Category: Spyshots

Spyshots: next-generation Mercedes-Benz CLK
The next-generation Mercedes-Benz CLK has been spotted during testing showing the latest visual details.
Due to be unveiled at the Paris motor show, the next CLK will feature the new company’s styling DAN with sharper lines and will be sold as a small CL-Class. On the inside, the future coupé will borrow equipments from the C-Class and will also borrow some equipments reserved to the flagships: Presafe brake assist system, night vision technologies and new Command System will be available on the options list.
The engine will be similar to that of the C-Class. The 268bhp V6 3.5-litre unit will be on offer and the topping-engine will be the 5.5-litre V8 unit on the CLK500. For the first time, the CLK will be offered with a 4Matic transmission.
May 30, 2008
Next Generation BMW 1-Series Spyshots
BMW has just expanded the 1-Series range that its engineers have started to work on the next-generation.
The next-generation has been spotted during testing when engineers were driving an early prototype. Technical details remain scarce although some observers believe that the next generation will carry the same architecture. Engineers will focus on weight reduction and are rumoured to use more aluminium in the construction. For the first time, the platform will also be available with an all-wheel drive transmission. Indeed, BMW has plan to launch later a small X1 that will take on the Ford Kuga and successful Nissan Qashqai.
Under the bonnet, the current engine range will be kept. If the smaller engines will likely remain unchanged, the six cylinder units will likely be re-engineered to comply with the latest emissions regulations.
Click here to see the spyshots
Source: MotorAuthority
May 28, 2008
Spyshots: Maserati Quattroporte
The car you see here is the facelifted Quattroporte that Maserati will likely unveil in 2010.
It’s hard to tell, but the Quattroporte is four years old and time has come for this limousine to get a revamp. The first spyshots reveal a more extensive facelift than expected.
Designers seem to have focused on the front fascia of which spyshots suggest it will sport the new corporate’s grille that appeared on the GranTurismo. In the meantime, there will also be new headlights to accommodate the new nose. The rear end will be revamped and will feature a new bumper and LED rear lights.
At this early stage, secrecy surrounds the specifications although some observers believe that the revamped Quattrporte will be powered by the more powerful yet economical 4.7-litre petrol unit unveiled in the GranTurismo S.
The facelift is programmed to arrive on time when Aston Martin and Porsche will reveal their new sport-luxury saloons before the Italian marque unveils the next-generation in 2012.
Click here to see the spyshots
Source: Autocar, MotorAuthority
May 20, 2008
Spyshots: Hyundai Genesis LWB
Here are some spyshots of the long-wheelbase Hyundai Genesis destined for the Asian market.
Spotted during testing in Germany, the long-wheelbase variant will be lengthened by an additional eight inches over the normal version. The additional length will be highly appreciated by in China and South Korea where the genesis will be sold at first. It is indeed common for owners of premium models to be driven.
Codenamed BHL-VI, the lengthened Genesis is rumoured to drop its moniker to adopt the i70 name. The long-wheelbase Genesis will likely be an opportunity for Hyundai to launch an updated version of the 4.6-litre Tau V8. This upgraded engine will feature direct-injection, cylinder deactivation and forced induction technology.
Will Hyundai bring the long-wheelbase Genesis to Europe? Probably not. BMW is selling a lengthened 5-Series in China which will never be imported to our shores. Why would Hyundai with no brand image waste its time?
Click here to see the spyshots
May 19, 2008
Spyshots: next-generation Mazda 3
Leftlanenews has published some spyshots of the forthcoming Mazda 3 due to be unveiled next year.
The Mazda 3 will be the second generation to feature the “Zoom Zoom” design after the larger Mazda 6 unveiled last year at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The 3 will likely be a 6 in reduction, so one does expect to find large headlights at the front and an overall sporty design. On the inside, the dashboard will also be similar to that of the 6 saloon. It will include a sporty instrument panel, a central console with aluminum-like panels and multi-function steering wheel.
One of the biggest model of its market segment, the Mazda 3 will still grow in size. It is unknown whether the interior will be roomier or not.
The spotted model was equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox. Secrecy still surrounds the specifications although the Mazda 3 will likely feature the current engines. The petrol engines will be the 104bhp 1.6-litre unit, the 148bhp 2.0-litre. There will also be a MPS version. All petrol engines will likely get a power increase. On the diesel side, there will be the two already known units, a 108bhp 1.6-litre unit and the same 140bhp unit as the Mazda 6.
May 18, 2008
Spyshots: Audi TT Clubsport
Here is the first spyshot of the forthcoming TT Clubsport which is expected to be a limited edition which might powered by a 300bhp petrol engine.
Audi surprised everybody when it unveiled the TT Clubsport Quattro Concept at Essen’s Wörthersee tuner show in May of last year. However nobody expected the carmaker to build a production version of the concept, but the carmaker still needs to build its brand image to fight with Audi and Mercedes. So, it took the opportunity to produce a limited edition of the concept car. To reach the production stage, Audi has removed the glitches but the chopped windshield remains. Other changes include larger side mirrors, an additional brake light out back and the use of actual door handles.
Secrecy surrounds the final specs although the concept car was powered by a 2.0-litre TFSI unit boosted to 300bhp. The DSG gearbox will also likely be part of the bundle.
However Audi still needs to confirm that it will a production version of the TT Clubsport Quattro Concept.
Click here to see the pictures
May 16, 2008
Spyshot: future Suzuki Kizashi
The car you see on the spyshot is the future Suzuki’s model called Kizashi under one of the three planned bodystyles, the saloon.
The Kizashi represents Suzuki’s future attempt to move upmarket by unveiling a larger car than usual. Set to compete with the successful Toyota Camy and Chevrolet Malibu, the Kizashi will be a smaller model, while providing an interior as roomy as the two other cars according to the carmaker. The Kizashi will be available with three bodystyles, all previewed over the last 12 months: The Kizashi concept car previewed the future wagon, the Kizashi 2 previewed athe crossover and the Kizashi 3 previewwd the saloon.
Technical details remain secret although some observers believe that the Kizashi will be powered by two petrol engines, a 150bhp 2.3-litre 4 cylinder unit and a 280-300bhp 3.6-litre V6 unit hooked up to a six speed automatic gearbox.
Built in the Sagara, Japan, the Kizashi will hit the showrooms in 2010.
Click here to see the pictures
May 13, 2008
Spyshot: Fisker Karma
The first Fisker Karma prototype has been spotted during testing. Unfortunately for the young carmaker, the spyshots generated a controversy.
According to some reports, the camouflaged Karma hasn’t been caught by surprise as Fisker would have made two cars intended to be spotted by spy photographers. Some journalists seem to be goody-goody about it. We prefer laughing at it. The Karma is rumoured to be powered by a 1.4-litre petrol engine generating energy for the lithium-ion batteries which drive the rear wheels. Fisker announces a 300-mile range. The Karma will also be able to use only electricity and offer a lower 50-mile range, enough for daily commuting.
The Karma is expected to cost around £63,000 and will be built at 15,000 units. Half of the production will be sold overseas. Europe will be a major outlet for the young carmaker which has just appointed its first European importer in Italy. 99% of the cars have already been sold according to Fisker.
Click here to see the pictures
May 13, 2008
Spyshots: next-generation E63 AMG
Here are some spyshots of the next-generation high-performance E63 AMG due to be unveiled next year.
Like the current model, the E63 AMG will be the only E-Class version to feature four tailpipes. The spotted E63 AMG also featured large perforated brake discs with heavy-duty callipers. The super-saloon is expected to come with aggressive front and rear bumpers and forged alloy wheels like the C63 AMG.
Recently, AMG had announced the horsepower war was over, but this future iteration of the AMG family will still get a power boost. While the current model offers 500bhp, the next E63’s powertrain will likely deliver 550bhp. However, for the first time, the German carmaker won’t try to take the lead and the power output will be below that of the Audi RS6.
Instead of following Audi in the power race, company’s engineers have focused on improving handling and chassis strength.They will try to accomplish again what they did with the C63 AMG. The E63 AMG is reported to come with sit on a widened front track, while the steering will feature a unique ratio, different from the normal E-Class models.
The E63 AMG is rumoured to be unveiled at the same as the full range, at the next year Geneva Motor Show.
Click here to see the pictures
May 9, 2008
Spyshots: next BMW Z4 interior revealed
After the next-generation Z4 spotted on the Nurburgring, here is a picture of the interior of the BMW’s roadster due to be unveiled next year.
The next-generation’s interior won’t feature radical changes as the overall design will be similar to that of the current model. The spotted interior features a new multi-function steering wheel a convertible roof controller positioned behind the gearstick. The central console on the next Z4 is cleaner, with room for a proper arm rest.
The next Z4 will grow in size and price in an attempt to take on the Porsche Boxster. Unlike the current model which features a soft top, the next Z4 will come with a metallic folding roof like the Mazda MX-5. The exterior design is expected to take its styling cues from the CS concept car with a larger front grille and LED taillights. The engine range will include six cylinder engines and additional four cylinder units for the European market, while the topping engine is rumoured to be a turbocharged inline-six delivering 350bhp.
May 8, 2008