Tag Archives: spy shots
A Look at the Major Changes in the 2020 Hyundai Tucson
Spy shots of the prototype of the 2020 Hyundai Tucson revealed major changes are in the works for this next-generation compact SUV from the South Korean brand. The prototype showed that there are a number of updates on the exterior and the cabin of the popular SUV.
The changes are quite significant, according to a report on Motor Authority, as there will be new lights and a new grille even. Based on the hints we’re getting, we won’t be surprised if we get a Tucson that follows some of the details and changes on the new 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe. We all know there was a huge positive reception to the Santa Fe, so what’s stopping the South Korean automaker from making similar changes to the Tucson?
Inside the cabin, the center stack was completely redesigned by foregoing the integrated infotainment screen on the current Tucson and replacing it with a tacked-on screen. This is a design that Hyundai has been introducing on its latest models.
There’s no word yet on whether there will be upgrades on the powertrains but what’s on the current Tucson model might be carried over to the 2020 model. They’re all pretty okay, so far. This means that buyers will have the option to choose between a 2.0 liter inline-4 that can produce 164 horsepower or a 1.6-liter turbo inline-4 with 174 horsepower on tap.
Admittedly, there are still a lot of missing information here. But hopefully, we get more details as the plans for Tucson emerge. It is, after all, due for a release next year as a 2020 model.
Like many automakers, Hyundai is heavily investing on its line of SUVs and compact SUVs. The Kona was recently launched and the new Santa Fe will soon be available in showrooms. Another update from Hyundai is that it’s currently working on a three-row SUV.
3 Things We Learned From The 2020 Audi Q3 Spy Shots
Audi is working on its next-generation Q3 crossover, we all know that, but these spy shots revealed where in the development process is Audi right now. Well, it looks like everything is on schedule and we’ll see the next-generation Q3 as a 2020 model this 2019 in distributors’ showrooms.
1. No Surprises In Q3’s Exterior
There are no surprises in the design of Audi’s compact crossover SUV, the spy shots revealed. Based on the images, the next-generation Q3 will resemble a scaled-down version of the latest Q5, though this one will have a more dynamically proportioned body. To further highlight the difference, the current-generation Q3 was seen on the road together with the upcoming Q3.
The crossover SUV will use the same and familiar MQB platform design used by the VW Group in almost all of its compact cars and non-premium midsize models.
2. Plug-in Hybrid A Possibility
The new-generation Q3 will be powered by turbocharged inline-4 engines, but there is also a possibility of seeing a plug-in hybrid option. Expectations are high, too, that Audi will have the same RS Q3 in the works. With 400 horsepower from a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-5, there should be no question that this one would be a favorite.
The good news? Audi Sport might offer the RQ3 in the United States market this time around. Remember, the US market has been adamant it wants the same preference that Audi has for the European market.
3. Electric-Powered Cars In The Pipeline
The redesigned Q3 is just one of the five new SUVs that Audi is working on. There are others in the horizon, such as the electronic e-tron and e-tron Sportback models, as well as the coupe-like Q4 and Q8. There are also rumors that Audi is working on a Q1 subcompact SUV based on the next-generation A1.
This Is What The 2019 Jeep Renegade Spy Shots Tell Us
Now that it’s in its midway point of life, the Jeep Renegade is about to receive some minor upgrades. The spy shots recently shown revealed two things: there are no major changes on the Renegade’s exterior but its interior might receive some upgrades.
The prototype for the Renegade was recently seen camouflaged and all. It is slated to be revealed later this year and will be produced as a 2019 model.
The Renegade’s cute exterior is something we all loved about it and thankfully, Jeep won’t be making any huge adjustments on that part, except for some minor tweaks on the front and rear fascias. But with all the camouflage gear we’ve seen the Renegade in, it’s hard to tell what changes are we talking about exactly.
Inside, the changes are more interesting. The new Renegade’s center stack will be redesigned with a larger infotainment screen. You’ll also find the climate control dials on the center stack, similar to the ones recently revealed in the 2019 Jeep Cherokee.
There are no exact details yet on the powertrains, though we’re hoping there could be some upgrades in this front. It’s possible that we’ll get to see the 2.0-liter turbo, same as with the Cherokee and the Wrangler. That would be a good replacement for the Renegade’s current 2.4-liter mill. The only problem is that the turbo might be too powerful for the Jeep’s pint-sized Renegade.
We’ll have more details about the new Renegade hopefully in the coming weeks.
Check out the spy shots of the new Jeep Renegade taken by Motor1 in the gallery below:
BMW 8 Series Reveals More With Thinner Camouflage
We’ve been talking nonstop about this particular luxury coupe ever since BMW teased us mercilessly with the BMW 8 Series concept. Now, we can have a closer look at the 8 Series after the German company decided to fit it with new and thinner camouflage.
At first glance of the new BMW 8 Series spy shots, what we can tell is that the car will have a curvy and lean body, but it won’t be as aggressive as its concept version.
How The Front End Changed
Probably the biggest difference between the 8 Series concept and these spy photos is how the front of the coupe looks like. The concept showed a twin-kidney grille that sits low in the fascia, resulting to a dramatic drooping hood. The spy photos showed that the production version of the luxury coupe has a more conventional look with the grille downsized and raised up. The headlights are less squinty, the side vents in the lower fascia are toned down, the flanks on the sides are less curved, and the side vents are smaller.
What The Back End Looks Like
What remains from the concept is the long, gently sloping fastback roof. It trails into a subtle slope down the trunk lid. The difference comes in the form of a larger set of headlights on the production model rather than on the 8 Series concept. The tail is flatter, and lacks that sculpted masculinity shown on the concept. The exhaust outlets, which were integrated into the rear bumper (this was carried over), have been moved to the far corners.
When The 8 Series Finally Arrives
The production car for the 8 Series is supposed to arrive in 2020, though we’re expecting it to make its debut in 2019 because the concept was also shown a year earlier. Two other variants will be available—convertible and M variants. A racing version might be under development too.
2018 BMW X2 Spied With A Little Camo
The 2018 BMW X2 was recently caught on cam while it was being transported. The soon-to-be-released SUV of the German brand was seen with a little camouflage.
The photos of the X2 prototype posted in Motor1 showing the auto with just a little camo wrap is an indication that its official unveiling may be near. The source projected that the vehicle might make its live debut at the Los Angeles Motor Show in December with an online reveal probably coming as early as November. It is also possible that the world premiere of the X2 might be pushed until January, which is just in time for the Detroit Motor Show.
With only the areas surrounding the grille, rear glass and the taillights hidden under a zebra wrap, we can see that the X2 production version kept many of the design elements shown by its concept model last year. However, the one we are looking at here ditched the massive twin exhausts and it is riding on smaller wheels. The huge vents located on the sides of the front bumper have been tweaked as well.
The X2 was developed as the X1’s sportier version. It has its sights set as a rival to the Mercedes-Benz GLA and the Audi Q2, which explains its coupe-like appearance.
Compared to the X1, the X2 features a sharper nose, thinner headlamps and slimmer rear windows. The taillights will probably be more advanced and sportier compared to the bigger model too.
The X2 is expected to use the UKL platform of BMW. Then, its drivetrains will likely reflect those found in the X1, including a hybrid version later in its production cycle. Furthermore, the interior of the SUV should offer the same level of interior design found in its big brother.
Spy Shots of the BMW X2
Check out the latest spy shots of the upcoming BMW X2 in the gallery below.
Jeep Yuntu Production Version Spied
Last April, automotive fans were treated to the unveiling of the Jeep Yuntu concept vehicle at the Shanghai Auto Show. The auto features a hybrid powertrain with a lot of passenger capacity. Recently, a camouflaged prototype of the SUV’s production version was seen while it was undergoing testing at a Fiat Chrysler Automobiles facility.
Design is Very Much Like the Concept Model
Looking at the spy shots shown by Autoblog, the prototype for the Jeep Yuntu production version appears to remain true to its concept form. The shape of the spied auto’s roof, hood, doors, grille and rear are very much similar to the unit displayed in Shanghai.
The Yuntu boasts a long wheelbase. It utilizes a stretched version of the Cherokee’s Compact U.S. Wide (CUSW) platform. Then, it offers three-rows of seats that can accommodate up to seven people.
It is definitely a large SUV. However, judging from the prototype’s low approach and departure angles as well as the choice of wheels, it looks like it is not built for serious off-roading.
Is It Keeping the Hybrid Powertrain?
So far, we are quite unsure yet if the prototype we are seeing here is equipped with a plug-in hybrid powertrain like its concept variant. It should be noted though that the Yuntu is initially planned as a China exclusive product of Jeep. If that’s the case, it might get a hybrid setup afterall in order to go in line with the Chinese government’s goal of curbing pollution in the country.
It is hard to make out what is inside the vehicle too, but it is expected to remain faithful to its preview in China, which shows a futuristic approach. It should be recalled that the interior of the concept version of the vehicle is adorned with LCD screens behind its seats and in the dashboard.
Jeep Yuntu Spy Photos
Check out the new spy shots of the Jeep Yuntu prototype in the gallery below:
4 Things To Know About The 2019 Bentley Continental Flying Spur
The Bentley Continental range is getting an upgrade. First, we’ll have the updated version of the GT coupe, then followed by the GT convertible, and finally, the Flying Spur sedan. The latter is due in 2019, though there is no specific date as of now.
But for the first time ever, we are treated with spy shots of the next Flying Spur in action. This first glance is enough to tell us we can expect a lot of great things from the next Flying Spur.
1. Exterior
The overall exterior design has evolved from the previous one. The main elements of the upgrade can be found on the lights—the headlights have a larger inner and smaller outer lights. This is the opposite of the current design.
On the sides, the lower and upper character lines give an entirely new facade while on the rear end, the taillights are taller and don’t wrap around the sides anymore. The license plate cutout moved also from the trunk to the bumper.
2. Platform
Same with the other Continental GT range, the Flying Spur will use elements of Porsche engineering. It will be based on Volkswagen Group’s MSB platform, which was specifically designed for large, rear- and all-wheel-drive cars with engines at the front.
Developed by Porsche, the platform is being used by the 2017 Panamera. The MSB Platform uses high-strength steel and aluminum for aerodynamics and rigidity purposes.
3. Drivetrain
The current Continental GT has an upgraded 6.0-liter W-12 that can produce 626 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque. It also has a stop-start function. The same engine will be fitted in the Flying Spur. A twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 engine that can produce 500 horsepower is also expected.
Bentley said that plug-in hybrids will also be offered for all of their vehicles. There’s only one transmission available for all variants–an 8-speed automatic and an all-wheel drive system.
4. Other Features
The Flying Spur will host a number of great features such as a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, an instrument panel display developed from the Audi virtual cockpit, LED matrix headlights, a three-chamber air suspension, and a 48-volt anti-roll control system that uses electronic actuators on the anti-roll bars.
Are We Looking At The Upcoming 2020 Ford Bronco?
Ford earlier said that the Ford Bronco would arrive in 2020 and the new Ranger a year before that. And though we’re all excited on what could possibly be in store for us in the next two years, no details have been released and we’re left to imagine how the Bronco would look like.
You can’t really blame car enthusiasts because this is the first time Ford is diving into the new midsize trucks competition. The Bronco will give the Chevrolet Colorado, the Toyota Tacoma, and the Jeep Wrangler a run for their money… and yet, that’s not until 2020.
We kept on thinking how the new Bronco would like. Would it be similar to the concept Ford showed off in 2004 or how about the Brazilian-market Ford Troller, which has a boxy and utilitarian off-road look? Then again, there’s the Ranger-based Everest, a family-friendly SUV.
The spy photos shown here look like a warmed-over, right-handed Everest, which is why a lot of Bronco enthusiasts are scared that it is what exactly we might be getting in 2020. Raj Nair, Ford’s chief technical officer, was quick to clarify these reports. Back in January, he told Autoline that Ford does not plan to make the Bronco similar to the Everest.
The new Bronco will be completely “unique” from the Everest, he said. The front end was covered in checkered camouflage, so we’re thinking Ford doesn’t want us to see something new on the front. But since most of the SUV is undisguised, we’re sure the production model would look very different.
For now, as mentioned by an “inside source” a few months ago, we can assume that the new Bronco would look similar to Brazil’s Troller, albeit the former will be a four-door version. Although we would love to see a two-door Bronco, there’s not much market for a two-door midsize SUV, so we’ll be contented with a four-door version if that’s what it takes.
4 Things We Can Learn From The 2018 BMW X5
In 2000, BMW finally joined the fray of crossovers with the BMW X5. It has spawned four other crossovers, and has been through three different generational changes. The first one was in 2006 with the E70 X5 for a 2007 model, then the next in 2013 with the current F15 generation.
Based on calculations, it’s about time for us to get another generational update from the BMW X5. We’ve seen spy shots of the new X5 from TopSpeed, and we can’t wait to learn more about it.
1. Exterior
The spy shots did not reveal much about the exterior of the new X5. Although it’s clearly BMW’s crossover, there are no side skirts, a minimal front fascia, and a pair of headlights that look like it came from a 2000 model.
From the sides, the body line along the doors and fenders looks and feels like the current X5. The lower body lines on the doors may be carried over to the production model, but we’ll have to wait and see. Like the rest of the exterior, there is no significant change on the rear, except that those taillights would definitely be a departure from the current generation X5.
2. Interior
What we can expect from the new model is that it will be more comfortable and will be packed with new tech and safety features. The probably upgrades are: softer leather seats with better padding, a different instrument cluster layout (maybe even a TFT display), and a thinner infotainment screen.
BMW’s 7 Series already had the gesture control down pat, so maybe we’ll see that one here, too.
3. Drivetrain
It’s still too early to speculate on what the drivetrain would be for the new X5, although we can expect it to have more power and torque than the current 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque being produced by the 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder.
4. Pricing
The current X5 has a starting price of $54,700 for the sDrive 35i while the range-topping xDrive 50i sells for $71,599. It’s pure speculation at this point but based on the additional upgrades, the X5 might sell for $2,000 more than the current base price.
3 Things You Should Know About The 2019 Nissan Altima Spy Shots
There are new spy shots of the prototype for the next-generation Nissan Altima mid-sizer. The car will be due to arrive in showrooms in late 2018 as a 2019 model, and will represent the sixth generation of the Altima nameplate.
During the 2017 Detroit auto show earlier this year, the next-gen Altima was previewed through the Vmotion 2.0 concept car.
1. Design
If you have seen the concept, you’ll know that there are numerous elements from it that can now be seen in the production version of the car. There’s much you can see in the spy shots from Motor1 even though it’s in heavy camouflage. The prototype and even the production model both highlighted the angular headlights, V-shaped grille, and floating roof.
The interior showed that the new Altima will have a digital screen in the instrument cluster and a larger screen located at the top of the center stack. For those who still want the feel of touching something in their cars, there are physical knobs for functions such as controlling the volume and temperature.
2. Powertrain
There’s no word yet on what the Altima will come packed with. What we can expect is that a four-cylinder should be the base model while a more powerful option will be offered in the form of a turbocharged four-cylinder or a four-cylinder-based hybrid setup.
The gear selector in the new Altima will be similar with the current model. This means we can expect a CVT and a front-wheel-drive system. An all-wheel drive is still in question, though.
If you’re looking for more driver assistance tech, the Altima can offer that, too. The ProPilot will reportedly be available in the next-generation Altima, including the assistance to drivers in accelerating, braking, and steering in a single lane in a highway. There’s also parking assistance provided by the system.
3. Competition
The next-generation Altima is in direct competition with the Toyota Camry, the Chevrolet Malibu, the Subaru Liberty, the Ford Fusion, the Kia Optima, the Honda Accord, and the Hyundai Sonata.
