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The CGI Automotive Team

If you have any ideas for new concepts or even renderings of old concepts, let us know and we'll have a go!

Once we've brought this glorious site back to life we'll be making new additions to continue to feed our zombie self!

A few people have enquired about the vehicle in CGI Automotive's banner. Surprisingly, it had not been archived on the current blog and begged for posting. So, here it is.

Again, we present you a dreamer's peek into an incredible vehicle that, sadly, will never be made. Based on mother-company Audi's obsession with wagon, we've sketched a wagon version of everyone's favourite entry-level Lambo, the Gallardo.

Like our Audi R8 Shooting Brake (which is based on the Gallardo platform), the mid-engined design would offer little extra room in wagon format. However, another body style would surely sate a wider range of tastes in Sant'Agata's model portfolio.

As we say so very often at CGI Automotive, here's to dreaming.

Here's a what-if for Ferrari fans. What if the new California grand tourer was such a success that Maranello honoured enthusiasts with a hardcore version? Though unlikely, do not rule it out.

In limited numbers a California Mondial (or Dino, Scuderia, Stradale, Challenge; call it what you will) would sell itself as a collector's piece. Already perhaps the best looking Ferrari since the 355, the California represents a shift in Ferrari's stubborness. Maranello has been uneasy to produce a wide range of vehicles, including a more affordable 2+2 in order to preserve the brand's prestige and prevent any cannibalisation of sister-marque Maserati.

If that has changed, than we could reasonably expect a limited edition California to be released within the medium-term. Expect only minisclue changes to power outputs but dramatic new exterior features.

CGI Automotive cannot bring you a story this weekend. Instead, here's a sneak peak of one of the images that will comprise our VF Commodore feature, to be released in the (very) near future.

In the meantime, take a look at our previous attempt at VF. We can tell you we're not far off, but we didn't capture the aggression that will define the VF sports models.

On another note, if you can contribute to CGI Automotive - be it in words or images - please flip us email here.

The already-positive reception to GM Holden's Commodore-cum-Pontiac G8 in the US has shown that there is great demand for well-priced, powerful rear-drive vehicles in a nation once famous for cars of this type. Ford Australia will regret not making a deal with Ford America for the new Falcon. Falcons were spotted testing in Detroit as late as April this year but it appears a combination of poor-timing and upcoming CAFE regulations that will force Ford to ditch plans for a rear-drive revival in the near future. The excellence of the FG Falcon and the G8, however, puts the US on notice. These boys can make cars.

In perhaps the most complete integration of Ford Europe's kinetic design philosophy and that of a directionless Ford USA, a US Falcon would keep the new three bar front from the New World whilst using more fluid shapes found west of the Atlantic. Power would come from a US-sourced 3.5L Cyclone Duratec V6 sporting around 200kW (265hp) and possibly Ford Australia's turbo variant of this six. Of course, a V8 would also feature but this would be dependent on where the US Falcon would be built. Australia has no confirmed replacement for the criticised Boss 5.4L and the American market would have access to the upcoming 317kW (425hp) Ford Hurricane/Boss block.

Regardless of where the US Falcon will be built, it and forthcoming Mustang will be built with some assistance from Australia's rear-drive engineers. It's just a shame it can't be there now.

Since 2002 a booming Mazda has done without a hero saloon. An archetypal staple of so many Japanese brands, a large luxury sedan has been successful in both Japan and overseas markets. Lexus, in the late nineteys proved that Asian brands and their reputations can be valued and celebrated. More recently, surprisingly expensive cars from Nissan, Subaru, Toyota and even Hyundai have been hits, offering a great deal of value in a price bracket that represents questionable asking prices for some of Germany's finest.

Mazda, perhaps the top Asian marque from the last five years will surely look to expand as that appears the trend to find market share. Both Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen have built successful empires off constantly expanding lineups. As a bread-and-butter model, a new 929 (9, as it would be known under the current naming scheme) is a requisite in the US market and would likely be financially viable overseas where Mazda is booming.

The recently unveiled North American model Mazda 6 (pictured) is evidence that size is a priority and that larger Mazdas are once again on the radar. The supplied image takes a glance at a large Mazda applying the Nagare (flow) styling. The main feature is a sliced glasshouse that meets the tailgate seamlessly, echoing the shape of a classic coupe and offering maximum space.

With its platform-mate, the Ford Fiesta, likely to sport performance orientated ST and RS models upon its launch, the rumour stands that Mazda will be on equal footing, ready to challenge with their first MPS (or Mazdaspeed) 2.

With a four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbo, the MPS will harness roughly 160kWs of power and sprint from 0-60 in around six seconds.

With the release of the FG Falcon and European Mondeo models, Ford Australia has emerged with a definite design language that looks certain to carry on into the upcoming Territory.
Based on cues from Ford Europe's Kuga and its "kinetic" design philosophy, Ford will meld sportiness with rugged capability, but will not forsake individual character. With talk of possible export deals re-emerging, Ford is loath to turn its back on the American market. Indeed, Wheels magazine's Peter Robinson suggests Ford are looking at the Explorer America concept from the 2008 Detroit show as a basis for the car.

In either case, expect the Territory to look somewhat similar to the newly released FG Falcon and sporting similar engines with perhaps the advent of the across-the-range diesel by the time the car is released.