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Motor Authority - blog Tag: Spy Shots

  • Spy Shots: 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Convertible

    Spy Shots: 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Convertible November 4th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran's avatar Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, November 4th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 0 Comments

    Spy Shots: 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Convertible

    The previous Mercedes-Benz CLK is something of an enigma--built around the C-Class platform, styled like the E-Class, and priced in between the two, the car sits in its own unique segment and has no direct competition from its rivals. Its sales history has been a strong success, especially in the U.S., but the car is on its way out, being replaced by the recently launched 2010 E-Class Coupe and upcoming 2011 E-Class Convertible due in the middle of next year.

    Latest spy shots show an undisguised prototype of the Convertible model testing in Germany, and as expected it draws heavily from the recent ConceptFASCINATION. The car will be about...

    The previous Mercedes-Benz CLK is something of an enigma--built around the C-Class platform, styled like the E-Class, and priced in between the two, the car sits in its own unique segment and has no direct competition from its rivals. Its sales history has been a strong success, especially in the U.S., but the car is on its way out, being replaced by the recently launched 2010 E-Class Coupe and upcoming 2011 E-Class Convertible due in the middle of next year. Latest spy shots show an undisguised prototype of the Convertible model testing in Germany, and as expected it draws heavily from the recent ConceptFASCINATION. The car will be about four inches longer than the CLK Convertible that it replaces and it sticks with a traditional folding soft top. The engine lineup should mirror the Coupe, which means four, six and eight-cylinder units with outputs from 200 to 382 horsepower--the top end model being the E550. The decision to move the CLK to the E-Class platform will allow Mercedes to introduce a new entry-level coupe and convertible based on the C-Class, finally providing the automaker with a direct competitor to BMW’s popular 3-Series two-door models. You can see a preview of such a car in our previous story by clicking here. The story doesn’t end there, however, as Mercedes is also expected to launch a new ‘shooting brake’ model based on the ConceptFASCINATION, although no official details about its release have been mentioned. Read More

  • Spy Shots: 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS

    Spy Shots: 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS October 30th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran's avatar Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, October 30th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 2 Comments

    Spy Shots: 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS

    The Mercedes-Benz CLS ignited the four-door coupe market when it was first introduced back in 2004, and since then we’ve seen several other luxury rivals attempt to emulate the design with cars like the 2010 Porsche Panamera, recently revealed 2010 Aston Martin Rapide and upcoming Audi A7.

    Now, prototypes for Mercedes’ next-generation CLS has been spotted, revealing a few subtle clues about the new model. The new car is expected to be launched in late 2010 as a 2011 model and positioned more upmarket to bring it in line with some of its more premium rivals. This will also allow Mercedes-Benz to introduce a second four-door coupe...

    The Mercedes-Benz CLS ignited the four-door coupe market when it was first introduced back in 2004, and since then we’ve seen several other luxury rivals attempt to emulate the design with cars like the 2010 Porsche Panamera, recently revealed 2010 Aston Martin Rapide and upcoming Audi A7. Now, prototypes for Mercedes’ next-generation CLS has been spotted, revealing a few subtle clues about the new model. The new car is expected to be launched in late 2010 as a 2011 model and positioned more upmarket to bring it in line with some of its more premium rivals. This will also allow Mercedes-Benz to introduce a second four-door coupe model, rumored to be based on its next-generation small car platform. The new design will feature a wider track, as indicated by the extended wheel arches seen on previous test mules, and according to insiders its platform is borrowed from the current S-Class sedan flagship. New to the CLS will be a hybrid option based on the same powertrain as the one used in the recently revealed S400 BlueHybrid. Other engine options will include both V-6 and V-8 powerplants, and there will be a high-performance AMG model, which you can see spy shots of by clicking here. Also rumoured to be in the works is a new ‘shooting brake’ variant, which you can read about by clicking here. Read More

  • Spy Shots: BMW Z4 M Sport Package

    Spy Shots: BMW Z4 M Sport Package October 29th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, October 29th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 5 Comments

    Spy Shots: BMW Z4 M Sport Package

    While it isn’t the high-performance Z4 M that we’re all waiting for, BMW is yet to even confirm such a car, this latest prototype spied at the Nurburgring confirms that there will be at least a Z4 with some distinct M styling cues.

    The M Sport Package will include the typical exterior upgrades to give a sharper, sportier appearance, along with interior upgrades to enhance the driver-car interface. New pieces should include a BMW M shifter, M steering wheel and M footrest. Carbon fiber trim is also likely to be available.

    In combination with the M Sports Package, customers will also likely have the choice of exclusive paintwork...

    While it isn’t the high-performance Z4 M that we’re all waiting for, BMW is yet to even confirm such a car, this latest prototype spied at the Nurburgring confirms that there will be at least a Z4 with some distinct M styling cues. The M Sport Package will include the typical exterior upgrades to give a sharper, sportier appearance, along with interior upgrades to enhance the driver-car interface. New pieces should include a BMW M shifter, M steering wheel and M footrest. Carbon fiber trim is also likely to be available. In combination with the M Sports Package, customers will also likely have the choice of exclusive paintwork and wheel designs. What’s not clear is whether or not engineers are also testing a range of new BMW Performance accessories designed for the latest 2010 Z4. Some previous accessories include minor power-up mods, beefier brakes, and transmission upgrades. It looks like we will have to wait until the new Z4 M Sport Package is released early next year. Other models in the BMW fleet available with an M Sport Package include the 1, 3, 5, and 7-Series as well as the X5, which you can read about in our previous story. Read More

  • Spy Shots: 2011 Chrysler 300 Test Mule

    Spy Shots: 2011 Chrysler 300 Test Mule October 29th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, October 29th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 2 Comments

    Spy Shots: 2011 Chrysler 300 Test Mule

    A brand new version of the Chrysler 300 is coming next year, kicking off a product renaissance at Chrysler that will include a score of new or updated models over the next 48 months.

    The Auburn Hills-based automaker has already previewed its upcoming 2011 Chrysler 300 and now for the first time we have spy shots of the car, albeit just a test-mule hidden under the sheet metal of the current model.

    The 2011 Chrysler 300 is claimed to be up to 19% more fuel-efficient than the current model and to set it apart from the competition it will also feature new levels of connectivity and entertainment.

    Power will come from Chrysler’s...

    A brand new version of the Chrysler 300 is coming next year, kicking off a product renaissance at Chrysler that will include a score of new or updated models over the next 48 months. The Auburn Hills-based automaker has already previewed its upcoming 2011 Chrysler 300 and now for the first time we have spy shots of the car, albeit just a test-mule hidden under the sheet metal of the current model. The 2011 Chrysler 300 is claimed to be up to 19% more fuel-efficient than the current model and to set it apart from the competition it will also feature new levels of connectivity and entertainment. Power will come from Chrysler’s Pentastar V-6 or a Hemi V-8 with cylinder deactivation. A high-performance SRT8 model should also be launched. Safety features will include ‘Rear Cross Path’ and ‘Blind Spot Monitoring’ systems to warn drivers of unseen vehicles, electronic stability control, an energy-absorbing steering column, a rear-sill reinforced body structure. Expect the 2011 Chrysler 300 to make its debut in the first half of next year. Read More

  • Spy Shots: 2010 BMW M3 Facelift

    Spy Shots: 2010 BMW M3 Facelift October 29th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran's avatar Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, October 29th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 0 Comments

    Spy Shots: 2010 BMW M3 Facelift

    Just as the BMW 3-Series Coupe and Convertible are due for a facelift, so are the high-performance M3 Coupe and M3 Convertible, both of which have been captured for the first time testing in prototype form.

    The only noticeable difference is the slightly revised tail lamps, which get new LED elements. Most of the visual changes will take place inside, and will include improved trim, a new center armrest and a second-generation iDrive system with four selector buttons for commonly used features such as the stereo. The iDrive system should also feature a new 8.8 inch LCD display and an optional 80 GB hard drive music and navigation system.

    ...

    Just as the BMW 3-Series Coupe and Convertible are due for a facelift, so are the high-performance M3 Coupe and M3 Convertible, both of which have been captured for the first time testing in prototype form. The only noticeable difference is the slightly revised tail lamps, which get new LED elements. Most of the visual changes will take place inside, and will include improved trim, a new center armrest and a second-generation iDrive system with four selector buttons for commonly used features such as the stereo. The iDrive system should also feature a new 8.8 inch LCD display and an optional 80 GB hard drive music and navigation system. Power levels will remain unchanged, meaning the high-revving 4.0-liter V-8 from the current model will carry over with a peak output of 420 horsepower. One possibility is the addition of fuel-saving engine stop-start system, though BMW is yet to make any announcements of such a move for its M cars. Expect the facelifted M3 range to debut as 2010 models at December’s 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show or possibly at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show the following month. Read More

  • 2012 Porsche Lineup Preview

    2012 Porsche Lineup Preview October 28th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, October 28th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 1 Comment

    2012 Porsche Lineup Preview

    The next couple of years will see a blitz of new model launches for Porsche with updates and redesigns planned for virtually every model in the automaker’s lineup. The guys at Autocar have compiled a list of what’s brewing within the walls of Porsche’s Stuttgart headquarters.

    Between now and 2012 there will reportedly seven new model launches, starting with a V-6 powered Panamera and a turbodiesel version too next year. These are likely to be entry-level models for the Panamera range, which mean they’ll stick with rear-wheel drive configurations and be low on horsepower, but as with anything wearing a Porsche badge...

    The next couple of years will see a blitz of new model launches for Porsche with updates and redesigns planned for virtually every model in the automaker’s lineup. The guys at Autocar have compiled a list of what’s brewing within the walls of Porsche’s Stuttgart headquarters. Between now and 2012 there will reportedly seven new model launches, starting with a V-6 powered Panamera and a turbodiesel version too next year. These are likely to be entry-level models for the Panamera range, which mean they’ll stick with rear-wheel drive configurations and be low on horsepower, but as with anything wearing a Porsche badge they should still be exciting drives. Next year will also see the launch of the 2011 Porsche Cayenne, the second generation of the performance SUV. We know from recent spy shots that the next Cayenne will be smaller than the current model, which has been criticized for being too heavy and cumbersome for a Porsche. Following the introduction of the new Cayenne will be a hybrid version of the SUV in late 2010 or early 2011. Porsche is targeting V8 performance with four-cylinder emissions and efficiency--exactly what you'd expect of a hybrid. In 2011, Porsche will launch its second hybrid model, a gasoline-electric version of the Panamera with the same powertrain as the Cayenne hybrid SUV. Moving on, the model we’ve all been waiting for ever since the first spy shots of test-mules were revealed as far back as 2007--the 998 Porsche 911. The latest generation of the iconic supercar is due in 2012 and it’s going to be virtually brand new. Of course, styling will be evolutionary but the platform will be longer and wider than the one in the current 997. These alterations are down to a modified steel floorpan and new suspension. Beyond the new 911, things start to get a little murky. The on-again-off-again Porsche Roxster SUV is reportedly in the works for a late 2012 or early 2013 launch. Destined to be based on the same platform as the Audi Q5, the baby SUV will be available in both three- and five-door configurations and borrow strongly from the 911’s styling. Finally, a successor to the 928 is said to be in the works. Based on the Panamera, this new model will be available in both coupe and convertible bodystyles and isn’t due until 2013. [Autocar] Read More

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