Samsung Motors, the South Korean joint venture with Renault and Nissan, has released the first official photos of the 3rd-generation Samsung SM5 sedan, set to go on sale by late January in its home country. Incidentally, the outgoing SM5 forms the basis for the GCC-spec Renault Safrane, so this new car is likely hitting the UAE market sometime next year as a 2010 or 2011 model.
Leaked information confirms what has been rumoured for almost a year now. The 2011 Ford Mustang GT is receiving an all-new 5.0-litre V8, marking the return of the Mustang “5.0” badge that was last seen in the mid 1990s.
Introduced less than a year ago, the all-new BMW Z4 range will have another model in its line-up, although it still won’t be an M version. Instead, it will the confusingly-named 2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is. That little ‘s’ at the end of its name means a bit of extra performance over the sDrive35i, while an optional new M-Sport package will give it a more aggressive look. The Z4 sDrive35is is making its world debut at the 2010 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit.
The U.S. NHTSA safety agency has announced two factory recalls for the Volvo XC60 and various other older Volvo models involving problems with fuel systems. The recall covers more than 140,000 vehicles manufactured since 2000.
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet finally joins the redesigned E-Class line-up for next year. The open-top two-door model, which goes on sale in the first quarter of 2010 in the GCC, will be introduced as a 2010 or a 2011 model, depending on the market.
Debuting at the 2009 Dubai Motor Show, the Nissan Altima sedan and coupe models receive a few changes for 2010, including a restyled bonnet, grille, front bumper and rear license plate finisher, along with new wheel designs.
It took long enough, but the 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor, quiet possibly the most aggressive offroad truck ever, is on display at the 2009 Dubai Motor Show, and it will be offered in GCC countries sometime next year.
General Motors has unveiled the 2011 GMC Acadia Denali in the United States, in time for the Detroit Auto Show. It is a natural extension of the Denali line, and finally offers up the Chevy Traverse’s upgraded engine in the Acadia.
The all-new 2010 Jaguar XJ was publicly displayed at the 2009 Dubai Motor Show for the first time in the UAE, after a press preview earlier in the week. On display were the regular and long-wheelbase models, although it would take a keen eye to figure out which is which. Photos by Faisal Khatib.
The all-new 2011 Kia Cadenza, replacement for the ridiculous Opirus, debuted at a press event on the 14th, just before the start of the 2009 Dubai Motor Show. The event was mainly a press conference and a dinner, with a design lesson thrown in.