2012 Honda CR-V: New Rumors and Rendering Surface from Japan

While here in the States we're still trying to find out whether or not Honda will reveal a mildly refreshed CR-V in 2010, in Japan Mag-X has already started speculating on the next-generation model. In the July issue of the magazine, there's a detailed report accompanied by an artist's impression of the 2012 Honda CR-V that is said to be introduced for the first time in October 2011 at the Tokyo Motor Show, with worldwide sales expected to begin shortly after.

According to a translation of the article provided by TOV member 'Dan', the report claims that Honda will have finalized the exterior design of the new CR-V by the end of the year. It is also stated that the 2012 CR-V will be built upon the current model's platform featuring modest increases in length, width and height (4,535mm x 1,820mm x 1,685mm respectively).

As for the powertrain options, the Japanese magazine states that the initial engine range will be carried over from today's model and include, depending on the market, 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline units as well as a 2.2-liter turbo diesel that is already on offer in Europe.

Mag-X also mentions that while Honda does not plan to introduce a V6 option to the range, the Japanese automaker will present an 'advanced engine' at a later stage but the report does not provide any further details on the matter.

And for those wondering about the credibility of the article, well, only time can tell if Max-X's report is based on pure speculation or on specific information provided by inside sources.

BMW M Supercar Concept: A Stunning Proposal for an Audi R8 Rival

It's been three decades since BMW produced its first and last mid-engined supercar, the M1, and even though the Bavarian firm raised expectations with the introduction of the M1 Homage Concept at last year's Concorso d'Eleganza, the company has no official plans to resurrect the famous nameplate. But for those that continue to hope that BMW will produce a thoroughbred sports car in the near future, South African designer Idres Noah has created a striking concept proposal for an Audi R8-rivaling bimmer.

Despite the fact that we see some styling influences from the M1 Homage Concept, Idries' concept study has its own character. By far the best parts of the design are the supercar's kinky profile and especially the rear end which is hotter than Eva Mendez in a Brazilian bikini holding her hands between her thighs... The front-end design on the other hand could do with some work, but overall, we lift our hat to Idries Noah and hope we see more design proposals in the future.

Via: Motorpasion , Source: Idries Noah

Amoritz GT: Brazilian Concept Study for an Affordable V8 Sports Coupe

Brazil, the land of soccer, samba, beautiful beaches and women plus a few other things that aren't as near as pleasing as the aforementioned, now dreams of having its own affordable pony car. That is, if the former Volkswagen designer/student Fernando Morita gets his way with the Amoritz GT. The project car that is currently in the prototype stage was revealed for the first time at the 2007 Xtreme Motorsports show.

Featuring a 2+1 seating layout (or at least that's what the designer claims), the Amoritz GT is said to be an affordable sports car designed for the Brazilian market.

Measuring 4,250mm in length and 1,900mm in width with a wheelbase of 2,500mm, the Armoritz GT rides on a custom made chassis with power being provided by a front-mounted 5.3-liter V8 engine that in classic Brazilian style, is capable of running on both ethanol and natural gas.

2010 SAAB 9-5 Sedan and SportCombi: Official Illustrations?

A pair of allegedly official computer generated renderings showing the 2010 Saab 9-5 in both sedan and SportCombi (station-wagon) forms have found their way into the net through a dedicated Saab site. The author of the article on Saabsunited, Swade, supports that both CGIs are "original Saab stock" and that the Swedish automaker requested their removal, which he did, but uploaded them again since they had been copied on other sites.

There's no way of confirming their authenticity, they may or may not be official, heck maybe even Saab let the photos slip out for all we know. If you're up to it, you can compare these illustrations with our spy shots of camouflaged and partially unmasked 2010 Saab 9-5 prototypes by clicking here.

Via: Saabsunited

Fiat Sapor Roadster: Concept Study for a RWD Two-Seater Sports Car

Fiat's link with the Chrysler LLC Group has spurred a wave of speculative reports, product plan forecasts and even design proposals like the Fiat Sapor roadster that was conceived by the crew over at Diseno-Art as an entry-level sports. We see two basic problems with this idea: A. the 500 mini is the only Fiat badged-car set to make it to the States (unless it comes with a Chrysler - Dodge logo) and B. the design itself is very rough, meaning that there's something there, but it definitely needs more work to show its full potential.

According to the designers, the Fiat Sapor's exterior styling is influenced by various Fiat models such as the 124 Spider up front and the X1/9 at the rear. The two-seater features a removable canvas rooftop that stows away into a special compartment behind the rear seats.

As for the roadster's mechanical hardware, the Sapor was designed to feature a front-mounted engine that sends power to the rear wheels. The designers claim that one possible option could be Fiat's 1.4-liter turbocharged four that makes 180HP in the Abarth Grande Punto Esseesse hatch.

Via: Diseno-art

2010 Peugeot 408 Sedan: New Renderings Based on Inside Info

These are the latest speculative renderings of Peugeot's 407 mid-size sedan replacement that is due to arrive in European showrooms sometime during the fourth quarter of 2010. The crew over at French car magazine L'Auto Journal told us that the computer generated images of the Peugeot 408 are based on inside information. As is always the case with these kind of stories, only time will tell how close the renderings are to reality.

What we do know for certain is that underneath the sheetmetal, the Peugeot 408 sedan will get the same platform and much of the mechanical hardware found in the well accepted Citroen C5.

Expect to see Peugeot's Ford Mondeo and Opel Insignia challenger to be offered with a wide choice of petrol and diesel engines, ranging from a 1.8-litre 127-horsepower petrol unit to the new 3.0-liter HDi V6 diesel that produces a healthy 240-horsepower.

Photos: Autojournal

Bugatti Stratos: Retrotastic Concept Study by Bruno Delussu

Designed by Bruno Delussu from France, the Bugatti Stratos is retro-futuristic concept study that draws inspiration chiefly from the Bugatti Type 57 Atlantic which is considered by many as one of the most beautiful cars of all time. Bruno states that he also used some design cues from the Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Mille Miglia for the styling of the front end. To be completely frank, the first car that leaped into our mind upon seeing the Strato's fascia was the BMW-powered Weismann MF4 Roadster.

The French graphic designer said that his goal with the Bugatti Stratos was to create a pure fantasy vehicle clearly focusing on the design aspect of the concept without taking into account the technical restrictions and the resulting styling limitations of a model intended for production.

Source: Delussu , Via: Diseno

Russian Designer Creates Supercar Fusing Lamborghini Reventon and Pagani Zonda Cues

Or at least those are the first two cars that popped into mind upon seeing Russian designer Krasnov Igor's latest creation, the Marussia supercar. More specifically, we see the front end design and hard lines of the Lamborghini Reventon fused into a shape that closely resembles that of the Pagani Zonda topped with futuristic styling elements like the dramatic rear end with the massive but weirdly enough, eye-catching jet-inspired 'afterburners' that house the tail lights. Follow the jump to check out the full image gallery and tell us what you think about Krasnov's concept supercar.