Tag: spy

Spy Shots: Volkswagen Up! caught in Death Valley

Filed under: Spy Photos, Hatchback, Volkswagen

volkswagen up! spy shots

Volkswagen Up! spy shots – Click above for high-res image gallery

Even though Volkswagen won’t be offering a gasoline-powered version of its exclamatory little Up! city car here in the United States, we’re still slated to get its E-Up! electric counterpart. Earlier reports stated that a larger version of the E-Up! could come Stateside as early as 2013, and we now have spy shots of a pair of Up! prototypes out testing in the Death Valley heat.

Our keen-eyed spy photographers pointed out that while these two prototypes appear to be very similar, the one with its grille closed off could actually be the all-electric E-Up! model. Thus, we’ll be keeping our eyes peeled for more spy shots of the VW prototypes as they go through their hot weather testing. For now, have a look at these initial spy shots for yourself in our high-res gallery below.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Volkswagen Up!

[Source: KGP Photography]

Spy Shots: Volkswagen Up! caught in Death Valley originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Reader Spy: 2011 Dodge Charger revealed on set of The Fast and the Furious Five

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Chrysler, Dodge, Police/Emergency

2011 Dodge Charger rear spy shot
Reader Spy: 2011 Dodge Charger on the set of ‘The Fast and the Furious Five’ – Click above for high-res image gallery

Thanks to Autoblog reader Jose Rosario, we can now put the speculation to rest – the 2011 Dodge Charger will indeed receive a new full-width taillamp treatment that echoes that of its two-door Challenger kin. Rosario informs us that these spy shots were taken in Puerto Rico on the set of The Fast and the Furious Five, the latest installment of the durable Vin Diesel street racing franchise.

According to Rosario, the filming appears to be using at least one prototype of the new Charger, “because it has the sides of the current model but has the new front and they added the new rear which light up all in LED lights.” The film crew is also using more complete 2011 models, all of which are dressed up as police cars. The cars were used in a chase scene in which two current-model in a matte black finish pull a bank vault along the street, pursued by the Brazilian police cars (Even though the filming is taking place in Puerto Rico, the movie is set in Brazil). Rosario sadly reports that the last scene filmed the day these images were taken were of a current model Charger rear-ending a 2011 model.

Rosario managed to not only get shots of the new taillamps and well-integrated dual exhausts, but also some shots of the front end, which he says looks “more aggressive,” including more snout-like grille, new hood, subtly but completely redone headlamps and a revised lower fascia.

As if that weren’t enough, our man in PR also scored a shot of the 2011 model’s interior, which reveals a much more cohesive look. A new three-spoke steering wheel with redundant audio controls beckons, as does what appears to be a start button. The gauge binnacle eschews the four nacelles of the current car for a more unified cluster that’s marked out by a liberal helping of silvery trim and vertically oriented air vents bookend a new infotainment screen. Immediately below the screen, the Charger maintains its simple three-knob HVAC controls (albeit redone), and a step down from there is the CD slot. In the center console, a gated PRNDL surrounded by what looks like faux carbon-fiber trim. All-in-all, it looks like a massive improvement over the dour and workmanlike instrument panel of the outgoing Dodge.

What do you think – will the reborn Dodge Charger and its Chrysler 300 twin offer enough changes to rekindle your interest? Check out our images in the high-res gallery below, and then drop your fellow reader a line in Comments. Thanks for the pics, Rosario!

Gallery: Reader Spy: 2011 Dodge Charger

Reader Spy: 2011 Dodge Charger revealed on set of The Fast and the Furious Five originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 21 Aug 2010 22:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Next-gen Mercedes SL63 AMG beefs up

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

Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG spy shot

Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG spy shots – Click above for high-res image gallery

Well, take a look-see at what our intrepid band of spy photographers have just netted. Apparently, the go-fast gurus at AMG have been hard at work on a bevy of new Mercedes-Benz goodies, including the car you see above. Underneath all of that cladding lurks the next-generation SL63 AMG. Even with all of the plastic obscuring its bodywork, it’s clear that the engineers intend for the folding hardtop convertible to have some healthy air intakes in the front fascia. Why? We’re guessing it has something to do with the manhole-cover sized front brakes on this mule. Take a close look at the front stoppers and you’ll see six-pot calipers squeezing on cross-drilled rotors.

That’s probably a good thing considering that from what we understand, the SL63 AMG is slated to pack 571 galloping horsepower from a twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8. Something tells us we’re going to need those galactic brakes to bring this thing to a stop. Word has it that an AMG Speedshift seven-speed gearbox will provide shifting duties, too. Sounds like a tasty piece of heavyweight German engineering to us.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG Spy Photos

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Next-gen Mercedes SL63 AMG beefs up originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Aug 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz CLS getting the inevitable AMG treatment

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

Mercedes-Benz CLS AMG spy shots

2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS AMG spy shots – Click above for high-res image gallery

Surprise, surprise – Mercedes-Benz is working on an AMG version of its next-generation CLS-Class coupe sedan. Our spies recently caught this prototype out and about, and underneath all of that cladding is what we imagine to be an immensely attractive, steroid-enhanced version of the new CLS body. We’ll take one in black, please.

Shapely lines aside, the most important part of any AMG car is what’s under the hood, and the CLS AMG will doubtlessly pack wallop. Expect Benz’s new 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 to be under the bonnet, as this will rapidly become standard spec for Benz’s V8-powered AMG cars. We’ve already read about this mill in the new S63 and CL63, so expect the CLS to bring around 540 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque to the table, though we assume that an upgraded performance package will be available, increasing these output numbers.

We’re on the edge of our Recaros for this one, folks. But until the final tweaks have been made, we’ll have to settle for these spy shots. See for yourself in the high-res gallery below.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS AMG

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz CLS getting the inevitable AMG treatment originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Audi S1 prototype has that ‘forbidden fruit’ thing going on

Filed under: Spy Photos, Europe, Hatchback, Audi

2011 Audi S1 prototype spy shot

Audi S1 spy shots – Click above for high-res image gallery

If you’re mad about the fact that Audi won’t be bringing its new A1 to the United States, you’ll want to look away – our spies have captured the hotter S1 version of Audi’s pint-sized hatch. This prototype may only look like an A1 in S-Line trim, but our spies point out that the larger tailpipes and heartier exhaust note are a dead giveaway of this car’s heightened sporting intentions.

A five-door A1 is reportedly in the works, but the S1 will likely only be available in the three-door body style. Power is expected to come from a turbocharged, 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine which will be tuned to crank out around 180 horsepower, and Audi’s seven-speed S-tronic gearbox will send that power to the front two wheels. That’s right, folks – no Quattro versions of the A1 (or S1) are planned, so front-wheel drive it is.

This shiny red prototype looks to be nearing the final stages of development, which means we could see the production car as early as this year’s Paris Motor Show. The S1 will certainly be a hot little number, and you can see the high-res spy shots for yourself in the gallery below.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Audi S1 Prototype

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Audi S1 prototype has that ‘forbidden fruit’ thing going on originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Reader Spy: Are you the next Dodge Charger SRT8?

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Performance, Dodge

2011 Dodge Charger prototype

2011/2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 prototype – click above for high-res image gallery

It’s no secret that Chrysler is unleashing redesigned versions of the 300 and Dodge Charger sedans this Fall and we’ve seen numerous images of them prowling the streets of suburban Detroit in recent months. Now another of Autoblog’s eagle-eyed readers, Marty M., has dropped us a note to let us know that he had captured what appears to be the new SRT8 version of the Charger.

We’re assuming this is the high-output Charger based on the size of the wheels and rear deck appendage, along with the depth of the front air dam. The freshly contoured flanks are visible under the camo, but we can’t quite tell if there is a new piece of glass at the trailing edge of the rear doors. The new SRT8 engine is expected to grow from the current 6.1-liters to 6.4-liters with at least 450 horsepower, and shooter Marty tells us it sounds very much how a big V8 ought to. It isn’t known if the high-performance SRT version of the next Charger will debut alongside its lesser linemates for model year 2011, or if it will hang out until it can earn a 2012 designation. Either way, it’s time to get excited.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2011/2012 Dodge Charger SRT8

Reader Spy: Are you the next Dodge Charger SRT8? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Aug 2010 11:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Lotus Evora S looks great in red

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Paris Motor Show, Lotus

Lotus Evora S – Click above for high-res image gallery

The Paris Motor Show in just over a month is shaping up to the be one of the biggest shows for Lotus in many decades. While the highlight is expected to be a new supercar successor to the departed Esprit, it apparently won’t be alone. At least two additional occupants of the Lotus stand have been accidentally confirmed, including an Evora Automatic and a hotted-up Evora S.

This second iteration of the newest Lotus is expected to receive a supercharger bolted to its 3.5-liter Toyota V6 boosting it up to 350 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. The brakes and thermal requirements of the base Evora have reportedly been sized for more powerful models so they won’t need upgrading for the S.

A prototype of what’s believed to be the Evora S was caught outside the Nürburgring this week preparing for its public debut. The only notable visual difference for the S appears to be a more prominent rear diffuser. Check out the little red devil by taking a closer look at our high-res gallery below.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Lotus Evora S

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Lotus Evora S looks great in red originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2012 Range Rover Evoque hits the ‘Ring in five-door trim

Filed under: Spy Photos, Paris Motor Show, Crossover, Land Rover

2012 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque spy shots – Click above for high-res image gallery

Land Rover may be sending specially wrapped versions of its early LRX Range Rover Evoque prototypes to different cities around the world, but when it comes to the serious development testing, the standard swirly yellow camouflage will do. Here, our spies have caught the five-door version of the Evoque making its first foray onto the Nürburgring, giving us hope that there might be a sporting bone or two in the Evoque’s skeleton.

Details on the new Evoque are still pretty slim as of this writing, but we fully expect the usual raft of details to be released closer to the crossover’s public debut at the Paris Motor Show. As of right this writing, we know that both front- and all-wheel drive versions will be available and that a hybrid powertrain is planned. For now, scroll through our high-res gallery of spy shots below.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2012 Range Rover Evoque

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: 2012 Range Rover Evoque hits the ‘Ring in five-door trim originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: More evidence of 400-hp Taurus SHO?

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Performance, Ford

2012 Ford Taurus SHOWhen we reported last month that Ford may push the Taurus SHO up to 400 horsepower, it caused quite a stir in the comments. Speaking at the annual SHO Convention held this year in Dearborn, Steve Ling, Ford’s North American car marketing manager told us, “365 horsepower is good. 400 is better.” Words are one thing, but new spy shots from ace photog Brenda Priddy and her gang confirm that Ford is definitely planning something for the 2012 Taurus SHO.

This Limited-badged Taurus caught hot weather testing in the South West is pretty easy to spot as a SHO. The SHO-specific wheels are the dead giveaway, but out back we also see the SHO’s two large tailpipes poking out of a modified rear valence. What’s particularly interesting is the car’s front end, which is heavily wrapped, most likely to obscure design changes to the 2012 SHO’s front end that will further separate its look from standard Taurus models.

While we there’s no evidence in these spy shots confirming that Ford is pushing the car’s 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 up to 400 horsepower, the fact this car was caught hot weather testing could indicate that engineers are there to see how a more powerful version of this engine acts when the mercury skyrockets. That said, they could also just be testing how any changes to the front end design affect engine cooling for the current engine.

We’re also hoping they’re testing new brakes for the SHO, because the current car’s stoppers have enough trouble hauling down this heavy sleeper sedan without another 35 hp making matters worse.

[Source: SEMA.org]

Spy Shots: More evidence of 400-hp Taurus SHO? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Aug 2010 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Tiguan-based Audi Q3 peeped through a window

Filed under: Spy Photos, Crossover, Audi

Audi Q3 spy shots – Click above for high-res image gallery

Our Peeping Tom spy photographers normally catch prototypes while they’re out and about on the street, but sometimes they catch a peek inside automakers’ development studios from the street, snagging shots of test mules before their tires even touch the ground. This is one such case, and though these photos aren’t clear as day, it’s no secret that Audi’s new Q3 crossover, based on the Volkswagen Tiguan, is what’s being prepped behind closed doors (but not behind closed blinds).

We’ve known that Audi would be creating a CUV smaller than the Q5 for quite some time now, and while the baby soft-roader relies heavily on Tiguan underpinnings, we’re sure that the quad-rung crossover will be much more shapely. Here, we see the sloping roofline and more rakish hatch, giving the Q3 a sportier stance than its VW-badged kin. Set to compete head-on with the BMW X1, the Q3 should make its debut sometime in 2011 with the first production models hitting dealers later that year. Take a close look at these spy shots for yourself in the gallery below.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Audi Q3

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Tiguan-based Audi Q3 peeped through a window originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Aug 2010 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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