduced and expanding Technology category.

If you're a Mercedes-Benz fan, then today is a great spy photo day for you. First, we gave you a great series of shots on the 2009 Mercedes CLK, and now you get some great pictures and artist renderings of each all-new Mercedes E-Class model.

Not expected on the market for at least two years, our spies have delivered a collection of E-Class pictures taken all over Germany. And despite the less-than-favorable weather around Stuttgart and Bavaria, we were blessed with clear views of the E-Class and the E-Class Estate. The E63 AMG was caught on the 'Ring with the sun shining down on it like a spotlight.

With plans to abandon the Sensotronic Brake Control (brake-by-wire) system, Mercedes plans to put somewhat more conventional braking methods into this car. Judging by the rain all over the streets of Germany, it is probably a good thing that the automaker will put wet-weather disc wiping and wheel-selective cornering brake control on this car. Ceramic-based disc brakes will likely be an option on all models, too.

The next E-Class will likely need that braking ability. Petrol engines begin with a 184 horsepower four-banger, but a 544 horsepower, 6.3 litre eight-cylinder engine will be a reality for the AMG. Diesel engines begin with a four-cylinder, 136 horsepower model, on up to a 354 horsepower V8. We have also heard about V6 engines as well. Hybrid versions of the all-new E-Class will become available, but the timetable is uncertain.

Along with a new stability control meant to take crosswinds, camber-angle changes, and tire wear, a bevy of nanny-state styled safety measures will be optional. These include lane-departure warnings, eye-movement monitors, traffic-sign identification, and road-condition sensors.

Expect to see new styling on the E-Class, some of which will be modeled after the S-Class, like a larger wheel-arch. We also look forward to seeing doors that are more sculpted, gigantic bumpers, and a large amount of glass along the roof and sides. You can see this "greenhouse" design touch in the pictures of the E63 AMG.

Our spy also notes a "more sculpted wide-frame grille, the more geometric nasal air intakes, and the wedge shaped profile" of the new E-Class. All this should make the E-Class sportier, and more presentable. And as our spy joked before, Mercedes-Benz looks to be taking some cues from Lexus, noting the rectangular quad headlights, C-pillars, and the taillights; ironic because of Lexus' tendency to pirate from Mercedes when designing the LS.

Regardless, we look forward to the E-Class debut, currently believed to be during the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show.

Caught on film earlier today in Stuttgart, Germany, is the 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK. Scheduled for release in 2009, the new CLK replaces the nearly five-year-old current model which has only seen one facelift. Our spy tells us the 2009 CLK coupe should come out in early 2009, with the rag-top convertible being released just in time for summer.

Mercedes needs to upgrade its CLK to best the BMW 3-Series coupe, the Audi A5 coupe, and the 2009 Audi A5 convertible.

The new CLK should have three different engine choices, including a V6 with 272 horsepower, a 388 horsepower V8, and a nasty 503 horsepower CLK 63 AMG. There may also be a 428 horsepower option as well, along with diesel engines for some markets. Likewise, the 4-matic system should be an option. We look forward to seeing how Mercedes will release this as a hybrid.

This update on the CLK should be a little more upmarket, as well. We eagerly await a little more class and style on this car's exterior, but until a little more black tape and prototype-casing is dropped, we'll have to keep wondering what the exact look of this car will be. Our spy on the streets of Germany believes the four-eyes front end "will be quite different from the looks of the C-Class."