While some models featured...
While some models featured on the calendar look familiar, others are entirely new - including February"s sensational view of a striking yellow sportster labelled Esprit. Other notable designs include the Lamborghini-like supercar shown on the June page, and the long-nosed retro two-door for August. So can we expect these mouth-watering new cars to appear later this year? Or ever? A Lotus spokesman told Auto Express: "For this calendar, we decided to publish a number of design sketches for models of the past and the present.
Exclusive images in...
Exclusive images in this week"s mag show how the new SUV, due in 2009, is expected to look.÷ As the mag"s image shows, it will closely resemble the XC60 Concept which debuted at the Detroit Motor Show in January.
That car"s dominant Volvo grille, with trademark diagonal crossbar, plus sporty headlamps, sleek profile and pronounced wheelarches, are expec÷ted to make production. The only differences will be subtle revisions to the door mirrors and the absence of chrome scuff plates on the road car.
Inside, the XC60"s cabin will feature Volvo"s famous floating centre console and use high-quality soft-touch materials throughout.
And we have proof that work is already well underway on the production model, which is expected to start from around ÷£27,000. At first glance, the car in our spy pictures looks like an ordinary XC70. But look closely, and you"ll notice it"s a test mule wearing a raised and shortened version of the estate"s body.
The XC60 will share some parts with the Land Rover Freelander, including the British machine"s 158bhp 2.2-litre diesel engine. Volvo"s latest 230bhp six-cylinder turbo petrol unit will power the flagship version. However, despite the fact we caught the test model in snowy conditions, the new car"s advanced all-wheel-drive system is expected to be biased towards on-road use. This should help make it an attractive alternative to compact executive cars, as well as mid-sized SUVs.