Spy Shots

Spy Shots: BMW 1-Series Hybrid In Adorable Hatchback Form

John Beltz Snyder — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:58:19 -0600

Lately, we’ve seen many examples of updated BMWs coming through the espionage pipeline. These latest spy shots, though, aren’t just another appearance update.

Take a close look at the sticker on the window and under the license plate. It reads, in plain English, “Hybrid Test Vehicle.” Caught in Munich, the 1-series appears to be following in the tire tracks of the 7-Series and X6 ActiveHybrid models we have already seen.

We’ll be sure to keep you posted with any more news on the 1-Series hybrid.

Click through the gallery above to see the BMW 1-Series hybrid prototype, or scroll down for the shooter’s comments.

The first hybrid prototypes for the BMW 1-series are up and running now. It’s been 3 weeks since we first spotted this 1-series hybrid prototype and ever since then it’s been playing hide and seek with us, but now we finally got it in front of the camera lens. The problem as a carspy with a prototype like this is that it doesn’t look different to the other 2000 silver painted BMW 1 series driving around in Munich. Except for the “Hybrid Test Vehicle” stickers on the rear side windows and on the rear bumper.

With Lexus announcing that their 1-series rival will only be available in Hybrid form, it’s about time for BMW to develop their own version of a smaller Hybrid car. It’s not clear if the Hybrid version will be available in the current version already or if it first will come in the next generation 1-series. But then again, it would have made more sense to test it in that new generation since that one is already driving as prototype.

After the Hybrid versions of the 7 series and the X6, this is now the third Hybrid car from BMW. But remember, BMW has announced Hybrid versions of both the new 5 series and the upcoming 3 series as well.

Spy Shots: BMW X5 Gets Appearance Update

John Beltz Snyder — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:58:09 -0600

As we’ve been seeing lately through spy photos, BMW has been refreshing the looks of their lineup. The BMW X5 is the latest to be caught in our crosshairs.

We see here that the air intakes are on the front are different, as well as foglight placement. The rear bumper has been reshaped, too, as we can see from the side-by-side photo in this gallery. The exhaust tips also have a new shape.

See the new look of the BMW X5 in the gallery above.

Spy Shots: BMW 6-Series Convertible

John Beltz Snyder — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 09:17:26 -0600

These are the latest spy photos of the BMW 6-Series convertible in testing. Our sources now tell us that it will not get a retractable hard top, as we once thought. The 6-Series will be offered as a soft-top convertible, seen here, and as a coupe.

The new 6-Series will have a wider grille and headlights, and will share most engines with the 7-Series, except for the V-12. The M6 will go the same route as the M5, and drop the V-10 in favor of BMW’s twin-turbo V-8

Click through the gallery above to see the BMW 6-Series convertible, or scroll down for the photographer’s notes.

It’s been a while since we last noticed some prototypes of the new BMW 6 series. According to some insiders it was because they did not have the decision ready if the 6 series would just come as a convertible with an folding hardtop, or as both coupe and convertible with a conventional soft top. If you remember the first spyphotos they showed an ill fitting canvas roof on a supposedly folding hardtop. Now they back on track again and the testing of the 6 series has speeded up a little. It seems now like the decision has fallen for two versions, coupe and canvas soft top. We have checked inside and “knocked” on the roof and it’s really a soft top this time.

But, what really bothers us is that there have been no coupes sighted as prototypes yet. If not BMW has done a trick with us, and the supposedly folding hard top prototypes with that ill fitting canvas roof where actually just coupes?

The new design will be inspired by the CS-Concept car and the new 7-series, like the wider grilles and headlights. Other things that will be taken from the new 7-series are the engine options, except for the V12. The 6-series top model the M6, will instead of the V10 it has today have the twin-turbo V8 as known from the X5M and X6M. This engine will find its place in the new M5 as well and there might just be a chance that it will deliver some more power in the M5 and M6.

Spy Shots: Volkswagen Polo Sedan

John Beltz Snyder — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:04:34 -0600

From some wintry part of the world, we have received these spy shots of a four-door version of the Volkswagen Polo. Because of its size and fuel economy, we expect the Polo sedan to appear in the US as part of the 2011 lineup.

It will probably see some more changes before it becomes available, and we’ll post any updates or images as its unveiling draws near.

Check out the Polo sedan in the gallery above, or scroll down for the photographer’s comments.

After the 5-and 3-door versions of the new Volkswagen Polo, it’s now time for the Sedan version to hit the roads. Well, at least the test roads since its still some months away before it will be unveiled. The first official entrance is scheduled to the New Delhi Auto Expo in January followed by the first European appearance in Geneva early March.

So far the rumors are talking about that the Polo Sedan will be built in India and that the two biggest markets are expected in Asia and South America, but it’s expected to hit both European and US dealerships as well. Some years ago CO2 was something you talked about at the physics class in school but now it seems more important than anything when talking about cars, and that’s the reason why we will see the Polo Sedan on both European and US roads. The demand on smaller, safer and fuel efficient cars has grown a lot and that will also help the Polo Sedan to reach success.

And we know that Ford will bring its version of the Fiesta Sedan to the US market, and with the introduction of the Polo family in the US in 2011 we are pretty sure the Sedan version is in the line-up. There might be some smaller exterior changes however.

With a big number of engines and gearbox versions in the hatchback Polo’s, we expect to find some of them in the Sedan as well.

Spy Shots: BMW 5-Series Sports Wagon Spotted Again

John Beltz Snyder — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:51:05 -0600

These are the most recent spy shots of the BMW 5-Series Sports Wagon. It’s still wearing all the camouflage it was wearing back in April, but it’s good to see it out on the road again.

We’ll be sure to keep you up to date as updated models across the BMW line shed their disguises.

Check out some other recent BMW spy photos here and here.

Spy Shot: Next Generation BMW 3-Series Spied!

Seyth Miersma — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 06:38:15 -0600

We’ve just be handed what appear to be the first ever photographs of the next generation BMW 3-Series, albeit in heavily camouflaged form.

Hardly able to hide from our shooter’s lens while riding on the back of a transporter, the new 3 seems to be following suite with the recently revised 7-Series and Z4 by showing much simpler, cleaner body surfacing, and tidied up lines. We won’t be able to say for certain until at least some of the cladding is removed, but this seems to be somewhat of a return to the crisp, straight-edged 3-Series we last saw in the E46 sedan.

Front and rear fascias, lighting, and mirrors all appear to be revised on this new car, though the full-length ambers on the side-view mirrors seem likely to be revised before the production version hits.

We’ll keep you posted about new 3-Series developments as we know them (including any word from our spy photographer about further details). Until then, take a close look at our gallery of images above, and let us know what you think about the updated 3er in comments, below.

Spy Shots: Ferrari 612 Successor Caught Again

John Beltz Snyder — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 09:09:30 -0600

Here, we see the successor to the Ferrari 612, which we saw once before earlier this year. This test mule has a longer wheelbase than the 612, which could mean more passenger volume, or Ferrari could be making room for a KERS system. It also has the over/under style tailpipes.

Our photographer also offers the possibility of Ferrari’s four-wheel-drive system, compatible with front- and mid-engine vehicles.

Interestingly, the stickers on the steering wheel warn that the engine should only be started with the hood closed.

After we first sCheck it out in the gallery above, and see what the shooter has to say below.potted the successor for the Ferrari 612 back in April this year, it’s now time again. While the first time was in Italy with both road and track test, it seems like they are up for some high altitude test this time.

It’s still hard to get any idea how the new car will look but it seems like it will be a bit longer this time. Maybe the expected KERS-technology need the space or it will just get a roomier backseat. Other clear things are that the engine still takes too much space so the hood want fit. And what the California started, this new 2+2 V12 coupes will continue to show. The new way to display the exhaust pipes, on top of each other instead of next to each others.

And maybe this time they will introduce the “Insertable 4x4”, a four-wheel drive system developed by Ferrari and suitable for both front and mid-engine cars.

There is still lot of time to figure that out, since this car will first hit the market in late 2011 or early 2012.

Here are also two photos showing some parts of the interior.
A mixture of 612 and 599 right now.

Maybe the sticker on the steering wheel is more interesting regarding the new engine.

"Betrieb nur mit geschlossener Motorhaube" meaning " Engine is only allowed to be started with engine hood closed.

Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz CLS AMG Spotted With Less Camo

John Beltz Snyder — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:32:41 -0500

Our spy photographer sent us these newer shots of the updated Mercedes-Benz CLS AMG, which will be based on the current E-Class. We should see it with direct-injected V-6 and V-8 engines, including a 435-horsepower twin-turbo V-8. Then there will be the line-topping CLS63 AMG with 544 horsepower.

Our photographer speculates the possibility of a CLS 400 BlueHybrid, an interesting thought, indeed.

Check out the CLS AMG test mule in the gallery above, and make sure to scroll down to read what the shooter has to say.

There are few cars that still look fresh after five years of production and the current Mercedes CLS is one of them. No Botox needed here. But Mercedes is already working on a new CLS as we have showed before with photos of full camouflaged prototypes. And the reason has nothing to do with the looks, but more with the technicals under the skin. Since the current CLS is based on the old E-Class it’s natural to develop a new CLS on the current E-Class.

And finally Mercedes has dropped most of the camouflage to give us a clearer view how the new shape is turning up. We notice that it’s more of an evolution of the current version, which is a good thing. The fenders are more marked to give it a more powerful look, just like on the E- and S-Class. Front and rear did also get some new lines too fit in with the current Mercedes line-up.

There will also be some new engines from the new Move engine family. All with direct-injection and turbo, both six and eight cylinder are in the line-up. There is also a V8 bi-turbo version with 435 horsepower in the works and we might even see a CLS 400 BlueHybrid. And don’t forget the CLS 63 AMG with some brutal 544 wild horses delivering 900 Newton meter of torque.

So, when will we get the first look in showroom condition? Our guess is at the Paris car Show in September 2010 as 2011 model.

Spy Shots: BMW M3 GT4 Heading For Production Run?

John Beltz Snyder — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 09:29:20 -0500

Our spy photographer sent over some shots of a hotted-up version of a BMW M3 on the Nürburgring. Could it be a production version of the GT4 racecar?

From the photos, we can see the huge rear wing and the lower lip in front. The car also looks lower to the ground. We can assume it has lost some weight, and has been fitted with some of performance racing parts. It looks right at home on the 'Ring.

See it in the gallery above, or scroll down for the photographer’s notes.

It seems like BMW is working on a hard core version of the M3 after seeing this white M3 taking some very fast laps around the Nürburgring. But what is it? Since BMW ruled out any CSL version of the current M3 the closest guess is that it could be a road going version of the GT4 racecar. A BMW M3 GT4 Street? So, what are the changes to a normal M3. Well, except from the rear wing that not even Stevie Wonder would miss, there is a lower front lip on the front spoiler. Car is also lowered and probably about 100 kg lighter. If this is really a M3 GT4 Street, we guess that some of the race typical gizmos will find its way even in this version, making it an even greater experience to drive.
With the Audi RS5 just around the corner, this could be what BMW really needs right now to keep up the interest for the M3 until the all new 3-series and M3 shows up in late 2011.

Spy Shots: Volkswagen Tiguan Gets a Facelift

John Beltz Snyder — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 10:41:51 -0500

The Volkswagen Tiguan, following the lead of other VWs, appears to be undergoing a facelift. It’s a bit different than what we’ve seen on other Volkswagens, though.

The new Tiguan gets a new bumper and air intakes, a new grille, headlights, and LED running lights.

Other than that, we don’t see any other visible changes yet, but there’s still plenty of time before the new Tiguan makes its debut in Geneva next year.

See it in the gallery above, or scroll down for the photographer’s notes on the updated Volkswagen Tiguan.

Today we shot the first photos of the facelifted Volkswagen Tiguan. And we where surprised that the front under that black cover did not look like all the other new Volkswagens. The Tiguan will get a new grille and head lights with LED day-driving lights but not in the typical new look. Front bumper is also new with new air intakes. Rear end seems still unchanged. Right now we don’t have any information if there will be some changes regarding the interior but we suspect that some of the new engines will have found its way under the hood when the Tiguan will be unveiled in Geneva in spring 2010.

Spy Shots: Toyota/Subaru Sports Coupe Takes Nürburgring Laps

John Beltz Snyder — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 09:53:37 -0500

These spy photos show what may be a prototype of the Subaru-powered Toyota FT-86. The FT-86 Concept was recently announced, and will show up at the Tokyo Motor Show.

This test mule, seen here on the Nürburgring, is likely a prototype for the eventual production model. If the FT-86 is any indication, this “Toybaru” will be a rear-drive sports coupe, powered by a Subaru-sourced 2.0-liter flat-six engine. With a low weight and low center of gravity, Toyota may finally be making a car drivers like us can get excited about.

See the supposed Toyota/Subaru in the gallery above, and feel free to make any speculations of your own in comments.

Spy Shots: The Volkswagen Up Is Spied on the Road

John Beltz Snyder — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 10:28:29 -0500

We’ve seen versions of the Volkswagen Up concept at auto shows, most recently as the electric E-Up in Frankfurt. Today, our spy shooter offers these photos of an Up mule (badged as a Polo) testing on public roads.

The Up should appear on the market as a 2012 model, and, as our photographer points out, it may end up being called Lupo. It will likely house Volkswagen’s clean diesel and gasoline engines, and perhaps we’ll also see the fully electric version come to fruition. Expect a five-door version down the line.

See the diminutive VW Up in the gallery above, or scroll down for the photographer’s own words.

It’s not a big secret that Volkswagen is working on a small new car, displayed as the Up on Car Shows. And here are the first photos of the baby VW while taking its first steps out on public roads. But, this little baby is still shy and therefore it’s still hiding under a shortened VW Polo body. A typical mule.
The Up, or Lupo as it might be called is expected to hit the market in 2011, first as a 3 door version and later on as a longer 5 door version. The engines from the start will be small and fuel efficient petrol and diesel engines but later on a full electrical version is planned.

Spy Shots: 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class Gets a Facelift

John Beltz Snyder — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 14:46:07 -0500

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class, as seen in these spy photos, has received quite a makeover. It has a new face, including grille, hood, bumper, headlights, LED running lights, and side mirrors. In back, it gets a new bumper, LED lights, and exhaust.

It still looks like a rolling loaf of bread, but now in a good way.

According to the shooter, it should get an engine update too, to comply with regulations. Look for the new R-Class at the Detroit show in January.

Can’t wait until January? Lucky you, there’s a gallery above. The photographer’s comments follow.

Mercedes are giving their R-Class a major make over, but will that help to make the ugly duckling to a beautiful swan?
The R-Class was never a bad car, it was just too expensive, too big and hmm……to ugly. And the market didn’t want a car that was more of an ugly four-wheel drive, S-Class van, at least not that many customers. So the first step was to offer the R-Class in a front-wheel drive version as well to make it cheaper, didn’t help. Second step, make the AMG exterior package standard to make it look better, didn’t help either.
So that leaves us to this step, try to make it less ugly with more radical methods. The rear was never the problem, but the front….the current R-Class has a face only a mother could love.
And as we can see on these fresh spyphotos of an R-Class prototype with only minimal disguise the operation was a success. This car finally looks good, really good. The completely new front gives the car the looks it should have had from the start. Bigger and more upright grille, new head lights, new hood, new front bumper with LED day-driving lights and new side mirrors. The rear will only get smaller changes, like a newly shaped bumper with new exhaust pipes and LED rear lights with a new graphic.
Engines will also be updated to the new standards and we expect to see the face lifted R-Class at the Detroit Car Show in January as a 2011 model.

Spy Shots: The New Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG

John Beltz Snyder — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 08:47:03 -0500

The new Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG, with its 525-horsepower V-8 propelling it along looks good (from what we can see) as it lurks near the Nürburgring. From these photos, we can see that it will have two sets of two tailpipes. Most of the other features are covered by that thick camouflage Mercedes-Benz uses on their test cars.

Find the gallery above. The photographer’s comments follow.

The AMG version of the new Mercedes CLS had made its first appearance, and what place could be better for that powerful car then around and on the Nürburgring track. The CLS 63 AMG will get the same 525 horsepower strong 6.2 liter V8 found in the new E 63 AMG connected to the Speedshift MCT 7-speed gearbox.

Compared to the CLS prototypes we have seen for a while now, the AMG versions only visible changes for now are the quad exhausts and the bigger brakes, but we can expect different front and rear bumpers when the car will hit the showrooms. Of course there will also be specific AMG wheels.

Spy Shots: Volkswagen Amarok Spied with Double Cab

John Beltz Snyder — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:25:18 -0500

Our spy photographer just delivered these shots of Volkswagen’s re-entry into the pickup segment, called the Amarok. Expect to see it in South and Central America, before it begins to show up elsewhere. Is it too early to start a pool to see if it ever comes to the U.S.?

Diesel engines will power two- and four-wheel-drive versions of Volkswagen’s new truck.

See the Amarok in the gallery above, or scroll down for more details from the photographer.

Volkswagens answer in the pickup class, the Amarok has been spotted again at the Nürburgring in Germany. The Amarok will be built outside of Buenos Aires, Argentina at VW Pachero plant and will be out on the market in early 2010. First markets it will hit are the once in South and Central America and six months after its heading for Europe and Russia. Later on the Amarok will also be available in Australia and Africa. It’s still unclear if the Amarok will make it to the US and Canada, but let’s hope that Volkswagen will bring it there.

The double cab as seen here will be the first model, later on a single cab will follow. Power will come from latest generation diesel engines with common-rail and the Amarok will be offered as both two-and four-wheel drive versions. The competitors from Toyota, Nissan and Mitsubishi will have to keep out for the Wolf, Amarok means Wolf in the Inuit language, because it will try to take a big piece of the market with both modern styling and comfortable driving.

Spy Shots: New Porsche 911 Convertible Seen Testing

John Beltz Snyder — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 15:28:31 -0500

Spy Shots: Porsche 911 Convertible

These spy photos show the new 911 Convertible doing some hot weather testing, showing off its new taillights. It also looks like it has been lengthened to provide a more usable rear seat.

As with the coupe, the convertible will get the PDK gearbox, direct fuel injection, and two- and four-wheel-drive versions.

Click through the gallery above, or scroll down for the shooter’s comments.

Porsche has been doing some hot weather testing with the new generation 911 convertible lately as these photos show.
And as everybody can see, the classic 911 styling will be kept, greenhouse is very like the current version, but seems slightly longer to make the backseat roomier. Front will keep the headlamps that got back with the 997 but they will more raised due to safety regulations. In the rear, we will see the biggest changes with new radical designed rear lamps.
The new 911 will of course come in both two-wheel-drive and 4-wheel-drive, and the engines will further updated versions of the new direct-injection engines from the 997. Of course there will also be that great PDK-gearbox, and we guess that most Porsche buyers will get that rather than the manual gearbox.
Expect the new 911 Coupe to be unveiled first, and then six months after that the Convertible. The Targa enthusiasts will probably have to wait another six months for their model.

Spy Shots: Two Volkswagen Golf-Based Test Mules Pop Up

John Beltz Snyder — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 08:55:37 -0500

Our spy shooter spotted these two Volkswagen mules, and he found some clues as to what they are. Upon closer look, the cars are marked with stickers that help to identify them.

He suggests the white one is the next generation of Volkswagen Golf VII, which won’t go on sale until 2012. The black one could be a smaller new coupe based on the current Golf VI.

We’re confident the mystery will unravel as more spy shots show up. Click through the gallery above to see the two little Volkswagen mules. The photographer conjectures about them, below.

There are some new Volkswagen mules out and driving. One of them is probably the next generation Golf that will come on a new platform, the MQB (German for Modular Querbaukasten) platform. The prototype is even marked with the MQB sticker at the front wing.

First car out on this new platform is the upcoming Audi A3. And with some confidential papers leaking out regarding that the production of the Golf VI will stop in the end of 2011, we can assume that the Golf VII will arrive at the Frankfurt Car Show in September 2011 and then hit the showrooms early 2012.

The second mule is tougher to figure out what it could be since it seems to run on the “old” PQ35 platform. But we can also see that it’s shorter than the normal 3 door Golf, look closely at the rear wheel and you will see it’s not a perfect fit. The fuel cap is also not in its right place. Could this be a mule for the rumored 2 door Golf Coupe that was supposed to be unveiled at the 2009 Chinese Car Show in Shanghai? A classic 2 door coupe and not like the Scirocco. The same rumors are saying that it will be based on the Golf VI and then the PQ35 platform explains it all. Maybe we will see it at the 2010 Geneva Car Show then.

Spy Shots: Next-Gen Volkswagen Touareg II

John Beltz Snyder — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 12:31:29 -0500

Some speculate that the new Volkswagen Touareg will drop several hundred pounds. Others suggest a third row may be added. Rumors of a hybrid version are also floating around. We’ll probably have to wait until the Detroit Auto Show in January for all the details. In the meantime, we’ll post spy shots as they surface.

Photos above, photographer’s comments below.

The next generation Volkswagen Touareg has been out testing again and we have some photos to show you. There has been some rumors that the new Touareg will lose as much as 250-300 kg in weight in favor to get a better fuel economy, and there is also clear that it will come as a hybrid version. Other rumors are the possibility to get a 3rd row of seats making it a seven seater.
Even if the front end is covered up a lot, we can expect it to get the familiar VW-look known from all new Volkswagen cars like the Golf, Polo and T5 Multivan. Volkswagen will also follow its big brother Audi and make more designed rear lights, and the new Touareg is no exception. The new Touareg will be recognized as a Touareg even in the dark.
Debut is expected at the Detroit Car Show in January.

Spy Shots: Citroën C4 Spied Testing

John Beltz Snyder — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 10:07:35 -0500

Our spy shooter spotted this Citroën C4 testing under heavy camouflage. We expect the five-door hatchback to be lighter, and less fuel-thirsty. We may even see a diesel-hybrid powerplant in it down the road.

It should show up next year at the Paris show.

See the C4 in the above gallery, or scroll down for the photographer’s comments.

The new Citroen C4 has been caught during some hot weather testing. And as usual when shooting French prototypes, the camouflage doesn’t reveal too much. But at least we can see some of the overall lines and the shape of the headlights.
Just as with the smaller C3 that got its funkier brother DS3, the C4 will also get a more lifestyle version with the DS4. And something we might be pretty sure of is that the new C4 will be both lighter and more fuel efficient. And we expect a diesel-hybrid to come along as well to complete the range of petrol and diesel engines.
The new C4 will make its debut at the Paris car Show in 2010.

Spy Shots: BMW M5 Mule Sheds More Camo Overnight

John Beltz Snyder — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 08:42:48 -0500

Yesterday, we showed spy shots of the updated BMW M5 testing. Today, we have even more revealing photos, as the M5 shed some of its camouflage to reveal more of its front fascia.

Click through the gallery above, or click here for yesterday’s photos and more details on the new M5.

Here some new photos of the BMW M5, this showing even more then the once we sent out yesterday.