Sigh... Viral Marketing Tricksters Knock on our Door with a Kia Called Mediocrity

<a href="http://trends-automotive.blogspot.com/2010/09/sigh-viral-marketing-tricksters-knock.html"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522004136649661746" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TKIZgWU9nTI/AAAAAAADWd8/bkIMsKaXrFw/s800/Kia-Mediocrity-01.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 645px; height: 349px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">We not sure how Kia's marketing people are going to feel about this one (unless they're part of it...), but photos of an older generation <a href="http://www.blogger.com/Kia%20Optima">Optima</a> covered in beige cladding and featuring a badge with the word "MEDIOCRITY" have just landed in our mail box. Tony B, the tipster-reader-scooper who sent in the photos, claims he snagged the car in LA.<br /></span><p></p><p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TKIcYUKKJnI/AAAAAAADWeU/KOri0Vcfvwk/s1600/Kia-Mediocrity-3.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522007297163404914" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TKIcYUKKJnI/AAAAAAADWeU/KOri0Vcfvwk/s200/Kia-Mediocrity-3.jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 116px; height: 67px;" /></a><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Of course, it didn't take long to figure out that this is a viral campaign of some sort. However, since we're gearing up for this week's Paris Motor Show, we're not going to waste our time looking for answers about a covered up Kia...<br /></span></p><p><a name="more"></a><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Nonetheless, this is what we know: the photos we're shot on September 10; a similar set of images along with an almost identical text were also sent to <a href="http://www.motorauthority.com/blog/1049819_spy-shots-the-2012-mediocrity-or-a-waste-of-our-time" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="font-style: italic;">Motorauthority</span></a> (even though they mistook it for a "seven year old" Mitsubishi). See both texts below:<br /></span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><strong>From Tony to Carscoop:<br /></strong></span></p><p style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">"I was in LA last week and saw 3 or maybe 4 identical test cars. The other spy cars had more testing gear taped on and computers and other screens visible, but by the time I was able to find my camera , I was only able to catch up with one of the cars.<br /></span></p><p style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">I don't know what kind of test car this is, but they sure didn't want us to take any pictures. There was a M on the grille and a nameplate on back reading MEDIOCRITY. Are they serious? MEDIOCRITY?"<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><strong>From Tina to MA:<br /></strong></span></p><p style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">"I was in L.A. last week with my husband and we saw several (5 or 6) identical test cars. The other spy cars had more testing gear taped on and computers and other screens visible, but by the time I was able to dig my camera out of my purse, I was only able to catch up with one of the cars.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-style: italic;">I don't know what kind of test car this is, but they sure didn't want us to take any pictures. There was a M on the grille and a nameplate on back reading MEDIOCRITY. Are they serious? MEDIOCRITY?"</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;">And well, that's about it. Feel free to have some fun in the comments section below.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">"Scoop" Pictures:</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TKIYnUkv7nI/AAAAAAADWdk/_luQkpP7YHw/s1600/Kia-Mediocrity-6.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522003156926459506" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TKIYnUkv7nI/AAAAAAADWdk/_luQkpP7YHw/s200/Kia-Mediocrity-6.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TKIYm00hilI/AAAAAAADWdc/Eiy0s_whDAw/s1600/Kia-Mediocrity-5.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522003148402690642" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TKIYm00hilI/AAAAAAADWdc/Eiy0s_whDAw/s200/Kia-Mediocrity-5.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TKIYmtyuf6I/AAAAAAADWdU/wTsrtYQuxks/s1600/Kia-Mediocrity-4.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522003146516103074" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TKIYmtyuf6I/AAAAAAADWdU/wTsrtYQuxks/s200/Kia-Mediocrity-4.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TKIYmuF-TQI/AAAAAAADWdM/cdA8N018JIM/s1600/Kia-Mediocrity-3.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522003146596830466" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TKIYmuF-TQI/AAAAAAADWdM/cdA8N018JIM/s200/Kia-Mediocrity-3.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TKIYmVsdeUI/AAAAAAADWdE/-0twDnm0HOM/s1600/Kia-Mediocrity-2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522003140047370562" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TKIYmVsdeUI/AAAAAAADWdE/-0twDnm0HOM/s200/Kia-Mediocrity-2.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TKIYmKCfMyI/AAAAAAADWc8/QePV9olB3BI/s1600/Kia-Mediocrity-1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522003136918532898" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TKIYmKCfMyI/AAAAAAADWc8/QePV9olB3BI/s200/Kia-Mediocrity-1.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" /></a><span style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);">____________________________________________________________________</span><br /></p><br /><p style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">2004 Kia Optima:</span></p><p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TKIZPEkKMHI/AAAAAAADWds/WuQjUdA4cBg/s1600/optima2004-2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522003839823786098" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TKIZPEkKMHI/AAAAAAADWds/WuQjUdA4cBg/s320/optima2004-2.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 168px;" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TKIZPRoCu3I/AAAAAAADWd0/Ue1HtoObeJo/s1600/optima2004-1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522003843329735538" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TKIZPRoCu3I/AAAAAAADWd0/Ue1HtoObeJo/s320/optima2004-1.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 321px; height: 170px;" /></a></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><br /></span></p>

Sigh... Viral Marketing Tricksters Knock on our Door with a Kia Called Mediocrity

We not sure how Kia's marketing people are going to feel about this one (unless they're part of it...), but photos of an older gener...

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Saab 9-4X Crossover Spied in Production Form Prior to Los Angeles debut

<a href="http://trends-automotive.blogspot.com/2010/09/saab-9-4x-crossover-spied-in-production.html"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521943440372689042" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TKHiTXE2aJI/AAAAAAADWYk/VqYwhm9WzTc/s800/2011-Saab-9-4x-01.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 645px; height: 349px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Here are some snapshots of the next Saab vehicle to help justify the brand's survival, the <a href="http://trends-automotive.blogspot.com/2010/08/new-saab-9-4x-crossover-la-show.html">9-4X crossover</a>. Seen here in production guise before its <a href="http://trends-automotive.blogspot.com/search/label/LA%20Auto%20Show">LA Auto Show</a> debut in November (unless Saab surprises us in Paris...), what we've got is a nice, safe, smart step in the right direction for the brand.<br /></span><p></p><a name="more"></a><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;">While nothing is official yet, the 9-4X engine lineup should include a ~180-hp 1.6-liter Turbo, a ~220-hp 2.0-liter Turbo, and a 2.0-liter turbo diesel. A 300-hp 2.8-liter V6 may also show up, and we can expect transmissions to be 6-speed manuals and automatics in a front- or all-wheel drive layout.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;">From the pics, the new Saab crossover looks to stay fairly true to the 9-4X BioPower concept by showing off Saab's new rear end styling; we can clearly see its full-width taillight setup and hockey stick C-pillar. Up front is more of the same, with the only concession appearing to be smaller front fog light openings.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Also, the propeller-inspired rims are a nice touch that symbolize both Saab's aviation heritage and its new ownership by Spyker. All in all, this appears to be a welcome addition to the new Saab product range.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;">With a Jason Castriota-penned 9-3 on its way and possible BMW power in the pipeline, Saab looks to be viciously clawing its way back up a slope that it was so carelessly pushed down by GM.<br /></span></p><p style="font-style: italic;"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">By Phil Alex</span><br /></span></p><p style="font-style: italic;"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" >Source: <a href="http://www.saabsunited.com/2010/09/saab-9-4x-a-photo-by-djup-strupe.html" style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">Saabsunited</a> [Photos: Djup Strupe]<br /></span></p><p><br /></p><p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TKHhtWEQ2mI/AAAAAAADWYc/1VX_mKg1XV0/s1600/2011-Saab-9-4x-3.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521942787266763362" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TKHhtWEQ2mI/AAAAAAADWYc/1VX_mKg1XV0/s200/2011-Saab-9-4x-3.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 202px; height: 115px;" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TKHhtC38b5I/AAAAAAADWYU/T9cqxddafzg/s1600/2011-Saab-9-4x-2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521942782114819986" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TKHhtC38b5I/AAAAAAADWYU/T9cqxddafzg/s200/2011-Saab-9-4x-2.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 143px; height: 115px;" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TKHhtBrCkgI/AAAAAAADWYM/tNx9kDbP68E/s1600/2011-Saab-9-4x-1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521942781792260610" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TKHhtBrCkgI/AAAAAAADWYM/tNx9kDbP68E/s200/2011-Saab-9-4x-1.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 204px; height: 115px;" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(204, 204, 204);"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">______________________________________________________________________</span></p><p></p><p style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Gallery: 2008 Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept</span></p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TGswKJ-06TI/AAAAAAADNYY/0UWr4l3IKKQ/s1600/Saab-9-4X-Concept-21.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506547920426821938" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TGswKJ-06TI/AAAAAAADNYY/0UWr4l3IKKQ/s200/Saab-9-4X-Concept-21.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 119px; height: 81px;" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TGswJyA_mcI/AAAAAAADNYQ/LwZrpPIzrLc/s1600/Saab-9-4X-Concept-20.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506547913993460162" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TGswJyA_mcI/AAAAAAADNYQ/LwZrpPIzrLc/s200/Saab-9-4X-Concept-20.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 119px; height: 81px;" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TGswJaUgvLI/AAAAAAADNYI/skRIE0Oj6dA/s1600/Saab-9-4X-Concept-19.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506547907632872626" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TGswJaUgvLI/AAAAAAADNYI/skRIE0Oj6dA/s200/Saab-9-4X-Concept-19.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 119px; height: 81px;" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TGswJFiyN7I/AAAAAAADNYA/CDli0TfMeb8/s1600/Saab-9-4X-Concept-18.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506547902055593906" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TGswJFiyN7I/AAAAAAADNYA/CDli0TfMeb8/s200/Saab-9-4X-Concept-18.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 119px; height: 81px;" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TGswIgOv11I/AAAAAAADNX4/7DkPApDKr8Q/s1600/Saab-9-4X-Concept-17.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506547892039440210" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TGswIgOv11I/AAAAAAADNX4/7DkPApDKr8Q/s200/Saab-9-4X-Concept-17.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 119px; height: 81px;" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TGswIf0mktI/AAAAAAADNXw/Px7vCDCQ-Ks/s1600/Saab-9-4X-Concept-16.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506547891929780946" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TGswIf0mktI/AAAAAAADNXw/Px7vCDCQ-Ks/s200/Saab-9-4X-Concept-16.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 119px; height: 81px;" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TGswIIJjqmI/AAAAAAADNXo/cpAcCqadrsg/s1600/Saab-9-4X-Concept-15.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506547885575219810" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TGswIIJjqmI/AAAAAAADNXo/cpAcCqadrsg/s200/Saab-9-4X-Concept-15.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 119px; height: 81px;" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TGswH8R6KmI/AAAAAAADNXg/AJkT2sq7lUM/s1600/Saab-9-4X-Concept-14.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506547882389023330" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TGswH8R6KmI/AAAAAAADNXg/AJkT2sq7lUM/s200/Saab-9-4X-Concept-14.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 119px; height: 81px;" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TGswHnyclyI/AAAAAAADNXY/_DjoKSXktdg/s1600/Saab-9-4X-Concept-13.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506547876888352546" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TGswHnyclyI/AAAAAAADNXY/_DjoKSXktdg/s200/Saab-9-4X-Concept-13.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 119px; height: 81px;" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TGswHIzAw6I/AAAAAAADNXQ/gGWMdK0W36M/s1600/Saab-9-4X-Concept-12.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506547868569224098" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TGswHIzAw6I/AAAAAAADNXQ/gGWMdK0W36M/s200/Saab-9-4X-Concept-12.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 119px; height: 81px;" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TGswGyO8mFI/AAAAAAADNXI/xJH9XK6taYw/s1600/Saab-9-4X-Concept-11.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506547862512375890" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TGswGyO8mFI/AAAAAAADNXI/xJH9XK6taYw/s200/Saab-9-4X-Concept-11.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 119px; height: 81px;" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TGswGcsWELI/AAAAAAADNXA/jZ1lnspyb7Y/s1600/Saab-9-4X-Concept-10.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506547856730099890" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TGswGcsWELI/AAAAAAADNXA/jZ1lnspyb7Y/s200/Saab-9-4X-Concept-10.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 119px; height: 81px;" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TGswGOSLp_I/AAAAAAADNW4/xb8Gh4KqcGQ/s1600/Saab-9-4X-Concept-9.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506547852862269426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TGswGOSLp_I/AAAAAAADNW4/xb8Gh4KqcGQ/s200/Saab-9-4X-Concept-9.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 119px; height: 81px;" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TGswF0bU5tI/AAAAAAADNWw/r_GpCt8xATA/s1600/Saab-9-4X-Concept-8.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506547845921302226" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TGswF0bU5tI/AAAAAAADNWw/r_GpCt8xATA/s200/Saab-9-4X-Concept-8.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 119px; height: 81px;" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TGswFemVBCI/AAAAAAADNWo/UpgADYQSwUs/s1600/Saab-9-4X-Concept-7.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506547840061867042" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TGswFemVBCI/AAAAAAADNWo/UpgADYQSwUs/s200/Saab-9-4X-Concept-7.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 119px; height: 81px;" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TGswFescnhI/AAAAAAADNWg/gnjMzdSRah0/s1600/Saab-9-4X-Concept-6.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506547840087531026" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TGswFescnhI/AAAAAAADNWg/gnjMzdSRah0/s200/Saab-9-4X-Concept-6.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 119px; height: 81px;" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TGswE3JqdYI/AAAAAAADNWY/PnZuTzDEESw/s1600/Saab-9-4X-Concept-5.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506547829472654722" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TGswE3JqdYI/AAAAAAADNWY/PnZuTzDEESw/s200/Saab-9-4X-Concept-5.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 119px; height: 81px;" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TGswElZhviI/AAAAAAADNWQ/rASBWd0nu4c/s1600/Saab-9-4X-Concept-4.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506547824707354146" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TGswElZhviI/AAAAAAADNWQ/rASBWd0nu4c/s200/Saab-9-4X-Concept-4.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 119px; height: 81px;" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TGswrmgQRPI/AAAAAAADNYg/pUlSPAK9vBc/s1600/Saab-9-4X-Concept-554.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506548495018902770" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TGswrmgQRPI/AAAAAAADNYg/pUlSPAK9vBc/s200/Saab-9-4X-Concept-554.JPG" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 119px; height: 81px;" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TGswEcqoCnI/AAAAAAADNWI/D2y-H37w_4M/s1600/Saab-9-4X-Concept-3.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506547822363150962" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TGswEcqoCnI/AAAAAAADNWI/D2y-H37w_4M/s200/Saab-9-4X-Concept-3.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 119px; height: 81px;" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TGswELafDVI/AAAAAAADNWA/Sf_QBxpwL8E/s1600/Saab-9-4X-Concept-2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506547817732050258" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TGswELafDVI/AAAAAAADNWA/Sf_QBxpwL8E/s200/Saab-9-4X-Concept-2.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TGswDoOFtvI/AAAAAAADNV4/cuPaeWzRmz4/s1600/Saab-9-4X-Concept-1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506547808284817138" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TGswDoOFtvI/AAAAAAADNV4/cuPaeWzRmz4/s200/Saab-9-4X-Concept-1.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" /></a>

Saab 9-4X Crossover Spied in Production Form Prior to Los Angeles debut

Here are some snapshots of the next Saab vehicle to help justify the brand's survival, the 9-4X crossover . Seen here in production guis...

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2012 Toyota Prius Alpha Hybrid Minivan Scooped?

<a href="http://trends-automotive.blogspot.com/2010/09/2012-toyota-prius-alpha-hybrid-minivan.html"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521746033897867090" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TKEuwypnh1I/AAAAAAADWWU/dhO2S-suQQs/s800/2012-Toyota-Prius-Minivan-01.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 645px; height: 349px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Carscoop reader Nick K. had an opportunity to snag what may very well be the first spy photos of the long-anticipated minivan version of the Prius, rumored to be called the Prius Alpha.<br /></span><p></p><p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TKEu0zp0g1I/AAAAAAADWWc/CB170ZeprbQ/s1600/2012-Toyota-Prius-Minivan-3.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521746102886630226" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TKEu0zp0g1I/AAAAAAADWWc/CB170ZeprbQ/s200/2012-Toyota-Prius-Minivan-3.jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 135px; height: 91px;" /></a><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Spotted out in California following a <a href="http://trends-automotive.blogspot.com/search/label/Lexus%20CT%20200h">new Lexus CT200h</a> with its logos covered, the camouflaged minivan seen here - said by Nick to be "about the size of a Mazda 5" - appears to be wearing a Prius-esque front fascia and doesn't look to fit anywhere else in the lineup.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;">As you can see in our photo gallery after the jump, the minivan and the Prius also seem to share a similar design for the windshield, front window line and tail lamps.<br /></span></p><p><a name="more"></a><span style="font-family:Verdana;">If earlier reports from Reuters and Japan's Nikkei daily are correct, the Prius MPV will end up housing three rows of seats with space for up to seven passengers and be powered by in-house developed lithium-ion batteries (which may later be manufactured with help from Panasonic).<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;">As we recently <a href="http://trends-automotive.blogspot.com/2010/09/toyota-and-lexus-to-debut-six-new.html">told you</a>, Toyota Executive VP Takeshi Uchiyamada hopes to launch six new hybrids worldwide by 2012 (two Lexi and four Toyotas) on top of its current hybrid offerings. That means the Lexus hybrid family - LS, GS, HS, and RX - will likely gain another crossover of some sort and probably an IS hybrid.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Toyota - currently at three hybrids in the U.S. with the Prius, Camry, and Highlander - will likely get at least one more variant of the Prius, as well as three other models. Speculation on those is up to you all.<br /></span></p><p style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">By Phil Alex</span></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Many thanks to Nick K. for the spy pictures!</span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TKE1DWKjtsI/AAAAAAADWXs/H17IWu_3SBY/s1600/2012-Toyota-Prius-Minivan-10+copy.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521752949738682050" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TKE1DWKjtsI/AAAAAAADWXs/H17IWu_3SBY/s200/2012-Toyota-Prius-Minivan-10+copy.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 151px; height: 101px ;" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TKE1C-Au2AI/AAAAAAADWXk/JHQl6ZWkR78/s1600/2012-Toyota-Prius-Minivan-9+copy.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521752943255017474" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TKE1C-Au2AI/AAAAAAADWXk/JHQl6ZWkR78/s200/2012-Toyota-Prius-Minivan-9+copy.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 151px; height: 101px ;" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TKE1C-ZFW4I/AAAAAAADWXc/1cbdaS4mSns/s1600/2012-Toyota-Prius-Minivan-8+copy.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521752943357156226" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TKE1C-ZFW4I/AAAAAAADWXc/1cbdaS4mSns/s200/2012-Toyota-Prius-Minivan-8+copy.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 151px; height: 101px ;" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TKE1CqHqR7I/AAAAAAADWXU/t8189lU1uNA/s1600/2012-Toyota-Prius-Minivan-7+copy.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521752937915369394" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TKE1CqHqR7I/AAAAAAADWXU/t8189lU1uNA/s200/2012-Toyota-Prius-Minivan-7+copy.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 151px; height: 101px ;" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TKE1CdPwZGI/AAAAAAADWXM/_F44vZErIVM/s1600/2012-Toyota-Prius-Minivan-6+copy.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521752934459663458" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TKE1CdPwZGI/AAAAAAADWXM/_F44vZErIVM/s200/2012-Toyota-Prius-Minivan-6+copy.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 151px; height: 101px ;" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TKE1CEe_o8I/AAAAAAADWXE/xvVxWzewlJQ/s1600/2012-Toyota-Prius-Minivan-5+copy.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521752927812690882" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TKE1CEe_o8I/AAAAAAADWXE/xvVxWzewlJQ/s200/2012-Toyota-Prius-Minivan-5+copy.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 151px; height: 101px ;" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TKE1CFkT9KI/AAAAAAADWW8/Sg33TV4gXQc/s1600/2012-Toyota-Prius-Minivan-4+copy.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521752928103429282" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TKE1CFkT9KI/AAAAAAADWW8/Sg33TV4gXQc/s200/2012-Toyota-Prius-Minivan-4+copy.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 151px; height: 101px ;" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TKE1B2uSHvI/AAAAAAADWW0/SCv8lfXEtYI/s1600/2012-Toyota-Prius-Minivan-3+copy.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521752924118720242" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TKE1B2uSHvI/AAAAAAADWW0/SCv8lfXEtYI/s200/2012-Toyota-Prius-Minivan-3+copy.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 151px; height: 101px ;" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TKE1B1KXQNI/AAAAAAADWWs/wzl3LdO2hSs/s1600/2012-Toyota-Prius-Minivan-2+copy.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521752923699626194" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TKE1B1KXQNI/AAAAAAADWWs/wzl3LdO2hSs/s200/2012-Toyota-Prius-Minivan-2+copy.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 151px; height: 101px ;" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TKE1BlBnzwI/AAAAAAADWWk/1nV6Z0suDfw/s1600/2012-Toyota-Prius-Minivan-1+copy.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521752919367995138" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TKE1BlBnzwI/AAAAAAADWWk/1nV6Z0suDfw/s200/2012-Toyota-Prius-Minivan-1+copy.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 151px; height: 101px ;" /></a><br /><br /></p><p style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204); text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">_____________________________________________________________________</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TKEsCCbSlDI/AAAAAAADWTs/54WLr1j6jBI/s1600/2012-Toyota-Prius-Minivan-8.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521743031655633970" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TKEsCCbSlDI/AAAAAAADWTs/54WLr1j6jBI/s800/2012-Toyota-Prius-Minivan-8.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 645px; height: 430px;" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TKEsB6peVoI/AAAAAAADWTk/6hOb_vn2twM/s1600/Toyota-Prius-2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521743029567641218" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TKEsB6peVoI/AAAAAAADWTk/6hOb_vn2twM/s800/Toyota-Prius-2.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 645px; height: 430px;" /></a><br /></p><p style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204); text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">_____________________________________________________________________</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><br /></span></p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TKEsBj6k2eI/AAAAAAADWTc/7GpqMLYmrHE/s1600/2012-Toyota-Prius-Minivan-6.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521743023465355746" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TKEsBj6k2eI/AAAAAAADWTc/7GpqMLYmrHE/s800/2012-Toyota-Prius-Minivan-6.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 645px; height: 430px;" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TKEsBohZ_8I/AAAAAAADWTU/XovkvsDRNpI/s1600/Toyota-Prius-1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521743024701964226" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TKEsBohZ_8I/AAAAAAADWTU/XovkvsDRNpI/s800/Toyota-Prius-1.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 645px; height: 430px;" /></a>

2012 Toyota Prius Alpha Hybrid Minivan Scooped?

Carscoop reader Nick K. had an opportunity to snag what may very well be the first spy photos of the long-anticipated minivan version of the...

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