Tag: shots

Followup: Lexus coupe caught in spy shots actually RC, headed for Tokyo reveal?

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Performance, Lexus

Lexus may have pulled a fast one on us. The car our spy shooters spotted yesterday may not, in fact, be an IS F Coupe as we indicated. Rather, the car shown above may be a new model, dubbed RC, that will arrive at this year’s Tokyo Motor Show.

Following a report from Automotive News, the RC is believed to be a pure coupe, rather than a hardtop convertible. This gels with information provided on the IS sedan’s launch, when Lexus spokespeople said the IS Convertible would remain on the current platform. With styling based on the LF-CC from the 2012 Paris show, the new car will share a rear-drive platform with the IS and GS sedans.

Power is expected to come from a 3.5-liter V6 that turns out 306 horsepower. That car will likely wear the RC 350 badge. A hybrid model is expected to follow, but in a twist, it won’t be coming to the US. The big news, though, is that the RC will spawn an RC F.

Sources told AN that a 460-hp V8 will replace the 416-hp mill found in the current IS F, allowing the RC F to really duke it out with Stuttgart, Munich, and Ingolstadt.

Where does that leave the IS F? We can’t be sure, but with Mercedes-Benz and BMW both offering (now or in the future) fast, compact sedans, we wouldn’t bet on Lexus sitting out. We can expect to see a production RC F at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show, with examples arriving in dealers later that year.

Lexus coupe caught in spy shots actually RC, headed for Tokyo reveal? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Jul 2013 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Followup: Lexus coupe caught in spy shots actually RC, headed for Tokyo reveal?”

Spy Shots: 2014 Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet spotted testing in the nude

Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertible, Performance, Porsche, Luxury

Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet spy shots

The Porsche 911 wouldn’t be the Porsche 911 unless there were twenty-something different models to choose from (note: we are not complaining), and the latest one was just spied by our trusty photographers out on Germany’s Nürburgring. Feast your eyes on the 911 Turbo Cabriolet – the droptop version of the new Turbo wonder that debuted in May – looking all sorts of stealth in its black-on-black-on-black prototype scheme.

Mechanically, the 911 Turbo Cab should be identical to the fixed-roof version, meaning a twin-turbo 3.8-liter flat-six engine will live in the car’s rump, putting out something like 520 horsepower. Of course, there’s also the hotter Turbo S version of the coupe, and we expect that to get the droptop treatment, as well, with 560 horsepower on tap. The added weight of the folding top and additional structural supports will likely make for slightly slower 0-60 times for both cars, though considering the base Turbo will hit 60 miles per hour in 3.2 seconds, “slower” is a very relative term indeed. All that force will run to the ground via all-wheel drive, managed by Porsche’s seven-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission.

The wide stance of the 911 Turbo Coupe carries over to the Cabriolet, no doubt fitted with the same (standard) 20-inch wheels. Inside, the usual luxury amenities will be on hand, along with nearly endless customization options.

Given that the Frankfurt Motor Show isn’t too far off in the future, we expect to see the Turbo Cabriolet officially bow before then. For now, check it out in the high-res spy shot gallery above.

2014 Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet spotted testing in the nude originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Jul 2013 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Spy Shots: 2014 Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet spotted testing in the nude”

Spy Shots: Lexus readying hot IS F Coupe

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Lexus, Luxury

The 2014 Lexus IS sedan has been turning heads and dividing public opinion since we first drove it. Then, as now, we knew that a revamped IS F would be in the offing at some point, but until today we had know idea what form the Lexus would take.

Our first ever batch of 2015 Lexus IS F spy shots has just come across the transom, and the camouflaged coupe – that’s right, there are just two doors this time out – is awfully intriguing at first glance. A much more aggressive front end is prominent, as is the slinky roofline that finishes in a pert rear end. The signature IS grille is still in effect here, at least in terms of the shape, and while the headlamps are covered up, we’d expect some variation of the slash-like units on the 2014 IS.

Hinting at the car’s performance intentions are large slotted brake rotors with significantly sized calipers, all tucked in behind dark-finish wheels. Quad exhaust tips and a retractable spoiler can be seen at the back of the car.

Unfortunately, we still don’t know what to expect in terms of engine – there’s some evidence that the current car’s 5.0-liter V8 won’t meet European emissions standards. A turbocharged V6 of some kind would certainly match up with the reported mills in the upcoming BMW M4, however, and the hood scoop seen above lends some credence to that thought process. In any case we’d expect north of 450 horsepower in terms of output.

Lexus readying hot IS F Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Jul 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Spy Shots: Lexus readying hot IS F Coupe”

Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz GLA crossover spied inside and out

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

Mercedes-Benz GLA crossover spy shots

When the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class entered production last summer, we were told in the accompanying press release that its platform would support the B-Class and “a further three sporty and emotive vehicles, including a coupé and an SUV.” The hidden cameras at KGP have captured the SUV part of that equation, the GLA small crossover, in the Rocky Mountains.

As best we can make out, the contours under its swirly vinyl are those of a burlier copy of the handsome A-Class, only raised off the ground. Inside is the same minimal yet well done interior we’ve seen in the A and the CLA, sales numbers having proved so far that the cabin is a hit with buyers around the world.

Speculation is that GLA powertrains will match those of its platform siblings, the base motor said to be the 2.0-liter, 200-horsepower four-cylinder and chassis options being front- and all-wheel drive. The Frankfurt Motor Show should be when the public gets the first naked look at it. The high-res gallery of spy shots above should suffice in the meantime.

Mercedes-Benz GLA crossover spied inside and out originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Jul 2013 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz GLA crossover spied inside and out”

Spy Shots: Porsche 911 GT2 caught testing, is super bad

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, Europe, Crossover, Porsche, Luxury

Look what spy photographers have spotted sprinting around the Nürburgring. Our shooters nabbed a few photos of the all-new Porsche 911 GT2 in its native habitat without any of the bulky camouflage or cladding we’re used to seeing. The result is our first truly clear view at the upcoming successor to the GT2 throne. From the looks of it, the new model will boast wider fender arches front and rear, and hefty air intakes set into the machine’s hips should help feed a beastly 3.8-liter flat six-cylinder engine. Early guesses put the engine output somewhere around 560 horsepower.

Mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, the engine should propel this rear-engined heathen to 62 miles per hour in under three seconds. Top speed? Try somewhere around 200 mph. If that’s true, the next-generation 911 GT2 will be the fastest 911 in Porsche history.

Porsche 911 GT2 caught testing, is super bad originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Jun 2013 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Spy Shots: Porsche 911 GT2 caught testing, is super bad”

Spy Shots: 2014 BMW 4 Series convertible spotted

Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertible, Performance, BMW, Luxury

2014 BMW 4 Series convertible spy shot - front three-quarter view, red

We’ve seen a few spy shot packages featuring the upcoming BMW 4 Series Convertible already, but never with the car quite so naked as in this latest batch. Nabbed just outside the BMW Nürburgring workshop in Germany, this Melbourne Red 4 Series also shows the M Sport package for the first time.

With all of the cladding removed, we can see that the convertible shares the 4 Series coupe’s great-looking nose and front end, though the resolution of that folding hard top into the rear bodywork remains a bit harsh.

With the 4 Series coupe now completely official, we have a pretty good idea of what the powertrain lineup for the ‘vert will be. We’ll be pretty surprised if a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and a 3.0-liter six-cylinder turbo aren’t the go-to engines at launch. Production of the droptop is likely to begin at the end of the year, so start bugging your local BMW dealer.

2014 BMW 4 Series convertible spotted originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Jun 2013 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Spy Shots: 2014 BMW 4 Series convertible spotted”

Spy Shots: Next Mercedes C-Class sedan shows its face

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

Although our recent spy shots of the next-generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class revealed a mostly uncovered look at the sedan’s profile, these latest images give us our best look yet at its front end. Caught performing some hot-weather tests, this sedan is devoid of any major camouflage obscuring the fascia, grille and headlights, showing off what is clearly an E-Class-inspired face.

With its two-bar grille and massive lower intakes – similar to what we’ve already seen on the 2014 E-Class with Sport Styling Package – we wonder if Mercedes is planning to offer the new C-Class with two distinct visual packages. As a refresher, expect to see the redesigned C-Class sedan make its debut at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show, followed shortly thereafter by wagon, coupe and convertible variants.

Next Mercedes C-Class sedan shows its face originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 23 Jun 2013 15:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Spy Shots: Next Mercedes C-Class sedan shows its face”

Spy Shots: Lexus NX small CUV caught

Filed under: Spy Photos, Hybrid, Crossover, Lexus, Luxury

Lexus NX spy shots

To the untrained eye, these photos might not look like anything more than a Lexus CT 200h undergoing testing, but what we really have here is something pretty significant. According to our spies, this is actually a mule that gives us our first glimpse at the upcoming Lexus NX crossover, a smaller vehicle that will slot below the RX in the automaker’s CUV portfolio – presently only one vehicle.

Look closely, and you’ll note that this mule has a much higher ride height than the normal CT hybrid hatchback. The upgraded wheels with crossover-spec tires are another dead giveaway that something more robust is being tested in this CT’s shell.

Late last year, we learned that Lexus had reportedly trademarked the names “NX 200t” and “NX 300h,” which provided a glimpse into the powertrain offerings for the new CUV. Lexus will finally make use of turbocharged power with this new NX – a 2.0-liter turbo-four fitting of the 200t nomenclature. A hybrid variant will almost certainly be available – the 300h – probably using the same 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motor combination found in the ES 300h. Our spies report that a naturally aspirated, four-cylider version should also be available.

Our earlier reports have suggested that we could see the production NX as early as the 2014 Geneva Motor Show. A concept previewing this CUV may appear at the Tokyo Motor Show, as well.

Lexus NX small CUV caught originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Jun 2013 17:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Spy Shots: Lexus NX small CUV caught”

Spy Shots: Mercedes releases spy shots of its sub-SLS AMG sports car

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

Mercedes has handed out “spy shots” of its sub-SLS AMG sports car prototype, which tells us that this on-again/off-again product is most definitely on again. Looking smaller than the company’s SLS AMG in these first shots of a running prototype, it nevertheless appears to retain the same basic shape as the larger halo car with a long hood and the cabin located far back on the chassis. Despite the similarities in shape, it does not have gullwing doors and appears to have barely enough room for 2+2 seating like the Porsche 911.

Moving into the realm of speculation and hearsay, the sub-SLS should have a good fighting weight thanks to a new all-aluminum spaceframe, and be powered by a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 producing in the neighborhood of 485 horsepower. Of course, being a Merc, we can expect a 500+hp S variant and a bonkers Black Series model with something approaching 600 hp, the latter of which would be spoiling for a fight with the 911 Turbo. As for the car’s name, we’re told internally its codename is C190, but the production model could go by GT, SLC or even revive the SLR moniker.

Mercedes releases spy shots of its sub-SLS AMG sports car originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Jun 2013 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Spy Shots: Mercedes releases spy shots of its sub-SLS AMG sports car”

Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG spied with minor changes

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

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT Roadster spy shots - front three-quarter view

Despite looking fresh and fancy as ever, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is nearly four years old now. Its design was first shown to the world at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, and judging by these spy photos, it looks like a couple of small changes are in order for Merc’s gullwing baby (or not, seeing as how the test car spied this time around happens to the the Roadster). The timing of the update is interesting, seeing as how Mercedes introduced a new GT model that effectively replaced the standard car last June. The SLS AMG GT didn’t receive much in the way of optical attention, however, so perhaps this is just the Three-Pointed-Star keeping things fresh.

The only real camouflage on the test car seen here is found up front, where it looks like the SLS’ fascia has undergone a slight nip/tuck. The grille shape has been modified a tiny bit, and it appears that the lower lip gets the majority of the changes. Our spy shooters tell us that we shouldn’t rule out more changes down the road, possibly to the headlamps and taillamps. Of course, there could be further massaging under the hood or inside the cabin, but it’s unclear if any of that is going on based on these photos.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG spied with minor changes originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Jun 2013 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG spied with minor changes”