Daimler/BYD Denza EV

Denza is a joint venture between Chinese car maker BYD and Daimler.
This 1st model is based on the Mercedes B-Platform.  (Also used by the CLS Compact sedan)

I have to say, this is pretty lame looking. (Vaguely Mercedes like in the back.)
Another invisible design...

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2013: Spy shots recap.

Here are a few of the spy shots published over the past year. 

Which ones are you waiting for?

 Mazda 6X?

 Large Cadillac sedan?

 2016 Mercedes E-Class?

 2015 Nissan Maxima?

 Electric VW Passat?

Infiniti Q60 Coupe?

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Nissan Sport Sedan Concept

We have seen better pictures of this before, but this is the 1st official teaser of Nissan's new concept.

One of these concepts that is actually a thinly disguised production model.
As this is pretty much what the next Maxima will be. 

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BMW 3 series "Grand Coupe"

Really?

How many versions of the new 3 series can they be?  A sedan, a GT hatchback, a coupe (4 series), an X4 crossover. Now this. One of these "4 door coupes".

From these patent designs, it doesn't look that slick. It looks like what the regular 3 series should have looked like in the  1st place.
From the rear view, it seems like it could be a hatchback too. (?)
Then why the Gt version?

Is BMW that confused?

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Suzuki Hustler

 This is definitely not coming over here.

We don't get Suzukis any more.
It's way too small.
It's called "Hustler"!

But I still think it is really cute. Powered by a tiny 660CC engine with a CVT. AWD is an option.

Seems pretty roomy too.

And look! There is even a tent extension option. Complete with window shades.
So it can be turned into a tiny camper van.

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2015/16 VW Passat

This is just another illustration.
Showing the European version of the Passat.

For the current generation, the US model has a different design.
The current Euro model is still pretty much the same car we had here before, so it is really due for a new model.

Not sure if both US and Euro models will merge again for the next generation.
It is supposed to be based on a stretched Golf VII platform.

An all new 200hp plug in Hybrid model could also be offered.

No matter what, it looks like we should , again, expect something super conservative and boring for the big VW. 

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VW E Up! commercial

Cute.

I think the Up! is a car VW should offer here. Have the guts to create a new segment for themselves.
Electric or not. 

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2016 Mercedes E-Class (?)

It does look like it could be the next E-Class sedan. And was taken in the US, obviously.

Unless it is something else. But I don't think there is another Mercedes Sedan coming out soon.
(C-Class Convertible, face-lifted CLS and B-Class,  S-Class Coupe/Convertible and GLK seem to be the next ones coming up)

Or something totally different?  The camouflage seems to be matching what Mercedes has been using for the past few years.
But who knows....

What do you think?

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VW sells 100 000 US diesels in 2013

Which is pretty amazing. In a country that wasn't buying diesel cars just a few years ago. (Or just a few.)
And there will be selling much more next year. Since an all new Golf will come out. (I am sure it will be more popular than the current aging model.)
And the GTI will have its own diesel version, the GTD.

I have driven different versions of VW's DTI engine in the past couple of years. In the Golf, Jetta, Beetle and Passat.
For some reason, it is noisier in the Passat.
But great in all other models. Their DTI totally changed the way I used to think about diesels.

Mileage is always much better than advertised. (Never less than 50MPG on the HWY)

Still, it is old fuel. Not a new technology at all. But until everything goes electric, I think it is a really good choice to save gas.

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2015 Jaguar XS

This just an illustration. Looking just OK.
Let's hope the real thing is actually more original. As it should be.

There are now rumors about starting price at a bit over $30 000. Which could be slightly cheaper than the new C-Class.
This will share its new platform with the SUV we saw as a concept a few months ago. And although the SUV concept already came out, the production version of the sedan will be available before the SUV.
A coupe is also supposed to follow. And maybe a convertible since now even the C-Class will have one.

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2014 Hyundai Azera is $1250 cheaper

It now starts at $31 000, with more stuff.
Like rear view camera and a 6 inch color screen.

A better equipped Limited model starts at $34 750.

These are very competitive prices.  A V6 Impala starts at about $200 less only.
But Hyundai positions the Azera against more expensive sedans like the Acura TL or Buick Lacrosse.

And it doesn't look like the are reducing the price because of slow sale numbers. These numbers are up 34% this year. (And that's before the price cut.)

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Honda Vezel/Fit SUV

These are pictures of the Japanese version called the Vezel. (one of the worst car name in the past 102 years)
Not sure what they will call it in the US. This is the long rumored small crossover/SUV based on the new Fit. And just like the hatchback and new sedan versions, it will be built in Mexico for the North American market.
It is powered by a 1.5 Liter engine with 131 HP and a CVT (at least in Japan).
These pictures are of the higher end Hybrid  version. Which gets a total of 152HP. (Rated at 63MPG in Japan)

I think it actually looks pretty nice. Much better than the new Fit.
And the interior, at least on this high end model, seems better than the CRV. The back seat looks really roomy too.

Just like the Fit sedan might prove to be a threat to the Civic, I think this all new model will make life pretty tough for the CRV...

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Hyundai Azera/Grandeur Hybrid

Not sure if this will make it to the US as the Azera Hybrid or not.
But the Korean market is getting a Hybrid version. Powered by a 2.4 Liter with 159HP with a 35KW electric motor.
(Pretty much the same as the Kia Optima hybrid and the Korean K7/Cadenza.)

It it come here, its real competition would be the Toyota Avalon Hybrid.

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2014 Mini Cooper S Commercial

Looking really good.
And with lots of Hi Tech gadgets.

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Nissan Altima convertible: Never made it...

Looks like Nissan was really considering a convertible version of the Altima coupe.
At least at some point.

I always thought it would ave been good competition to the Solara Convertible. Or Sebring.
They obviously decided against it. (Somehow, someone at Nissan thought a convertible version of the Murano made more sense...)

Since they don't even have a 2 door version of the Altima anymore, I guess we're not going to see a convertible anytime soon.

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All new 2015 Mercedes C-Class

Finally, official pictures.
I think it looks great, It is closer to the S Class than ever, and seems to really work on the smaller scale.
And the interior is quite amazing. With original shapes and textures.

At leas tin pictures, it seems a class or two ahead of the competition.

The engine line up for the US should include a 4 and 6 cylinder engines.
But they are also offering an all new Diesel Hybrid option (At least in Europe).
The C300 BlueTEC HYBRID includes a 204HP Diesel engine and a 27HP electric motor.

Another plug-in Hybrid model will also be offered later.

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2015 C Class, the twins

Here are the 2 different front ends offered on the C-Class.

Pretty much the same thing they have with the E-Class.
A regular Mercedes type chrome grille, and a sportier option.

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2015 Porsche 911 Targa

The Targa option will return to the 911 next year. ( I think the last year was 1992)

And it does look pretty retro.
Porsche has hinted a few months ago about an all new kind of top. Not just a hard piece you need to store into the truck, like the Corvette.
So maybe there is a folding mechanism somewhere...
Which would make sense for a car in this price range.

No matter what, this will be another good looking car in the streets.

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It didn't make it...

Remember the "old" Volvo S60?The 1st generation.
Looks like Volvo was actually working on a coupe version. Which never made it into a production model...

Maybe there will be a production version of the coupe Concept we saw a few months ago.
It would be nice to see another 2 door Volvo...

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2015 Mercedes C-Class

These are the clearest pictures, so far, I have seen of the all new C-Class.
And it is still looking good. (If a bit droopy in the back...)

Again, like a mini S-Class. Which does give it a really luxurious feel. The interior so far looks best in class.

Not only will it compete with the 3 series and A4, but here in the US, with the all new Infiniti Q50.
(Which will be very tough for the Q...)

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