Sony has just released the first screen shots from the highly anticipated Gran Turismo 5 racing simulator for the company’s Playstation 3 system and they’re, well… just ok.

Sure the widebody Nissan NISMO GT-R from Japan’s Super GT series looks incredibly mean, but we wouldn’t mind seeing a few action shots. Although to be truthful, looking at pictures and playing the game are two completely different things, so we’ll wait to get our hands on the latest GT game before passing judgment.

We do have high hopes as Sony has announced a lineup of over 1,000 cars that actually get damaged! Another unique feature is the ability for users to automatically upload their favorite replay footage directly to YouTube – something we’re certain to loathe in the not-too-distant future. As though YouTube isn’t already overstocked with personal montages, replies or covers of what you’re actually looking for, now we have this. We’ll be cursing Sony when our search for “Nissan GT-R Nürburgring” turns up a few thousand CGI videos made by virtual Stigs. But I digress…

An official date for the release of Gran Turismo 5 has not been set.

GALLERY: First Gran Turismo 5 Screen Shots

Ford has just released several images of the 2011 C-Max, which is set to debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show in just over a weeks time. While not currently scheduled to go on sale in North America, there is a strong possibility that this new compact multi-activity vehicle could eventually cross the pond.

The C-Max is based on Ford’s new global-C platform which underpins the upcoming Focus. As a more family-oriented vehicle, the C-Max could compete in a growing segment on this side of the Atlantic that includes the Kia Rondo and Mazda5. Recently Ford sold off much of its share in Mazda, essentially cutting the Japanese automaker loose, but by doing so Ford gave up its foothold in MAV or MPV segment.

Set to go on sale in Europe mid-way through 2010, the C-Max will be available with a new turbocharged  1.6-liter EcoBoost engine featuring direct-injection.

GALLERY: 2011 Ford C-Max

Ford is not yet disclosing much about its new Euro-market model, but the 2011 C-Max will be powered by a new 1.6-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder. Like the larger EcoBoost powerplants available in Ford’s U.S. products, that means that the little I4 will be equipped with turbocharging and direct-injection for better power and fuel efficiency. No output figures for the engine have been released yet, but we suspect Ford will release horsepower and torque numbers (and further information) when the car rolls out in Frankfurt later this month.

Those wishing to purchase the C-Max will have some time to think about whether they’re interested in plumping for options like the promised blind-spot detection system or the semi-self parking feature, because the model isn’t slated to hit EU dealer forecourts until the second half of 2010. As this five-seater isn’t slated to come to the States at all, the rest of us will just have to slake our curiosity on the high-res images below and the press release after the jump.

Official release after the jump:

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Along with an electric version of the company’s tiny i10, Hyundai will also unveil an innovative hybrid CUV concept at the Frankfurt Auto Show in just over a weeks time.

As a part of Hyundai’s Blue drive initiative, the ix-Metro is powered by a turbocharged 1.0-liter 3-cylinder gasoline engine mated to an electric motor. Designed for Europe, this model is particularly interesting as it is a sub-compact crossover. It also gets a state-of-the-art six-speed dual-clutch transmission.

As for the electric i10, it will get a 65hp (49 kW) electric motor with a range of 100 miles.

In addition to these Blue Drive vehicles, Hyundai will also have on hand the Elantra LPI Hybrid and the Blue Will Plug-In Hybrid Electric concept vehicle.

Production vehicle debuts include the 2010 Tucson and the updated 2010 Santa Fe.

GALLERY: Hyundai ix-Metro Concept

Official release after the jump:

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Along with building some of the best vehicles on the planet, the technology wizzes at BMW have been busy in other fields, including car maintenance and repair. The video above shows a concept of what BMW calls “Augmented Reality” glasses, which show the wearer exactly how to work on a car.

The glasses scan the outward view of the mechanic wearing them and can then communicate what exactly needs to be done. Using color displays and a voice-over, the glasses can show which parts need to be removed or replaced and exactly how to move them. It will even locate the screws and let you know which way a part has to be turned to properly remove it.

The folks at Popular Science suggest that this could some day replace the need for mechanics, or at least allow regular folks to perform more simple procedures like changing the oil.

We can’t help but wonder if this technology could some day have motorsports applications, including helping amateur drivers learn a race track.

[Source: Popular Science]

The incredible Porsche Panamera platform will, as expected, live on, even if Volkswagen goes through with its plans to cancel the model after its initial production run. The Panamera is currently slated to run until 2016.

According to a report on Inside Line, the platform will be shared with other brands in the VW umbrella. That group could includes Audi, Bentley and Bugatti. The only premium brand that has been ruled out so far is Lamborghini, which could presumably use the Panamera to built a production version of the Estoque concept.

Considering the Panamera’s relatively small size and its sporting nature, it seems unlikely that Bentley could make use of the vehicle. The same goes for Bugatti. Out bets hedge on a high-powered Audi sedan, a possible A7 or even A9 sportback…

[Source: InsideLine]

European coachbuilder Mansory continues to take its tuning to new excesses with an even more extreme version of the Chopster – a modified Porsche Cayenne Turbo S.

With an almost completely carbon fiber body, including massively flared fenders there is also plenty of carbon fiber inside, with four carbon fiber sport seats. Plenty of work has been done under the hood as well, where the factory turbocharger have been replaced with larger ones to make no less than 710hp and 664 ft-lbs of torque. Mansory claims a top speed of 188mph, riding on an electronically adjustable suspension and a set of massive 23-inch rims.

Mansory plans to debut the new Chopster at the Frankfurt Auto Show later this month.

GALLERY: Mansory Chopster

Official release:

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MINI has confirmed that a vehicle based on the Coupé Concept, as well as another model will go into production in the near future at the company’s MINI Plant Oxford.

As for what that mystery model will be, it has been widely reported that a Roadster, also based on the Coupé Concept, is in the works and will debut alongside the Coupé Concept on September 15th at the Frankfurt Auto Show.

Both models are expected to be powered by the same John Cooper Works turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder, making 211hp and 192 ft-lbs of torque, with a bump to 206 ft-lbs possible thanks to an overboost function.

GALLERY: MINI Coupé Concept

Official release after the jump:

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Along with the Exige Cup 260 model that Lotus just announced, the British sports car maker will also debut a new Elise Club Racer at the Frankfurt Auto Show on September 15th.

Based on the 134hp Elise S model, the Elise CR gets plenty of unique features likes an anthracite anodized gear knob and handbrake sleeve, along with the Club Racer “CR” logo embroidered on the headrest. There’s even a unique anodized aluminum floor. A small 320mm steering wheel even features an on-center marker to make sure the driver always knows the position of the wheels. Included in the package are a set of anthracite anodized six-spoke aluminum wheels with Yokohama AD07 LTS tires.

The Elise CR will be available in four traditional Lotus colors: Elite Yellow, Carbon Grey, Sky Blue and Old English White. These colors are carried over into the cockpit with a paint-matched transmission tunnel.

Lotus claims the Elise CR can hit 60 mph in 5.7 seconds.

“Special Editions of the award winning Elise have always proved popular with our customers around the world, and I expect the Elise Club Racer to be no different,” said Luke Bennett, Director of Lotus Cars. “We have taken color schemes from our past, used on the Elite and Elan in the 1960s and cleverly brought them up to date with a modern feel to the interior. The whole design package is modern with a classic twist, which of course matches the peerless ride and handling of a Lotus and the convertible experience of the Elise perfectly.”

There are no plans to offer the Elise CR in the U.S., but it will be available in Europe starting at around 34,500 Euros.

GALLERY: Elise Club Racer

Official release after the jump:

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After the launch of the Q7 TDI earlier this year, Audi has just announced pricing for the A3 TDI, which will be sold in the U.S. as a 2010 model starting this November. Powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, the A3 TDI makes 140h and 236 ft-lbs of torque, while getting 30 mpg in the city and 42 mpg on the highway.

The new diesel model will be priced from $29,950, with an automatic transmission and a front-drive configuration. Standard features include leather and Audi’s S-line exterior sport appearance package. Options include  navigation, Bluetooth, a BOSE premium sound system, a Titanium package with dark gray wheels and black grille, leather/Alcantara seats, wood trim, rain/light sensors, auto-dimming exterior and interior rear-view mirrors and LED daytime running lights.

Official release after the jump:

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Audi of America President Johan de Nysschen couldn’t be more clear about his thoughts on the upcoming Chevy Volt, calling it “a car for idiots.”

De Nysschen made the comments to MSN while previewing a few of Audis upcoming electric cars. He believes that there just won’t be enough demand for a vehicle that is expected to cost $40,000, when conventional hybrids are closer to $25,000.

“No one is going to pay a $15,000 premium for a car that competes with a (Toyota) Corolla,” he said. “So there are not enough idiots who will buy it.”

He went on to say how a premium hybrid or electric car can command those dollars because of the added prestige or performance it delivers. And yet, cars like the Toyota Prius have somehow elevated to the status of prestige vehicles, based purely on their environmental record.

De Nysschen has an agenda though, and like his opinions he isn’t about to hide it. The Audi exec believes that the U.S. government has worked to promote these technologies while offering little help to diesel alternatives. He also points out the important problem that much of the electricity generated in the United States comes from burning coal. Increasing diesel sales, he says, would have a more immediate impact on reducing pollution.

De Nysschen even gave MSN a prediction, that the Volt will fail initially and that the federal government will have to subsidize the car in order for it to succeed.

Our prediction is that subsidies will be available right from the start, ensuring both GM and the government that owns it look good while promoting a specific hybrid-electric agenda.

[Source: MSN]