Dodge Ram Power Wagon Spy

We just told you that that Chrysler will be launching four new "Moparized" vehicles later this month, and our spies have already caught one of these new vehicles – the Dodge Ram Power Wagon – on the streets of southeast Michigan.


Unlike the Power Wagon that's just now hitting dealers, this is a totally unique package, featuring a single-cab configuration with a short, style-side bed. The huge off-road tires and exaggerated wheel arches lead us to believe that this is Chrysler's answer to the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor (if only in concept form), and our spies tell us that this prototype "made hair-raising sounds" as it drove by, leading us to believe that the 383-horsepower Hemi V8 is underhood.


We can't wait to see the production version on March 27 at the 44th Annual Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah. If these spy shots are anything to go off of, it looks like it'll be serious fun for desert storming.



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McLaren Automotive reveals details of its next generation of prototypes [Video]

Development of the groundbreaking McLaren MP4-12C is entering its final phase. The bespoke high-performance sports car is due to launch in 2011, and right now the latest Experimental Prototype (XP) 12Cs are undergoing intensive appraisal at a number of test locations around the world.



One such site is Spain's Applus IDIADA facility, the most comprehensive independent proving ground in Europe. McLaren Automotive recently obtained special permission to capture on camera the XP Beta cars in action at Applus IDIADA, and on public roads in the foothills near Tarragona. The result is the second in the 'Inside McLaren Automotive' series of short films. This gives viewers a unique insight into a performance car testing programme from the perspective of the development team responsible for the 12C.





Featured in the short film are XP8 and XP10, two XP Beta-phase prototypes. Wrapped almost entirely in matt black vinyl, XP Beta cars are clearly discernable from 2009's XP cars, which were seen in the 'Inside McLaren: Developing the MP4-12C" video sporting a black and white contrasting camouflage exterior.



The XP Beta test cars feature significant technological advancements that take the 12C nearer to production. A revised iteration of the M838T twin-turbo engine, transmission featuring new gear ratios, a more efficient cooling package, new suspension geometry and upgraded electrical architecture are the headline features of current prototypes, denoting key differences between XP and XP Beta cars.





Indicative performance figures generated by the XP Beta cars are expected to be announced in March, but feedback from February's testing suggests that McLaren Automotive's aspirations to out-perform its competitors appear well-founded.



A core team of 20-25 Vehicle Technicians travel with the XP Beta cars and are on hand 24 hours a day, seven days a week to support a test programme that mirrors the intensity of developing a Formula 1 car. Meanwhile, a further 12 Vehicle Development Engineers are responsible for specific technologies and systems being appraised while out on test.





Mark Vinnels, McLaren Automotive Programme Director, is leading the engineering team and said: "There is an extensive list of subjective and objective targets set for our prototype vehicles. These XP Beta cars are already achieving outstanding results in many of the subjective areas, which includes ride quality, handling and many other aspects of dynamic performance.



"The benchmark competitor vehicles we have tested become nervous and twitchy at higher speed, but the 12C feels more stable than anything I have driven. Because the bump rejection is so good, the ride is smooth and the steering is solid."





"Between now and production the vehicles and the team are working flat out. All this is geared towards not just achieving our unprecedented levels of performance but also guaranteeing the levels of quality, reliability and durability with which we expect to delight future McLaren customers."





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2011 Porsche Cayenne Diesel Spy

We have a fairly good idea of what the new 2011 Porsche Cayenne look likes, thanks to a couple of official leaks and some revealing spy shots, but in less than two weeks all will finally be revealed as the new SUV makes its debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show.


The current-generation Cayenne Diesel achieves a fuel economy of around 25.3 mpg (Combined European) but with a kerb weight almost 400 pounds lighter, the new Cayenne Diesel should achieve significantly better results. The Cayenne S Hybrid, however, will be the most fuel efficient Porsche in the automaker’s lineup, returning a fuel economy of about 28.7 mpg.


The regular gasoline models will include the base Cayenne, powered by a 3.6-liter V-6 model with 300 horsepower, the naturally aspirated 4.8-liter V-8 Cayenne S with 400 horsepower and a range-topping twin-turbocharged 4.8-liter V-8 Cayenne Turbo with 500 horsepower.


This latter model has been seen testing for the first time, captured here by spy photographers whilst being filled up with diesel fuel near a test location in Northern Europe. The new 2011 Porsche Cayenne Diesel will pack the same 240 horsepower 3.0-liter V-6 turbodiesel engine found in the current model but will tuned slightly to produce fewer emissions.


Two more models will eventually join the lineup: the Cayenne S Hybrid, which packs a supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 and electric motor for a combined output of 375 horsepower, and the new Cayenne Diesel.

Sadly, neither the Cayenne Diesel nor Cayenne S Hybrid will be arriving in the U.S. anytime soon.
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Spy Shots: BMW 6-Series Cabrio

Spy photographers have captured new pictures of the next generation BMW 6-Series Cabrio. The pictures were taken while the car was on the road in Munich.


Images show for the first time the rear light clusters in place of the conical dummy units from previous prototypes. Also we can see a center brake light mounted in the center of the boot lid, similar to the last version.


The car's emblem, already recessed in the previous generation's boot lid, looks larger, and inset to the point where it is almost perfectly flat, according to the spy.


Look for the next-gen BMW 6-Series to take styling cues from both the 7er and the CS Concept.
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2012 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti Successor Test-Mule Spy

While this test-mule was previously thought to be for a minor mid-cycle facelift for the 612 Scaglietti, key details such as the extended front-end, bonnet bulge, longer wheelbase and stacked exhaust pipes suggest this vehicle represents something much more significant than a facelift.


It seems like just yesterday that Ferrari's 612 Scaglietti was launched but it's actually been almost five years, which is why it’s not surprising that test-mules for the car’s successor are already running around the streets of Maranello. Designers will be primarily focused on giving it an edgier, more up-to-the-minute look, however, the new look may be joined by a greener powertrain as well.


If the report proves true, the Scaglietti successor will have a fuel economy of roughly 19 mpg--up from 11.5 mpg for the current model. Power isn't expected to grow much, as the 612’s standard 533 horsepower output is already generous.


Not much is known about the successor to the 612 as the car’s is expected to make its launch until late 2011, but according to previous reports the car could feature a brand new V-12 powerplant. The new engine is tipped to have 40% fewer carbon-dioxide emissions than the current mill, which would fit Ferrari’s internal goal of reducing its emissions and fuel-consumption by that same amount by 2012.
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Spy Shots: BMW M3 Convertible Facelift

A facelift BMW M3 Convertible was spied driving in Germany. It follows cosmetic upgrades to the 3 Series range announced in 2008. Changes will include new rear LED lights as well as interior modifications such as a new iDrive system and pearlescent chrome light switch cluster.


The car should go on sale in early 2010 equipped with the likes of a 6-speed manual transmission (7-speed M-DCT optional), bi-xenon headlights, dual climate control, DVD changers and a full leather interior sold as standard or optionally depending on the market.


No changes are expected for the engine which remains a naturally aspirated 4.0-litre V8 making 309kW (420hp) and 400Nm of torque. It goes from 0 - 100km/h in 5.3 seconds and reaches a top speed of 250km/h.
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2011 Audi A8 Spy

Camouflaged prototypes of the 2011 Audi A8 have been caught running the Nurburgring, and accompanying these newest shots comes word that Audi's reworked flagship will be available with a host of new powerplants.


According to reports, Audi's range-topper will continue to be available with a V12, but it's expected to grow from 6.1- to 6.5-liters and exceed 500 horsepower -- 50 hp more than the outgoing twelve. Stepping down from that would be a supercharged V8 with more than 400 horsepower and a cylinder management system that could shut down up to four cylinders.


To really get the gas mileage going, however, Audi is reportedly working on a new 2.0-liter diesel with two turbos that pumps out more than 200 horsepower. If the new powerplant comes to market, it would match Mercedes-Benz' BlueEfficiency four-cylinder in the S-Class. The new A8 is expected to debut at the Detroit Auto Show this January, with sales beginning in late 2010.
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2010 Kia Sportage Crossover Caught Testing in Germany

Spy photos surfaced earlier this week showing the 2010 Kia Sportage. The third-generation of the compact SUV will share the same platform as the 2010 Hyundai ix35, with a roofline and windshield rake seen on the 2010 Kia Sorento.


Rumor has it that the vehicle will receive both the 2.0-liter petrol found on the ix35, and a diesel, 2.0-liter R-series engine. Those generate 123 kW (165 hp) and 135 kW (180 hp), respectively. Some suggest that a V6 petrol may also be available in markets like the US, where a bigger engine offering is a competitive necessity. The vehicle will have available six-speed automatic and manual transmissions in many markets.


Kia has placed the Sportage as a roomy, five-seat alternative to the seven-seat Sorento. Although smaller, the pictures appear to show a vehicle with no shortage of cargo space.


Although the vehicle looks almost ready for production, it could be several months away from an official introduction. Some suggest that the car will be released on the European market first, which makes the 2010 Geneva Motor Show a possible location for a curtain call. However, the attention automakers garner at the LA and Detroit shows will make those shows hard for Kia to pass up.
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Audi A1 Prototype Caught for First Time

Spies have caught the first images of the Audi A1 prototype being taken around the block. BMW-style black & white psychedelic camo cannot do enough to hide the Audi front grille. Just from these pictures it appears the car will have a longer wheelbase than its chief rivals. An Audi executive was recently quoted as saying several body variants were possible. Clearly this is a 3-door but a 5-door, a Cabriolet and a possible coupe/ roadster can be expected. Even an SUV cannot be discounted.





Audi is not yet at a stage where customers in the US are prepared to part with premium cash for an ultra-compact model. Therefore the A1 will not be launched for this market, not until such time as public attitudes at least improve.





Engines would include a 1.8-litre TSI, some diesel units as well as hybrid or full-on electric. Drive would be placed mainly on the front wheels but a possible S1 might take a leaf from bigger S cars and use quattro AWD.



Whether the A1 eventually looks more like the Metroproject Concept remains to be seen.

Source:worldcarfans

2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS Spy

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.

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.

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.

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2011 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe Spy

Mercedes-Benz has some major changes in store for its product line over the
coming years, with several key models receiving facelifts and complete name
changes. We have already seen this with the new 2010 E-Class Coupe, which has
replaced the CLK, and soon we will see the CL name phased out with the
introduction of a facelifted model next year. The updated car will come in for
the 2011 model year and go by the new name of S-Class Coupe.

Mercedes-Benz engineera are unlikely to change the CL’s powertrain lineup for
the new S-Class Coupe, which means that the current assortment of V-8 and V-12
engines should remain. There could, however, be a number of modifications to the
exhaust filtering systems to help improve emissions, as well as the introduction
of engine stop-start and direct-injection technologies.

The current C216 CL was first introduced at the end of 2006 but prototypes for
the facelifted version have been spotted testing in Germany as early as August
last year. Earlier this year we saw images of the high-performance AMG model but
these latest shots depict the standard model. New details include a more upright
grille highlighted with a single chrome bar, as well the new headlight design
and LED accents.

In the rear we can clearly see full LED rear lights, a new bumper design and
different shape exhaust tips. Other changes planned include new indicators in
the side mirrors.

Source:motorauthority

Alfa Romeo Milano Prototype Spied During Police Stop

Essentially a replacement for the aging 147, the Milano features modern MiTo-inspired

styling underneath all that camouflage. Since the car was already unmasked by

several cell phone pictures, taken at an Alfa Romeo factory, the new images

don't provide a lot of additional details.

As we have previously reported, the Milano will feature a wide variety of petrol

and diesel engines. While nothing is official, engine options are expected to

include a 1.4-liter four-cylinder petrol (with 120-160 hp) and a range-topping

1.75-liter four-cylinder petrol with around 200 hp.

Judging by the pace of development, look for a possible unveiling at Geneva

Motor Show in March 2010. According to documents released as part of Chrysler's

bankruptcy, the Milano also seems destined for North America.

more detail. ...

Latest Spy Shots: BMW X5 Facelift

This round of photographs show the vehicle only has modest changes compared to
the one spied earlier in the month. However, we do see a difference in the
tailpipes, which are now trapezoidal instead of oval. Also, wider, shorter side
view mirrors appear to be present on this model. Roof rails do not appear on
this version, unlike the previous prototype. The wider shots of the X5's
front-end show the best angle yet of the new headlights.

New photos have surfaced featuring the upcoming facelifted BMW X5. Due out in
mid-2010, the SUV should get its formal introduction at January's Detroit Motor
Show.

Some are saying that a new engine may become available with the freshened BMW
X5. We expect this to be the twin-turbo 408 horsepower 4.4-liter V8 engine as
the X5 xDrive50i.

The facelifted X5 will have new front and rear bumpers, as well as new lighting
which resembles the 5er GT. A next-generation iDrive will be detailed on the
newer, bigger LCD screen.

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