Tag Archives: spy shots
5 Things To Know About The 2020 BMW 7 Series
The latest sixth generation of the BMW 7 Series was revealed three years ago in 2015. Now thanks to these spy photos that revealed a fresh exterior and a revamped interior space, it looks like BMW is finally going to come out with the seventh generation of the 7 Series.
Exterior
There’s not much that happened up front but overall, the 7 Series has a revamped exterior that keeps the style fresh for new customers. It has updated headlight housings that are slimmer than the current generation and it has a reshaped hood design and new trunk lid. As revealed by the tweaked front end, this looks like an M model and will most likely include a larger grille, revised intakes, active air flaps in the kidney grille, and reshaped taillight housings.
Interior
The new 7 Series will have more or less the same interior design as before, which is characterized by horizontal lines and high-end materials throughout the cabin. The seats are going to be upholstered in Nappa leather and there’s a new three-spoke multifunction steering wheel design. On the dashboard, you’ll find a 10-inch display screen and a few knobs below. The most notable change is the new all-digital gauge cluster that finally replaces the physical needles and driver’s information screen on the current model.
Drivetrain and Performance
The 2020 BMW 7 Series will carry over the same engines as before. The base model is a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder machine which currently produces 320 horsepower. This will be offered in RWD and xDrive AWD. Next is twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 engine that makes 445 horses, though it may be upgraded with an additional 20 ponies for the 2020 version. RWD will be standard and AWD is extra.
The hybrid model, known also as the 740e, has a plug-in powertrain that produces 322 horsepower. The power comes from a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and electric motor combo. The upgraded version could produce as much as 390 ponies. This will be paired only with AWD.
The top-of-the-line model is a turbocharged 6.6-liter V-12 with the standard AWD. The current output is 601 horsepower, though we expect a few extra ponies and better fuel rating.
Prices
The 2020 7 Series should stay within the same price range. The current model has a starting price of $83,650. The top-of-the-line M760i is selling for $156,700.
Competition
Current competitions are the Audi A8 and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Photos
Check out the photos of the 2019 BMW 7 Series below, which were provided by Autoguide:
3 Things We Can Learn From The 2019 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Spy Shots
After Porsche fitted its 718 Boxster and Cayman with the GTS treatment, the German automaker is now planning the new 718 Boxster Spyder and the Cayman GT4. The spy shots shown here is that of the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 or even possibly, a Cayman GT4 RS, which is being developed together along a new Boxster Spyder.
Powertrain
The Boxster’s and Cayman’s standard versions are fitted with a turbocharged flat-4 engines, though the more powerful versions run on naturally aspirated flat-6 engines (same with its predecessors). The last Cayman GT4 was introduced in 2016 and was fitted with a 3.8-liter flat-6 that could produce 385 horsepower. What we’re seeing right now is possible the one that carries a 4.0-liter flat-6 that can come up with 400 horsepower or more.
We’re still not clear on our information whether there will be a dual-clutch transmission seeing as the last Cayman GT4 was sold exclusively with a manual gearbox. The car should be able to go 60 mph from a full stop in just 4 seconds and the top speed would be above 180 mph. The last Cayman GT4 could hit 60 mph in 4.2 seconds and its top speed was 183 mph.
Other upgrades will include a lowered suspension, a more aggressive aero kit with larger intakes, plus uprated brakes and sharpened steering.
Exterior
From the spy shots, we can see that the exhaust tips are no longer on the center of the rear bumper, but were moved toward the outer flanks. Aside from that, there are not much details to go on.
Production
There will be limited production of the Cayman GT4. If you want your hands on one, you better start asking your favorite Porsche dealer. These special edition Porsches sell pretty fast.
Speaking of GT4, there’s another GT4-spec racing version called the Clubsport. A prototype of this was seen being tested at Italy’s Monza.
Photos by: CarAdvice
3 All-Important Rumors About The 2020 BMW M3
The BMW M3 has been around since 1985 and has always been the go-to car for its reliability and its style. The latest F80 generation dropped in 2014, but we’re now looking at the next-generation M3, dubbed internally as the G80.
Exterior
Based on the recent spy shots of the car from TopSpeed, this compact four-door screams sports machine from the first view, thanks to its wide and low stance, aggressive aero bits, and larger intakes in the front fascia. At first, the camouflaged version looked a lot like the standard 3 Series but a closer inspection revealed the transformation from a luxury sedan to a performance car.
Finishing off that aggressive and sporty look are the flared fenders, the pronounced rear trunk spoiler, and wheels that measure between 19 and 20 inches in diameter.
Interior
The 2020 BMW M3’s cabin is almost the same layout and design as the current model. It has a lot of space, enough for a total of five passengers. The dashboard will continue to have physical buttons used to control the car’s features and a widescreen will be mounted on top of the dash.
The steering wheel has a three-spoke design with loads of buttons and switches to control the car’s main features. One of the biggest upgrades, however, would be the gauge cluster behind the steering wheel. It will all be digital, something that both Audi and Mercedes have been planning for quite a while.
Performance
The 2020 BMW M3 will have a new powertrain package—a standard M-tuned twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder. Known also as the S58B30, it’s the same engine used in the M4. It could produce as much as 500 horsepower, the lowest estimate might peak at 465 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque.
The engine will be paired with an eight-speed automatic, replacing the current dual-clutch seven-speed unit. We could also see BMW offering the new M3 in RWD and manual gearbox.
2020 GMC Sierra Denali 2500 Spy Shots Revealed New Details
This year has been a big one for trucks. Since the start of the year, we have seen the new 2019 Chevy Silverado, 2019 Ram 1500, 2019 Ford Ranger and the 2019 GMC Sierra. Last week, we saw the new 2018 Ford F-150 Power Stroke diesel, and the Silverado, Ram, and Sierra HD variants will soon follow. There’s even a teaser for the Silverado 2500. To add to all of that, we now have access to spy shots of the upcoming 2020 GMC Sierra 2500 Denali.
The new 2500 Denali model aims to look more than just the Silverado, just like the Sierra 1500 model. It has a new face and even with the camouflage, we can see that the new grille has roughly the size of a regulation football field (okay, that’s an exaggeration, but you get the drill). All of that new grille is wrapped in a sea of chrome, giving the new 2500 Denali model an aggressive look that’s perfect for its off-road capabilities.
Since the prototype taken by AutoGuide is seen in full camouflage, it’s hard to tell what else is in store for us, design-wise. We can see that the front and rear fender have significant flares, though it is also likely that these came from the covering. We’re still not sure about that. Reports have indicated that the new truck will have the MultiPro tailgate, but GMC has yet to confirm these speculations or whether there is even basis to them.
What we can expect is that the new CarbonPro carbon-fiber bed will be carried over to this new model. Other than that, it’s a wait-and-see game.
Aside from the Sierra Denali 2500, we can also expect the Sierra 3500 to arrive alongside the other heavy-duty variants. There will surely be a mix of aluminum and steel bodywork, similar to the light-duty models.
Spy Shots
Check out the spy shots of the upcoming GMC Sierra Denali 2500 in the gallery below:
Smoother Design Shown By 2020 Ford Escape Spy Shots
The new generation Ford Escape or Kuga (if you’re from Europe) is in the early stages of testing as shown from the prototype that was spotted for the first time. The prototype shows a smoother, more fluid-like design for the latest Focus.
The test mule has a lengthened tail section and wider hood (which some may see as Ford’s way to hide the mechanicals), which probably indicated that the new Escape will be longer and wider than the previous generation.
This decision for an increased size makes sense since Ford has recently introduced the subcompact Ecosport and a new mini off-roader. The longer Escape will also make it a good competition with the Nissan Rogue and Volkswagen Tiguan.
Recently, Ford introduced a new platform for compact cars. This debuted in the new Focus and would probably be the same platform that would be used on the new generation Escape.
There are no details yet about the powertrains, but we can expect the new Escape’s standard powertrain to be a turbocharged inline-4 paired to an 8-speed automatic and front-wheel drive for the US market. All-wheel drive systems will also be available.
If you’re on the lookout for the Escape Hybrid, you may be in luck because it might be making a return. This time, we’re hoping it would have a plug-in hybrid powertrain option. Ford has plans to launch 24 hybrid and plug-in hybrids over the next five years. That includes the F-150 and Mustang hybrids.
The new-generation Escape is expected to be launched later this year, which would make it a 2020 model. The current Escape is being manufactured in Ford’s plant in Louisville, Kentucky. This would be the same location where the new generation Escape is going to be produced.
The only other compact model from Ford would be the Focus Active soft-roader.
Photos
Check out the spy shots of the 2020 Ford Escape from Car and Driver in the gallery below:
What To Know About The 2020 Audi S8 Based On Spy Shots
Audi showrooms will soon feature a new generation of Audi A8 and with it comes a new S8 as well. There’s no exact date on when the S8 will debut, although we’re looking at the possibility of it being introduced to the market later this year or early next. There is a higher likelihood that we will be seeing it in showrooms next year though as a 2020 model.
Based on the spy shots from Motor1, S8 prototypes are still being dressed like the A8 but the quad-tip exhaust and uprated brakes give it away. So, what we’re seeing in the photos is the sportier S version. The final design will most possibly have a new styling in front and in the rear. There might also be a revised grille, if reports are to be believed.
For what’s under the hood, we’re pretty sure we’ll see the same unit in the current model. It’s going to be a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 mounted up front and paired with four-wheel drive through an 8-speed automatic transmission. It should be able to produce north of 520 horsepower, which is the current output of the outgoing S8 model.
There are plans for a new S8 Plus model, though it may not even go by that name. Some reports are throwing the name S8 e-tron instead. The “S8 Plus” (we’ll call it by that name for now) will have the plug-in hybrid powertrain seen in the Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid (the reason behind the e-tron name). That powertrain will supposedly deliver more than the 605 horsepower being produced by the outgoing S8 Plus.
The fourth-generation A8 will remain to be Audi’s flagship sedan. The whole fleet is designed using Volkswagen Group’s latest MLB platform, which will allow for weight savings and advanced electronic driver assistance technologies, including self-driving capabilities. Expect the A8, the S8, and the S8 Plus to be introduced soon.
4 Things To Expect From The 2019 Aston Martin Rapide AMR
The Rapide is badly in need of a fresh upgrade or update from Aston Martin, but it looks like the luxury carmaker is focused on anything but that. Whether or not Aston Martin is actually working on a new Rapide remains to be a mystery, but what we’ve heard is that it’s getting a high-performance version, thanks to the AMR division.
Here’s what we think the Aston Martin Rapide AMR will look like:
1. Exterior
There will be carbon-fiber bumper inserts and large splitter on the revised bumper. This is what was seen on a test car spotted near the Nurburgring track. The revised bumper has AMR written over it with round foglamps, vented hood, and a revised grille. The side view is a mixture of AMR and standard production features. The side skirts are seen on the test car were similar to the concept model, but missing are the carbon-fiber mirror caps, the black fender strakes, and the black door handles.
Highlights of the rear end include an aero flip on the decklid, a revised bumper that’s not yet painted, and a new, more aggressive diffuser.
2. Interior
Expect the AMR version of the Rapide to carry the same design and features as the standard Rapide, except that there will be a few highlights—Dark Knight Alcantara on the dashboard, the seats, and the steering wheel, sports carbon-fiber seats, and a carbon-fiber center stack and console.
The sedan’s seats, dashboard, and door panels should have contrast stitching, depending on the exterior detailing of the Rapide. It should have bespoke graphics for its infotainment screen and instrument cluster.
3. Drivetrain
The Rapide AMR is set to be the most powerful version of this model. It should get the same naturally aspirated 6.0-liter V-12 machine that can produce 592 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. That’s a 40-horsepower jump from the regular Rapide. It should be able to reach 62 mph in just 4.3 seconds and top speed will be a whopping 210 mph.
4. Prices
The Rapide S is priced at $207,775 in the US. It’s safe to assume that the starting price for the Rapide AMR would be $250,000 before options.
Photos
Here are the spy shots of the Aston Martin Rapide AMR from autoevolution:
What We Can Derive From New BMW X5 Spy Shots
Engineers at the BMW plant in Munich have been very busy these past weeks. Spy photographers have been capturing photos of new models such as the upcoming BMW 8 Series coupe and convertible, the BMW X7, and finally, the BMW X5. For the last one, we’ve got spy photos both of the exterior and the interior.
Based on the spy shots of AutoBlog, the BMW X5 looks like a shorter version of the X7. That should not come as a surprise since this is essentially what the German automaker planned for the X5 because it is being marketed for an audience that would love the X7 but with shorter wheelbase. Then again, the X5 is not even the shortest wheelbase the BMW is using as a platform. The smaller BMW X3 is taking after the same design and style as the X7 and the X5.
Basically, what we’re going to see on the BMW X5 is about the same thing as what we saw on the X7. They have the same headlights, the same taillights, and the same bucktooth grille that has even avid fans walking away from the SUV.
The overall design was already previewed on the concept unveiled by the German automaker in various motor shows. It was recently seen on the X3, so there’s little mystery on what the X5 will probably look like. This is an evolution of the same basic design that BMW has been using for more than a decade.
The X5’s interior is almost an exact copy of what we recently saw on the X7. It’s quite different from the cabin designs that BMW has fitted most of its models, but since we haven’t seen it in person yet, we’ll reserve our comments on that. What we can see is that there’s a new shifter design and majority of the buttons, including the push-button start, have been moved from the dashboard to the console.
The reveal will probably be sometime later this year.
What We Know So Far About The 2019 Audi S6 Avant Wagon
USA customers are clamoring for the 2019 Audi S6 Avant Wagon. However, it doesn’t look like we’re going to see this performance wagon from Audi.
It has been an important week for the industry. This past week alone, we have seen the likes of the 2018 Volvo V90, the 2018 Jaguar XF Sportbrake, and the 2018 Porsche Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo. These are all wonderful in their own little ways and Americans love seeing these European brands in dealerships, but we’re missing out on the Audi Avant.
The 2019 Audi A6 was recently photographed in all its camouflaged glory. It made its debut in March at the Geneva Motor Show to replace a competent but aging model. Though there was no word from Audi about the fate of the S6, but it will likely follow the A6.
Americans will most likely miss out on the Avant, though we doubt very much that we’re not going to see at least the sedan variant. Right now, we’ve got the Volvo, Jaguar, and Mercedes wagons here. There’s a big market for wagons in the United States, so we’re here crossing our fingers that we’ll see the Avant sometime.
Audi has yet to reveal what it plans for the S6, engine-wise. All we know is that the current S6 uses a version of Audi’s twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 and a seven-speed dual clutch transmission. It produces 450 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. All models have the quattro all-wheel drive. The next-generation S6 will most likely shed off the V-8 engine and downsize into one that would be more fuel efficient. We’re hoping to see a variant of RS4’s new 2.9-liter twin-turbo V-6.
Audi S6 Avant Spy Shots
Check out the spy shots of the Audi S6 Avant provided by Carscoops in the gallery below:
Jeep Wrangler To Arrive In Showrooms In April 2019
The new Jeep Wrangler will hit dealers’ showrooms in April 2019, that’s the only piece of information we got from the four-hour-long conference that Fiat-Chrysler dealers had last week. The production for the pickup will begin in the fourth quarter of this year, so it makes sense that availability in showrooms will only start April next year.
What we are waiting for, though, is a look at the bedded Jeep minus the camouflage that we have seen it is wrapped in less than eight weeks ago. There are rumors, and we’re pretty sure there’s a bit of truth to this, that the official introduction will happen at the LA Auto Show this November to December. If previous timelines are to be the basis, this makes sense since the standard Wrangler only broke cover a year ago (by November).
Though we’re anticipating for the November introduction, we don’t know exactly what to expect. We don’t even know under what name this new pickup will be released. Jeep has kept everything under wraps. But based on all the spy shots and leaks we have heard and seen, the Jeep will be a four-door Unlimited with a short bed. Though there are rumors that it will be a two-door Wrangler pickup, these remain mere speculations up to now.
The powertrain options might be the same as the others in the lineup: a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder that can deliver 268 horses, a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 that produces 285 horsepower, and a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 with 442 pound-feet of torque.
Sergio Marchionne, Fiat-Chrysler’s CEO, expects 100,000 Wrangler pickups to be sold each year starting April 2019. If reached, that would mean a 56-percent increase in Wrangler’s current US and European volume.
The last Wrangler pickup was the 1986 CJ-8 Scrambler but in April 2019, the Wrangler will join the likes of Chevrolet Colorado, Toyota Tacoma, Honda Ridgeline, Nissan Frontier, and the new Ford Ranger. The Wrangler, however, will still be the only one to offer a convertible top.
Here are the latest spy shots of the upcoming Jeep Wrangler from Autoblog:
