Spy Photos

[InlineSIX24]

SEMA eNews, Vol. 11, No. 36 - Sep 04, 2008
SPY PHOTOS: MERCEDES-BENZ UPDATES 300SL LEGEND WITH NEW "GULLWING"


Brenda Priddy tells us that it's been over a year since she and her network first spotted the C197 mule, the car that is to become the next Mercedes-Benz to sport the brand's iconic gullwing doors. At that time, the car was a cobbled-together tester with slapped-on Viper parts.
"The Mercedes-Benz Gullwing has often been referred to as the SLC, but we’re expecting the production version to have a new name and quite possibly be under the AMG brand," Priddy says.

The Gullwing is expected to be introduced at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, with a limited run of sales for a period of two years. Production numbers will likely be around 6,000 units a year and should carry a price tag of several hundred thousand dollars, Priddy explains. Horsepower estimates range from 550–650, and power is expected to come from a forced-induction V8 or perhaps a V10.



Unfortunately Mercedes' test engineer was too tall and got his head stuck in the door as shown.

[InlineSIX24]

SEMA eNews, Vol. 11, No. 40 - Oct 02, 2008
SPY SHOTS—RETURN OF THE HIGH-PERFORMANCE FORD TAURUS


Although wrapped in camouflage, auto spy photographer Brenda Priddy says there's no mistaking that this is the all-new high-performance Ford Taurus prototype. Photos of a clay version leaked months ago, Priddy says, and this one carries over familiar styling cues from Ford's stylish European model, the Mondeo.


The high-performance model should pack a 3.5L twin-turbo V6 capable of around 350 hp, all-wheel drive, Ford's new SR1 (Shock Ratio 1) suspension (used in the Lincoln MKS), 20-inch wheels, twin exhaust pipes and chrome accents on the front end.

Some observers think it will revive the "Taurus SHO" designation, while a few of Priddy's "well-placed" sources say to expect a Euro-inspired "ST" badge. "We should know for sure early next year," she says.

[InlineSIX24]

SEMA eNews, Vol. 11, No. 42 - Oct 16, 2008
SPY PHOTOS: NISSAN'S 370Z—A LIGHTER AND FASTER TWO-SEATER


Nissan's all-new 370Z coupe has been spotted rolling around the wet roads of Germany and Brenda Priddy's spy photogs got a great look at it. Priddy notes that the 370 will take some styling cues from the recently debuted Maxima, with the headlights and taillights bearing a strong family resemblance.
More importantly, performance will receive a 30hp boost as the 3.7L 330hp V6 in Infiniti's G37 finds its way under the hood of the next-generation Z. It's also rumored that the curb weight will be lower than the outgoing 350Z. If the 370 is anything like its predecessor, it will be an enthusiast favorite. A SEMA survey shows that more than half of 350Z owners bought wheels and tires (55% and 53%, respectively) for their Nissans. Intake and aero kits are also popular (55%, 45%), as are performance brake kits and exhaust packages (39% each).

Watch for this two-seater to debut during the upcoming auto show season.

[InlineSIX24]

SEMA eNews, Vol. 11, No. 43 - Oct 23, 2008
SPY PHOTOS: NEW LOOK FRONT AND REAR FOR PORSCHE TURBO

Porsche will likely introduce the Turbo’s new look in January at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Exterior modifications will include new headlight and taillight layouts, as well as re-designed front and rear bumpers. The cabin may also get a mild tune-up, but powerplants are expected to remain unchanged.

[Spinalhaven]

CEEEEEERRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAMMMMMMMMIIIIIIIIIIIICCCCCCC CC BBBBBBBRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAKKKKKKKKKKKSSSSSS SSSS

[InlineSIX24]

SEMA eNews, Vol, 11, No. 46 - Nov 20, 2008
SPY PHOTOS: PAGANI ZONDA—MASSIVE RUBBER, MASSIVE MOTOR, PRICE TO MATCH


Up front, this next-generation Zonda F will get an all-new front clip. In back, the rear quarter-panels have been re-sculpted to allow for significantly increased airflow. The rear diffuser has also been redesigned and there is a new air scoop that sticks up from the middle of the engine cover.

This Pagani has enormous 335/30/ZR20 Pirelli P Zero Rosso tires in back and 255/35/ZR19 tires in front. Inside the wheels are equally enormous carbon-ceramic brake rotors.

What powerplant this supercar might run is a mystery. Pagani covered the clear engine compartment panels with black tape, and judging from the new, larger air intakes on this prototype, whichever motor resides under the cover needs more airflow than the Mercedes-Benz AMG 7.3L V8 found in the current Zonda F.

There are rumors of the 5.4L supercharged V8 from the McLaren SLR 722 or perhaps the bi-turbo V12 from the recently-debuted Mercedes SL65 AMG Black Series providing motivation for the Zonda F. Whichever motor is selected, it should be good for 600–700 hp.

The Zonda F should start production sometime in the first half of 2009. Price: expected to be a cool $650,000.

[InlineSIX24]

From the sounds of it this may be the largest format SUV/Truck that GM builds soon..

SEMA eNews, Vol. 11, No. 47 - Nov 26, 2008
SPY SHOTS: GMC's NEXT MIDSIZE SUV

The Pontiac Torrent name survived only one generation and is due for replacement by this machine: the 2010 GMC Terrain. The Terrain will share the same Theta platform as its chassis-mate, the 2010 Chevy Equinox, says spy photographer Brenda Priddy.
It may also share the Equinox powerplants, including a direct-injection 2.3L four-cylinder or a V6. Slated to be built in Ingersoll, Ontario, Canada, the Terrain will likely sell in the low-/mid-$20,000s when it arrives at dealers next year.

[Nick_Ninja]

I bet it doesn't see the production line.

[FALCONSEYE]

Yes it is

I have a tReg 05. Purchased brand new for $10500 less than the MSRP tag. You just gotta know how to hustle baby...
<< stinkin car dealers >>

[FALCONSEYE]

SEMA eNews, Vol, 11, No. 46 - Nov 20, 2008
SPY PHOTOS: PAGANI ZONDA—MASSIVE RUBBER, MASSIVE MOTOR, PRICE TO MATCH


Up front, this next-generation Zonda F will get an all-new front clip. In back, the rear quarter-panels have been re-sculpted to allow for significantly increased airflow. The rear diffuser has also been redesigned and there is a new air scoop that sticks up from the middle of the engine cover.

This Pagani has enormous 335/30/ZR20 Pirelli P Zero Rosso tires in back and 255/35/ZR19 tires in front. Inside the wheels are equally enormous carbon-ceramic brake rotors.

What powerplant this supercar might run is a mystery. Pagani covered the clear engine compartment panels with black tape, and judging from the new, larger air intakes on this prototype, whichever motor resides under the cover needs more airflow than the Mercedes-Benz AMG 7.3L V8 found in the current Zonda F.

There are rumors of the 5.4L supercharged V8 from the McLaren SLR 722 or perhaps the bi-turbo V12 from the recently-debuted Mercedes SL65 AMG Black Series providing motivation for the Zonda F. Whichever motor is selected, it should be good for 600–700 hp.

The Zonda F should start production sometime in the first half of 2009. Price: expected to be a cool $650,000.

I am glad I have project gotham racing 3-4. I drive this car for $59.99.

[InlineSIX24]

SEMA eNews, Vol. 11, No. 48 - Dec 04, 2008
SPY SHOTS: PORSCHE PREPARES DEBUT OF 560-HORSEPOWER "FAMILY" CAR


Spy photos of Porsche’s four-door Panamera have flowed steady for the past couple of years, but these recent shots from Brenda Priddy’s shooters show the Panamera closer to its production look than we’ve yet seen.

Scheduled for debut at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, the Panamera looks to fulfill Porsche’s response to the Mercedes-Benz CLS and the forthcoming Aston Martin Rapide. While carrying design elements from the rear-engine 911 range, the Panamera will offer three front-engine options set well behind the vehicle’s front axle, Priddy says.

The entry-level powerplant will be a Volkswagen 3.5L six-cylinder putting out 300 hp, while a Porsche direct-injection eight-cylinder offering 350 hp and a twin-turbo outputting 560 hp are also available. There’s also the distant possibility of offering the 700hp 10-cylinder from the Carerra GT in case Mercedes-Benz decides to fortify the CLS.

Priddy says Porsche is aiming at a new target, that of a true sportscar with four full seats, easy access to the rear and a good-sized luggage compartment. When it hits the road in 2009, Porsche hopes to sell 20,000 units annually. An “entry-level” Panamera is expected to sell for nearly $130,000, while the twin-turbo will inch towards $200,000.

[InlineSIX24]

SEMA eNews, Vol. 11, No. 49 - Dec 11, 2008
SPY SHOTS: HONDA READIES ACCORD-BASED WAGON FOR EARLY 2010


At first glance, this development mule looks like the European Honda Accord Tourer. Not so, says spy snapper Brenda Priddy. Instead, Priddy says it is the long-rumored Accord-based crossover (looks like a wagon to us). While most of the body on this mule is non-production Priddy says, the front-end, grafted from a U.S. market Accord, is likely to end up in the final product.

We can also see fender flares that have been tacked onto the body and covered with tape that matches the color of the paint.
Priddy also notes that the fenders tacked onto the body indicate that the wheel track has been widened slightly, and the additional length of sheetmetal and glass suggest a final product longer than the Accord Tourer.
The new car is expected to start production late 2009 at one of Honda's Ohio plants. A teaser concept is expected at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. Powertrain options will likely include the 4- and 6-cylinder choices for current Accords or possibly the turbocharged 2.3L found in the current Acura RDX.
All-wheel drive is also a likely option; although not clear in the bottom photograph, separate photos reveal a stout rear differential.

"Latitude" is one rumored model name, although Priddy says Honda allowed that trademark to expire several months ago.

[InlineSIX24]

SEMA eNews, Vol. 11, No. 50 - Dec 18, 2008
SPY SHOTS: AUDI A8—FOUR DOORS, COUPE STYLING, POSSIBLE V12 DIESEL


Brenda Priddy and her spy photographer syndicate got as close as possible to this Audi A8 mule, now wearing its own sheetmetal. Under that new sheetmetal is an extended version of the modular platform used in the A4, but Priddy says aluminum and magnesium materials will likely be used to save weight and improve dynamics.
The A8’s engine lineup will likely mirror the current range, starting with a 2.8L V6, and topping out with the 4.2L V8 FSI. Audi’s new 6.0L V12 TDI is also a possibility.
Like the A7, there will also be more supercharged units as well as increased application of Audi’s latest valve-lift system. The base model will remain FWD, but AWD variants will feature the latest Quattro torque vectoring systems, which distributes power individually between each axle and between the rear wheels for improved traction and stability.

[SaShWhO]

guess who??

[DevilsTonic]

guess who??

... I wonder...

[InlineSIX24]

SEMA eNews, Vol. 11, No. 51 - Dec 23, 2008
SPY SHOTS—NEW APPEARANCE, PERFORMANCE PACKAGE FOR 2010 MUSTANG

Auto spy photographer Brenda Priddy spent a weekend talking to Mustang experts and insiders, but no one could help get a line on this spotted 2010 package/edition. Priddy says the single tailpipe and rear emblem indicate that this is a 4.0L Mustang, but the unique stripes and body-colored side window louvers indicate it's not part of the ordinary run. One possibility is that it's the 2010 Pony Package with a few extras. Perhaps something totally new. Whatever it is, it's another new look for the 2010 'Stang.

[InlineSIX24]

2010 Dodge EV
By The Auto Insider, 10:00 AM on Tue Dec 9 2008

Chrysler shocked us in September with an electric program appearing from nowhere. The centerpiece was the Dodge EV — a plug-in electric sportscar. Sources tell us the little electric's been caught testing around Detroit sporting some fascia changes..
If it hadn’t been sporting the huge Dodge graphics, we could have easily mistaken this for a Lotus Europa; which it really is, yet isn’t. Seriously though, which is it? Chrysler feels your pain (and lots of its own) and has fortunately taken the time to give the little EV a recognizable face comprised of the signature Dodge cross-hair grille, a pair of foglamps and unique headlamps. We expect the Dodge EV to take inspiration from the 2007 Dodge Demon concept in its front-end styling and remain virtually unchanged in its side profile. Fortunately for Chrysler, the Europa somehow managed to resemble a Dodge from the rear, so we’re not expecting any changes from the original Lotus design of the tush-end.

Will this piece of putative vaporware actually make it to production? We can’t say. Given Chrysler’s current financial situation, we don’t think a two-seat electric sports car is the best plan for a Pentastar that, given a few months time, could be Penta-gone.

[InlineSIX24]

SEMA eNews, Vol. 12, No. 2 - Jan 15, 2009
Spy Shots—2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee to Offer V6, Hemi V8 and Hybrid Options


Code-named "WL," the 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee will ride on an all-new platform shared with several other vehicles, including the next-gen Dodge Durango and the next-gen Mercedes ML class. Spy photographer Brenda Priddy says the new chassis is flexible enough to accommodate five- or seven-passenger configurations.

Sources tell Priddy that the new Grand, sans camo, looks like the Trailhawk concept with sharper lines, a similar grille and possible door stamping.
Chrysler's new Phoenix V6 motor will be available in the Grand Cherokee in 3.3L and 3.6L displacements. A 4.7L V8 and 5.7L Hemi are also likely in the cards, as well as the GM/Chrysler/BMW hybrid powertrain. As always, expect 2WD and 4WD offerings. There are also rumors of an aluminum front axle and a tow rating of almost 8,000 lbs.
The new Jeep will likely start production at the Jefferson North Assembly plant in January 2010.

[InlineSIX24]

SEMA eNews, Vol. 12, No. 3 - Jan 22, 2009
Spy Shots: A Fair Weather Camaro Down Under


Spy photographer Brenda Priddy says that although Chevrolet still doesn’t have any Camaro convertible pictures on its consumer sites, this pre-production ragtop recently making the rounds in Australia is a no-brainer for North America. Productions delays may bump it to a 2011 model, though.

[InlineSIX24]

SEMA eNews, Vol. 12, No. 4 - Jan 29, 2009
Spy Shots: Ford's New "Coyote" V8 for Mustang and F-150

Auto spy photographer Brenda Priddy says this is first proof of Ford’s all-new V8, code-named “Coyote." The 5.0L, four-valve, naturally aspirated V8 will be offered in the 2011 Mustang and F-150. Priddy estimates the mill will make 400 hp and 400 lb.-ft. torque, with fuel economy close to that of today’s 5.4L engine.

[InlineSIX24]

By Chris Newbigging
Motor Cycle News
BMW S1000RR revealed in road-trim

BMW’s S1000RR superbike has broken cover in finished form testing at Albacete.
The pictures show a near production ready machine complete with final trim details and parts like indicators, number plate hanger and the final exhaust design.
ABS is also evident (the sensor ring can be seen on the left brake disc), and overhead shots show the BMW has a multi-function dashboard with two separate LCD readouts that are likely to display information about the traction control, sports ABS and lap timer as well as the more commonplace speedometer, odometer and trip meters.

[Stank Juic3]

It looks likes the new ninja up front and the rear an R6 (somewhat)

[InlineSIX24]

SEMA eNews, Vol. 12, No. 5 - Feb 05, 2009
Spy Photos: McLaren's New Supercar Successor to the SLR

McLaren's elusive P11 has moved from rumor to reality with these photos of the first prototype, shot during cold-weather testing in Sweden by Brenda Priddy's spy shooter network. Priddy says the P11 is tentatively scheduled for an introduction later this year, with production beginning in 2010, and is McLaren's replacement for the SLR.
Priddy says the heavily camouflaged silhouette resembles the renderings that have leaked over the past few months. Specs are sketchy, but recent speculation calls for the lightweight supercar to be powered by a Mercedes-Benz-sourced V8 putting out 550 hp, possibly mated to an F1-style sequential transmission.




But will it be as cool as the F1?

[Fly boy]

I love the paint jobs on these!