Supercharged Jaguar F-Type R spotted testing?May 16, 2012Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertible, Performance, Etc., Jaguar, UK, Luxury  Our spy photographers appear to have grabbed the first glimpse at Jaguar's upcoming F-Type R. Judging by the not-so-subtle "F" camouflage and quad exhaust outlets, odds are this is the more high-strung version of the next convertible from Jaguar. What exactly is under the hood? That remains to be seen, though early reports suggest its something other than the tried-and-true blown 5.0-liter V8 we've come to know and love. The base F-Type will get along with a turbocharged V6, and the brawnier R model will likely bow with something packing eight cylinders and power figures in the neighborhood of 500 horsepower. So, when can we get our hands on this creation? A final launch date is murky at best, though there is some indication Jaguar could hold onto the V8 F-Type until later in the model's lifecycle, but doesn't quite dovetail with the fact that Jaguar is already road-testing the machine. Chances are we'll see the F-Type R earlier than expected. Supercharged Jaguar F-Type R spotted testing? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 May 2012 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments2014 Mini Cooper gets mellow in yellowMay 16, 2012Filed under: Spy Photos, Hatchback, BMW, Mini  Given the spate of new models Mini has introduced in the past few years, from the Clubman to the Countryman to the Coupe to the Roadster, it sometimes seems like BMW has forgotten about the original model, the plain old Mini Cooper hardtop. It was last redesigned for the 2007 model year, which seems like a long time ago because, well, it is. Which is why Mini will shortly introduce an all-new hardtop Cooper, which our camera spies have captured testing in Europe. We're told that the new model is codenamed F56, but more importantly, its underpinnings are said to be shared with the next-generation BMW 1 Series. While Mini will continue to put four-cylinder engines underhood, there's presumably a three-cylinder in the works as well, though we're not sure whether that model will make it to our shores. While we've seen some spy shots of the 2014 Mini Cooper before, these seem to confirm that the car will grow a bit in size, both length and width. We are told that the longer hood and greater front overhang may be the result of fake front body panels, but the new front and rear glass appears to accurately represent the forthcoming production car, which will have a more raked angle to its windshield and rear window. BMW is expected to start production of the 2014 Mini Cooper early next year. 2014 Mini Cooper gets mellow in yellow originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 May 2012 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsMercedes-Benz E-Class facelift spottedMay 14, 2012Filed under: Spy Photos, Wagon, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury  There can be no argument that the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a handsome sedan, but some changes are underway to make the 2013 model more striking. Our spy shooters caught this wagon, which despite having its front end heavily cloaked, gives up at least a few details. New headlights are hiding beneath all that masking, which will integrate the current model's separate daytime running lamps. Out back, the taillights will retain the same shape, but get a slightly different look. Also absent from these photos will be a new design to the rear fenders, as we're told that Mercedes will be changing the rear doors to remove the "Ponton-style" bulge. The interior will be updated, as well, with some improved safety equipment being added to the E-Class order sheet. Check out all of the high-res images in our gallery. Mercedes-Benz E-Class facelift spotted originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 May 2012 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsBMW 4 Series cabrio caught with its top downMay 10, 2012Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertible, BMW, Luxury  BMW did quite a bit to differentiate the new 3 Series from the old one, but arguably the biggest development in that department is the splitting of the model line. Because the new 3 Series is only the sedan and wagon. The coupe and cabrio are branching off as the 4 Series, similar to the 6 Series (as distinct from the 5 Series), the old 8 Series (separate from the 7 Series) and what's expected to emerge of the 2 Series from the new 1 Series. Following earlier spy shots of the 4 Series convertible with its roof up in the rain and in the snow, this is our first look at the upcoming new model being driven the way it's meant to be driven: with its top down and the sun shining. Unfortunately our view is a little obscured by all the swirly camouflage, so we'll have to wait until its anticipated debut sometime next year to see the whole package. But you can check out the spy shots now for a sneak preview. BMW 4 Series cabrio caught with its top down originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 May 2012 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsMercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake reveals more of its rakish rumpMay 9, 2012Filed under: Spy Photos, Wagon, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury  Last time we saw the non-AMG skin of the Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake it was bathed in red paint and caked in Arctic snow and grime. Warmer times have brought new shots of a black car - which we'll christen The Scarab - on standard wheels wearing nothing but a shine and a wisp of camo. Its shape has found a way to divide opinion, as the CLS-Class has always done, and we'll admit that yes, perchance there's something faintly Romulan about it, but we're totally sold on the looks. Right now, there's nothing left to the imagination but the aft-most sliver of window - that final angle of chrome is an application. We expect all blanks to be filled in come the Paris Motor Show in September, which should see the reveal of the CLS550 and CLS63 AMG versions of the sleekest wagon this side of Rigel 5. The high-res gallery is above, and you should check it out. Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake reveals more of its rakish rump originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments |
Volvo XC40 spotted testing in ArizonaMay 9, 2012Filed under: Spy Photos, Europe, Crossover, Volvo, Luxury  A keen-eyed reader managed to snag a few photos of what looks to be the upcoming Volvo XC40 ahead of the vehicle's debut at the Paris Motor Show. Like most manufacturers, Volvo is keen to offer buyers the small crossovers they demand. With a taller ride height, more ground clearance and a more aggressive front fascia than the V40, the XC40 should do just that. Drivetrain details are still a bit murky at the moment, but we wouldn't be surprised to see everything from a new diesel to turbocharged gasoline five-cylinder under the hood. The latter of those two should be good for around 254 horsepower. If the V40 is any indication, the crossover will also boast start-stop technology and brake-energy regeneration in either manual or automatic transmission configurations. Expect to see both front and all-wheel drive variants as well. The machine above was spotted in Flagstaff, Arizona while out for a little hot-weather testing, though we're told the XC40 isn't destined for the U.S. market. That seems a bit odd to us. The small crossover seems to be a perfect fit for Americans who can't get enough stylish crossovers. Volvo XC40 spotted testing in Arizona originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 May 2012 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsPorsche Macan CUV takes shapeMay 9, 2012Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, Crossover, Porsche, Luxury  Our spy photographers have given us our first clear glimpse at the upcoming Porsche Macan. While the test machine we see here wears some Cayenne camouflage, there's little hiding the small CUV's roof line. Based on the Audi Q5, the Macan will boast plenty of suspension tweaks by the minds at Porsche to put the crossover more in line with the sports car maker's stable. Likewise, while the Macan will borrow a host of gasoline and diesel powerplants from the Volkswagen parts bin, each one will be tuned for more horsepower than we've seen so far. There's also some indication that Porsche may lift the hybrid system from the Q5 into the Macan's bones, as well. That means buyers would see a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder coupled to a 44-horsepower electric motor. Porsche may also look to offer a more athletic three-door version of the Macan later down the line to more effectively compete with the likes of the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque. Porsche Macan CUV takes shape originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 May 2012 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments2013 Shelby GT500 caught testing at the NürburgringMay 7, 2012Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Videos, Ford  The folks at Motor Authority snagged some spy video of the new 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 hitting the Nürburgring. Unfortunately, rain hit the 'Ring first, so while there are still some potent exhaust noises emanating from the 662-horsepower 'Stang, there isn't a lot of tearing it up on the slick surface. Let's talk nemesis, namely the 580-horsepower Camaro ZL1. The battleground established, the Chevrolet folks turned their verbal turrets on the Shelby and fired high-impact rounds - see Exhibits A and B - on their way to setting an 11.93-second drag time and a "Holy smokes!" 7:41 lap at the 'Ring. Since there's no reason to dawdle round the 'Ring, we have to expect that Ford's fly-by has some sort of recon purpose. As many will bring up once the time is set, the Shelby has a mess of advantages on paper: more horsepower, more torque, less weight. No matter, for as Cormac McCarthy wrote, there will be blood. We still don't know whose blood it will be, but oh yes, one of these cars is going to bleed. Embedding of this video has been disabled, so follow the YouTube link to watch the Shelby in action. 2013 Shelby GT500 caught testing at the Nürburgring originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 May 2012 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsLamborghini Aventador Roadster to use removable roof panel?May 7, 2012Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertible, Paris Motor Show, Lamborghini, Rumormill  Forget cloth, the upcoming Lamborghini Aventador Roadster will use a removable two-piece carbon fiber hardtop, according to the Italian magazine Quattroruote. The weight-cutting measure means the convertible won't have to stack on the pounds just to include al fresco driving. The carbon fiber roof will weigh less than a cloth top and its underlying metal frame. It also means that the entire rear section of the car won't change from the hardtop model, Quattroroute reports. We first saw the hardtop in spy photos published in February, though we weren't sure of Lamborghini's plans for the 700-horsepower V12 racer at the time. Lamborghini is expected to debut the roadster at the Paris Motor Show this fall. Lamborghini Aventador Roadster to use removable roof panel? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 May 2012 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsBMW M6 Gran Coupe caught running the 'RingMay 7, 2012Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Performance, Videos, BMW, Luxury  Ah yes, the Nürburgring. Where else would you expect to find the forthcoming BMW M6 Gran Coupe? Well, other than on the BMW stand the Paris Motor Show in September or Cobo Hall next January. While we've already seen spy photos of the big 560-plus-horsepower sedan, 6post.com has snagged footage of the M6 Gran Coupe squealing tires and clipping apexes with some of its siblings on everyone's favorite German road. Scroll down to watch the full video. Continue reading BMW M6 Gran Coupe caught running the 'Ring BMW M6 Gran Coupe caught running the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 May 2012 12:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments |