Spy Shots: BMW M4 spied in coupe and convertible form

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

BMW M4 coupe spy shots

BMW M4 Convertible spy shotsFrom the sound of it, we’ll have to wait until the Detroit Auto Show to see the production version of the BMW M4, but spy shots show the new hi-po BMW testing recently in both coupe and convertible form. Showing a lot more skin than recent spy shots, these M4 prototypes look very similar to the M4 Concept we saw at Pebble Beach.

Carryovers from the concept car include the funky mirrors, bulging hood and the slotted front fascia vents, but the rear fascia seems to be missing the added flair of the concept and, as expected, the carbon fiber front splitter and exhaust tips are also missing from these M4s. Like the current M3 Convertible, the drop-top version of the M4 will utilize a retractable hard top.

BMW M4 spied in coupe and convertible form originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Aug 2013 18:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Next Kia Sedona minivan spied

Filed under: Spy Photos, Minivan/Van, Kia, Design/Style

After skipping the 2013 model year and returning for 2014, the Kia Sedona is getting a full redesign for 2015, which we see for the first time in these new spy shots. The new Sedona isn’t going to look as much like the 2011 KV7 Concept as we had hoped, but we definitely see some key styling cues from the Kia concept minivan.

Even though it’s covered in heavy camouflage, we can see that some of the KV7’s cues on the 2015 Sedona include the vertical front marker lights, the horizontal taillights and the pinched beltline starting at the C-pillar. Kia’s trademark Tiger Nose grille is present and accounted for, as is the telltale dip in the windshield.

All in all, the next-gen Sedona already looks to be a significant improvement over the current, generally boring model, which dates back to 2006 and has a striking resemblance to the Ford Freestar. There is no word yet as to what will power the 2015 Sedona, but our spy shooter said that this prototype was most likely powered by a 2.2-liter diesel.

Next Kia Sedona minivan spied originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Jul 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Mercedes S600 Pullman spied, could get three-row seating

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

Mercedes S600 Pullman prototype - camouflaged

With the death of its Maybach brand, Daimler will be filling its ultra-luxury sedan portfolio with a version of the redesigned Mercedes-Benz S-Class called the S600 Pullman. While it’s not totally clear if the car shown here is the new Pullman, we can easily see from these spy shots that this is not your run-of-the-mill stretch job.

Comparing this car to our firsthand shots of the 2014 S-Class, the extended wheelbase is instantly obvious, but looking closer, we also see that the rear doors, quarter panel and C-pillars are also unique to this vehicle. Oddly, those bits are also far different from the most recent stretched S-Class spy shots we’ve seen (although they could have just been an early engineering mule for this car). Whatever model is shown in these spy shots might not even be the king of the S-Class range, though, as there is also word of a three-row, six-passenger Pullman model in the works.

Mercedes S600 Pullman spied, could get three-row seating originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Jul 2013 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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.

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Video: 2015 Ford Mustang spied on video for the first time

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Videos, Ford

2015 Ford Mustang prototype caught testing while disguised - video screencap

Not many cars will continue to hold our rapt attention quite like the upcoming redesigned 2015 Ford Mustang, codenamed S550 internally. Earlier this month, we brought you the first spy photos of a next-gen Mustang prototype out testing, and even though expertly placed cladding concealed the pony car’s new shape, we could tell that underneath was hiding an altogether new form inspired by the Evos Concept from 2011.

Today we give you some video of what looks to be the same Mustang prototype, which you can watch below, and while the budding director behind the camera wasn’t able to capture much in the way of the engine’s audio signature, we can see the car in motion for the first time and compare its relative size and shape to the S197 Mustang GT that’s on its tail.

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2015 Ford Mustang spied on video for the first time originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Jun 2013 16:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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.

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De Tomaso’s new Pantera spied leaving Modena factory

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Videos, MISC

De Tomaso Pantera

De Tomaso Pantera prototype – Click above to watch the video after the jump

There are some things in this world that, no matter how many there are, we can never get quite enough. Like sleep. Or Victoria’s Secret lingerie models. (Or ideally, a combination of the two.) And of course, mid-engined Italian supercars.

The next expected to join the fold is De Tomaso. The long-dormant marque has been revived by former Fiat executive Gian Mario Rossignolo, but as for its first debut – the Deauville crossover – let’s just say it’s not what we were looking forward to most. No, that role will be filled by the revival of De Tomaso’s most iconic model: the Pantera.

The new supercar is expected to debut in the fall at the Los Angeles Auto Show, which means development must be well under way by now. Exhibit A: the video after the jump, which shows a barely-disguised prototype rolling out of De Tomaso’s headquarters in Modena, Italy. It looks the part and certainly sounds it, as well. But don’t take our word for it – follow the jump to watch the short spy clip for yourself.

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De Tomaso’s new Pantera spied leaving Modena factory originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 May 2011 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Audi S4 facelift spied on the ‘Ring

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Spy Photos, Performance, Wagon, Audi

Audi S4 Avant spy shots

Audi S4 Avant spy shots – Click above for high-res image gallery

The piping-hot Audi RS4 may not be destined for consumption here in the United States, but its little brother, the S4, will continue to live on in America. Our spy photographers recently spotted this S4 prototype – in delicious Avant flavor – testing on the Nürburgring, showing off a newly facelifted front end.

Much like the A6 and A7, the revised S4 will wear Audi’s reshaped grille with slanted upper corners – a design element that will also trickle down to the base A4 and the A5. Additionally, it appears that the front bumper has been tweaked, with larger lower air intakes that are reminiscent of what we see on the smaller TTS. Our spies also suggest that the S4’s taillamps will receive a once-over, looking more akin to what’s currently used on the A6/A7.

Mum’s the word on powertrain upgrades, but we expect that Audi has a few tricks up its sleeve to keep the S4’s performance prowess in check. Some minor tweaks to the car’s cabin will likely be in store, as well. Look for the facelifted S4 to debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September.

Gallery: Audi S4 Avant: Spy Shots

Audi S4 Avant: Spy ShotsAudi S4 Avant: Spy ShotsAudi S4 Avant: Spy ShotsAudi S4 Avant: Spy ShotsAudi S4 Avant: Spy Shots

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Audi S4 facelift spied on the ‘Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Apr 2011 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: 2012 Porsche 911 spied cold-weather testing

Filed under: Concept Cars, Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Videos, Porsche

2012 Porsche 911

2012 Porsche 911 – Click above to watch video after the jump

The upcoming 2012 Porsche 911 has been caught cold-weather testing in preparation for the production car’s debut at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show. The big news with the 2012 911 is its slight increase in size, with the aim of aligning it more with its GT and supercar competitors.

The 998 Porsche 911 will be 2.2 inches longer than the current car, with the 998’s track a hair wider than the 997’s. Out back, there’s a 3.4 liter version of Porsche’s venerable flat-six, pushing out around 345 horsepower in standard form. That should mean a 0-60 sprint of 4.8 seconds, and a 180-mile-per-hour top end.

Click past the jump to see video of the 2012 Porsche 911 in cold-weather action.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Porsche 911 Coupe and Cabriolet

Porsche 911 Spy ShotsPorsche 911 Spy ShotsPorsche 911 Spy ShotsPorsche 911 Spy ShotsPorsche 911 Spy Shots

[Source: YouTube via WorldCarFans]

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Video: 2012 Porsche 911 spied cold-weather testing originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Mar 2011 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kia K9 sedan spied, upscale cues include Maserati-style side vents

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Kia, Luxury, South Korea

Kia K9 – Click above for image gallery

Remember the proposed Kia K9 luxury sedan? Apparently, it’s a reality, as spy shots of the Kia flagship have hit a web forum in Korea. As you can see, the K9’s camouflage (which sneakily includes Hyundai Genesis wheels) doesn’t obscure a set of Maserati Quattroporte-style fender ports. Just how upmarket is Kia shooting with this? Well, according to the tipster who sent them to us, the K9 is expected to slot into the market space between the Hyundai Genesis and Equus sedans.

If those two are anything to go on, Kia might be on to something. From these photos, it looks like the K9 will not only sport Quttroporte-referencing vents along its fenders, but long, angular headlights and a protruding grille, leaving impressions of the BMW 5 Series and Jaguar XJ – lofty benchmarks, indeed. Thanks for the tip, K7!

Gallery: Kia K9 out and about

Kia K9 front disguisedKia K9 read disguisedKia K9 mirrorKia K9 wheelKia K9 headlight

[Source: Bobaedream.co.kr]

Kia K9 sedan spied, upscale cues include Maserati-style side vents originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 27 Feb 2011 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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