Yesterday, Autonews reported that General Motors is planning to show a production model of its Chevrolet Volt electric vehicle this month as part of the automaker’s upcoming 100-year anniversary celebration. We took the liberty of contacting a few sources of ours who not only confirmed the report but they also told us that the production Chevrolet Volt will be officially unveiled on Tuesday, September 16. Though this has not been confirmed by GM, our people also told us that the production Volt will make its debut at the Paris Show along with another Chevrolet Concept car and the new Cruze subcompact sedan -see photos here.

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The undisputed star attraction at Mercedes-Benz’ Paris Motor Show stand will be a new concept car called the CLK Shooting Brake. Essentially a sporty three-door model with an elongated rear-end, the CLK Shooting Brake will preview the new look of the next generation CLK coupe and cabriolet models that are expected to hit the market in 2009. Despite rumors that Mercedes may actually build a production version of the Shooting Brake, chances are that the Germans will stick to the traditional coupe and cabriolet models, at least for this generation CLK. According to Carscoop’s sources, we should see the first official photos and details of the Shooting Brake concept hitting the web sometime next week.

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That Lexus was plotting a rival for BMW’s 3-Series Cabriolet and the forthcoming Audi A5 Convertible, is something that we have known for quite some time now. What’s new is that Carscoop’s sources can confirm that along with the facelifted IS sedan models, Lexus will also take the wraps off the long-awaited IS Coupe-Convertible at the Paris Motor Show on October 2. Our insiders report that although the drop-top IS will be branded as a concept, the moniker is misleading as with the exception of a few minor details, the show car won’t differ from the production version. -Continued

Like the BMW 3-Series Cabriolet and the forthcoming Infiniti G37 Coupe-Cabriolet (see here), the IS Coupe-Convertible will be equipped with a retractable hardtop. There’s no official word on powertrain options yet, but expect to see the same range of engines that are available in the IS sedan when the Coupe-Convertible enters production in mid-2009.

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Mark your calendar on Wednesday, August 6th because that’s when Volkswagen will reveal the first official images of the all-new sixth generation Golf hatchback to the public. The new but at the same time, not so new looking (…) Golf VI will make it’s worldwide debut at the Paris Motor Show in early October with European sales scheduled to begin towards the end of the year. Stay tuned on CarScoop for more information on the new VW Golf.

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When the clock strikes 12:00 am tonight (that’s Friday, August 1st), Ford will take the wraps off the 2009 KA revealing the first photos of its highly anticipated minicar that’s scheduled to make its global debut at the Paris Motor Show in early October. Since we’ve already seen the front quarter view of the Fiat 500 based KA –no thanks to U.K. sourced leak, what remains to be seen is the rear-end of the car and of course, the interior.

Unless some website or blog decides to do otherwise, we won’t break the embargo by showing you the two remaining pictures of the KA. What we can do though is tell you that Ford won’t be revealing any technical details or any significant information for that matter, on the new KA. (Picture edited by CarScoop)

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Though this has not been officially confirmed, CarScoop has been tipped off that the all-new Lotus 2+2 Coupe, currently known as the project Eagle, will be named “Evora” when it makes its world debut at next week’s British Motor Show in London. The Evora will be available for order from spring 2009 as a 2+2 as well as a 2-seater. The basic versions will be equipped with a modified Toyota Camry 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 280 Hp. Click here to read more details on the new Lotus coupe.

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We just got word from an inside source of ours on Volkswagen’s product plan for 2009 – 2011. First up is the new, sixth generation Golf (Rabbit in the States) that will be available in most European markets by early 2009. In the summer of the same year, VW will launch the next generation Polo that will compete in the supermini segment against the likes of the new Ford Fiesta and Peugeot 207. Towards the end of 2009, the German automaker will reveal the new Touran 7-seater minivan and the Golf Plus, both of which are based on the Golf. -Continued

In early 2010, Volkswagen will take the wraps off the all-new Passat Sedan and Station Wagon models while later in the year, the Germans will uncloak the second generation Touareg SUV that will go on sale in late 2010 or early 2011. Last up is the all new VW Beetle that will be available in most markets during the first quarter of 2011.

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The first all-new model to come out of the Lotus factory in 13 years, the Eagle, will be revealed on July 22 when the British Motor Show in London opens its doors to the members of the press. However, we managed to discover an official teaser image of the mid-engined 2+2 sports car that is rumored to be powered by a modified version of the Toyota Camry’s 3.5 V6 engine that in stock form produces 268Hp at 6,200 rpm and 248 lb.-ft. at 4,700 rpm.

Inside sources told Carscoop that the Japanese V6 engine will be offered in both naturally aspirated and turbocharged versions. The Eagle will essentially replace the top-of-the-line Esprit that went out of production in 2004 as Lotus will market the 2+2 lightweight coupe above the Elise, Exige and Europa. -Continued

Talking about lightweight construction, the Eagle will utilize the proven technology used in the Elise family of vehicles as well as the Versatile Vehicle Architecture (VVA) shown as the APX (Aluminium Performance Crossover) Concept Vehicle.

At the Geneva Salon in March, Lotus showcased the front module of the Eagle’s chassis which consist of three distinct parts, with the centre occupant section being the largest. Bolted to this centre section are the rear sub frame to which the engine and rear suspension are attached and the front module that incorporates the bumper beam and side members.

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During the European media presentation of the MiTo in Italy, Alfa Romeo’s executives confirmed earlier reports of a top-notch sport version that will out power its strongest European rivals like the 197Hp Renault Clio RS, the 192Hp Opel Corsa OPC even the 211Hp MINI Cooper John Cooper Works.

According to a colleague of ours that attended the presentation, the Italian automaker's execs said that the MiTo GTA will be equipped with a turbocharged 1,750 cc (1.7-liter) turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine developing around 230Hp. -Continued

Power will be transferred to the front wheels with Alfa’s Q2 electronic system that simulates the effects of a limited-slip differential by making full use of the braking and stability control systems, promising to offer better traction and improved handling. Although Alfa’s execs didn’t reveal any more details, the 230Hp MiTo GTA should be able to sprint from 0 to 100km/h (62mph) in the low 6 second region. The MiTo GTA is expected to make its market debut in Europe towards the end of 2009.

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It’s going to be busy period for BMW this fall as Carscoop learned from inside sources that the Bavarian automaker will take the wraps off three very important vehicles this year. First up will be the all-new 7-Series luxury sedan and the X1 Concept, both of which will make their premier at the Paris Auto Show in October, followed by a new Z4 Roadster Concept.

The X1 Concept will preview a production version of a 1-Series based SUV/Crossover that will enter the market towards the end of 2009. The new X1 that will be built in BMW’s Leizpig factopry in Germany will be offered with a line-up of four and six-cylinder petrol engines along with four-cylinder turbocharged diesel units.

The most significant change for the all-new fifth generation 7-Series will be its more elegant design –in and out- as BMW seems to have learnt its lesson from the heavily criticized current generation model. Along with its newfound design, the all-new 7er will also boast new engine choices along with an array of high-tech systems. -Continued after the jump

Last but not least, the new Z4 Roadster. Believe it or not, the Z4 has actually been in production for six years now as it was first introduced in 2002. Our source told us that BMW will unveil a concept version of the next generation model this fall, without however clarifying whether or not the Z4 will make its debut in Paris.

We must say though that we find it hard to believe that BMW will unveil three new cars at one show, so we find it more reasonable that the Bavarian carmaker will premier the Z4 Concept at the Los Angeles Motor Show that opens to the public from November 21 to 30, 2008.

Either way, our source stated the production version will follow in 2009 more specifically, at the Geneva Motor Show in March, 2009. In terms of design, expect the new Z4 Roadster to be partially inspired from the GINA Light Visionary model.

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Thanks to a vivid Carscoop reader who wishes to remain anonymous, we now have the first (semi) official shot of the forthcoming Nissan 370Z. From what he told us, the camera-phone picture was shot during a recent Nissan event. Although the picture isn't of the best quality, it's apparent that the 370Z's design is more of an evolution of the current 350Z, albeit a bit more muscular.

Power will come from a revised version of the Infiniti G37's 3.7-liter V6 engine (hence the name 370Z), which should deliver somewhere in-between 330 and 350Hp. The rear-wheel-drive 370Z will be offered with both manual and automatic transmissions. The unveiling of the 370Z is expected to take place this fall at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show on November 19. -Thanks for the pic "T"

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While here in the States we’re still hanging on to the use of 3.0-liter+ V6 naturally aspirated engines for our mainstream models, in Europe, car manufacturers are in the process of downsizing engine capacities and developing a new generation of turbos and compressors to compensate for the loss of engine displacement.

Now Carscoop has learned from an inside source that Mercedes-Benz will introduce an all-new 1.6-liter turbocharged engine this fall (most probably in September) that will replace the basic 143Hp 1.8-liter Compressor unit.

Our source stated that the new unit will generate approximately 156 Hp and it will be used initially at least, on the new C-Class (Sedan and Estate) and CLC models. The new turbocharged engine promises to combine high power output and maximized torque with low fuel consumption and reduced CO2 emissions. (pic: 1.8L Kompressor)

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This Monday on April 7, 2008, Nissan will introduce a new variant of its highly successful Qasqhai crossover – also know in Japan, Australia and other markets as the Dualis. As its name indicates, the Qasqhai+2 “crosses over” to the minivan/MPV territory by offering and additional third row of seats that are designed for children or small adults up to about 1.6m or 5.2 ft tall.

Compared to the standard Qashqai (pic), the new variant of Nissan’s compact crossover will feature a wheelbase extended by 135 mm or 5.3 in. taking it to 2,765 mm or 108.9 in. Overall, the Qashqai+2’s length has risen to 4,526 mm or 178.2 in., an increase of 211 mm or 8.3 in. over the five-seat version. Subsequently, the Qashqai+2 will also offer more luggage space compared to its 5-seater sibling, and in particular, almost 500 litres - an increase of 90 litres over the Qashqai. We’ll have full details and images on the Qasqhai on Monday. (Pic: Carscoop)

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We’ve been tipped off from a credible source of ours that VW’s Spanish subsidiary SEAT will premiere a pre-production version of the next generation Ibiza at next week’s Geneva Motor Show. The concept will not bear the Ibiza moniker but it will preview SEAT’s new supermini and to be precise, the sporty Cupra version. The production version of the Ibiza is set to make its debut at the Madrid International Motor Show this May. (Photo: Seat Tribu Concept)

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While we knew that Land Rover was going to present the LRX Concept in Geneva, what we didn’t know but learned from our sources is that the British firm is planning to unveil a slightly customized version of its compact crossover. According to our sources, the Geneva Show LRX Concept will feature among other things, a two-tone paint-job, new alloy rims and roof rails.

*The LRX pictured above is the one shown in Detroit

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The Bavarian carmaker’s Geneva Motor Show stand will host the worldwide debut of an eco-friendly concept car that has never been seen before. There are no pictures or details on the car and the only thing that BMW says is that the new will showcase the outlook and future direction of its EfficientDynamics programme -feel free to speculate. For those of you wondering what “EfficientDynamics” stands for, its BMW’s way of characterizing the concept (or the overall technologies used) to overcome the apparent conflict of interests between better performance and greater fuel economy plus low emissions. (Photo: Carscoop)

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We’ve been tipped off by a Mercedes-Benz source of ours that the German carmaker will take the wraps off a pre-production version of the upcoming GLK compact SUV at the Detroit Motor Show in January. Although the vehicle will be dubbed as a concept, our source says that Detroit prototype will only bear minor differences from the production version like the extreme alloy-wheels and the interior trim.

The GLK will be available on both sides of the Atlantic during the second half of 2008 and its main opponents will be the BMW X3 and Land Rover Freelander. Click here to check out a video from the filming of “Sex & The City: The Movie” that includes a few shots of the production Mercedes-Benz GLK.

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Back in October we informed you about the European market launch dates of three upcoming VW models (Scirocco, Golf VI and the new Polo). Then we told you that the German carmaker will release the production version of the Scirocco concept during the fourth quarter of 2008. Now, we can be more specific as we learned from our sources that the VW Golf based Scirocco Coupe will be launched in Europe in September 2008. Still no word whether the Scirocco will head over to the States, even though we have heard that VW is negative about it believes that the coupe will cannibalize sales from the GTI. -Continued after the jump

As for the Passat Coupe, our sources support that sales of the sporty sedan will commence in Europe towards the end of 2008, meaning that the car will come to the US most probably during the first quarter of 2009. VW has already released a teaser video of its “poor-man’s” Mercedes CLS alter-ego (click here), but official details remain scarce for the time being.

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Carscoop has received inside information that Ford will definitely introduce a successor to the highly acclaimed previous generation Focus RS (image above) in late 2008. We know that you’ve been hearing ambiguous news about the Focus RS the past year or so, but trust us; we wouldn’t have bothered telling you about it if we weren’t absolutely sure of the credibility of our source. For what it matters, we did the same thing with the mildly facelifted Focus a few months back.

Ok, so now that we have convinced you about our reliability, let’s see what else we learned about the upcoming Focus RS. First of all, Ford’s performance team, led by Jost Capito, will use the Focus ST as the base car for the RS. The sporty hatch will powered by an upgraded version of the ST’s 225 HP 2.5-liter 5-cylinder turbocharged engine delivering approximately 280 HP. -Continued after the jump

Power will be driven to the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox while the RS will be equipped with an advanced semi-active limited-slip differential, improving traction and handling. Of course, the RS will also get a new suspension tuning and more powerful brakes.

In terms of appearance, little is known, but expect a more dynamic bodykit with larger spoilers along with a new set of chunkier tires and alloy wheels. Same goes for the interior that will probably be equipped with new bucket seats and a sportier trim.

So, when will the new Focus RS hit the European market? Our source told us that sales will start during the fourth quarter of 2008. We just can’t wait to compare the RS against the new Impreza WRX and Mitsubishi Lancer EVO.

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A close buddy of Carscoop -and hopefully, a team member from next year, revealed to us today that Audi will take the wraps off the highly anticipated 2008 A3 Cabriolet next week (end of November, 2007). As you can see from the spy shot that we discovered on flickr (see our previous post), just like the BMW 1-Series Convertible (click here), the A3 Cabriolet will be equipped with an electric folding canvas roof.

The drop top A3 will use the same running gear as the 3door & 5door hatch versions, meaning that aside from the 125 Hp 1.4 TSi, 160 Hp 1.8 TSi & 200 Hp 2.0 TFSi petrol units, we may very well see a top-of-the-range S3 model powered by the 265 Hp 2.0-litre TFSi unit. We’ll have all the official (and unofficial…) details on the A3 Cabriolet next week.

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