The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee was spotted driving around in Michigan roads looking rather nice in a matte-black paint job with black wheels. We’re guessing this is just a prototype of the next-generation Grand Cherokee making rounds at local dealerships.

Click here for more news on the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Refresher: The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee will be offered with two new powertrains including Chrysler’s new flexible fuel 280-hp Phoenix 3.6L V6 which increases fuel-economy by up to 11 percent. The range will be topped off with a 5.7L HEMI V8 making 360-hp and a maximum torque of 390 lb-ft.

Spy Shots: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee in Michigan:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Jeep Garage (via accelerating-perspective and AutoBlog)

What you’re looking at here are the teasers of the upcoming 2010 Dodge Charger sedan that were shown today at Chrysler 5-year business plan conference. The 2010 Charger will make its debut by the end of this year. According to Dodge brand CEO Ralph Gilles, we can expect a little bit of Viper in all future Dodge vehicles.

2010 Dodge Charger Teasers:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Fox News (via TCC)

After seeing this spy shot taken by a reader of IndianAutosBlog.com, we can confirm that GM is indeed working on the rumored Chevrolet Cruze Wagon and the development is well underway.

The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze sedan will arrive on the stateside in spring 2010. It is already available in Europe and parts of Asia. No word on when the Chevrolet Cruze wagon will make its debut.

Update: WorldCarFans just emailed saying that the picture you see above is indeed a fake. Sorry to get you guys all excited about a station wagon. Here’s the original picture.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: IndianAutosBlog (via WCF)

Yes, the Buick Regal will be arriving in the United States next year as a 2011 model year. If you want to see how the Buick Regal will look when it is officially unveiled you can just take a look at the Buick Regal in China (click here), the Opel Insignia in Europe (click here) or this shot taken by an amateur during a photo shoot for the US-spec Regal in Michigan that just popped up on Facebook.

Early reports say that the 2011 Buick Regal will be available with a 180-hp direct-injected 2.4L 4-cylinder ECOTEC or a 220-hp 2.0L ECOTEC direct-injected, turbocharged 4-cylinder ECOTEC. A 280-hp 3.0L V6 Buick Regal GS is also rumored.

The 2011 Buick Regal will go into production in the summer of 2010.

For those of you still thinking whether or not Buick will be able to get away from the “that’s what old people drive” point-of-view, check out some of these comments some youngsters have posted on Facebook.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Facebook

Latest spy shots from the Nurburgring in Germany show a very mysterious BMW M3 circling the Nordschleife track, hinting that BMW may be working on a new CSL-badged M3. The spy shots show a lower front spoiler, wider tracks, new wheels and tires plus a huge rear spoiler.

Sources suggest that the new high-performance model could shed over 100kg over the standard BMW M3 with thinner glass and a carbon fiber bonnet. Power will come from a 4.0L V8 wit new valves, a carbon fiber airbox, larger intakes that will take output up to 470-hp.

BMW has previously denied working on a new M3 CSL; however, the Munich automaker is unlikely to let the Audi RS5 hit the market without a true competitor.

- By: Kap Shah

Source: AutoExpress

Just last week we brought you updated details on the 2011 Volvo S60. Volvo announced today that it was recently testing its new Collision Warning system with Full Auto Brake and Pedestrian Detection in a disguised S60 prototype in Copenhagen. The technology will be introduced with the 2011 Volvo S60 next year.

“Factors like traffic behavior, road conditions and climate must be taken into account in the design of the final system,” says Thomas Broberg, Senior Safety Advisor at Volvo Cars. “All told we have collected more than 500,000 kilometers of real-life data. We can also use the information from these traffic tests to conduct advanced computer simulations.”

Check out a video of the Volvo S60 prototype in action after the jump.

Spy Shots: 2011 Volvo S60 Prototype:

Press Release:

Volvo Cars tests new, unique safety technology in Copenhagen – in a disguised S60 prototype

Recently, sharp-eyed citizens in Copenhagen have had the opportunity to get a sneak preview of the upcoming, sporty Volvo S60 – which won’t be introduced to the world until next year.

The new technology – Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake and Pedestrian Detection – will be introduced together with the all-new Volvo S60 in 2010. Volvo Cars’ safety experts have been working with Pedestrian Detection technology for ten years and test cars have been rolling all over the world – most recently in the busy streets of Copenhagen.

“Factors like traffic behaviour, road conditions and climate must be taken into account in the design of the final system. All told we have collected more than 500,000 kilometres of real-life data. We can also use the information from these traffic tests to conduct advanced computer simulations,” says Thomas Broberg, Senior Safety Advisor at Volvo Cars.

The next step – protecting the unprotected

The new safety functions in Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake and Pedestrian Detection represent the next stage in Volvo Cars’ continuous development of technology to detect risky situations and help the driver mitigate or avoid accidents by providing support in the decision-making process.

“The previous stages were developed to help the driver avoid collisions with other vehicles.

Now we are taking a giant step forward with a function that also boosts safety for unprotected road-users. What is more, we are advancing from fifty percent to full automatic braking power. To the best of our knowledge, none of our competitors have made such progress in this area,” explains Thomas Broberg. He adds:

“This technology helps us take an important step towards our long-term vision of designing cars that do not crash. Our aim for 2020 is that no-one should be killed or seriously injured in a Volvo.”

First a warning, then automatic braking

Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake and Pedestrian Safety consists of a new dual-mode radar unit integrated into the car’s grille, a camera behind the inside rear-view mirror and a central control unit. The radar and camera continuously monitor the road in front of the car. The radar’s task is to detect objects and measure the distance to them. The camera determines what type of objects they are.

In an emergency situation, the driver is first alerted by an audible warning together with a flashing light in the windscreen’s head-up display. In order to prompt an immediate, intuitive reaction, the visual warning is designed to look like a brake light coming on. If the driver does not respond to the warning and the system assesses that a collision is imminent, the car’s brakes are applied with full braking power.

“Active brake deployment requires that the object is confirmed by both the radar and the camera. Thanks to state-of-the-art sensor technology, it is now possible to engage full braking power,” explains Thomas Broberg.

Accidents with pedestrians common in urban traffic

In the EU countries’ capital cities, 1,560 people died in road accidents in 2007. Of these, 43 percent were pedestrians. The speed of the car is of considerable significance to the outcome of an accident and the risk of a pedestrian being killed in an accident at 50 kilometres per hour is 85 percent higher compared to if the speed is 25 kilometres per hour.

“Our aim is that this new technology should help the driver avoid collisions with pedestrians at speeds below 25 km/h. If the car is travelling faster, the aim is to reduce the impact speed as much as possible. In most cases, we can reduce the collision force by about 75 percent. Considering the large number of pedestrian fatalities that occur, if we manage to lower the fatality risk by 20 percent this new function will make a big difference. In specific situations the fatality reduction can be up to 85 percent,” says Thomas Broberg.

- By: Kap Shah

This past weekend I stopped by a local Dunkin Donuts for a late coffee break near my house in New Jersey. While pulling in, I noticed a brand-new 2010 BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo parked right in front of me. I got out and started taking a look around the car and the black stickers that were covering the BMW badges. As a car enthusiast, I was pretty excited to see a new BMW model on U.S. soil that wouldn’t hit our dealerships until spring 2010.

The owner, a BMW engineer, eventually came out and started talking to me (of course he probably thought I was going to touch the car and wanted to keep it safe). After exchanging a couple of words about our respective occupations, the engineer gave me a little tour around the car. To say the least I became pretty envious of his job after he told me he was pushing a 4.4L V8 twin-turbo engine under the hood. Either way, I managed to take this one picture of the 5-Series Gran Turismo before he pulled away.

To be completely honest – pictures don’t do this car justice. It looks much better in person.

2010 BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo:

- By: Omar Rana

Photo Copyright © 2009 Omar Rana – egmCarTech.

The 2009 Volkswagen Golf just came out and Volkswagen is already working on the next-generation model. How do we know? Well, because Volkswagen’s promotional video for the L1 Concept has a clay model of the next-generation Golf in the background.

German magazine Auto Motor und Sport discovered the clay model in a very long promo video for the L1. An hour and a half into the video, Auto Motor und Sport found what they claim to be the 2012 Volkswagen Golf Mk VII being worked on in the background.

Check out the screen shot above and tell us what you think.

- By: Kap Shah

Source: Auto Motor und Sport (via WOT)

The folks at ExoticsOnRoad.com have posted a picture of the four-door Lamborghini Estoque Concept traveling the roads of Germany. We’re taking a guess that this picture was taken by someone who just happened to pass by the Estoque during a photo shoot.

It was reported in March that Lamborghini had decided to put a stop to the development of the Estoque saying that “the timing and market conditions are just not right for an additional model line.”

However, a Lamborghini spokesman later clarified the report saying that the project is not dead but “no decision has been made to produce the Estoque.”

The Aston Martin Rapide competitor was originally planned to enter production in 2011. The Italian automaker was considering sharing the platform of the Porsche Panamera or the upcoming Audi A7. Power would come from either a 5.2L V10 from the Gallardo LP560-4, a V8 diesel or a V8 gasoline mated to a hybrid system.

Lamborghini Estoque Concept:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: ExoticsOnRoad (via TeamSpeed via WCF)

Spy photographers have caught a prototype of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Cabriolet testing at the Nurburgring.

While the convertible version of the SLS AMG will get rid of the “Gullwing” doors, its will keep the same 563-hp 6.2L V8 as its coupe sibling. It will also keep the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission. We’re guessing that the weight of the drop-top SLS AMG should be kept relatively low, allowing the supercar to keep its 0 to 62 mph time of 3.7 seconds.

Head over to WorldCarFans for full shots.

2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG:

- By: Omar Rana

Pictures of the 2011 Infiniti QX have popped up on the Internet via VWVortex forums.

This is the first major redesign of the QX since the model was introduced in 2004. The model will be built in Japan and will be based on the 7th generation JDM Nissan Safari. It is also known as the Nissan Patrol in other markets.

We’re guessing the model will make its world debut at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show. Power is expected to come from the same 5.6L V8; however, output is expected to be increased form 315-hp. Expect more towing power as well.

2011 Infiniti QX (Leaked):

- By: Kap Shah

Source: VWVortex

At the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show later this month, Mercedes-Benz will show the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate. However, that’s not as exciting as the next-generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class Convertible, which was spotted totally uncovered on the set of the Sex and the City sequel.

If there is one reason you’ll be getting dragged to see the sequel with your significant other, we hope it’s only to check out the new E-Class Convertible in action.

Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz E-Class Convertible Sex and the City Sequel:

- By: Kap Shah

Source: Flickr (via autoblog.it)

From what we’ve been hearing, Mini had a lot planned for the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. We were finally going to see a production version of the much-anticipated Countryman crossover, a coupe and a speedster concept. So far, we’ve seen the Mini Coupe Concept and right now we’re getting our first look at the Mini Roadster Concept, courtesy of Inside Line.

According to Inside Line, there still no production version of the Mini Crossover Concept. The publication said that the Countryman crossover will have to make its debut at a later venue in early 2010 (we’re guessing Detroit or Germany).

The Mini Roadster Concept, which BMW has yet to release official details of, was shown to select media at Mini’s 50th anniversary celebration.

- By: Kap Shah

Source: Inside Line

A total of 8 next-generation Chevrolet Camaro Convertibles were spotted outside GM’s Holden plant in Fisherman’s Bend, Australia. All, but one, had a silver exterior with a tan roof – which is a very awkward combination so we’re hoping that they are just prototypes.

As previously confirmed, the next-generation Chevrolet Camaro Convertible will debut in the second-quarter of 2011. We expect pricing to be a couple thousand over its coupe sibling – but still competitive in the muscle car market.

Spy Shots: Next-generation Chevrolet Camaro Convertible in Australia:

- By: Kap Shah

Source: Camaro5

16th Ferrari Enzo burns to crisp: We’ve seen many destroyed Ferrari’s in our blogging career – however, we never actually kept a record of which Ferrari and how many have went up in flames. This Ferrari Enzo you see here was destroyed in Okanagan Falls, British Columbia, Canada. According to our friends at WreckedExotics, this marks the 16th Ferrari Enzo that has been wrecked out of 399 produced. You can check out a video and more pictures over at WreckedExotics.

ABC covers the life of a car spy: We’re not huge fans of spy shots here at egmCarTech (to be honest we’d rather see a finished car in all its glory rather than covered in some hideous camouflage). However, if spy shots are something that floats your boat, you’ve probably heard the name Brenda Priddy. She is basically considered the best car spy photographer out there. ABC did a nice little piece on Brenda this past Monday. Check it out here (because ABC doesn’t allow embedding of their YouTube clips).

- By: Kap Shah

As of recently, Nissan has been quite vocal about its electric-vehicle ambitions. Along with the announcement of its new electric-vehicle platform this morning, Nissan launched a mini-site focused around the launch of its first electric-car scheduled to make its debut on August 2nd. The site shows a teaser of what we can expect to see when Nissan shows the new electric-car, which will hit the U.S. and Japanese markets in 2010.

While this morning we saw Nissan’s new electric-vehicle platform as a Versa-based prototype, the all-electric vehicle scheduled to debut in 2010 will have a unique design and body.

Nissan says that the in-house developed electric-motor will help the car produce a total of 107-hp with a driving range of more than 99 miles on a single charge.

Check out the website here.

Nissan EV Versa Prototype (EV-11):

- By: Stephen Calogera

BMW is preparing to bring its first hybrid, the BMW X6 ActiveHybrid, to the market early next year. The spy shots you see here were taken this morning by BMW’s Spartenburg, SC manufacturing facility. The test-driver of the prototype said that the BMW X6 Hybrid has started rolling off the production line and will be introduced officially at the end of this year.

BMW’s VP of engineering Tom Baloga, said that the BMW X6 Hybrid will be a “full” hybrid. Power will come from a the X6 xDrive50i’s 4.4L turbocharged V8 mated to the two-mode hybrid technology that was developed from a partnership with Chrysler, Daimler and General Motor.

It will offer a 20 percent better gas mileage, which should work out to a combined fuel-economy of 18 mpg, compared to 15 mpg of the gasoline model.

Spy Shots: BMW X6 Hybrid Prototype:

- By: Stephen Calogera

Source: Hybrid Cars

Tony Stark spied driving Audi R8 Spyder: Tony Stark (aka Iron Man) was spied driving to work in his brand new Audi R8 Spyder, which will make its official debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. Power comes from a 525-hp V10 taking the R8 Spyder from 0 to 62 mph in 4.1 seconds with a top speed of 180 mph. – AutoExpress

First Tata Nano owner takes delivery: Ratan Tata handed over the keys to the first owner of the Tata Nano. – Ashok Raghunath Vichare of Mumbai. “I hope the Tata Nano will bring motoring pleasure to those who will be buying their first car as also those who currently own cars but want a modern, contemporary, emission-friendly city car,” said Tata. – Indian Autos Blog

House approves bill to stop dealer closings: As reported yesterday dealers have been lobbying Congress for its support claiming that the government and the automakers ignored state franchise laws by breaking dealer contracts as part of their restructuring. The House approved a spending bill yesterday that includes a provision to reverse the closing of 789 Chrysler dealers and the planned closing of more than 2,000 GM dealers. – Detroit News

- By: Omar Rana