Spy Photos

[InlineSIX24]

LAMBORGHINI GALLARDO: FIERY ITALIAN GETS NEW LOOK


Spy photographer Pedro Domingues, part of Brenda Priddy & Company's network of covert auto shooters, snapped these shots of the forthcoming Lamborghini Gallardo LP550 in Portugal, ahead of its debut at the Geneva Auto Show.

Priddy says the car, painted orange but almost completely covered in black tape, is said to be powered by a 5.2L V10 with 550hp. Priddy says her photographer saw "some top-end cars, such as the Maserati GranTurismo and Porsche 911 (on the track) testing. Among those cars was an orange Lamborghini Gallardo covered in black tape. This Gallardo had a different front bumper, smaller headlights, double dual exhaust, and the rear ventilation grille was one single piece instead of three portions."
The Gallardo LP550 has re-designed front and rear fascias and rides on a stiffer body. Along with mechanical updates, an improved (and lighter) all-wheel-drive system and upgraded brakes, the LP550 will also come with an upgraded price tag, estimated somewhere in the $200k range.

Priddy relates her photographer's final observation: "I can additionally tell you that it runs very quietly when idling," Domingues explained. "Once the engine gets to the right temperature, you can hardly hear it, but it roars like a true Lamborghini when being revved and pulling away."

[InlineSIX24]

SEMA eNews, Vol. 11, No. 12 - Mar 20, 2008
SPY SHOTS—AUDI'S NEW 350 HP RAGTOP

Until these shots were taken, the only times Brenda Priddy's spy photographers found the new Audi TT RS ragtop was in the dark, in the coldest part of Sweden. This time they managed to catch it in the daylight. "The huge oval exhaust tips, large air intakes up front and larger wheels and brakes were an obvious giveaway," Priddy says.
Audi’s fastest TT is expected to be powered by a turbocharged 3.2L V6, although some are claiming a 2.5L five-cylinder powerplant. Regardless, it will have nearly 350 horsepower. It's expected to reach dealerships in the summer of 2009.

[InlineSIX24]

SEMA eNews, Vol. 11, No.13 - Mar 27, 2008

SPY PHOTOS—CADILLAC CTS COUPE: DETROIT'S HOTTEST SEDAN LOSES TWO DOORS


Brenda Priddy & Co. photographers nabbed these shots of the Cadillac CTS Coupe, what some sources speculate will actually be called the CTC when it reaches production in May 2009. Codenamed GMX226, the stylish coupe will be built alongside the CTS sedan at the Lansing (Michigan) Grand River Plant, Priddy says.

The coupe will feature a backup camera (not currently found on the sedan) and will have a touch-pad entry system instead of traditional door handles. As seen here, styling very closely follows the concept, and even the dual exhaust is expected to make production. Only the concept's front end may see a modest toning down to bring it inline with the CTS sedan.

[InlineSIX24]

SEMA eNews, Vol. 11, No. 14 - Apr 03, 2008
SPY PHOTOS: VW's NEW TRUCK SET FOR 2010


With all the buzz about an upcoming body-on-frame pickup from Volkswagen, the timing seems perfect for these early pictures from the spy shooters at Brenda Priddy & Co. of a developmental test mule.

Hiding underneath this well-modified Toyota Hi-Lux shell is the all-new pickup from VW. Brenda Priddy & Co. reports that markets are expected to include Europe and South America—as well as North America.

Look for VW’s pickup to arrive for the 2010 model year.

[InlineSIX24]

SEMA eNews, Vol. 11, No. 15 - Apr 10, 2008
SPY PHOTOS: CADILLAC XLR-V SUPERCHARGED COUPE


The 2009 Cadillac XLR V-Series gets refreshed with moderate changes to the front and rear, spy photographer Brenda Priddy tells us. The V-Series signature wire-mesh comes through the front-end camouflage, and Priddy notes the large fender vent covered by black tape as a new feature, probably not unlike the vent shown on the Provoq concept.
Priddy adds that the XLR may continue with the 4.4L supercharged Northstar V-8, good for 443 hp. There's also a chance that it could get the LSA motor, a 6.2L supercharged small-block V-8 good for 550 hp, found in the upcoming 2009 CTS-V.

[InlineSIX24]

SEMA eNews, Vol. 11, No. 18 - May 01, 2008
SPY PHOTOS: CADILLAC'S CTS TRIFECTA—SEDAN, COUPE AND NOW A WAGON



Brenda Priddy's spy photographer network recently caught the third Cadillac CTS variant, a wagon, during testing. Codenamed GMX 206, GM will start building this luxury wagon next spring, Priddy says. It will be built alongside the CTS sedan and coupe at the Lansing (Mich.) Grand River Assembly Plant. Expect GM to build around 10,000-12,000 units a year, a significant portion of that run earmarked for European sales.

Back in the United States, GM is expected to kill the SRX in the first or second quarter of 2009, and replace it with the forthcoming BRX. The CTS wagon is expected to slot between the sedan and sport-ute segments of Cadillac's lineup.

[InlineSIX24]

Codenamed 177, we just caught more pictures of GMC’s newest upcoming SUV – the Terrain. Based on the theta platform–same as Chevrolet’s Equinox–the pair will arrive in time for the 2010 model year, but without its Pontiac sibling. Production starts in August of 2009 at the CAMI facility, with sales following shortly afterwards.

[InlineSIX24]

SEMA eNews, Vol. 11, No. 20 - May 15, 2008
SPY PHOTOS: THE ROXSTER—PORSCHE'S NEW "BABY" CAYENNE


Proof at last that the Panamera range will not end the Porsche success story is the new "baby" Cayenne, likely to be called the Roxster, says spy shooter Brenda Priddy. Porsche CEO Wendelin Wiedeking is dead serious about launching the company’s fifth model Priddy says, and grabbed the pictures to prove it as the small ute—Porsche's answer to BMW's X3—was leaving the company's Stuttgart headquarters.

Following the successful Cayenne, built with partner Volkswagen, the new Roxster may use components of Audi’s all-new Q5. It might also herald Porsche’s entry into the diesel segment. Without an oil-burner in this class, failure in Europe is almost guaranteed.

[InlineSIX24]

SEMA eNews, Vol. 11, No. 23 - Jun 05, 2008
SPY PHOTOS: FORD F-450 HARLEY-DAVIDSON EDITION

Ford and Harley-Davidson have been building special-edition F-Series pickups for almost a decade. Since 1999 they’ve created 11 different models. Brenda Priddy and her network of spy photographers (James Kenney, in this case) nabbed this shot of the upcoming twelfth installment in the series, the 2009 Harley-Davidson Edition Ford F-450, a dual-rear-wheel, 1.5-ton hauler with a curb weight of 8,700 lbs. and 24,500-lb. towing capacity—about 24 Harley Heritage Softail motorcycles.

A well-loaded F-450 costs about $55,000, and Priddy says she expects the HD edition F-450 to break the $60K barrier. For that kind of money, she notes, you’ll get blue tribal flames etched in the paint, chrome grille and side vents, Harley-Davidson’s name embossed in the cargo box sides, a Harley badge on the tailgate, unique wheels with Harley-Davidson shields in the center caps and a black leather interior with even more Harley badging.

No changes are expected to the F-450’s 6.4L Power Stroke diesel V8 engine.




Ford will reportedly install a special 'territory marking' system to the Harley edition that will allow the driver to dump some oil onto the ground wherever they stop.

[InlineSIX24]

SEMA eNews, Vol. 11, No. 25 - Jun 19, 2008
SPY PHOTOS: BMW M3


Brenda Priddy tells us that this BMW M3 prototype, caught here in blinding, law-enforcement baiting red, shows us that a minor facelift is in store for the 414-hp 3 Series alpha male. Priddy says a new set of taillights is in order, while other changes may lurk beneath the sheetmetal. Look for the freshened M3 to debut sometime in the next six to 12 months.

[InlineSIX24]

SEMA eNews, Vol. 11, No. 26 - Jun 26, 2008
SPY PHOTOS: IS THIS 2+2 COUPE ACURA'S NEW NSX?


Nissan and Lexus have entered the high-dollar, high performance "supercar" game, so it was only a matter of time before Acura revived its NSX program, arguably the first Japanese "supercar" to hit American shores. Brenda Priddy's network of spy photographers caught this prototype, which Priddy says is the new NSX, expected to debut sometime next year.

Unlike the previous mid-engine NSX, this prototype runs a front-mid engine, the powerplant placed well behind the front wheels to ensure excellent weight distribution, Priddy notes. This should also allow the new NSX to offer 2+2 cabin accommodation and broaden its appeal, particularly in the Unites States. Exactly what powerplant will motivate the NSX is subject to much rumor and conjecture. There has been talk, Priddy says, of a high-revving, naturally-aspirated V10, which would fit nicely with Acura's Type R philosophy.


Acura has never obsessed over big horsepower outputs, but 450 hp seems likely if the NSX is to compete in the super-segment. Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system also seems a logical drivetrain choice. Whether buyers will perceive the new NSX equal to its Japan rivals or the European vanguard remains to be seen. Nissan's GT-R has demonstrated that it can hold its own with those elite performance machines and enter the market as a serious contender. Look for the Lexus LF-A and, perhaps, the NSX to follow suit.

[InlineSIX24]

SEMA eNews, Vol. 11, No. 27 - Jul 03, 2008
SPY PHOTOS: 2010 CHEVY SILVERADO TO GET MORE THAN 6 GEARS?

Even with truck sales down and fuel prices up, General Motors doesn't intend to let its competitors get ahead of its heavy-duty program. From Brenda Priddy's spy photog network come these shots of the next-model 2010 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 diesel test mule.

The Silverado HD and its GMC Sierra HD twin first went on sale about 18 months ago, but GM plans a mild facelift that hints at major revisions under the hood, Priddy says.

Priddy explains that the temporary grille in these photos is cribbed from a current light-duty Chevrolet Silverado 1500, but that the revised front bumper is slated for production. The inlet in the middle of the front bumper feeds air to the transmission cooler and is about one-third larger than the current version. Priddy speculates that the enlarged inlet could signal big changes in the Allison transmission package, perhaps to include eight—or more—gears to improve fuel economy and towing efficiency.

The larger inlet could also provide increased airflow for the next-gen Duramax diesel, which will be overhauled to meet tougher nitrogen oxide (NOx) standards taking effect in 2010. Part of that overhaul could include a new exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system which reduces NOx emissions, although GM has stated that the 2010 Duramax will use urea selective catalytic reduction (SCR) to scrub NOx, thus requiring a less complex EGR system.

The current Silverado HD uses a six-speed transmission mated to a 6.6L Duramax. Competitor Ford, meanwhile, plans to launch the 2011 Ford Super Duty with a 6.7L Scorpion V8 and six-speed transmission, and Dodge will launch its next heavy-duty in 2010.

[The Black Knight]

SEMA eNews, Vol. 11, No. 27 - Jul 03, 2008
SPY PHOTOS: 2010 CHEVY SILVERADO TO GET MORE THAN 6 GEARS?

Even with truck sales down and fuel prices up, General Motors doesn't intend to let its competitors get ahead of its heavy-duty program. From Brenda Priddy's spy photog network come these shots of the next-model 2010 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 diesel test mule.

The Silverado HD and its GMC Sierra HD twin first went on sale about 18 months ago, but GM plans a mild facelift that hints at major revisions under the hood, Priddy says.

Priddy explains that the temporary grille in these photos is cribbed from a current light-duty Chevrolet Silverado 1500, but that the revised front bumper is slated for production. The inlet in the middle of the front bumper feeds air to the transmission cooler and is about one-third larger than the current version. Priddy speculates that the enlarged inlet could signal big changes in the Allison transmission package, perhaps to include eight—or more—gears to improve fuel economy and towing efficiency.

The larger inlet could also provide increased airflow for the next-gen Duramax diesel, which will be overhauled to meet tougher nitrogen oxide (NOx) standards taking effect in 2010. Part of that overhaul could include a new exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system which reduces NOx emissions, although GM has stated that the 2010 Duramax will use urea selective catalytic reduction (SCR) to scrub NOx, thus requiring a less complex EGR system.

The current Silverado HD uses a six-speed transmission mated to a 6.6L Duramax. Competitor Ford, meanwhile, plans to launch the 2011 Ford Super Duty with a 6.7L Scorpion V8 and six-speed transmission, and Dodge will launch its next heavy-duty in 2010.

I find it odd that there are released "spy photos" of the new GM trucks. Since about a month back, GM announced that it would quit making both the Silverado and Sierra, along with the Tahoe, Yukon and Suburban models, amid high fuel prices and sluggish sales. This would all take affect in 2010 when the last GM trucks would roll off the assembly lines and the plants would close down. Also had heard in the news and papers that GM would begin this process in mid to late 2009, in order to get ready for the big shutdown.

So I wonder who is full of s**t? GM for announcing their trucks own demise or the spy photo's being snapped and inside sources? Honestly I hate to see any truck model get s**tcanned and I hope GM still makes their new trucks to come. Something has got to be done about the freakish high oil prices and hopefully something will materialize soon.

Also why is Ford using "Scorpion" V8 and not the Powerstroke? Unless the Scorpion is a Powerstroke variant, I'm not up on all that International is doing with their powerplant diesels.

I also think these truck powerplants are getting to big. I mean look how dominant the 5.9L Cummins was and still is. Now everyone is going to 6.0L+ motors. Course Ford's old 7.3L(late 90's til 2002) was a excellent motor and probably the better of all the Powerstrokes out there. I know when they brought out the new 6.0L they had tons of bugs in it. The new "new" twin turbo motor they have now is cool. I haven't heard anything negative about it yet.

Only way these truck companies are going to sell these big trucks are to put smaller diesels in them, in order to get the MPG back up. I mean I've heard of and know guys that are getting in the low 20's mpg in the older Cummins 5.9L's, and these are bone stock. Throw a programmer on them and they easily jump into the mid 20's. My friend with a Duramax gets 22mpg in town with his programmer and intake+exahaust. Not bad for 3/4 or 1 ton trucks. They get better than the gas power trucks(unless you can really open up a gas motor to let it run efficiently, then you can come close).

I think if the Big Three could get their Diesel's to consistently run in the low 20's as far as fuel mileage goes(in town), and I mean all Three in bone stock form. Then I'm sure sales would go up. Because then guys could get in the 20's stock, throw in some aftermarket parts and get in the upper 20's(possibly?) with hwy mileage in the 30's. Which from a few forums I've read, a guy with a Duramax programmed with a Hypertech III programmer, @ 55mph on the highway was getting 34mpg!!! If he upped it to 67mph he got 26mph, so basically if you can handle driving as slow as 55mph. You end up with a ton of fuel mileage in a real sized truck and not some trash can car.

Believe me, if the "Big Three" could get the fuel mileage up in these big trucks, to where it makes it worth your time to buy one, regardless of fuel prices. And get them to fuel efficiently with plenty of power and good mpg. Oh yeah, I'd be the first one down at the dealer signing away for one in a heartbeat.

[InlineSIX24]

Well I don't see GM getting 'rid' of their Duramax line, but I'll bet they start doing a lot more production out of the country once the US plants shut down to cut cost.
The OEMs seem to have some conception that consumers value liter size and branding over performance. The new Dodge has the 6.7L but doesn't put out more power than the 5.9L. Supposedly Dodge has figured out quite a bit with atomization and effficiency for the 2010 model and they will be about 20% better fuel economy even with all of the emissions equipment onboard.
A lot of guys seem to believe their factory digital fuel economy meters, but they aren't accurate once you do modifications and will usually read better than what the mileage actually is. The best you can usually get with the pre-emissions equipped trucks is around 25-28. Beyond that you need something like propane assist to increase economy. The additives that the government mandates must be put into the diesel fuel are what is killing the price lately since the switch to ULSD.

[The Black Knight]

Well I don't see GM getting 'rid' of their Duramax line, but I'll bet they start doing a lot more production out of the country once the US plants shut down to cut cost.
The OEMs seem to have some conception that consumers value liter size and branding over performance. The new Dodge has the 6.7L but doesn't put out more power than the 5.9L. Supposedly Dodge has figured out quite a bit with atomization and effficiency for the 2010 model and they will be about 20% better fuel economy even with all of the emissions equipment onboard.
A lot of guys seem to believe their factory digital fuel economy meters, but they aren't accurate once you do modifications and will usually read better than what the mileage actually is. The best you can usually get with the pre-emissions equipped trucks is around 25-28. Beyond that you need something like propane assist to increase economy. The additives that the government mandates must be put into the diesel fuel are what is killing the price lately since the switch to ULSD.

Yeah, I can't see GM getting rid of the truck line either. I was just going off of what I saw on "World News" and it was in the papers too(Wall Street Journal, etc.) They were reporting GM as getting rid of the truck line vehicles in favor of fuel efficient cars and smaller SUV's.

I totally agree with you on what Dodge has done. You're right, people want liter size vs. performance. But you're right, the 5.9L is just as powerful as the new 6.7L and gets better fuel mileage. I mean the 5.9L was pumping out 640ft.lbs(that's pretty freaking good). The new one hasn't changed that(I think they may have upped it 10lbs to 650.)

If Dodge has a new model coming in 2010 and it's supposed to be 20% better, then that will probably put it back in the range of the 5.9L Cummins. So it's not like they are advancing much.

I think the manufacture's could get just as good of performance with smaller engine size. If they were to stay sub 6.0L, they motors would work just as well as they do now.

I mean the point of a diesel is for towing or hauling and not speed. Which is why I don't understand Ford and GM's thing for V8 Diesel motors. Honestly they don't perform as well as the Cummins does down low(which is where you need your power). I've been in and test drove all three and can say for towing and hauling, the Cummins wins hands down. The Powerstroke and Duramax are great motors but slow down low, it's not til you spool them up do they start making good towing power. Plus the V8 diesel motors get worse fuel mileage. Obviously with two extra cylinders to fill, it's going to use more fuel.

It's all in the turbo anyways. You can have a tiny engine but slap a big turbo on it and it makes great performance(i.e. WRX's and EVO's). If the "Big 3" would size down their motors and focus on efficiency and performace, along with good mpg they wouldn't be able to keep these trucks on their lots. As it is now, you can't give these huge diesels away. Dodge posted a 35.9% loss in sales, mainly due to their over abundance of trucks not selling. Ford and Toyota both posted losses in 22-26% range and GM oldly enough managed only 17 or 19% loss(I'd have to get my paper that had all the results in it). And most of the losses posted come from the truck segment. So the manufacture's need to look at this and realize what they are doing isn't working.

The last time I was on Perkins Dodge website(here in the Springs) they had no 2500's with the Hemi in it and over 100 2500's all with Diesels. I think combined(1500, 2500 and 3500) models they had over 300 trucks on their lot. Ford and GM dealerships are in the same boat. That's not good but you can't expect people to shell out the kind of money these trucks cost(new) with the high price of diesel and expect to sell trucks. Even with their 14k off incentives and all the BS still can't move trucks, like I say you can't give these things away.

Lastly, the break-in periods on diesels are what hurts the consumer as well. For a gas motor you're looking at around 1k to 5k for good break-in and the better fuel mileage to start. Diesel's you're lucky to get decent fuel mileage around 15-25k, not to mention the motor really doesn't come alive until you reach about 75k. So buying "new" sucks because you've got to rack up a ton of miles just get it broke in and get some fuel mileage. If you're like me, 20k miles would take me about 3 years to get to and to see 75-80k miles would probably take me easily 10 years.

I just don't know, I agree that something needs to be done or else we won't be seeing trucks coming from the dealers in the future.

[InlineSIX24]

ACURA'S NEW NSX

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpMAfsSk7jM

[InlineSIX24]

2011 BMW 5 Series
Diesel version coming to the US.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBZaXRN2PcE

[InlineSIX24]

SEMA eNews, Vol. 11, No. 30 - Jul 24, 2008
SPY PHOTOS: AMG PACKS 500+ HORSEPOWER INTO NEXT MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS


The 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, expected to debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, will likely use S-Class styling cues, including a more sculpted wide-frame grille and wedge-shaped profile, according to automotive spy photographer Brenda Priddy. Internally named "W212," the E-Class will get the usual V6/V8 options, along with a naturally aspirated 6.3L, 500-plus horsepower V8 mill in the E63 AMG variant pictured here.

Priddy says that driver assistance appears to be a major theme for W212, with lane-departure warnings, eye-movement monitor, road-condition sensors and stability control to account for crosswinds, camber changes and tire wear among the anticipated features.

[InlineSIX24]

SEMA eNews, Vol. 11, No. 31 - Jul 31, 2008
SPY SHOTS: FORD AIMING FOR 390 HP WITH NEW SCORPION DIESEL


Sources tell photographer Brenda Priddy that Ford continues to make good progress testing its upcoming 6.7L V8 diesel engine, designed and built in-house. The new engine, codenamed Scorpion, will replace the Navistar-sourced 6.4L V8 Power Stroke diesel engine in Ford's heavy-duty pickups by 2011.

The latest power targets are said to be more than 390 horsepower and 720 lb.-ft. torque. Ford's current Power Stroke diesel is rated at 350 hp and 650 lb.-ft.

Scorpion fuel economy is expected to improve by 3 MPG or more compared to the current Power Stroke, aided by the same new six-speed automatic transmission slated for the 2009 Ford F-150.

How important is this motor? The move is expected to permanently end Ford's longtime use of Navistar-built diesel engines in its heavy-duty pickups, due to an ongoing legal battle between the two companies over warranty and cost issues related to the old 6.0L V8 Power Stroke (model years 2003–2007). Ford has used Navistar diesels in its F-Series trucks since 1982.

It's not yet known if the Scorpion will continue to use the Power Stroke name or if Ford will create a brand-new label for the engine.

[puckstr]

Funny how I have not seen the first MPG rating

[InlineSIX24]

Current model unloaded is typically 12-14 mpg. Loaded... not so good.

[InlineSIX24]

SEMA eNews, Vol. 11, No. 34 - Aug 21, 2008
SPY PHOTOS: ACURA'S 2010 CROSSOVER CAUGHT UNDER COVER OF DARKNESS


Automotive spy photog Brenda Priddy says this heavily dressed SUV/wagon-looking thing is Acura's unnamed sport crossover for 2010.

"In typical Acura fashion, early prototypes are often tested only after dark, and this was no exception." Priddy says. Contrary to the camouflaged disguise, Priddy says sources tell her that the vehicle will have more coupe-like styling. She also believes the CUV may ride on the same chassis as the newly debuted 2009 TL and would probably indicate very similar V6 powertrains.

[InlineSIX24]

SEMA eNews, Vol. 11, No. 35 - Aug 28, 2008
SPY PHOTOS: AUDI'S NEW R8 DROP-TOP

Brenda Priddy's spy photographer network caught Audi's R8 convertible variant out testing on its home roads. The 2010 model, unfortunately unlikely to arrive in Death Star Black Matte finish as pictured, will be launched next spring, Priddy says. The ragtop will officially bow at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show in March.
According to Motor Trend, the roadster will be available with a V8, and later with Audi's new 530-horsepower V10, and will likely feature a retractable hardtop for packaging reasons.

[Brat]

ohhhh that r8 conv, is sweet.