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Spy Shots: VW prepping new big-boy Golf Plus for Europe

Filed under: Spy Photos, Europe, Volkswagen

Volkswagen Golf Plus Spy Shots

Volkswagen is readying a new version of the Golf Plus, the compact MPV that was last seen as part of the fifth-generation Golf range. The Plus sports a higher roof for improved headroom, with our spy shooter estimating an extra 15 centimeters (six inches) of noggin space over a comparable Golf hatchback.

The new model is expected to look more or less like the Mk VII Golf, outside of the taller overall design and subtle styling tweaks. Sharing its bones and its looks with the newest Golf means the Plus will get most of the same engines and transmissions, although we shouldn’t expect a hot version with the GTI’s powerplant or an all-wheel-drive model.

The main difference in the cabin should be a set of adjustable rear seats, allowing a bit more room and flexibility in the tallish hatchback. As is usual, don’t expect this Golf variant to cross the pond. Take a look above for our full gallery of spy shots of the new Golf Plus.

VW prepping new big-boy Golf Plus for Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 25 Aug 2013 14:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Scion FR-S caught prepping for ‘Ring runs

Filed under: Spy Photos, Scion, Toyota

spy shots scion fr-s

Spy Shots: Scion FR-S – Click above for high-res image gallery

We’ve been waiting, rather patiently we might add, for Toyota to bring out its latest sports car for what seems like millenniums. This new coupe will be wearing a Scion badge and go by the name FR-S, which stands for “front-engine, rear-wheel-drive sport.” It’s the “R” and “S” that has enthusiasts eager to lay eyes on this Scion in the flesh. A concept version was trotted out at the 2011 New York Auto Show, but spy photographers managed to capture a camo-covered development mule adding “Germany” to the stamps in its passport book.

What specific area of Germany, you ask? Just a little town called Nürburg, which is home to a slice of asphalt you may have heard of before. This means Toyota engineers are fine-tuning the sports car, and the Nürburgring is sure to provide lots of data points for them to dissect. Data points make engineers happy, and happy engineers make fun-to-drive cars.

Looking over the pics, it appears those engineers have ditched the concept’s rear diffuser but added in a rear spoiler. We can’t wait to see what else is in store once that swirls come off.

Check out the spy photos of the Scion FR-S by clicking through the gallery below.

Scion FR-S caught prepping for ‘Ring runs originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 May 2011 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Mazda prepping smaller CX-5 crossover?

Filed under: Spy Photos, Crossover, Mazda

Mazda Small CUV

Mystery Mazda small CUV spy shots – Click above for high-res image gallery

Mazda has, on more than one occasion, discussed its plans to expand its model range in the next couple of years, including the addition of a small crossover in the near term. According to an earlier report from Autocar, Mazda had said that its “new small SUV” would debut sometime in 2011, with the first sales taking place before we turn the calendar over to 2012. Now, we have our first glimpse at what appears to be a mule for Mazda’s new small crossover, a model we’ll call CX-5.

This mule may be a chopped and cropped version of the larger CX-7, but the new CX-5 is understood to be based on the smaller Mazda3 platform. Expect power to come from Mazda’s new line of Sky G and Sky D engines and transmissions, tailored for the specific demands of customers in different world markets. The CX-5 will likely be produced in Japan, and we wouldn’t be shocked to learn that it’s coming to the United States and Europe, as well. See it for yourself in the high-res gallery of spy shots below.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Mazda Small CUV

Mazda Small CUV spy shots

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Mazda prepping smaller CX-5 crossover? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Dec 2010 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: McLaren prepping race-ready MP4-12C GT3

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Racing

McLaren MP4-12C GT3 spy shots – Click above for high-res image gallery

Grainy as they may be, these spy photos give us our first glimpse at the race-prepped McLaren MP4-12C GT3 – a high-performance version of the automaker’s stunning new two-door. The GT3 aims to recapture the racing success of the original McLaren F1, and though details are slim on power enhancements, the revised visual cues of this prototype show that this MP4 is ready to do serious battle out on the track.

Up front, the road-going MP4’s front air intakes have been closed off and a large air duct is now found right in the center of the hood. These changes are matched with revised rear window venting, as well as a giant wing fixed to the car’s rump.

Early reports have stated that McLaren is working with British racing firm CRS and that the car is set to debut sometime in 2012. All we know is, we can’t wait to see this stunning new beast swapping paint with other GT3 racers. See the full set of spy shots in the high-res gallery, below.

UPDATED with better images.

Gallery: Spy Shots: McLaren MP4-12C GT3

McLaren MP4-12C GT3 spy shots

[Source: KGP Photography]

Spy Shots: McLaren prepping race-ready MP4-12C GT3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Nov 2010 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris Preview: Five-door Range Rover Evoque caught prepping for show [w/video]

Filed under: Spy Photos, Paris Motor Show, Crossover, Land Rover, Luxury

Land Rover Range Rover Evoque five-door

When Land Rover officially revealed the Range Rover Evoque they didn’t include a single shot of the five-door baby crossover utility. Thankfully, someone with early access to the upcoming Paris Motor Show floor decided that was some kind of crime, and so they took shots of the more family-minded Evoque occupying the Land Rover stand. The secret snapper also got images of the cabin, and we think it’s beautiful distillation of the Range Rover Sport’s interior language. We can’t wait to see it ourselves next week.

For now, have a look at the link below for more shots of the Evoque five-door, and be sure to hit the jump for a video of the two-door.

[Source: 0-100.ro]

Continue reading Paris Preview: Five-door Range Rover Evoque caught prepping for show [w/video]

Paris Preview: Five-door Range Rover Evoque caught prepping for show [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Sep 2010 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Turner Motorsports prepping one-of-30 BMW M3 Frozen Gray coupes for racing

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, BMW, Racing

Turner Motorsports Frozen Gray BMW M3

We tend to live by the mantra that no car is too rare to drive. Even the most unique pieces of automotive history were designed and built to be a mode of transportation first and a stationary object of desire second. The crew at Turner Motorsports has taken that philosophy to the next level – they believe there’s no such thing as a vehicle that’s too rare to race. Case in point? The company’s new Frozen Gray BMW M3 built for serious track duty.

Just in case you need a reminder, BMW only turned out 30 examples of its M3 dipped in the super sexy flat gray paint. This is one of them. Turner Motorsports project has just gotten under way, beginning with a set of 18×10-inch Volk G2s and gooey Continental race rubber, but a more aggressive brake system and a sharper suspension is on the docket as well. All we know is that the M3 looks as fine as can be wearing its new shoes, and we can’t wait to see what Turner comes up with in terms of a finished product. Click over to M3Post for closer look.

[Source: M3Post]

Turner Motorsports prepping one-of-30 BMW M3 Frozen Gray coupes for racing originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Sep 2010 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA Preview: CGS prepping custom 2011 Chevy Camaro

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet

GCS Camaro

CGS Camaro for SEMA 2010 – Click above for high-res image

CGS is a lock to bring something unique to the annual SEMA show, and after the ReFlex and FlatBack Mustang of the last two years, the tuner has left the Ford family for GM. This year, a 2011 Chevy Camaro will step into the modification chamber, getting a body kit that includes a ZR1-style hood. Under the window you might get a glimpse of the Whipple twin-screw blower that helps boost output to 500 horsepower. 22-inch wheels wrapped in Pirelli rubber bands help complete the look. Follow the jump to read the press release, and check out the high-res image below.

Gallery: CGS Camaro at SEMA 2010

[Source: CGS Motorsports]

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SEMA Preview: CGS prepping custom 2011 Chevy Camaro originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 17 Jul 2010 12:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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