Spy Shots: Audi RS6 Sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Feb 2008 10:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Spy Shots: Acura TSX originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Feb 2008 07:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

With its Le Mans racing program soon to be bolstered by GT2 and LMP1 entries, and with sales of its ever-so-desirable GTs ever increasing, Aston Martin is preparing to add the four-door Rapide to its production line-up. And if this spy shot is any indication, things seem to be moving along nicely.

Aston was anticipated to decide by year's end where the Rapide would be built. Although the company just moved to a new facility in Gaydon, the automaker was reportedly in discussions with a number of smaller contractors - including Pininfarina, Karmann, Magna-Steyr and Valmet - over potentially outsourcing the Rapide's manufacturing. As we already know, these private coachbuilders are all in dire need of the contract.

Confirmation that Aston would build the Rapide was one of the first things its new owners did after acquiring the company from Ford, and we're looking forward to seeing the production version in the flesh after seeing this spy shot.

[Source: The Hollywood Extra]

Spy Shot: Aston Martin Rapide originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Jan 2008 09:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Back in September, BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer announced an ambitious plan to increase production to 1.8 million vehicles by 2012 and to 2 million units by 2020. To reach those goals, BMW is planning several new niche models, including what it referred to as a "Progressive Activity Sedan". But while little in the way of details for the PAS were revealed at the time, a video has surfaced revealing a test mule for the car, which will be based on the next 5-Series with a fastback body-style.

The PAS is anticipated to slot between the 5-Series sedan and 5-Series wagon, with five seats and a hatchback rear end. Currently undergoing testing, the PAS is expected to go into production in 2009 or 2010 after an unveiling as a concept either at the Paris show later this year or in Detroit a year from now. Check out the video after the jump.

[Source: Autocar via Carscoop]

Continue reading Spy Video: BMW Progressive Activity Sedan

Spy Video: BMW Progressive Activity Sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 Jan 2008 19:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

These candid spy shots show that the Twingo has clearly been hitting the gym, with flared wheel arches and new bumpers. Power is tipped to come from a reworked version of the Twingo GT's 1.2-liter turbocharged four, massaged to produce 120 hp, 20 more than stock and hitting the magic 100-horsepower-per-liter mark. That'd be good for a 0-60 run in about 8.5 seconds, and with an anticipated UK price tag of around £12,500 it'd make a solid competitor to the likes of the Suzuki Swift Sport, Fiat Panda 100HP and Ford SportKa.

Speculation says it will be unveiled at the upcoming Geneva show in March, and based on the apparent readiness seen in the spy shots, we'd call that a good bet and will bring you more from the show floor in three months' time.

[Source: Auto Express]

Spy Shots: Renaultsport Twingo 120 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Jan 2008 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

With the Clio and Laguna having recently undergone complete replacement, Renault is now turning its attention to its middle range, and the automotive paparazzi have caught camouflaged mules undergoing testing on the open road.

Scheduled to bow at next September's Paris show, the third-generation Megane is expected to do away with the current model's sharp creases in favor of a smoother silhouette. The spy shots show that the current Megane's distinctive upright curved rear glass will give way to a more streamlined greenhouse, drawing on the lines of the new Laguna sedan. The range is anticipated to include three-door and five-door hatches, an estate wagon, a two-door coupe and a hardtop convertible. The new Megane's normally-aspirated 1.4-liter base engine is expected to be replaced by the Clio's 1.2-liter turbo, but otherwise the engines should carry over from the current model's, ranging all the way to the 225-horsepower turbo Renaultsport version.

[Source: Auto Express]

Spy Shots: streamlined new Renault Megane originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Jan 2008 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Earlier we brought you a screen shot of Citroen's website that features a countdown meter until the French automaker unveils its latest vehicle. Although we'll have to wait another couple of days to know for certain, the replacement for the Berlingo utility minivan is shaping up as a strong contender for the slot, with an undisguised photo of the new vehicle surfacing on the internet.

The Berlingo, also badged as the Partner by PSA sister-company Peugeot, has been on the market since 1996 and received a facelift in 2002. Competing with the new Renault Kangoo that was unveiled at last September's Frankfurt show, the little vans are a common site overseas where their utility and compact size prove a popular combination.

[Source: World Car Fans]

Spy Shots: Citroen C-something could be Berlingo van replacement originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Dec 2007 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Overseas customers anxiously awaiting the upcoming entry-level model from Alfa Romeo have a little teaser to hold them over. The replacement for the three-door version of the long-in-the-tooth Alfa 147 is expected to debut at the Geneva show this coming March, but this is the first time we've actually seen it.

Unfortunately, all we can see is a bit of the front and rear bumpers, but like an unguarded celebrity pop idol getting out of a car, a little glimpse can be worth a lot. All that can be seen from the front shot is a fog-light flanking the front air dam, but the red cover betrays the iconic Alfa shield grille underneath. Around back is a better view of an intriguing overlapping double-oval exhaust peering out from what little rear overhang there is.

No word yet on whether the Junior (or whatever it will be called after Alfa bailed on its own online naming campaign) will eventually make it over the pond as part of the company's return to the American market, but we'll be on hand in Switzerland for the unveiling in three months.

[Source: Autoblog.it]

Celebrity Upskirt: Alfa Junior caught unawares originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Dec 2007 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and all that, but it'd take something really spectacular to make a car like the Maserati Quattroporte look anything but elegant. The company's new GranTurismo, itself based on the sedan, managed to do a good job of making its four-door stable-mate pale by comparison, so it should come as no big surprise that the Trident marque is preparing a mid-cycle facelift.

According to these spy shots, the bulk of the visual updates will be on the front, where the grille, (all but non-existent) bumper and headlights are tipped to be reshaped. Also expect a few minor changes to the rear bumper, but that should about do it.

Don't mess too much with a beautiful thing, Maser.

[Source: EVO]

Spy Shots: Maserati Quattroporte facelift originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Oct 2007 09:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Nah. Highly unlikely. In your dreams. That's what the folks at Toyota said as I handed the keys to the MR-S V-Edition back to them earlier this year and asked if Toyota had another mid-engined sports car on the drawing board.

So what, pray tell, is this litle number spotted on the back of a Toyota transporter near Nagoya earlier this summer? Toyota is keeping mum, but could this be another prototype from the Committee to create Interesting Cars? Let's hope so.

[Source: BestCar magazine]

MR2 redux snagged on transporter? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Sep 2007 12:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Spy Shot: Nice view of Porsche Panamera profile originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Aug 2007 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Spy Shots: 2009 Pontiac Vibe almost uncovered originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Aug 2007 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Manufacturers testing development mules for upcoming models go to great lengths to camouflage their prototypes in order to hide from the public what they're working on. That never stops the motoring press, in print and in cyberspace, from speculating on what that the camouflage is disguising, usually with considerable accuracy. A certain set of spy shots, however, have been enigmatic, resulting in a number of different theories.

The spy shots in question show a two-door sports car being developed by Ferrari. We've speculated that the shots in question show an "entry level" Ferrari model, possibly to be labeled as a new Dino, despite Maranello's repeated denials with which, by now, we're all familiar. Our friends over at Motor Authority say it's a new model from sister-company Maserati, to be positioned below the new GranTurismo. The folks at Carscoop, meanwhile, insist that the prototype is more simply a convertible version of the aforementioned GT.

Continue reading Speculazione: Is this a new Maserati or the Ferrari Dino?

Speculazione: Is this a new Maserati or the Ferrari Dino? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Jul 2007 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The pre-production version of the car, previewed by the C-XF concept car at the Detroit show, is anticipated for unveiling in Frankfurt in September, in advance of expected delivery to begin next Spring.

If the concept car wasn't enough of an indication, the camouflaged test mule hints at what should be one sexy luxo-feline indeed. Click on to Jalopnik to see the full gallery of spy shots.

[Source: Jalopnik]

Spy Shots: Jaguar XF test mule in Frisco originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Jul 2007 15:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

We know, we know... you've already seen spy shots of the upcoming Ferrari F430 Challenge Stradale. But we can't help but get excited for what promises to be one of the most tantalizing applications of the more-power-less-weight battle cry. We've seen what an improvement the formula made to the F430's predecessor, the 360 Modena, so stripping weight off the already faster-than-spit F430, tightening it up and squeezing a few extra prancing horses out of its screaming powerplant should make for an even hotter ride.

To recap, the 430 CS is anticipated to strip an additional 100 kg or so off the curb weight of its "ordinary" sister by stripping out non-essentials and replacing some of the sheet-metal with carbon-fiber body panels, all while boosting output by an extra 20 horsepower or so thanks primarily to a freer-flowing exhaust system with tips placed higher in the rear panel, like on the previous 360 CS.

These latest shots of the 430 CS test mule, which you can see in all their glory by following the link, were snapped at the Nurburgring and show a revised front end with what look like flared nostrils and a track that has apparently been even further widened over the already broad-shouldered F430. Slight changes, to be sure, but the fine-tuning of perfection has us eagerly counting down to its anticipated debut at the Frankfurt show in September.

[Source: Autowereld via Motor Authority]

Back in Black: Ferrari 430CS caught testing...again originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Jul 2007 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Audi fires back at BMW in war of words originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Jun 2007 14:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Spy Shots: Next-gen Ford Falcon originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Jun 2007 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Spy Video: Acura NSX mule originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 26 May 2007 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Spy Shots: 2009 Ford F-150 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 May 2007 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Our mates across the pond at PistonHeads say they've got it on good authority that Lamborghini is indeed producing a Superleggera version of the too-hot-to-handle Murcielago.

Eyebrows were raised when spy photogs snapped a Murcielago test mule running test laps around the Nurburgring's venerable Nordschleiff in Germany, sporting a big ol' wing on the back and what looks like carbon fiber body panels. If the reports are correct - and we hope they are - the Murcielago Superleggera will get the same treatment as its little brother, the Gallardo Superleggera, which was unveiled at the Geneva show. That means carbon fiber and composite components will help bring the weight down, while some tweaks to the engine will bring power up, resulting in a delicious increase to the supercar's power-to-weight ratio. It's too early to tell how much extra juice the stripped-down Lambo will get, but it should be a daunting task considering that the engine's output was already augmented for the LP640. Could we be seeing a 700 horsepower figure?

The report suggests an official unveiling of the Murcielago Superleggera in March 2008, but with Lamborghini's pledge to have a new attraction at every major auto show, we wouldn't be surprised - delighted, mind you, but not surprised - to see it take its first bow earlier than that.

[Source: PistonHeads]

REPORT: Murcielago Superleggera confirmed originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 May 2007 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.