Spy Shots: Are you the 2012 Volkswagen NMS?

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Volkswagen

Volkswagen NMS spy shots
Volkswagen NMS spy shots – Click above for high-res image gallery
For all of secrecy surrounding the New Midsized Sedan, we may have just scored our first unfettered glimpse at the new Volkswagen four-door. The quick-eyed crew over at JokeForBlog managed to lay their hands on a scant few images of what appears to be the NMS, and the vehicle looks to take more than a few cues from the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. Using the German carmaker’s revised corporate face up front and the same hexagonal license plate inset on the trunk deck, the similarities are almost overwhelming. We’ve got to wonder exactly what VW has planned to differentiate the two models other than size.

Unfortunately, if these shots are accurate, the as-yet unnamed sedan doesn’t appear to be nearly as aggressive as the renderings we saw at this year’s Paris Motor Show. While those drawings showed off a low-slung four-door with aggressive lines and plenty of menace in its bones, these spy photos show a vehicle that looks downright pedestrian and conservative. That said, given the modest wheels this model is wearing, we suspect it’s a lower trim level – hopefully more expensive models will appear more premium and aggressive.

With the current Passat headed for the scrap heap in America, it would appear that we’d best get used to what we see above. Odds are this machine is going to be a bigger, less-expensive replacement for long-serving VW four-door.

Gallery: Volkswagen NMS Spy Shots

[Source: JokeForBlog via Autoblog.nl]

Spy Shots: Are you the 2012 Volkswagen NMS? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Dec 2010 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: De Tomaso readying SLC for Geneva?

Filed under: Spy Photos, Crossover, MISC

De Tomaso SLC spy shot
De Tomaso SLC spy shot – Click above for image gallery

We’ve heard the rumors, and now we have a small series of spy photos that seem to corroborate the hearsay. Looks like De Tomaso is indeed readying at least one concept car to show off at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.

We can’t say for certain that the machine seen in these photos is the BMW X6-like crossover that has been talked about – in fact, it looks more sedan or wagon-like, but at least it appears to be proof that something is in the works. Current conjecture has this car will be called SLC.

Whatever the case, we can clearly see De Tomaso’s new logo, along with some sensuous, flowing curves that piques our curiousity. See for yourself in our image gallery below.

Gallery: Spy Shots: De Tomaso SLC

Spy Shots: De Tomaso SLCSpy Shots: De Tomaso SLCSpy Shots: De Tomaso SLC

[Source: Jokeforblog.blogspot.com via Autoblog.nl]

Spy Shots: De Tomaso readying SLC for Geneva? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Dec 2010 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Lincoln MKT Hearse looks to be one swanky final ride

Filed under: Spy Photos, Crossover, Lincoln, Specialty

Lincoln MKT hearse

Lincoln MKT hearse spy shots – Click above for high-res image gallery

Halloween may have been two months ago, but our quick-shooting spy photographers have just captured the first images of Lincoln’s upcoming MKT hearse. (Yes, hearse.) With the impending death of the Town Car not too far ahead, Ford Motor Company has already stated that the Flex-based MKT crossover will be uplifted to serve a variety of special livery duties. This means that in addition to this rather fetching hearse, we can probably expect to see stretched limousine versions of the MKT in the not-too-distant future.

It isn’t immediately clear if this MKT hearse is fully a factory effort or if Ford is conducting testing with an aftermarket livery company, but this prototype has been spotted in Ford’s usual stomping grounds, and it boasts a Michigan Manufacturer license plate. The tester seen here appears to be powered by the automaker’s 3.7-liter V6, an engine that’s currently available in the base MKT, and that seems just fine by us. After all, there really isn’t any need for the more powerful EcoBoost V6 in a vehicle that’s designed for slow, sorrow-filled processions. The prototype’s stretched wheelbase and taller roof should provide ample room for even the largest of – ahem – passengers, and based on our experiences with the standard-issue MKT, things shouldn’t be too spartan for the driver, either.

Have a look at the full set of MKT Hearse spy shots in our high-resolution gallery below, and look for this larger-than-life (or death) Lincoln to start arriving at funeral homes near you.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Lincoln MKT Hearse

Lincoln MKT HearseLincoln MKT HearseLincoln MKT HearseLincoln MKT HearseLincoln MKT Hearse

[Source: Chris Doane/Brenda Priddy & Company]

Spy Shots: Lincoln MKT Hearse looks to be one swanky final ride originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Dec 2010 15:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Pagani C9 caught flexing its V12 muscle

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, MISC

Spy Shots: Pagani C9

Spy Shots: Pagani C9 – Click above for high-res image gallery

While you might be at home recovering from a Turkey-induced hangover, the dedicated spy photographers of the world are out and about, dutifully catching glimpses of new cars as they are tested. One lucky lensmith caught a camouflaged Pagani C9 being put through a rigorous testing regime.

And rigorous it is, with a reported 500,000-plus combined kilometers having ticked off the odometers of the four prototypes and one test mule. Pagani wants to hit 700,000 kilometers before the car shows its unmasked face, which looks almost Fisker-esque in the photos you see here.

The Pagani C9 is powered by an AMG-developed V12 engine, which is not related to the V12 found in the Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series. Rumor has it that the V12 powering the C9 produces over 700 horsepower while also lowering C02 emissions to sub-supercar levels.

We’re still calling it the C9, but the real name will be revealed sometime in the next few weeks. Pagani’s Zonda replacement, whatever moniker it might wear, should make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March of 2011. If that happens, you can be certain we’ll be on hand to capture it from every angle.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Pagani C9

Spy Shots: Pagani C9Spy Shots: Pagani C9Spy Shots: Pagani C9Spy Shots: Pagani C9Spy Shots: Pagani C9

[Source: Carpix]

Spy Shots: Pagani C9 caught flexing its V12 muscle originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Nov 2010 16:14:00 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 shotsMcLaren MP4-12C GT3 spy shotsMcLaren MP4-12C GT3 spy shotsMcLaren MP4-12C GT3 spy shotsMcLaren 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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Spy Shots: BMW 3 Series caught testing, interior revealed for first time

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, BMW

BMW 3 Series spy shots

BMW 3 Series spy shots – Click above for high-res image gallery

Lately, we’ve been hearing a lot about BMW’s plans to expand its model line with more niche models like the X6 and 5 Series Gran Turismo. We’ve heard talks of a new X4 crossover, a 3 Series GT and even a hatchback M3. It’s all a bit maddening, yes, but never fear – BMW has not forgotten about its core models, especially the all-important 3 Series sedan. After all, the four-door 3er is quite possibly the most important benchmark vehicle in the automotive marketplace. We do talk about it quite a bit.

BMW 3 Series interior spy shotOur sneaky spy photographers have just snapped this 3 Series prototype out testing on public roads, and while the exterior hasn’t been altered too much from other development cars we’ve seen, our photogs managed to snap the 3er’s reworked interior for the first time. Breathe easy, folks – it isn’t too far removed from what we’ve come to know in the current E90 car. The dash has more sculpted lines, the steering wheel is beefier and has some more functional buttons and the center console features BMW’s new remote-sized shifter.

We’re still unsure as to what BMW has lurking under the hood, but we can expect the usual host of six-cylinder powertrains, both turbocharged and naturally aspirated. Of course, there’s always the possibility of a four-cylinder option, too. Until we get the official word, we’ll hug our current E90s and wait patiently. See the latest set of spy shots for yourself in the gallery below.

Gallery: Spy Shots: BMW 3 Series

BMW 3 Series spy shotsBMW 3 Series spy shotsBMW 3 Series spy shotsBMW 3 Series spy shotsBMW 3 Series spy shots

[Source: KGP Photography]

Spy Shots: BMW 3 Series caught testing, interior revealed for first time originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Nov 2010 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Hyundai Veloster spotted on West Coast?

Filed under: Spy Photos, Hatchback, Hyundai

Spy Shots: Hyundai Veloster

Spy Shots: Hyundai Veloster – Click above for high-res image gallery

Our gadget-filled world means we almost always have a camera at the ready. Reader James W. was out and about on the highways of Southern California when he spied a camo-clad Hyundai on the move. With his iPhone 3GS at hand, he was able to snap a few photos of what appears to be the upcoming 2012 Hyundai Veloster.

The wheels and most of the lines match a set of spy photos we posted earlier in the year, with the exception of the large bulge on the roof, which could very possibly be just the wind yanking on all that black camo. In any case, Hyundai is clearly working hard to hide the design of the rear half of the car, which makes us wonder about that much-speculated rear-access door even more. Thanks for the photos, James W!

Gallery: Spy Shots: Hyundai Veloster

Spy Shots: Hyundai VelosterSpy Shots: Hyundai VelosterSpy Shots: Hyundai VelosterSpy Shots: Hyundai VelosterSpy Shots: Hyundai Veloster

Spy Shots: Hyundai Veloster spotted on West Coast? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Oct 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG spied sans roof

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Spy Photos, Convertible, Performance, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG roadsterA much more polished version of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG roadster has been spied, and although the gullwing doors and exploding bolts are compelling features of the hardtop, the shapely SLS looks good without them. The 200-mph convertible will use the same kind of roof last seen on the McLaren SLR Roadster, that being canvas-wrapped aluminum ribs eith electrical operation.

So far, there’s been no mention of anything other big changes slated for the droptop SLS, meaning we should see the final product debut sometime next year (Frankfurt Auto Show, perhaps?). The folks at AutoExpress report that the SLS roadster will cost somewhere in the area of £180,000 ($284,851 USD), a price just as eye-popping as the car itself.

[Source: AutoExpress]

Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG spied sans roof originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Oct 2010 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Roding Roadster hopes to be faster than the speed of ugly

Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertible, Performance

Roding Roadster spy shots

Roding Roadster spy shots – Click above for high-res image gallery

Yikes. It doesn’t matter if you’ve never heard of Roding, the company responsible for this lightweight ‘Ring-runner, there’s no getting around the fact it’s quite unattractive. Our trusty spy photographers recently spotted a prototype for Roding’s next track-ready creation, and while its performance specs make us raise an eyebrow of intrigue, its appearance makes us want to wash our eyes with heavy-duty soap.

You don’t have to look at it while you drive, though, and what the roadster lacks in beauty it certainly makes up for in performance. Underneath the 2,100-pound carbon fiber shell lies a turbocharged six-cylinder engine good for around 300 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque running through a six-speed manual transmission. Not only will this little hellion be ultra quick off the line, it’s said to be able to reach 1.4 gs in the corners.

The production version of this car will reportedly be unveiled sometime in early 2011, with a limited-production run of 23 cars going on sale in June. Scroll through our high-res gallery of spy shots below, if you dare.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Roding Roadster

Roding Roadster spy shotsRoding Roadster spy shotsRoding Roadster spy shotsRoding Roadster spy shotsRoding Roadster spy shots

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Roding Roadster hopes to be faster than the speed of ugly originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Oct 2010 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Latest Aston Martin DBS prototypes suggest Rapide influence

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Aston Martin

Aston Martin DBS spy shots

Aston Martin DBS spy shots – Click above for high-res image gallery

The last time we spied the Aston Martin DBS, it was fitted with headlamps similar to those on the four-door Rapide. Now, though, a new DBS prototype has been spotted running the ‘Ring, and in addition to a change of headlamps, other visual modifications are on hand, as well.

As opposed to the older prototypes, this latest DBS has a more sculpted lower front fascia which will likely be what we see on the final production model. We fully expect power to be sourced from the same 510-horsepower, 6.0-liter V12 as the current car (not that we’re complaining). But will those Rapide-like headlamps find their way back onto the new car? We’ll be keeping our eyes peeled.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Aston Martin DBS

Aston Martin DBS spy shotsAston Martin DBS spy shotsAston Martin DBS spy shotsAston Martin DBS spy shotsAston Martin DBS spy shots

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Latest Aston Martin DBS prototypes suggest Rapide influence originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Oct 2010 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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