Spy Photos

[InlineSIX24]

Lexus LF-Ch Hybrid Concept: leaked photos reveal the interior

After we saw the official photo with the front end on Monday, today we bring you new photos with the new Lexus LF-Ch Hybrid Concept which will make its official debut at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show. What can we say… we are speechless because this new concept looks really impressive and we can hardly wait to see the production version which will take on the Audi A3 and the Bmw 1-Series. The new concept is expected to make its debut next week, together with the revised versions of the IF, GS and LS
http://www.4wheelsnews.com/lexus-lf-...-the-interior/

[InlineSIX24]

2011 Infiniti QX56 Spy Shots

The newest 2011 Infiniti QX56 recently made an appearance in the Middle East at an invitation-only event. Someone was able to capture a couple shots of Nissan’s newest mammoth SUV that is a much wanted update to the outgoing Nissan Armada and 2010 Infiniti QX56.

Looking at the grainy spy shots will reveal several Infiniti and Nissan-esq design cues including the strait forward sweeping roof like, reminiscent of the GT-R, Cube and even Kia Soul (really?). The rear tail lamps remind you of the current Infiniti FX crossovers while the front headlights and front grill are pure Infiniti.
http://www.automotiveaddicts.com/695...qx56-spy-shots

[InlineSIX24]

2010 Toyota 4Runner: more photos revealed

Here are more pictures of the 2010 Toyota 4Runner a couple of weeks before it will be officially revealed on September 24. The pictures further confirm that the next 4Runner will push forward with a boxy, square-jawed look that reinforces this SUV as the rugged, off-road capable midsizer in Toyota’s lineup, leaving the unibody Highlander and Venza to take on the rest of the growing CUV crowd.

If you’re interested in the 2010 4Runner, expect that you will be asked to choose from either a 161-horsepower four-cylinder or a 268-horsepower six. The current V8 engine option will no longer be available. Toyota promises its ‘ute will be more luxurious and capable than ever before. We’ll just have to stay tuned. If you don’t like it why don’t you take a look at the brand new 2010 Toyota Land Cruiser which was recently unveiled
http://www.4wheelsnews.com/2010-toyo...otos-revealed/

[InlineSIX24]

Nissan GT-R SpecM

Just another Godzilla sighting at the Nurburgring? Nope. This appears to be a lightly camouflaged Nissan GT-R SpecM prototype. The SpecM is supposed to be on the other side of the R35 range from the GT-R SpecV we tested earlier: It's the gentleman's GT-R if such a thing is possible.

We've heard that the GT-R SpecM will have more compliant suspension tuning and more sumptuous interior tailoring. Early reports tell us that SpecM GT-Rs can be highly personalized with specially-hued leathers and paint options. The graphic camo on the front and rear bumpers appears to hide some subtle visual revisions to the standard GT-R.

The GT-R SpecM is pegged for a debut at next month's Tokyo Motor Show.
http://blogs.edmunds.com/straightlin...t-r-specm.html

[InlineSIX24]

Turbocharged BMW M5 on the Nurburgring

The first confirmed prototype for the next-generation BMW M5 has been spotted testing on the Nurburgring. A thin fabric bra covering the prototype's front fascia can't hide the clear M-style front-bumper design. With BMW M's trademark quad exhaust set-up poking out from the rear bumper, and large, cross-drilled rotors accenting the beefed-up braking system, the prototype has all of the necessary M cues.

Reports still vary on what engine will power the next M5. Early reports spoke of increasing the displacement of today's 5.0-liter V10 to 5.5-liters, perhaps augmented with turbocharging. But with the arrival of the company's twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine in the X5 M and X6 M, we think it's highly likely that a version of this engine is on tap for the next M5 and M6 as well.

At least in terms of acceleration numbers, a switch to the direct-injected, twin-turbo V8 likely wouldn't be a step down. In the X6 M, this engine makes 555 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 500 pound-feet of torque from 1,500-5,650 rpm. Compare that to the current 5.0-liter V10's 500 hp at 7,750 rpm and 383 lb-ft at 6,100 rpm. However, the twin-turbo V8's lower rpm thresholds might be troubling for purists.

Now that full-on M5 prototypes are making test runs, the chances of nailing down what's under the hood in the coming weeks have gotten much better.
http://blogs.edmunds.com/straightlin...rburgring.html

[FALCONSEYE]

X6-M with 550hp (if i am correct) is just s.i.c.k. If only i can get rid of my t-reg

[InlineSIX24]

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee on Home Turf

Longtime Winding Road reader, Mokoto Kojima, sent us these photos of the new Jeep Grand Cherokee cruising around in Southeast Michigan.

Jeep announced the updated Grand Cherokee a few months ago, and we’re excited to see it right on our doorstep. It’s looking good, too, from what we can tell from the pictures.

The 2011 Grand Cherokee features a new Quadra Lift air suspension for on- and off-road versatility, giving it up to 11.1 inches of clearance. The unit in these photos appears to be riding pretty high.

The new Grand also offers three different 4x4 systems, and an available flexible fuel powerplant.

Click through the gallery above to see the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, or click here for previously released details.

Thanks, MK!
http://www.nextautos.com/spy-shots-2...okee-home-turf

[salsashark]

If this comes out, could be a contender for the space in my garage... but I'm not holding my breath...

http://feelv4.com/en_GB/pages/mainpage

[InlineSIX24]

A bit more on the VFR
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Honda VFR1200 in the Wild

Those Italians over at MotoBlog have found the new 2010 Honda VFR1200 out in the wild doing some road testing. The sport-tourer, which will feature variable cylinder management, and a dual-clutch gear box, is found this time with matching red saddle bags, completing the overall tourer look of the motorcycle. If you parlo italiano, head over to MotoBlog, and check out the rest of their shots.

While getting a better look at the bike than we have in the past, it would seem Honda is holding a press event in the Italian Alps, with journalists and engineers both in attendance. Obviously we weren’t invited (we have a low limoncello tolerance), but we expect to get our first glimpse of the VFR1200 at this year’s EICMA motorcycle show in Milan this November.
http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/rumo...-vfr1200-wild/

[InlineSIX24]

Range Rover LRX (2011): the first spy photos

These are the first spyshots of the Land Rover-based mule for the new 2011 Range Rover LRX. The cut-and-shut Freelander bodyshell is clearly truncated enough to shrink around the running gear of the 2011 LRX, the much-hyped baby Range Rover which will move the 4x4 brand into new, greener and cleaner territories.

This LRX mule was only registered in the first week of September 2009 and it's already pounding the Nurburgring test track in Germany, as Land Rover engineers from Gaydon step up their work on the LRX project. And our scoop photograhpers were on hand to grab these spy photos.

Remind me of the LRX... I thought it was going to be a Land Rover

Indeed it was. The Land Rover LRX was shown as a concept car at the 2008 Detroit auto show, but the west Midlanders rapidly realised that a small, premium soft-roader was exactly what its upmarket Range Rover arm needed. So the LRX has crossed the corridor and will wear a RR badge when it's launched in 2011.

Does Range Rover badging mean Range Rover pricing? Perhaps. There's been a distinct trend in the motor industry for big prices on small cars, led by the Smart Fortwo, Mini and Toyota iQ. We'd expect the baby Rangie to follow suit.

What will be under the skin of the new Range Rover LRX?

It's telling this spyshot was taken with the LRX masquerading as a baby Freelander; the two models will share the same transverse layout and engineering package, and the LRX will be built alongside the Freelander up in the Halewood plant in the north west of England. The capacity will be freed up as the Jaguar X-type – another Halewood product – is quietly euthanased.

The model testing here is equipped with a 2.0-litre petrol engine, but smaller capacities will be offered too, as befits a car with a footprint similar to a VW Golf. In the longer run, Land Rover is engineering a hybrid drivetrain for the LRX, using the electrically driven rear axle as shown on its eco concept cars.

We'll see the finished Range Rover LRX in 2010 – perhaps to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the Range Rover next summer – with production starting in early 2011.

That's what we're expecting; officially, the project has yet to be given the thumbs-up, as Land Rover passes its own internal 'gateways', aka business plans to make sure the stats add up. But we reckon the pace at which development is hotting up indicates approval is but a formality. Let's hope so, as small is definitely the way forwards for a brand better known for its full sized, high-CO2 4x4s.
http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/Secret-...st-spy-photos/

[InlineSIX24]

Ford F-150 SVT Raptor Crew Cab

In June, before the 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor hit showrooms, we heard that Ford was receiving requests for a crew cab version of the high-performance, desert racing pickup, which is currently only available in extended SuperCab trim.

Mark Grueber, Ford’s marketing manager, said, “We’ve had requests for a crew cab. We haven’t made any decisions but there’s some demand for it.”

Well, it looks like that decision has been made and it’s a go for production, judging from this spy shot of a Raptor test truck with four full-size doors. Despite it’s camo and the fake rear roof, you can’t miss the Raptor’s big 35-inch wheels and tires, the unique mesh grille with “FORD” emblazoned across it and even the red leather hash mark at twelve-o’clock high on the steering wheel indicating the front wheels are straight.

Hardcore off-road enthusiasts may have reservations about a 145-in. long-wheelbase Raptor that’s certain to compromise desert-running and rock-crawling performance for extra interior space, but those with large families or the need to transfer crews of four or five adults into the wilderness are likely to appreciate it. At the SuperCab’s launch earlier this summer, Ford emphasized that the Raptor has been engineered for off road driving on fire roads and mud pits, where the longer wheelbase could have some advantages.

We think it will bow for the 2011 model year with only the new 6.2-liter V8 engine.
http://www.leftlanenews.com/ford-f-1...-crew-cab.html

[InlineSIX24]

2011 McLaren MP4-12C Airbrake in Action

If you've been listening, you know that McLaren is planning to out-tech Ferrari and Lamborghini with the 2011 MP4-12C -- a good thing, some of you have pointed out, since it certainly doesn't break any new ground on the styling front.

The company has already announced that the MP4-12C will have the Airbrake feature that debuted on the McLaren F1 and was also used on the SLR. Naturally, its function is to increase downforce and improve stability under heavy braking. In this spy photo, you can see a prototype's air brake fully deployed under braking on the Nurburgring.

The wing is initially raised via a small hydraulic piston. However, says McLaren, "once a small amount of wing angle is pushed into the airflow, the center of aerodynamic pressure forces the bottom of the 'wing' back." So instead of using a motor to deploy the wing, McLaren is using the slipstream and the company says this cuts weight by 50 percent.
http://blogs.edmunds.com/straightlin...in-action.html

[InlineSIX24]

Aprilia RSV4 R to Debut at WSBK at Imola

Aprilia has chosen the Imola round of the World Superbike Series to unveil their more modest version of the RSV4, the RSV4 R. Retaining most of the basic characteristics of the RSV4 Factory, the RSV4 R will have the same chassis, ride-by-wire throttle control, and 180hp V4 motor. It also apparently comes in a very classy white color scheme.

In order to cut costs, the RSV4 R will be sans the aftermarket goodies found on the Factory version. That means no Öhlins suspension, Aprilia forged aluminium alloy rims, and little to no carbon fiber. However, the motor and chassis are expected to remain the same, which is where this bike really shines.

Aprilia has worked out an exclusive deal with worldsbk.com for the unveiling of the motorcycles, which means we’re stuck with this ultra-low resolution picture, and likely won’t find out more about the RSV4 R until the Imola round on September 27th. Until then, we’ll have to continue drooling over these spy shot photos.
http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/bike...ut-wsbk-imola/

[InlineSIX24]

Pre-production Audi Mule In Colorado

Ah, I love the smell of new Audi's in the morning. Look at what we just got in. A "spy" photo of what appears to be a pre-production Audi mule running around. But what is it?

At first glance, it looks like a current A6 with wider fender flares. But, is there more to it than just some fender flares? We happen to think so.

There are several options: a current generation RS6 mule, a next generation A6 or a next generation RS4. After some hemming and hawing we have determined it must be a next generation RS4. Let me tell you why.
Audi AG made the underpinnings of the the B8 A4, otherwise known as the Modular Longitudinal Platform, for current use in the new A4, A5 and Q5. Recent rumors have circulated that it could be used in the next generation A6 but that has not been clarified. This means it could fit on a "dummy" A6 body.

This technique has been seen before with Ferrari Enzo prototypes, or as we like to call them - mules, that were using a mixture of 348 exterior parts.

Another point that could hint that this is an RS is that it has large fender flares. Flares that large translate into a much widened track as seen on the C63 AMG, which was widened 1.5 inches in front to increase performance characteristics compared to the standard C-Class.

What really cements our belief is the timeline for RS vehicles. Quattro GMBH has said previously that they will only work on one RS car at a time. After the B7 RS4, the uber Audi division worked solely on the twin-turbo RS6 and word suggests that work on the RS5 has been completed. Thus, it is time to begin work on an RS4 replacement.

Taking into consideration the raw look to this Audi mule, constructed with exposed rivets, it is likely that this is a very early stage prototype of the next generation RS4. Or we could be completely off and this is the next generation A6. You tell us.
http://www.vodcars.com/fastlanedaily...le-in-colorado

[InlineSIX24]

2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe [Spied again]

When the summer of 2010 rolls around, Cadillac will have a seriously fast, two-door sports cars roaming the streets — the CTS-V Coupe. Testing is underway and we’ve just spied this very production-looking prototype cruising the rural roads of Michigan.


A V-series version of the CTS Coupe seemed in doubt, when in February, GM shocked enthusiasts by announcing that the High Performance Vehicle Operations team was being disbanded. The HPVO crew, responsible for the V-series Cadillacs, Chevy Cobalt SS and HHR SS were now said to be off working on regular cars. These photos, shot in the last 24 hours, show the hi-po team has one more trick up their sleeve.

Compared to the prototypes we saw last year, these new prototypes look almost production ready down to the two massive, center-mount exhaust outlets, larger, sportier wheels and V-series badging. We can also see that this new prototype is NOT sporting cross-drilled rotors as the first prototypes were. Additionally, pieces of black tape cover the V-series badges just behind the front wheels.

Other V-series parts include the wire mesh grilles, power dome hood, wider tires and large brake calipers. Under that power dome hood sits the 6.2L, supercharged V8 motor known as the LSA. Good for 556hp and 551 ft lbs in the CTS-V sedan, we expect the Coupe V ratings to be very similar.

Expect the V-series to coupe to start production in the summer of 2010 at the same time the regular coupe starts rolling down the line at Lansing Grand River.
http://www.leftlanenews.com/cadillac-cts-v-coupe.html

[InlineSIX24]

Lamborghini Estoque..Spy shot from Germany!!??

What had been rumored to be Lamborghini’s first sedan and also rumored to be put on hold for consideration of a full blown production model, is now just merely a rumor. Apparently this is a spy shot of the Estoque of the Lambo sedan making a pit stop in Germany. Is Lamborghini really being straight with us on this one? Hmmmm…..
http://royaltyvideomagazine.com/?p=1395