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Spy Shots: 2012 BMW 6 Series Coupe caught without camouflage

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, BMW

2012 BMW 6 Series Coupe

2012 BMW 6 Series Coupe spy shots – Click above for high-res image gallery

It’s not a common practice for an automaker to debut a convertible before its coupe counterpart, but that’s exactly what BMW has done with its next-generation 6 Series. The droptop made its debut at the Detroit Auto Show earlier this month, and while the hardtop Sixer will be rolled out within the coming months, our spies have just captured the swoopy new coupe out in public completely undisguised.

We’re hardly surprised by the design of the new 6 Series Coupe – a fixed-roof version of the attractive new cabriolet that takes inspiration from the Concept 6 Series Coupe that debuted at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. Obviously, some of the concept’s finer points (the large wheels, the large lower air intakes) have been softened for the production car, and what we’re left with is a pretty sleek evolution of the big coupe’s design.

We fully expect powertrains to be carried over unchanged from the convertible, meaning a twin-turbocharged V8 packing 400 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque will be in store for the 650i coupe, mated to a choice of six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmissions. We haven’t been given the official word on when the Big Six will officially debut, but we’d be shocked if the new coupe didn’t turn up at the Geneva show in March.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2012 BMW 6 Series Coupe

2012 BMW 6 Series Coupe spy shots

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: 2012 BMW 6 Series Coupe caught without camouflage originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Jan 2011 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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China denies involvement in Renault EV spy case; over $841k found in secret bank accounts?

Renault’s zero-emissions lineup

The industrial espionage case involving three top Renault execs and electric vehicle secrets (and maybe China) continues, as the French carmaker has officially filed an accusation against a foreign private company. The company involved was not made public, but the filing does not cite a foreign power, according to Jean-Claude Marin, a Paris prosecutor, in Reuters. In fact, the French government began stepping away from rumors that China is involved with this industrial espionage case. Even still, a member of the conservative UMP party told France-Info radio that, “There are in effect several sources that are typically thought to be serious who consider that a Chinese buyer is in fact behind this operation.” That buyer might be a Chinese power company, which French newspaper Le Figaro reported laundered at least 630,000 Euros (around $841,800 U.S.) into bank accounts in Switzerland and Liechtenstein opened by the executives. For its part, China has denied any involvement.

Prosecutor Marin must now make a decision to either oversee his own investigation or to open a judicial inquiry that will go before an independent magistrate. The French intelligence service, Direction Centrale du Renseignement Intérieur (DCRI), has also been looking into the case.

We still don’t know the details of what was allegedly stolen, but Renault Chief Operating Officer Patrick Pelata tells Reuters that the company’s key technology for electric vehicles is still safe. Nissan executive Carlos Tavares said he “completely trusts” Renault in handling the matter. The Renault-Nissan alliance has invested 4 billion euros ($5.17 billion) in electric vehicles.

The three senior Renault executives who have been suspended are denying their guilt. A lawyer for the highest-ranking of the three defendants notes, “He’s shocked by it, let’s be clear about it… He’s going to clear his name.” Another described his suspension as Kafkaesque, and that the men are reportedly still trying to figure out what they are being accused of. So are we.

[Sources: Reuters, Independent, Economic Times, The Wall Street Journal, Plug In Cars]

China denies involvement in Renault EV spy case; over $841k found in secret bank accounts? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Jan 2011 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Baby Maserati Quattroporte mule snapped hiding in plain sight

Maserati ‘Baby Quattroporte’ spy shots – Click above for high-res image gallery

If you’ve been listening to the whispers about a new smaller version of the Maserati Quattroporte and wondering exactly what the machine will look like when it debuts, you can quit your pondering. Sort of. Our task force of stealthy spy photographers have managed to lay their lenses on a mule version of the new baby Quattroporte. This particular evaluation car sports a shorter wheelbase and smaller brakes than its bigger brother, and a single exhaust outlet hints to a slightly lower level of performance. Though this tester seems to have raided the parts bin of the larger Quattroporte for some ill-fitting glass, we’re told that the production version of the car will look significantly different.

Maserati has been itching to tango with the likes of the Mercedes-Benz AMG E-Class, Jaguar XFR and BMW M5, and this machine could be the beast that allows the company to do just that. As of right now, there’s no indication as to exactly what will lurk underhood when it debuts in 2012, though with a mule running around, we’re guessing it won’t be too long before we hear more about the smaller Quattroporte’s drivetrain.

Gallery: Maserati Quattroporte Spy Shots

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Baby Maserati Quattroporte mule snapped hiding in plain sight originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Jan 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Jaguar XK facelift spotted

Jaguar XK spy shots – Click above for high-res image gallery

Our elusive spy photographers have captured the first glimpse of the facelifted Jaguar XK coupe out testing near the automaker’s development center in Coventry. This doesn’t appear to be a major overhaul, with the exterior only changing minimally, including a new front fascia with revised headlamps, larger side sills and a very slightly touched-up rear fascia, including a small wing on this prototype. (We don’t expect that to be commonplace on all XKs, as it’s not exactly the most attractive element on the coupe.)

This may not be an all-new version of the XK, but our spies suggest that some changes might be on tap for what’s underhood, mostly in an effort to keep the coupe fresh for a few more years. We don’t take issue with the current range of naturally aspirated or supercharged 5.0-liter direct-injected V8 engines – both engines are relatively new, after all – but some dynamic tweaks would indeed keep the XK at the front of our minds for years to come.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Jaguar XK

Jaguar XK spy shots

[Source: KGP Photography]

Spy Shots: Jaguar XK facelift spotted originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Jan 2011 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Ferrari 612 Scaglietti replacement caught out on the prowl

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Ferrari

Ferrari 612 Scaglietti

Ferrari 612 Scaglietti spy shots – Click above for high-res image gallery

Don’t be fooled by that big ol’ bulge out back – the successor to the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti is destined to be a swoopy, sexy coupe when it launches sometime next year. Our spies indicate that the hunchback shape is all for show and that it’s part of an elaborate camouflage suit designed to completely mask the sloping rear roofline. Your dreams of a Ferrari-badged shooting brake have indeed been dashed. Still, the new 612 coupe will surely be an eye-catcher, what with its 458 Italia-inspired front fascia, long, raked hood and short rear deck.

The 612 replacement will likely use an advanced all-wheel-drive system and power will come from a 6.3-liter V12 churning out roughly 670 horsepower, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The rumors surrounding this combination suggest a 3.7-second 0-60 time and a top speed somewhere around 210 miles per hour. We’re planning to see the finished 612 at the Geneva Motor Show this March, so stay tuned for the full hotness.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Ferrari 612 Scaglietti

Ferrari 612 Scaglietti spy shots

[Source: Brenda Priddy & Company]

Spy Shots: Ferrari 612 Scaglietti replacement caught out on the prowl originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Jan 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Is there a high-riding Chevrolet Sonic in our future?

Filed under: Spy Photos, Crossover, Chevrolet

Chevrolet Sonic CUV spy shots – Click above for high-res image gallery

Not long ago, our spies captured a lifted Ford Fiesta prototype, suggesting that a B-segment crossover might be in the works for Ford. If that’s the case, it looks like the Fiesta CUV will have competition when it hits the streets, as we’ve received this set of spy shots showing a high-riding version of the Chevrolet ~~Aveo~~ Sonic.

Is the Sonic CUV bound for North American soil? Hard to say, but we won’t be crossing our fingers for this one to arrive on our shores. Expect to see the Sonic-based crossover sometime in 2012, with both front- and all-wheel drive versions available, with power supplied by a range of gasoline and diesel engines.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Chevrolet Sonic CUV

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Is there a high-riding Chevrolet Sonic in our future? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Jan 2011 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2012 Chrysler 200 Convertible playing in the snow

Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertible, Chrysler

Spy Shot of the 2012 Chrysler 200 Convertible

Spied: 2012 Chrysler 200 Convertible – Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2012 Chrysler 200 Convertible is set to debut at the 2011 New York Auto show later this year. Thanks to the lens work of one particularly wily spy photographer, we get a clear look at the drop-top ahead of schedule. This two-door, soft-top example was caught running around with a surprising lack of camo-cladding.

Though we see a soft-top here, we can’t rule out the inclusion of a retracting hardtop since the outgoing Sebring employed a variety of disappearing roofs over its lifetime. See for yourself in our high-res image gallery below.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2012 Chrysler 200 Convertible

Spy Shots: 2012 Chrysler 200 Convertible

[Source: Chris Doane/Brenda Priddy & Company]

Spy Shots: 2012 Chrysler 200 Convertible playing in the snow originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 17:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Ferrari 612 successor prototype makes the rounds

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Ferrari, Luxury

Ferrari 612 successor spy shots

Ferrari 612 successor spy shots – Click above for high-res image gallery

Our army of camera-wielding spy shot masters have managed to snag a few tasty photos of what appears to be the most advanced test mule of the expected Ferrari 612 Scaglietti successor that we’ve seen to date. As you may recall, rumors have cropped up that Ferrari is hard at work on a new shooting brake interpretation of the 612, and given the cladding slathered all over this particular vehicle, it would be easy to believe that the Prancing Horse pictured above is that very creation. Still, we have reason to believe that additional camouflage on this mule is covering up something a little more conventional – a 2+2 coupe bodystyle, though a rakish two-box shape may also be in the cards down the road.

A longer wheelbase is expected to help facilitate a little extra leg room, or possibly the components of a new Ferrari all-wheel drive system. There’s also some thinking that points to the next 612 as packing a KERS-type system to help boost fuel economy and power off of the line. Either way, we’ll find out more as we get closer to the Geneva Motor Show in March, where the 612 successor is expected to make its debut.

Gallery: Ferrari 612 Spy Shots

[Source: Shawn and Shonna Speer for CarPix]

Spy Shots: Ferrari 612 successor prototype makes the rounds originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Are you the 2012 Buick LaCrosse GS?

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Performance, Buick, GM, Rumormill

2012 Buick LaCrosse GS Spy Shots

Spied: 2012 Buick LaCrosse GS – Click above for high-res image gallery

Wherever cars are produced or tested, there will be spy photographers waiting to snap photos. Michigan is a hotbed of such activity, and one shooter’s lens has just caught a white Buick LaCrosse being driven to a local fast food joint for lunch. Spying a LaCrosse wearing Michigan manufacturer plates is nothing special, but a quick glance of the wheels and brakes reveal this to be one special sled. You’re looking at what we’re hoping is a 2012 Buick LaCrosse GS.

While we don’t know what’s under the hood, we can clearly see this Buick is wearing the 20-inch rollers pulled from an Opel Insignia OPC. According to the photographer, the wheels are wrapped with Bridgestone Potenza summer tires size 245/40R20. Behind the wheels sit larger front rotors and calipers. We can only hope that an equally exciting engine is nestled within this LaCrosse’s flanks.

Gallery: 2012 Buick LaCrosse GS Spy Shots

2012 Buick LaCrosse GS Spy Shots

[Images: Chris Doane/Brenda Priddy & Company]

Spy Shots: Are you the 2012 Buick LaCrosse GS? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Jan 2011 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2012 Chevrolet Malibu draws closer

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Chevrolet, GM

2012 Chevrolet Malibu spy shot

2012 Chevrolet Malibu spy shots – Click above for high-res image gallery

It’s been a while since we’ve heard about the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. In its current form, the aging ‘Bu is a competent aging dog in need of some new tricks, but General Motors is hoping to put its mid-sizer back at the top of the segment with the all-new model. Early predictions lead us to believe that the 2012 Malibu would show its face at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show in January, but we’re now thinking that a New York debut is in order.

For 2012, the Malibu will be shortened, riding on the smaller Epsilon II platform that underpins the Buick Regal. Sources who have seen the finished product tell us that while the exterior dimensions have shrunk, there’s no shortage of space inside the car, and we expect the interior to be a giant leap forward from the cabin found in the current model.

Earlier reports have suggested that the 2012 Malibu will only be offered with four-cylinder powertrains (like the Regal), meaning GM’s 2.4-liter direct-injected inline-four is a safe bet for the base engine, and the more powerful 2.0-liter Ecotec turbo-four will likely replace the V6 option. A hybrid powerplant is also understood to be in the works. All engines will come with six-speed transmissions, and we’ve even heard rumblings about optional all-wheel drive for the Malibu. Currently, only the Ford Fusion and Subaru Legacy mid-size sedans are available with all-wheel drive.

Production of the new Malibu is slated to begin in the fourth quarter of 2011, though rumors have been circulating about an even earlier start date. Initial production will begin in China and Korea several months before the North American-spec version, as GM is prepping its Fairfax and Detroit Hamtramck plants for 2012 Malibu duty. While you’re waiting, check out the latest set of high-res spy shots in our gallery.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2012 Chevrolet Malibu

Spy Shots: 2012 Chevrolet Malibu

[Source: Brenda Priddy & Company]

Spy Shots: 2012 Chevrolet Malibu draws closer originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Dec 2010 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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