SCOOP: New Ford Mondeo Prototype Spotted Out in the Open, will Replace the U.S. Fusion as Well

Our spy photographers captured a development prototype of Ford's new global mid-size sedan sporting a modified platform but with most body parts sourced from the current Mondeo saloon, during testing in Europe.

In the likes of the latest Fiesta and more recently, the new Focus that are available in more or less the same form worldwide, the next generation of the Mondeo will serve as truly global model for Ford in the popular mid-size segment.

In the States, it will replace the Ford Fusion, though it remains to be seen if the Detroit automaker will keep the name or choose the same moniker as its European sibling.

Whatever the name, the styling will be common for all regions with the Mondeo being one of the first cars to adopt Ford's new and sharper design DNA as showcased on the EVOS concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

Ford has already given us a first taste of its new range of EcoBoost engines and the Mondeo is expected to offered with the full lineup including the 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter turbocharged four-bangers making up to around 250-horses.

A full hybrid model will be part of the range while at least in Europe, Ford will also offer a variety of clean diesel engines.

The sedan model will be joined by a station wagon variant.

Look for the new Mondeo in showrooms within the next year or so.

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SCOOP: Mystery Sport Lexus LS Caught Testing on the 'Ring, Could it be the LS-F?

Lexus may not be fully embroiled in the sports car segment as the only true performance models in its range are the IS-F and the limited run LFA special, but something tells us that the Japanese firm is not yet ready to throw the towel in and let its rivals take the win.

And this, despite the fact that over the years, we have heard many rumors about the possibility of Lexus expanding its range of high-performance F-badged lineup to include the GS and the LS models, and which never came into fruition.

This brings us to our mystery Lexus LS prototype that was snagged doing the rounds on the Nürburgring racetrack in Germany. Our scoop photographers tell us that the car featured the usual testing equipment seen on other prototypes on the 'Ring.

Aside from the blistered front and rear wheel arches, the LS test car also sported widened front and rear bumpers, a different front grille, plus a carbon fiber roof and boot incorporating a spoiler.

The car was also fitted with massive brake discs, while the hood air vents and the black alloy wheels with a silver rim are two elements we've seen of the LFA.

And now for the million dollar question: what is it? We'll, we don't know for sure. It could be anything from a limited production or conceptual LS-F sporting the LFA's V10 to a SEMA project car, or perhaps just a wild tuning job in the works.

Whatever the case, we'll keep our eyes open and ask around. If something pops up on our radars, we'll let you know.

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New Audi RS4 Avant Flexes its Muscles on the Nürburgring

Audi RS4 Avant

While Audi's executive officers were showcasing the Ingolstadt-based firm's latest conceptual and production models such as the S6, S7, S8 and the Urban studies, the company's engineers were hard at work trying out a prototype of the upcoming RS4 series in Avant form.

The wider front and rear tracks hiding under blistered wheel arches along with the massive brakes, large alloy wheels and the typical RS-style twin oval tail pipes leave no doubt that this is the upcoming RS4 Avant model.

What remains to be seen, however, is what type of engine is lurking under the hood as Audi has recently begun updating its powertrain lineup.

While a modified version of Audi's 3.0-liter turbocharged unit may still be in the cards, it is possible that the RS4 could get the RS5 Coupe's 4.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 or the newly revealed 4.0-liter turbocharged unit launched in the S6 and S7 with 420HP, and the S8 with 520HP.

In any case, the RS4's powerplant should be good for more than 400-ponies that will be transferred to all four wheels through Audi's quattro system.

The new RS4 is expected to make its premiere at next year's Geneva Salon in March.

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2013 Cadillac ATS Hits the Road for Testing

Cadillac ATS

Here's another chance to take a look at the upcoming 2013 Cadillac ATS, GM's answer to the executive compact sedan segment dominated by the likes of BMW's 3-Series, the Audi A4 and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

And just in case you're wondering, the introduction of the ATS will lead to a larger next-generation CTS to better compete against cars like the BMW 5-Series and the latest Lexus GS.

Our scoop photographers captured the 2013

Our scoop photographers captured the 2013 Cadillac ATS while testing in Europe. Even though the prototype is clothed in camouflage, we manage to get a taste of the car's size as well as Cadillac's edgy design language with prominent creases running along sides and the front and rear ends of the ATS.

GM's newcomer in the premium category is based on a rear-wheel drive platform and will most likely be offered with a variety of powerplants including a turbocharged four-cylinder, a V6 and possibly a large displacement V8 for the range topping ATS-V flagship model.

Cadillac's entry level model is planned to enter production in the summer of 2012. It is believed that the series will eventually give birth to a series of body styles including a coupe and a convertible model.

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