Posts from the Rumormill Category at Autoblog UK

BMW's 'Progressive Activity Sedan' (PAS) turns into a GT

Posted Dec 8th 2008 8:42AM by Andrew Hopkins
Filed under: Rumormill, BMW, Mid-range , Executive

Now BMW have got a 'sportback' all of their own. After Audi brought out several new versions of the Sportback all at the same time, BMW are hitting back with the GT suffix.

The premium segment Germans will be sporting a much bigger rear portal in future, thus occupying yet another niche and taking the concept even further. According to the German magazine 'AutoBild', the Munich-based outfit are already working on a GT version of the 3 and 5 series. A 5 series GT might look something like a sleeker version of the X6. At one time, it might have been called a fastback, but as a description, this now sounds rather passé, certainly not as modern as 'Sportback' or GT.

Continue reading BMW's 'Progressive Activity Sedan' (PAS) turns into a GT

Rumormill: Toyota developing baby roadster based on iQ

Posted Oct 27th 2008 1:24AM by Pete Mait
Filed under: Toyota, Rumormill, Trends

Toyota worked up an entirely new platform for its new iQ minicar, which features a very unique 3+1 seating arrangement in an effort to outsmart its competitors. Such a development takes a good deal of resources and Toyota seems to be considering ways to defray that cost through additional models based on the same underpinnings. The latest vehicle architecture to add to the always active rumormill would be a small two-seat roadster.

If the German buff book Auto Motor und Sport is correct, expect the new sub-Miata-fighter to debut in concept form at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show and be called the Spider. The roadster would likely get the same powerplants as the normal iQ, including both gasoline and diesel four-cylinder variants. A decision on a production model, though, is likely still a good ways off. Other iQ models said to be waiting in the wings are an upcoming Yaris successor, a hybrid and a mini-minivan. Though we know the iQ has a good chance of being sold in the United States wearing a Scion badge, we have no idea yet how many of these other models could follow.

LEDs: The Shape of Things to Come?

Posted Oct 19th 2008 2:09PM by Andrew Hopkins
Filed under: Audi, Rumormill, Toys, Trends

Has anyone spotted a new Audi A4 without those oh-so-gorgeous LED headlights? Probably not. Or at best, very rarely. Although this awkwardly installed string of lights cost a packet, you hardly ever see an A4 that isn't sporting them. Having your car lit up like a Christmas tree is rapidly turning into the must-have feature at the top end of the segment (and, no doubt, lower down in the very near future).

Since the new 7 series and the facelift for the 3 series, BMW have added a matt illuminated eyebrow to its now famous rings

And what has been the response from Mercedes? Nothing so far. The boys from Stuttgart will have to get their act together very soon so as not to lose out on the new headlight battlefront.

All we can hope is that the (as yet) image-boosting LEDs don't end up like the BMW rings being sold in demeaning plastic packaging to DIY-happy fans fresh from the Wörthersee GTI Meet. That was the cruel fate that befell the single-frame grille. The accessories manufacturers will be rubbing their hands with glee at the new LED licence to print money. Ah well, I'm off to Lake Wörther...