Preview: First Official Photos of U.S.-Spec Kia Soul Leak Onto Web

The first official images of the upcoming U.S.-spec Kia Soul crossover have hit the web. Set to make its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show next month, the Soul should battle head-to-head with the Scion xB, though we much prefer the Kia's edgier looks and more aggressive styling than that of the Scion.
Although the Soul is engineered to accommodate an array of engine choices, the U.S.-spec model will only be available with a 142-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder mated to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmision.

The Soul is expected to hit the American market in April of 2009. Of the 136,000 Souls that Kia intends to produce, 50,000 of those will be shipped Stateside. We'll be sure to give you the full details when the car is officially revealed in Los Angeles next month.

+ Kia World: Kia Soul to make it's official US premiere

Spy Shot: China's Roewe Building an SUV for MG?

Casting their devious nets even farther afield than usual, our spy shooters have just checked in with a new SUV mule from China’s Roewe that could find its way onto the European market branded as an MG. Think that’s not quite confusing enough? Well the Chinese ute with British marque pretensions is actually based on a vehicle from none other than South Korea’s SsangYong, the much-loved Kyron. Welcome to the global market kids.


So, the truth is we don’t really know much about the SsangYong on which this mule originates but our sources tell us that it has been tweaked to be a bit more attractive than the root vehicle, thanks to changes in the front end, side windows, and the rear treatment. The new Roewe will carry on with the same engine range offered in its forbearer, meaning a 2.0-liter diesel unit with 141 horsepower and a 2.7-liter diesel with 165 horsepower, both hooked to an automatic transmission. Two-wheeled and four-wheeled versions of the SUV will be available.


And the MG tie-in? Well, Roewe’s parent company SAIC is still trying to make a go of reviving the storied British automaker, largely through the reanimation of its former plant in Longbridge, UK. Former MG and Rover products have been freshened and sold in China already under the Roewe nameplate, so it wouldn’t be unreasonable to think that the company may bring this vehicle to Europe under the better known MG brand. Only time will tell.


Scroll down to read the shooter’s own words and be sure to check out our gallery of images up above. 


Here are the best spy shots so far of the new SUV from Chinese carmaker Roewe taken in a smaller town in China. Based on the SsangYong Kyron, we can notice some changes. Compared to the Kyron there is a completely new front, which actually looks better. They also made a change to the rear side window and of course they changed the ugly rear of the Kyron. The roof spoiler must be loved by both SsangYong and Roewe designers because they kept that one on the car.

The Roewe actually looks pretty decent, but it will never win a prize for its design. There are even rumors that the Roewe SUV will be branded as a MG for the European market.

Engines are likely to be the same as in the SsangYong Kyron, meaning a 2.0 liter diesel engine with 141 horsepower and a 2.7 liter diesel with 165 horsepower. Both will be available with an automatic gearbox, and you will also be able to choose from 2WD and 4WD versions.

Expect it to hit the showrooms during 2009.

Spy Shot: Bentley Continental GTC Speed Uncovered, Interior Shots Captured

The Speed version of the GTC should immediately become one of the fastest convertibles one can buy when it wafts into dealerships, owing most of the credit for that claim to the prowess of the 600 horsepower W-12 engine that’s under hood. The GTC Speed will also feature a lower ride height than the standard car, as well as a stiffer suspension, and wider (20-inch) wheels. Bentley has given subtle clues to the added performance of the Speed tuned car, with a cheeky little rear spoiler giving a nice counterpoint to the more aggressive front bumper.

The total lack of disguise on the hotted Bentley makes us believe that the fully finished Continental GTC Speed should be available for (highly exclusive) purchase quite soon. Scroll down below to read the shooter’s own words about the car.

With both the Bentley Continental GT and the Continental Flying Spur as Speed versions, there was no question IF the GTC will come as a Speed version as well, the question was more WHEN?

And here it is, the Bentley Continental GTC Speed, one of the fastest convertibles on the world, having a W12 under the hood that delivers a massive amount of 600 horsepower. The sound of the GTC is already rock’ n ´roll, but in the Speed version Rolling Stones has been exchanged to AC/DC.

Compared to the normal GTC, if you can consider a GTC normal, the suspension is stiffer, wheels are wider and 20 inch and it’s running closer to the road. Other exterior changes are the new front bumper and a little boot spoiler.