Dodge Ram Power Wagon Spy

We just told you that that Chrysler will be launching four new "Moparized" vehicles later this month, and our spies have already caught one of these new vehicles – the Dodge Ram Power Wagon – on the streets of southeast Michigan.


Unlike the Power Wagon that's just now hitting dealers, this is a totally unique package, featuring a single-cab configuration with a short, style-side bed. The huge off-road tires and exaggerated wheel arches lead us to believe that this is Chrysler's answer to the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor (if only in concept form), and our spies tell us that this prototype "made hair-raising sounds" as it drove by, leading us to believe that the 383-horsepower Hemi V8 is underhood.


We can't wait to see the production version on March 27 at the 44th Annual Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah. If these spy shots are anything to go off of, it looks like it'll be serious fun for desert storming.



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McLaren Automotive reveals details of its next generation of prototypes [Video]

Development of the groundbreaking McLaren MP4-12C is entering its final phase. The bespoke high-performance sports car is due to launch in 2011, and right now the latest Experimental Prototype (XP) 12Cs are undergoing intensive appraisal at a number of test locations around the world.



One such site is Spain's Applus IDIADA facility, the most comprehensive independent proving ground in Europe. McLaren Automotive recently obtained special permission to capture on camera the XP Beta cars in action at Applus IDIADA, and on public roads in the foothills near Tarragona. The result is the second in the 'Inside McLaren Automotive' series of short films. This gives viewers a unique insight into a performance car testing programme from the perspective of the development team responsible for the 12C.





Featured in the short film are XP8 and XP10, two XP Beta-phase prototypes. Wrapped almost entirely in matt black vinyl, XP Beta cars are clearly discernable from 2009's XP cars, which were seen in the 'Inside McLaren: Developing the MP4-12C" video sporting a black and white contrasting camouflage exterior.



The XP Beta test cars feature significant technological advancements that take the 12C nearer to production. A revised iteration of the M838T twin-turbo engine, transmission featuring new gear ratios, a more efficient cooling package, new suspension geometry and upgraded electrical architecture are the headline features of current prototypes, denoting key differences between XP and XP Beta cars.





Indicative performance figures generated by the XP Beta cars are expected to be announced in March, but feedback from February's testing suggests that McLaren Automotive's aspirations to out-perform its competitors appear well-founded.



A core team of 20-25 Vehicle Technicians travel with the XP Beta cars and are on hand 24 hours a day, seven days a week to support a test programme that mirrors the intensity of developing a Formula 1 car. Meanwhile, a further 12 Vehicle Development Engineers are responsible for specific technologies and systems being appraised while out on test.





Mark Vinnels, McLaren Automotive Programme Director, is leading the engineering team and said: "There is an extensive list of subjective and objective targets set for our prototype vehicles. These XP Beta cars are already achieving outstanding results in many of the subjective areas, which includes ride quality, handling and many other aspects of dynamic performance.



"The benchmark competitor vehicles we have tested become nervous and twitchy at higher speed, but the 12C feels more stable than anything I have driven. Because the bump rejection is so good, the ride is smooth and the steering is solid."





"Between now and production the vehicles and the team are working flat out. All this is geared towards not just achieving our unprecedented levels of performance but also guaranteeing the levels of quality, reliability and durability with which we expect to delight future McLaren customers."





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2011 Porsche Cayenne Diesel Spy

We have a fairly good idea of what the new 2011 Porsche Cayenne look likes, thanks to a couple of official leaks and some revealing spy shots, but in less than two weeks all will finally be revealed as the new SUV makes its debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show.


The current-generation Cayenne Diesel achieves a fuel economy of around 25.3 mpg (Combined European) but with a kerb weight almost 400 pounds lighter, the new Cayenne Diesel should achieve significantly better results. The Cayenne S Hybrid, however, will be the most fuel efficient Porsche in the automaker’s lineup, returning a fuel economy of about 28.7 mpg.


The regular gasoline models will include the base Cayenne, powered by a 3.6-liter V-6 model with 300 horsepower, the naturally aspirated 4.8-liter V-8 Cayenne S with 400 horsepower and a range-topping twin-turbocharged 4.8-liter V-8 Cayenne Turbo with 500 horsepower.


This latter model has been seen testing for the first time, captured here by spy photographers whilst being filled up with diesel fuel near a test location in Northern Europe. The new 2011 Porsche Cayenne Diesel will pack the same 240 horsepower 3.0-liter V-6 turbodiesel engine found in the current model but will tuned slightly to produce fewer emissions.


Two more models will eventually join the lineup: the Cayenne S Hybrid, which packs a supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 and electric motor for a combined output of 375 horsepower, and the new Cayenne Diesel.

Sadly, neither the Cayenne Diesel nor Cayenne S Hybrid will be arriving in the U.S. anytime soon.
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Spy Shots: BMW 6-Series Cabrio

Spy photographers have captured new pictures of the next generation BMW 6-Series Cabrio. The pictures were taken while the car was on the road in Munich.


Images show for the first time the rear light clusters in place of the conical dummy units from previous prototypes. Also we can see a center brake light mounted in the center of the boot lid, similar to the last version.


The car's emblem, already recessed in the previous generation's boot lid, looks larger, and inset to the point where it is almost perfectly flat, according to the spy.


Look for the next-gen BMW 6-Series to take styling cues from both the 7er and the CS Concept.
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California - Mini Cooper Crossover spotted Spy Photos

Based on the Mini Crossover Concept that debuted at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, the production version appears to have more in common with the standard Mini Cooper than the extra large Clubman model. While it does sport an extra pair of doors like the Clubman, these prototypes appear to feature rear lift gates that swing up rather than being split vertically down the center. And while ground clearance does appear to be up relative to a standard Mini, these long-wheelbase, four-door Coopers are far from being rock crawlers.


Mini has been caught testing its upcoming Cooper Crossover in the deserts of California, and these two prototypes, despite their psychedelic paint schemes, provide the most clear view yet of the small soft roader. What's of particular note is that these two prototypes do not share the same front end, perhaps because one is the naturally aspirated model and the other turbocharged. The trailing Cooper Crossover prototype features a more typical Mini grille with horizontal slats and a fog light at each corner. The prototype leading the pack, however, features a mesh grille and lower air intake with two inlets.


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Mystery Porsche Cayman shooting brake mule smells like a hoax?

We're not sure what to make of this viral video that popped up on the Top Gear website.? The video appears to portray a shooting brake version of the Porsche Cayman, but we are definitely skeptical.


Top Gear seems to think this car could be either a variant of the next Cayman, a turbo model, or a special edition.? We're not so sure.? Here's why:? If you take a hard look at the rear (around the :10 in the video), you see that the extension appears to have been tacked on at the rear.? Additionally, we would be surprised to see top-quality reflective mirror tinted glass used all the way around a test mule.? Our guess is that this prolongation was either physically built with some kind of cardboard or polystyrene foam and taped into place, or some crafty video editor extraordinaire digitally built the car frame-by-frame in Photoshop.
via:worldcarfans

Spy Shots: 2011 Hyundai Sonata in Dubai by WCF reader

Hyundai is on the up and with new products coming through the company is poised to take advantage of its growth. These new spy pictures show the next-generation Sonata going through vigorous summer testing in Dubai. The Middle Eastern emirate is currently in the hot season and temperatures can easily reach 45 degrees celcius. It was only a few months ago when it was caught testing on a frozen Swedish lake.


Powertrains expected to grace the body include a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol and a 3.3-litre V6. The big TAU V8 may not however make it into the Sonata. Turbo diesels will be offered in Europe, perhaps even the new 2.2-litre R-Type motor making 145kW (197hp) and torque of 435Nm. The new hybrid is also a possibility.


The Sonata has definitely grown in both stature and actual size. Looking a bit curvier than the current car, it has some exterior features that are akin to the Genesis. The Genesis is the styling canvass of all new and upcoming Hyundai passenger cars.


South Korea is to get its first taste of the new Sonata when it is unveiled in May 2010, while sales begin in October the same year.
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Opel preparing Astra sport hatch for 2011

According to a recent report, Opel's upcoming 2011 three-door Astra sport hatch is virtually identical to this official Opel design sketch.

Although details are limited, the sketch suggests the sport hatch will feature aggressive styling with massive air intakes, LED daytime running lights, and racy wheels. The car's designer, Malcolm Ward, says "It (the sport hatch) will be a very dramatic execution and very, very close to the sketch. Think about the current three-door then think about where the new car will go."
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Spy Shots: Ferrari F450 full body prototype

Some of the first details to catch the eye are the LED daytime running lights which appear to be flowing upwards into the fenders as headlight extensions. They will prove to be a provocative talking point if they make it into production.


These are the very first spy pictures of the upcoming Ferrari F450 prototype testing on the road and track. The F450 replaces the current F430. Previously spies have only been able to snap test mules using an F430 body but this time it is the car itself hiding underneath all the black garments.


The F450 will have a V8 engine worth over 500hp (368kW) and is likely to be shown for the first time at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show.


At the rear we can see three tailpipes in a horizontal formation sticking out. Because they are not exactly fitted properly they may not be the final layout. What is likely to stay are the two round rear lights sitting almost on the car's shoulder. Overall the F450 seems to be lower and shorter than before. Spy photographers reported that during in town driving the engine sounded very quiet but when the throttle was tickled it blurted out the familiar Ferrari roar.
Source:worldcarfans

Production-ready Dacia crossover spotted Spy

These are said to be pictures of Dacia's coming crossover, caught in a Dacia facility in Romania. Said to be based on the Nissan Qashqai platform and using four wheel drive tech from the Nissan X-Trail, this is another in a line of vehicles with which Dacia wants to take its brand to the world. Names mentioned include Duster and Steppe, and production plans call for one million units per year at a price of €12,000. It is expected to be officially unveiled at next year's Geneva Auto Show


Source:autoblog

Spy Shots: Ford Australia tests Verve based small car

After exclusive spy pictures of Ford Australia testing the upcoming Ford Ranger/Mazda BT-50, our spy guy has now snapped some interesting photos of Ford Australia testing a new small car based on the Ford Verve concept.


The car seen in these spy shots is clearly disguised as the previous-generation Ford Fiesta, but it's believed that this new machine may actually be a production version of the Ford Verve concept that was first introduced back in 2007 at the Frankfurt Motor Show.


If it ever reaches production, it's likely that the Verve will feature a range of gasoline and diesel engines varying in size from 1.2- to 1.5-liters. According to Car Advice, this new hatchback is expected to get a formal green-light from Ford sometime in mid-2010 en-route to production a few months later. For what it's worth, we don't expect to see this car come Stateside, as America will already have the new Fiesta subcompact followed by a new global Focus.


Fitted with petrol and diesel variants, the new small car will be built in both sedan and hatchback versions. Petrol variants of the new small car are likely to receive a 1.2-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine, while the diesel variants pictured will receive 1.5-litre diesel engines.
via:caradvice

Geneva preview: Gumpert Apollo Speed prototype spotted at the 'Ring

German sports car manufacturer Gumpert unveiled a faster version of its Apollo supercar back at March’s Geneva Motor Show named the Apollo Speed. Building on previous versions like the Apollo Sport and Apollo Race, the new Speed had been further engineered to tackle high speed runs.


Gumpert was founded in 2004 by Roland Gumpert, a proponent of street-legal, track-ready cars. After returning to Germany from China, where he had worked as an executive for Volkswagen, he recruited two universities and a small staff to build the first Apollo prototype. Known for their abilitity to quickly develop their vehicles, the Apollo made its race debut at the 2005 Divinol Cup, where it took third. Since, they have released other versions for public sale, including the Gumpert Apollo Race, Gumpert Apollo Speed, and Gumpert Apollo Sport. A hybrid model was also built for the 2008 24 Hours Nurburgring.


Not to be shown up by its brother, the Apollo Speed also crushes the 0-100 km/h time with a 3.0 second time, arriving at 200 km/h in under nine seconds. It was introduced at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show with a more aggressive look, due in part to its shortened height of 1.1 meters. The car has visual modifications, and an underbody built from a composite of carbon and aluminum.


Power comes from an Audi-sourced twin-turbo 4.2L V8 developing up to 800hp (597kW) and 664lb-ft (900Nm) of torque in the range topping model. Drive is sent to the rear wheels via a sequential six-speed gearbox, and according to Gumpert the new Speed will accelerate from 0-100km/h in 3.0 seconds flat, pass 200km/h in 8.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 360km/h.


We always like to see the Gumpert Apollo setup at the Geneva Motor Show, and we're sure they will bring something interesting in 2010. However, we want to know if they will be bringing a new introduction to Frankfurt in September.
Source:worldcarfans

2010 Opel Meriva MPV Spy

GM’s next-generation Opel Meriva compact MPV has been caught undergoing testing once gain. Though it remains in full camouflage, many details are still discernible, including the overall shape, which remains close to the original Meriva concept from last year's Geneva Motor Show.


The new Meriva is expected to make its world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September and should be sale across Europe by the end of the year.


The simple and attractive front fascia, minimalist outlines, and overall configuration remain very close to the concept’s design, however. Small detail differences include the addition of a tailpipe (hidden on the concept) and the removal of the rear roof spoiler and addition of an antenna in its place.


A very carefully placed extra segment of cladding appears to be hiding one of the most controversial lements of the concept’s design: the rear-window ‘kink’. The front door’s handle and the general construction of the doors and rubber strips indicate the rear-opening rear doors of the concept are gone. The suicide door configuration makes for better display in a car show booth, but is both inconvenient and hard to get past the legal department in the real world.


The treatment of the rear windows and rear hatch area seem to indicate both the angular upsweep before the C-pillar and the hourglass-shaped rear hatch will carry over into production. The tail lights, though heavily camouflaged, carry a hint of the outline of the concept’s large and stylistic units as well.
Source:motorauthority

Spy : 2010 Audi A5 Sportback Caught on Southern California Photo Shoot

The Audi A5 Sportback has been out and about it seems. These spy pictures of the four door hatch/ coupe were taken during a campus photo shoot in which the car was starring. Presumably the resulting official pictures will form part of a soon-to-launch marketing campaign, perhaps end up in a leaked brochure? We can only wish.


Engines ensuring the latter are a 2.0TDI making 125kW (170hp) and 350Nm of torque. Following that is the 2.7TDI good for 140 kW (190hp) and 400Nm of torque, and a 3.0TDI worth 500Nm. There are also petrols like the 2.0TFSI with 155kW (211hp) and the 3.2-litre V6.


While the interior isn抰 remarkably new up front, and certainly not a revolution in design as the 5 series GT is to the 5 series, it抯 not meant to be. The A7 will take care of that. For those looking for something even more beautiful than the A4 or even the A5, and with all the versatility of the Q5, the Audi A5 Sportback will most certainly bring your enthusiasm to a boil.


When the A5 Sportback goes on sale thorough Europe this September, it will be available with two gasoline and three diesel engines with prices in Germany set to start from €36,050. For the full Monty on Audi's sport sedan click here to read our detailed report.
Source: fourtitudevia worldcarfans