spy Archives | Page 16 of 19

Spy Shots: ‘Ring-bound Aston Martin One-77 begs the question – Who is Dirty Shirley?

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

Dirty Shirley Aston Martin One-77

“Dirty Shirley” Aston Martin One-77 spy shots – Click above for high-res image gallery

If you’re thinking, “This car looks familiar,” it’s because we’ve seen it before. The Aston Martin One-77 continues to tease us with its beauty, power and exclusivity, and our spies have caught the bronze test car out on the Nürburgring once again. This time, though, One-77 isn’t its only name.

Whoever Dirty Shirley is, she should be honored to know that her name has been given to Aston’s super-rare One-77. Even so, if this name is just Aston’s way of getting closer to its prototypes, so be it, because honestly, we can’t think of a more appropriate name.

For the sake of drooling, we’ll remind you yet again that only 77 of these darlings will be made, packing a lordly 7.3-liter V12 good for over 700 horsepower. Top speed is somewhere north of 220 miles per hour, and the whole thing retails for a lofty $1.8 million. Stay dirty, Shirley.

Gallery: Dirty Shirley Aston Martin One-77

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: ‘Ring-bound Aston Martin One-77 begs the question – Who is Dirty Shirley? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Sep 2010 20:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2012 Honda Civic prototype holds on to two-tier dash

Filed under: Spy Photos, Budget, Sedan, Honda

2012 Honda Civic spy shots

2012 Honda Civic spy shots – Click above for high-res image gallery

After seeing a handful of spy shots of the next-generation Euro-spec Honda Civic, the North American car is finally starting to show up out roaming the heat-soaked roads of Death Valley. When the new Civic arrives next year, it won’t be that much larger than the current car, and the overall shape looks to have stayed the same, though substantial changes to the front and rear fascias are definitely on deck.

2012 Honda Civic interior spy shot Our spies were able to get a peek inside the Civic’s cabin, showing that the two-tiered dash theme from the current car will likely be carried over to the new Civic. This means we can expect a digital speedometer on the top shelf with an analog tach below, and while we’ve never been big fans of this arrangement, it has its adherents among Civic fans.

We’re not expecting to see the Civic debut until sometime in 2011, possibly at the Detroit or New York auto shows. For now, check out Honda’s latest prototype from all angles in our gallery below.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2012 Honda Civic

[Source: KGP Photography]

Spy Shots: 2012 Honda Civic prototype holds on to two-tier dash originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Sep 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: BMW M5 prototype gets towed off the ‘Ring

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Performance, Europe, BMW, Luxury

BMW M5 towed from Nurburgring

BMW M5 prototype gets towed home – Click above for high-res image gallery

Occasionally, we find ourselves wondering why manufacturers continue to insist on testing their prototype vehicles at the infamous Nürburgring. Yes, the track is 13 miles of some of the most abusive variations in elevation and apex around, but it’s also flooded with legions of hungry spy photographers just waiting to publicize the carmakers’ latest efforts. You’d think they’d come up with a locale with a smidge more privacy.

But the truth is that the Nürburgring offers a unique combination of length, speed and legality that’s difficult to come across elsewhere in the world. Those three factors combine to allow engineers to push vehicles well past what the common buyer will ever experience, and sometimes, that means pushing a vehicle all the way to mechanical failure. We aren’t exactly sure what caused this particular BMW M5 mule to go lame, but we’re guessing that the testing was well worth what was bound to be the mountain of paperwork facing these guys when they get back to the office.

At least the X5 seems to be up to the task of pulling its sportier brother around.

Gallery: BMW M5 Prototype Towed from Nurburgring

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: BMW M5 prototype gets towed off the ‘Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Sep 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Subaru testing its version of FT-86 “Toyobaru” coupe in the Death Valley heat

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Subaru

Subaru FT-86 RWD coupe spy shots

Subaru FT-86 RWD coupe spy shots – Click above for high-res image gallery

We’ve read many reports lately having to do with Toyota’s FT-86 rear-wheel drive sports coupe, but we mustn’t forget that Subaru will be getting its own version of this new two-door – it is a joint venture, after all. Our spies have captured this obviously Subaru-bodied mule out testing in Death Valley, showing that things are still on track for the “Toyobaru” to come to market in the near future.

Details are still very slim on what Subaru’s version of the FT-86 will offer, and contrary to the brand’s image, the new coupe may not be available with all-wheel drive. If that’s the case, Subaru will have to offer a lot more in the way of styling (and perhaps power) to differentiate it from its Toyota sister. This latest prototype has sprouted a hood scoop not seen on earlier test cars, suggesting that a top-mount intercooler could be underhood, though it’s also possible that this is just the result of some WRX/STI parts being used for camouflage purposes.

Toyota is expected to launch its version of the FT-86 in November of 2011, so keep your fingers crossed for Subaru’s version to drop around the same time. For now, see a glimpse of what’s to come in our high-res gallery of spy shots below.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Subaru FT-86 RWD Coupe

[Source: KGP Photography]

Spy Shots: Subaru testing its version of FT-86 “Toyobaru” coupe in the Death Valley heat originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Ford Fiesta-based crossover headed for the UK

Filed under: Spy Photos, Crossover, Ford, UK

Spy Shots: Ford Fiesta-based crossover mule – click above for high-res image gallery

Ford is enjoying early success with the Fiesta here in the United States, but in Europe, where the Fiesta has been on sale for years, it’s time to start thinking about the future. Our friendly neighborhood snappers at CarPix have scored spy shots of what appears to be a high-riding Fiesta-based crossover designed to slot in below the Kuga crossover in the automaker’s European lineup.

A Fiesta crossover might sound a little odd at first take, but when it comes to production, it should be roughly the same size as a Nissan Juke or Mini Countryman. That in mind, don’t rule out the possibility of the Fiesta CUV making its way to the U.S. Expect to see a variety of powertrains offered for European customers including some EcoBoost options, and both front- and all-wheel drive configurations should be available. Check out our gallery of high-res pics before to get a closer look at the forthcoming Blue Oval tall boy.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Ford Fiesta-based crossover

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Ford Fiesta-based crossover headed for the UK originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Last look at 2012 Bentley Continental GT before internet reveal

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Bentley, Luxury

2012 Bentley Continental GT spy shots

2012 Bentley Continental GT spy shots – Click above for high-res image gallery

It’s only a matter of days before Bentley officially debuts the 2012 Continental GT coupe on the internet. We’ve already seen two sets of spy shots and a teaser video, and now our trusty spy photographers have caught the big Conti out testing one last time. So much for keeping us in suspense.

Yes, by now we already have a very good idea of what the final Continental GT will look like, but we’re still curious as to what changes lie under that shapely sheetmetal. What’s more, we’re sure that Bentley has a few tricks up its sleeve for new interior refinement (not that the current Conti has third-world accommodations, or anything).

ContinentalGT.com is the place to be at 10:00 AM EST on Tuesday, September 7 – that’s where we’ll see the official reveal and get full details on the new Conti. For now, scroll through the final set of spy shots, below.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2012 Bentley Continental GT

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Last look at 2012 Bentley Continental GT before internet reveal originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2012 Porsche Boxster wired up outside the ‘Ring

Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertible, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Porsche

2012 Porsche Boxster

2012 Porsche Boxster – Click above for high-res image gallery

As expected, the Spyder is the send-off model for the current generation Porsche Boxster (987), so a new version – rumored to carry the 981 designation – is under development.

Like anything hailing from Stuttgart, any changes to Boxster’s chassis and exterior will be minor, with more shapely sheetmetal adorning the outside and a few minor modifications to the suspension, brakes and assorted underbody bits. Naturally, a few interior tweaks are part of the package, but the big news is the possible addition of a four-cylinder powerplant for the 2012 model year.

While the 2.9- and 3.4-liter flat six-cylinder engines will likely carryover with minor bumps in horsepower and torque, there’s talk of a four-cylinder Boxster being added to Porsche’s line-up just above its oft-rumored entry-level model – a rebirth of the 914 co-developed with Volkswagen and Audi. Additionally, Porsche has confirmed it will begin testing three Boxsters with electric drivetrains next year, but technical details on the EVs have yet to be released.

Initial speculation suggested that the 2012 Boxster could make an appearance at the Paris Motor Show this fall, but the smart money is on a Geneva debut in March.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2012 Porsche Boxster

Spy Shots: 2012 Porsche Boxster wired up outside the ‘Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Aug 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2011 Ram 1500 Hybrid uncloaked

Filed under: Spy Photos, Hybrid, Truck, Dodge

2011 Ram 1500 Hybrid captured by Rich Truesdell of Automotive Traveler

While recently shooting some cloaked Chrysler and Hyundai prototypes, Automotive Traveler‘s Rich Truesdell came across several completely undisguised Ram 1500 pickups the other day. As Rich tells it:

Upon closer examination, I figured out why: They are near-production-ready versions of the rumored 2-Mode Hybrid version. Judging by the complete lack of cloaking, I’d assume they are undergoing final validation, possibly to establish their published tow ratings. Don’t be surprised if the Ram is an early-introduction 2012 model to reach showrooms in the spring.

We’ve talked about these hybrid pickups before, and if a schedule posted at Allpar is to be believed, Chrysler will kick off production of this new Ram 1500 Hybrid on November 16, so they may be badged as MY2011 Ram 1500 Hemi Hybrids and not MY2012 as Rich supposes. Either way, the hybrid Ram is expected to employ the same 5.7-liter Hemi V8, two-mode hybrid powertrain that was used in the short-lived Dodge Durango/Chrysler Aspen hybrids in 2008, backed by a transmission supplied to Chrysler by General Motors. Expected mileage ratings should be similar to GM’s hybrid trucks, with a city number of about 21 to 22 mpg.

Check out Automotive Traveler for more photos of the 2011 Ram 1500 Hemi Hybrid.

[Source: Automotive Traveler]

Spy Shots: 2011 Ram 1500 Hybrid uncloaked originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 28 Aug 2010 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2012 Hyundai Sonata (i40) wagon caught testing again

Filed under: Spy Photos, Wagon, Hyundai

Hyundai Sonata i40 wagon spy shots

2012 Hyundai Sonata (i40) wagon spy shots – Click above for high-res image gallery

It’s no secret that we Autobloggers are big fans of wagons. Unfortunately, the market here in the United States isn’t as wagon-friendly as those in other corners of the world, and because of this, there are very few examples to choose from – most automakers would rather introduce crossovers, as it’s a significantly bigger (and growing) market.

With that in mind, it’s unlikely that we’ll get a version of this five-door Hyundai Sonata (which will be dubbed “i40” in other markets), though the automaker hasn’t officially given America the red light just yet. Aside from the cargolicious rear end, the Sonata wagon caught by the spy shooters at CarPix employs a different chrome treatment at the base of the A-pillar, and we can see that a slightly different front fascia has been adapted. In keeping with the Sonata’s sleek design, Hyundai has opted for a more rakish hatch assembly.

While you wait for Hyundai to take the wraps off this load lugger, scroll through the gallery below to see the prototype out on the street.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2012 Hyundai Sonata Wagon (i40)

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: 2012 Hyundai Sonata (i40) wagon caught testing again originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Aug 2010 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Hyundai HED-5 making the rounds

Filed under: Concept Cars, Spy Photos, Minivan/Van, Wagon, Crossover, Hyundai, Design/Style

Hyundai HED-5 prototype captured by Rich Truesdell of Automotive Traveler

Our buddy Rich Truesdell over at Automotive Traveler was out at one of his favorite spy shot locales and came across some Hyundai prototypes under wraps. Among them was a hatchback that Rich initially figured was the new Accent. It turns out it’s more likely the production version of the Hyundai HED-5 undergoing testing.

The Elantra-based competitor for the Mazda5 and the forthcoming Ford Grand C-Max – was first shown as a concept at the Geneva Motor Show back in 2008, and then again in Los Angeles where Hyundai quickly confirmed it for production. Things got a bit quiet after that until February of this year when an alert reader sent us pics of a cloaked version of the production microvan undergoing testing in Scandinavia.

The three-row space wagon shows signs that it will be blessed with Hyundai’s new Fluidic Sculpture styling, a design language that we are finding very appealing, despite the kooky name. We’re not sure what’s under the hood, but Hyundai did mention its new 286-hp, 2.0-liter Theta Turbo GDI engine as a possibility when the concept was on the stand in Los Angeles back in ’08. That would certainly shake things up in this increasingly popular class, but such a powerful motor doesn’t seem likely. However, were it to recceive the force-fed motor, who knows? It could singlehandedly force a business case for a Mazdaspeed5 as well. Hmmm.

Click on over to Automotive Traveler for more pics of the cloaked Hyundai HED-5.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Hyundai HED-5