Vauxhall Astra CC (TwinTop) NAKED!

We at COTF have the first ever glimpse of the 2006 Astra CC NAKED on the roads. Spotted in Germany, outside Nurburgring free of disguise and with the roof down! Our own spy Hanjo took these sensational pictures. This coupe/convertible will have a 2 piece top. Front & rear face will be the same as the 3/5 door Astra. Not too sure wether this will be sold in Australia. If it does go to Australia it will be named as Holden and could arrive six months later than its launch date

Pontiac Solstice Turbo

Pontiac engineers ventured to the Nürburgring to take some hot laps in the hot version of the Solstice roadster. Several styling differences set this prototype apart as the turbocharged version of Pontiac's halo car. The high-performance additions to the Solstice clearly require more breathing ability. The large round lights set into the Solstice's bumper fascia - surrounded by bodywork on the standard 170-hp model - are set within additional honeycomb grillework on this prototype. Sharply sculpted edges outline the added grilles, giving more definition to the Solstice's face. The Turbo Solstice's more chiseled look is furthered by a deeper, squared-off jawline, which incorporates another thin air-intake slit at the bottom.
The changes at the rear are less pronounced: a subtle lip spoiler sets this more muscled model apart from the standard version. By applying a turbocharger to GM's 2.4-liter Ecotec engine, this Solstice will generate at least 240 horsepower, and rumors suggest it may even exceed 250 horses. Regardless of the final output numbers, this car should give serious competition to the likes of Mazda's new Miata, as long as the Solstice's final execution manages to live up to the promise of the car's sexy lines.

But why are they testing this sports car in Germany when its not sold in Europe?

Jaguar S-Type mule hiding a replacement?

Prototypes of heavily disguised Jaguar S-Types have been sighted in Germany. Since the S-Type isn't selling too well due to its retro styling, maybe a replacement is due soon?

Judging by the mule, the twin headlamp design seem smaller than usual and the front air-intake are larger than the current S-Type.

If it is getting replaced, expect the same engines to be carried over.

2007 Smart ForTwo

Smart is expected to build a 2007 Smart ForTwo. Smart is already going down the tiolet due to not selling enough cars. They already lost £600,000,000 so there might not be a next ForTwo. Smart CrossTown is suggested to strongly hint this city car. Smart is also ready to launch a pink version of the current car pricing at £6,650. Smart were also planning to biuld a 4x4 called the ForMore but that had to be stopped because of the problems they've had

2007 Volkswagen Crossover (Sfero)

Along with the "next" Polo Volkswagen is also planning a croosover.

To fill the gap between the Passat and the Phaeton sedans, Volkswagen is expected to introduce a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive crossover. Expected to arrive in concept form in 2005, the actual production version should to be ready to launch in 2007.The name "Sfero" was registered by Volkswagen in June of 2003. Insiders have told us that the Sfero will be a crossover between a wagon and an SUV, although all-wheel drive will not be offeredTo lessen the development costs, Bernd Pischetsrieder and Ferrari-boss Luca di Montezemolo are said to be in agreement for a unique technology transfer: While Maserati will deliver the chassis of their brand-new Quattroporte sedan as a base for the new VW Sfero, Volkswagen will deliver the 4x4 chassis of its Touareg off-roader for the future Maserati Kubang SUV. This deal is actually quite interesting for both parties: while the Touareg's 4x4-chassis is regarded to be the best currently available, the Quattroporte's transaxle chassis allows an excellent weight-balance and therefore promises superb handling for the Sfero.Another advantage of the Maserati chassis is the compatibility with Audi's V-8 engines. They are too large to be fitted under the hood of the next Passat - but they are said to fit perfectly in the Sfero, with the top-of-the line engine expected to offer as much as 450 horsepower. Other luxury features include a new active steering system, a wide track and long wheelbase (114.2 inches), an electrically operated rear door, air suspension and LED taillights, and an adaptive brake light.Lots of information has been leaking out about the Sfero, but apparently no decision has been made as to if the Sfero will be a four-, six- or even seven-passenger vehicle.

BMW X5 caught in Germany

These are the newest pictures of the next BMW X5. Caught in Germany, the next generation X5 will be a completely new model and still underpin the 5 Series.

Sources stated that the new X5 will arrive in both 5 seater and 7 seater layouts. Two petrol engines; 3.0 litre V6 and 4.8 litre V8 will be available, alongside a 3.0 litre V6 diesel. The default choice in Europe will be the diesel, accounting for 80% of sales. The 3.0 V6 petrol will produce 272bhp, 355bhp will be reserved for the 4.8 litre V8 and the 3.0 litre V6 diesel will get 235bhp.

UK prices should start from £40,000. While the 4.8 litre V8 petrol will be the current flagship engine, look-out for a 500bhp+, turbo-charged 4.4 litre V8.