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Spy Shots: BMW 3 Series GT caught taking a break from bell-tower duty

Filed under: Spy Photos, Crossover, Hatchback, BMW

spy shots bmw 3 series gt

Spy Shots: BMW 3 Series GT caught hitching a ride – Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW hinted that a 3 Series GT was in the works. Like its larger BMW 5 Series GT sibling, the 3 Series Gran Turismo would feature a two-tier rear hatch, raised seating position and a boosted ride height. And rumor has it that a non-swirly-camo version will be heading to the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.

The BMW 3 Series GT will slot in the lineup to combat Audi’s upcoming Q3 crossover. It’s also enough of segment jumper that the A4 Avant could wind up in its crosshairs. Take a gander at the gallery below, and try to look past the swirls to decipher the hunchback body hiding underneath.

Gallery: Spy Shots: BMW 3 Series GT

Spy Shots: BMW 3 Series GT

[Source: Brenda Priddy & Company]

Spy Shots: BMW 3 Series GT caught taking a break from bell-tower duty originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series caught working out in the cold

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Performance, Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series spy shots

Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series spy shots – Click above for high-res image gallery

Hold on to your hats, folks. As if the current 451-horsepower Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG weren’t hardcore enough, the folks in Stuttgart are working on an even hotter Black Series version of Merc’s BMW M3 killer.

The bulgier fender flares you see here won’t be the only visual upgrades – our spies tell us that a new front spoiler will be on deck, as well as a revised rear diffuser with some Formula One-inspired cues. This development car still uses the old front fascia not found on the new-for-2012 car, but we’ll probably see the updated headlamps and LED running lights as part of the new package.

The automaker’s 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 will still be the powerplant of choice, current intelligence reports suggest we can expect about 510 horsepower on tap – 29 more ponies than the already-potent C63 with the P31 Development Package. That grunt runs through Mercedes-Benz’s seven-speed AMG Speedshift transmission, and even with the added Black Series bits, we’d expect that a few pounds have been shaved off of the AMG’s curb weight.

Our spies even suggest that a C63 AMG Black Series Coupe is in the works, and it will bow shortly after the sedan’s official debut. Consider that a proper successor to the shockingly great CLK63 AMG Black Series that debuted in 2007.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series: Spy Shots

Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series spy shots

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series caught working out in the cold originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Mar 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Latest Cadillac XTS prototype caught inside and out

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Cadillac, Luxury

2013 Cadillac XTS spy shots

Cadillac XTS spy shots – Click above for high-res image gallery

We’ve seen spy photos of Cadillac’s upcoming XTS before, but only from far away. Now, our intrepid spy photographers have managed to get up-close and personal with the new Caddy flagship, giving us a sneak peak at the sedan’s interior in the process.

Based on the XTS Platinum concept shown at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show, this new Cadillac sedan will replace both the STS and DTS within the automaker’s lineup. This way, the current entry-level CTS can move slightly upmarket to allow for a new, smaller ATS sedan (alphabet soup, we know) that is slated to arrive in the summer of 2012. The XTS is expected to use the same Epsilon II platform that underpins the Buick LaCrosse, and we expect both front- and all-wheel-drive variants to be available.

A quick glimpse at this prototype’s interior shows that it will be very similarly designed to the CTS, though we certainly hope that higher-quality materials will be in place. (Let’s be honest – the CTS’ interior was fine for 2008, but it’s ready for an update). Other new details spotted on this test car include a set of Brembo brakes up front (is an XTS-V in the works?) and large, 19-ish-inch wheels. See the full slate of photos in our high-res image gallery below.

Gallery: Cadillac XTS: Spy Shots

Cadillac XTS: Spy Shots

[Sources: Jeremy Kupfer/Brenda Priddy & Company]

Spy Shots: Latest Cadillac XTS prototype caught inside and out originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Mar 2011 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2013 Ford Escape caught!

Filed under: Spy Photos, Etc., Crossover, Ford

2013 Ford Escape Spy Shots

2013 Ford Escape Spy Shots – Click above for high-res image gallery

We may not know whether Ford will stick with the Escape name when the vehicle’s successor comes along in 2012 as a 2013 model, but thanks to the quick shutters of our crack team of spy photographers, we now have a vague idea of what the machine will look like. Peek beneath all of that camouflage and you’re likely to see a vehicle that borrows nearly all of its proportions from the recently-unveiled Vertrek Concept. That boxy aft-end appears to be nothing but floppy camouflage designed to hide the vehicle’s arching rear hatch.

The Escape successor is slated to ride on the Blue Oval’s global C1 platform – the same bones that make up the Focus, C-Max and Transit Connect, among other future products. There’s word that Ford will banish the V6 in favor of an Ecoboost 2.0-liter engine at the top of the line. At this point, it’s unclear whether that four-pot will be a 1.6-liter or a larger 2.0-liter mill. Lower rung trims will likely still pack a 2.5-liter four-cylinder lump.

Gallery: 2013 Ford Escape Spy Shots

[Source: Chris Doane/Brenda Priddy & Company]

Spy Shots: 2013 Ford Escape caught! originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Mar 2011 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Extra-hot Jaguar XKR caught ahead of Geneva debut

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Jaguar

spy shots: jaguar xkr and super xk-r xk-e

Spy Shots: Jaguar XKR-based prototypes wander the English countryside – Click above for high-res image gallery

Jaguar testers have just been caught running around the British countryside with a pair of camouflaged XK coupes. One looks to be the upcoming facelifted XKR, while the other appears to be a mysterious – and as-yet unnamed – more powerful XKR variant.

Rumor has it that this super XKR could be named the XK-E in honor of the 50th anniversary of Jaguar’s legendary E-Type. We really only know two things about it at the moment: it’s based off the 530-horsepower XKR Goodwood Special, and we’re dying to see it in Jaguar’s booth at the upcoming 2011 Geneva Motor Show.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Jaguar XKR and Super XKR

[Source: KGP Photography]

Spy Shots: Extra-hot Jaguar XKR caught ahead of Geneva debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Feb 2011 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Three men caught vandalizing seven Toyota cars at Chicago Auto Show

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Etc., Government/Legal, Toyota

Edmund Grzeszkiewicz (Left), Richard Data (Top Right), Bryan Kjellman (Bottom Right) Three men have been arrested in connection with $30,000 worth of vandalism to Toyota vehicles at this year’s Chicago Auto Show. According to the Chicago Sun Times, Bryan Kjellman (bottom right), Richard Data (top right) and Edmund Grzeszkiewicz (left), aged 22, 20 and 27 respectively, were taken into custody by show security for using razor blades and screwdrivers to damage the interiors of seven of vehicles. When questioned by authorities, the trio said that they were angry at Toyota the company’s role in taking U.S. jobs overseas.

They must have missed the memo about Toyota operating nine manufacturing facilities in the States with over 28,000 employees. All told, of the seven vehicles that Kjellman, Data and Grzeszkiewicz damaged, three were built right here in the Land of the Free. The casualties included a Camry, a Rav4, a Land Cruiser, a Prius and two Tundra models in addition to a Lexus ES350.

The damage ranged from slashed seat cushions and dashboards to broken doorhandles and turning indicator stalks. The trio even set about scratching the windshields of certain vehicles. At the last report, the vandals were set to appear in bond court on February 18, and each have been charged with one felony count each of criminal damage to property. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

[Sources: Chicago Sun Times, Chicago Tribune, Jalopnik]

Three men caught vandalizing seven Toyota cars at Chicago Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Feb 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 caught sunbathing ahead of NY reveal

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, SUV, Jeep

spy shots jeep grand cherokee srt8

Spy Shots: Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 – Click above for high-res image gallery

We can hardly wait for the redesigned Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 to strut across the stage at the 2011 New York Auto Show. Thankfully, we can get our muscle truck fill courtesy of some spy shots showing our favorite non-trail rated Jeep taking in some desert sun.

This next-generation Grand Cherokee SRT8 is rumored to pack a 6.4-liter Hemi engine under the hood, which should be good for around 470 horsepower. Rather disappointingly, the rumormill has the automatic transmission earmarked as only having five ratios, but it’s at least said to be the first SRT-branded product with paddle-shifters. What’s more, the brake pedal should handily haul in the twisting speedo needle thanks to a set of 14-inch Brembos.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8

Spy Shots: Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 caught sunbathing ahead of NY reveal originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Feb 2011 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: BMW M6 convertible caught on snowshoeing shakedown

Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertible, Performance, BMW

spy shot bmw m6 convertible

Spy Shots: BMW M6 convertible caught frolicking in the snow – Click above for high-res image gallery

Our own Chris Paukert recently spent some time getting to know the 2012 BMW 6 Series Convertible, and he did so under the hot South African sun. BMW engineers are busy testing their upcoming hi-po M6 droptop, but they’re doing so in a place where the top is definitely going to stay up.

Spy photographers have caught the powerful two-door out playing in the snow during winter testing. Last time we saw the camouflaged convertible, it was out running on a track and making good use of its rumored 560 horsepower and 530 pound-feet of torque. This time around we imagine that whoever’s behind the wheel is going to be a bit more conservative with the throttle. Check out the cold-weather testing of the BMW M6 convertible in the gallery below.

Gallery: Spy Shots: BMW M6 convertible

Spy Shots: BMW M6 convertible

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: BMW M6 convertible caught on snowshoeing shakedown originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Feb 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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More Chrysler factory workers caught enjoying “the plant” at Jefferson North

Filed under: Government/Legal, Plants/Manufacturing, Chrysler

Chrysler's Jefferson North Assembly Plant

What is it about working at the Chrysler Jefferson North facility (pictured above) that drives employees to get high? Controversy has bubbled up again in the form of a new report of auto workers at the factory smoking pot during their lunch break.

The last report came in September 2010 when a local Fox News affiliate caught video footage of a group of off-duty Chrysler employees apparently downing a few beers and smoking a joint or two in the company parking lot. This time, Chrysler reportedly busted another three workers – who were evidently not deterred by (or fully cognizant of) the publicity surrounding the previous incident – for partaking in the controlled substance during their downtime.

The automaker reportedly tipped off ~~the man~~ local police to the act on January 24, leading to the workers’ arrests. Formal charges have reportedly not yet been filed, however. Two possible outcomes as a result of the arrests? 1. Workers actually wait until they’re home to light up next time. 2. Afternoon vending machine revenue at Jefferson North plummets.

[Source: The Detroit News]

More Chrysler factory workers caught enjoying “the plant” at Jefferson North originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 Feb 2011 17:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Lamborghini Murciélago replacement caught wearing only camo

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Lamborghini

Lamborghini Murcielago replacement spy shots

Lamborghini Murciélago replacement spy shots – Click above for high-res image gallery

We won’t necessarily argue with an automaker (especially Lamborghini) unwrapping its new hotness from the inside out. Recently, we received a photo of the Murciélago replacement’s new pushrod suspension – something we were first discovered during our talks with the Lamborghini’s CEO, Stephan Winkelmann, at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show. Now, our intrepid spy photographers have snapped Lamborghni’s new flagship, tentatively dubbed Aventador, wearing nothing but swirly camouflage over its newly redesigned body.

The new Lamborghini’s gorgeous bodywork takes many of its cues from the Sesto Elemento concept that debuted at the Paris Motor Show last year. Underneath the sexy exterior is the automaker’s new V12 heart of gold, and we should see the finished product in the flesh at this year’s Geneva Motor Show in March. In the meantime, continue the striptease for yourself in our high-res gallery below.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Lamborghini Murcielago Replacement

Spy Shots: Lamborghini Murcielago Replacement

[Source: KGP Photography]

Spy Shots: Lamborghini Murciélago replacement caught wearing only camo originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Jan 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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