Autoblog

Acura is in the middle of a total makeover, and while we've already seen the RL and TSX, the Japanese automaker's bread and butter TL has been out of the spotlight, until now. Spy photographers have snapped up a couple shots of the 2009 TL sans the requisite crazy patterns and without most bras, leaving some poorly fit panels to throw us off.

Up front, the grille is covered, but the basic shape looks very much like the buck-tooth treatment given to the RL and TSX. The front wheel arches bulge out like the TSX to give the TL a more aggressive stance, and the concave line stretching from the A-pillar to the tail lights has been replaced by a muscular character line expanding from the front arch, helping to further accentuate the sedan's stance. Out back, a prominent V shape at the bumper and spoiler gives the TL a little more style, while the tail lights wrap to show off the TL's angles.

So far, Acura's new-look lineup has been a mix of hits and misses (more misses depending on who you ask), but the TL is the high volume stud that absolutely has to be a home run for Honda's luxury lineup to keep up with the competition. Thanks for the tip, Jose!

[Source: VTEC]

Priddy and Company stumbled across a dolled up VW Routan and managed to capture a shot. Earth shattering revelation here: it looks like a Grand Caravan. It'd be natural to assume some similarities, there's only so much you can do to the basic body shell when badge engineering, but when the spy photogs almost pass it right by, that says something. The boys in the camoflage department deserve a little something extra in their envelope this week, because there aren't too many clues as to what the undisguised version will look like (besides, say, a Chrysler minivan.)

The most noticeable element that we can discern are taillights that are subtly reshaped and have different lenses. It might just be the angle, but it's possible that the rear quarter windows and back hatch are reshaped, as well. It almost looks like there's a little more rake in the aft pillars and you can be sure that the bumper and back hatch have been redone. Ever since a '74 Kombi stole my heart, I've been waiting for a new Microbus, especially with Volkswagen's penchant for the retro. We'll wait until Chicago to pass final judgement, and give props to Chrysler for finding someone to take some of their production volume and keep the lines rolling.

[Source: Jalopnik, Photo: Brenda Priddy & Co.]

We'll know for sure in a couple of weeks at the LA Auto Show when the 2009 Nissan Murano doffs the parka it's sporting here, but don't expect earth-shattering changes. It's not like the Murano is looking tired; its sharp looking design will keep it fresh even when it's trading on some beastly backwater of a used car lot somewhere. Brenda Priddy & Co. were able to snag these shots that show off redone ends, but the same basic space capsule in between. We'd expect to see the grille lose a little bit of its "Schick-ness" and align more closely with the Rogue's front end treatment. Headlamps and taillights look slightly reshaped as well, but at least they kept that rakish profile. Utility be damned, we think it looks hot.

[Source: Straightline, Photo: Brenda Priddy & Co.]

No doubt by now you've heard about VetteGate, our name for the prank pulled by online buff book Winding Road in its January 2007 issue. To recap, WR took a Corvette Z06 and masked it up with tape, fake fender flares and a hood scoop made from cardboard. The result was a car that looked convincingly like a prototype for the "Blue Devil" super Vette currently being developed by General Motors. The fake "Blue Devil" was then driven around Metro Detroit, which led to the public taking pics of the car and unknowingly submitting them to other media outlets as genuine shots of the "Blue Devil". The shots were then published online by The Car Connection, AutoWeek, MotorTrend and other sites like this one.

We were curious how professional spy photographers reacted to finding out that someone had driven around a faux prototype, perhaps one they themselves could've shot and sold for money to their clients. We asked both Brenda Priddy and Chris Doane, two names you should know if you follow spy shots that we've covered on Autoblog, to give us their take on the prank Winding Road pulled.

You can read a statement prepared by Chris Doane and a short interview with Brenda Priddy after the jump.

Last month we told you how important the upcoming S-Type replacement was for the future of Jaguar, if not for Ford itself. Although Jaguar is still officially not for sale, the success or failure of the next generation S-Type could determine whether there will even continue to be a Ford Premier Auto Group. And so, because of the importance of this new midsize Jag, we feel it crucial to pass along any news on what this new car might look like. And thanks to Brenda Priddy, we have some new ideas.

Caught testing near Jaguar's German engineering center, this newest mule appears to be undergoing evaluation for the new nose's cooling properties. As Priddy explains: "Examining the pictures gives clues to the look of the car, which is rumored to be Jaguar's long-awaited break with traditional styling. The new hood is cut away sharply over the headlights and the grille looks as if it will be cut further down into the front bumper. If these clues are anything to go by, the new S-Type, will have a much more aggressive look than today's oddly retro machine. We also understand that the car will be the first Jag to adopt a modern nose-down, tail-up stance."

Scheduled to debut in Frankfurt next year, the new S-Type will reach European dealers as a 2008 model and the U.S. as an '09.

[Source: Winding Road]

We just wanted to thank those who donated to the March of Dimes and helped spring Brenda Priddy from the slammer for her Jail & Bail fundraiser. She not only reached her goal but exceeded it by 50% with a lot of help from generous Autoblog readers. Brenda has decided to be extra generous and is opening up her spy coffers to thank each person who donated with a token of her gratitude. The list of who donated and what each person will be receiving is below. Ya see, you give a little and you get a little. Isn't it nice how things work out like that? If you'd still like to donate, you can do so by clicking on this link and opening up your wallet.

• Chad G. – Mercedes hat & car-shaped playing cards
• Josh K. – The beloved Hemi Dog from the 2005 NAIAS
• Eric N. – "Spy File" cards/trivia from the International Spy Museum in D.C.
• John S. – "Espionage" hat and nifty 'wrenchware' silverware
• Andy C. – Mitsubishi Ralli Art T-shirt
• Frank F. – Chrysler Imperial (Concept) knit scarf from the NAIAS
• Alan K. – Subaru T-Shirt
• John V. – "Espionage" hat

There's less than 24 hours left in Brenda Priddy's drive to raise $1,000 for the March of Dimes. We told you about the famous spy photographer participating in the Jail and Bail event where she's "locked up" until enough bail can be raised in the way of donations. Well, she's about $190 short of her $1,000 goal, so if we don't pull together and get her to a grand, no more spy shots for anyone. We're kidding of course, they'll let her out (probably), but Autoblog readers are the best in the world and we not only appreciate what Brenda does for the business with her lens, but we also have big hearts when it comes to good causes like saving babies' lives through the March of Dimes.

In order to donate money, visit this link and choose your pledge amount. Any amount will do, but we gotta get this lady at least $190 bucks. BONUS: leave a comment with your pledge that says "Saw this on Autoblog" and Brenda will choose a few people and send out cool spy gear and auto show stuff. We already know she's got a hat to give away, but she promised more spy stuff if we help her reach her goal. Thanks much to all those who have already donated, btw.

Related Post:

• Brenda Priddy incarcerated for a good cause
• WIN real spy gear by helping Brenda Priddy

Now that the Panamera has been caught wearing Porsche clothing, the spy shots are coming fast and furious. Brenda Priddy and Co. has scored the best shots yet that give us a nice 3/4 view of the car from both front and back. Yes, it's a mule and the sheetmetal obviously is not finalized, but these shots make it very easy to imagine what the final version will look like. Take a look at the Panamera's rear, for instance. The severely sloped rear glass flows right into a trunk lid flanked by a pair of taillights that look production ready. The car also appears a bit wider and lower than the Mercedes-Benz CLS, which will be the Panamera's main competition along with with the Aston Martin Rapide (assuming the latter car doesn't get shelved for cost reasons).

Priddy tells Winding Road that the base engine will likely be a 3.5-liter six-cylinder generating 300 horsepower. Upper models will have a naturally-aspirated and turbo V8 that could generate 350 and 560 horsepower, respectively. Porsche is prepared for a show down with Mercedes-Benz, however, and is reportedly willing to give the Panamera a 700-hp V10 if the CLS continues with its power trip.

[Source: Winding Road]

UPDATED: link to interior pics

We don't want to start looking like card carrying members of the Brenda Priddy & Co. fan club, but they have done it again and we feel obliged to pass it on to all of you. Caught wearing only a few bits of tape, here are some shots of a near-production 2008 Saturn VUE, which of course is based on the Opel Antara sold overseas. Sporting the friendly (and conservative) good looks of other Saturns but with a slightly more rugged skidplate-like nose, this newest VUE doesn't stray far from the formula that has made it a worthy competitor in the cute-ute segment. The current VUE, for instance, has sold 65,145 units through August, up 2.7 percent from this time last year.

Priddy & Co. is reporting that the new VUE will be assembled at General Motors' Ramos Arizpe, Mexico plant. According to their sources, the new VUE will be powered by a 2.4-liter inline four as well as an optional pair of V-6s. There may even be two separate Green Line models this time around. One with a Belt Alternator System (BAS) on the 2.4-liter 4, and the second with GM's 3.6-liter V-6 and a hybrid system jointly developed with DaimlerChrysler, General Motors, and BMW. Of note are this prototype's two exhaust cutouts, even though this particular model only has a single exhaust. This could indicate a 3.6-liter Redline model, with around 300 horsepower to round out the lineup.

[Source: Winding Road]

click on images to enlarge

Spy photographer extraordinaire Brenda Priddy was so pleased that her "mugshot" appeared on Autoblog today that she's sweetening the deal for Autoblog readers only. If you donate any amount of money to her Jail & Bail charity drive that benefits the March of Dimes, you can enter to win this "ESPIONAGE" baseball cap from the International Spy Museum in Washington, D.C. that's been customized with the name "Brenda Priddy & Company" on the back. It's like real official spy photography gear, just make sure not to wear it in Arizona with a camera around your neck. Not a good way to make friends with out-of-towners just passing through.

Entering couldn't be easier. Follow this link to Priddy's Jailbird web page and choose to donate whatever amount you'd like. The amount won't affect your chances, but if you're cool you'll do at least $10 because it's for a really good cause. We did $25, but no pressure. This is the important part – when asked to leave a comment for Priddy, write "Saw this on Autoblog". Only donations that are accompanied by the comment "Saw this on Autoblog" can be part of the drawing for the spy hat.

If the response to this is good enough Brenda promised to pull out more spy gear to give away, so let's help the March of Dimes save some babies!