A new Audi A8 is in the works but development is still in the early stages and so far only engineering test-mules wearing current-generation sheet metal have been sighted. This artist’s rendering shows a potential new look for the next A8, revealing a streamlined shape with new head and taillights and plenty of dramatic character lines. The chrome-laden front end of the current version will also likely be toned down somewhat for the next-generation, though the essential form of the car will remain more or less the same as most of the upgrades will be happening beneath the surface.

The first-generation Ka was never a big seller despite Ford’s best attempts to promote it, even snaring Kylie Minogue at one point to help sell the tiny hatch. Its awkward styling and budget connotations didn’t serve well, and with fuel prices at its launch back in 1999 less than half the price they are today many buyers wouldn’t have looked twice at Ford’s odd econo car. The newest version hopes to capitalise on the changing times as well as spice up its own image with its new design.

A whole range of Prius-branded hybrids are expected to emerge from Toyota’s development labs over the next several years, and an all-new version of the original Prius sedan will lead the way. Seen recently for the first time in public, these spy images reveal that while much will stay the same in the design of the world’s best-selling hybrid car, several significant changes are also planned.

Weak sales and a failure to seriously compete with major German and Japanese luxury marques have marked the history of the aging Saab 9-5. Keeping in mind the current car’s shortcomings, designers are targeting a sportier and more elegant design for the next model, while moving upward in terms of both power and specification.

A MPV based on the next-generation Polo platform is in the works at Volkswagen, with a planned launch of the new vehicle slated for early next year. Unlike previous generation VW Caddy vans, which were also based on the Polo, the new MPV will be aimed at private buyers and positioned to give VW a strong entry in the new battle to make the most out of small-car platforms as fuel prices rise and carbon trading concerns develop.

Peugeot was one of the first carmakers to introduce a folding hard-top in the affordable convertible market when it introduced the original 206 CC back in 2001 and then followed it up with the larger and more powerful 307 CC in 2003. The French carmaker has now taken the wraps off its latest convertible, the all-new 308 CC that’s set for a world debut at October’s Paris Motor Show.

BMW has finally released full details and images for its fifth-generation 7-series flagship following the premature leak yesterday of several blurry images and vague details.

As expected, the car picks up several influences from 2007’s striking CS Concept vehicle including new LED elements on the headlights, an oversized grille and more fluid taillights.