Tag Archives: spy shots
Three Things To Learn About The 2018 BMW X3
If you’re a fan of the current BMW X3, you’ll be happy to know that the same snappy performance, elegant interior, and reasonable pricing are packaged in an all-new next-generation 2018 BMW X3.
Spotted testing once again, the new X3 is likely to arrive in showrooms starting next year as a 2018 model. Aside from what we enjoy with the current model, the German automaker added other elements to make this the perfect crossover SUV. What does anyone want in an SUV? Power, aerodynamics and cargo space. All of these you can find in this next-gen X3.
1. More Interior Space
Crossover SUVs have suffered tremendously for its failure to offer adequate interior and cargo space like it’s bigger brother, the SUV. It’s understandable why since the crossover wasn’t made to rival the SUV. It was just made to be bigger than the sedan, but significantly smaller than the SUV. The focus was on ground clearance than interior space. But thanks to a more efficient engineering and the use of lightweight materials, the 2018 X3 is equipped with a larger interior.
That is thanks largely to the adoption of the CLAR modular platform that was first seen in the 2016 7-Series. The SUV version will be debuting in the X3, and will likely appear in the new X5 and X7 as well.
2. Diesel and Plug-in Hybrid Options Available
For those of you waiting for a battery-powered electric X3, this isn’t the year for that, unfortunately. Under the hood of this new X3, you’ll find almost the same engine as that of the latest 3-Series. This means that the crossover is offering BMW’s new B58 modular 3.0-liter inline-6 and inline-4 units, including diesel and plug-in hybrid options. The battery-powered electric X3 will arrive towards the end of the decade.
3. Performance Variants are Coming
There will be an X3 M40i and X3 M, the latter was apparently spied in prototype form. Its engine will be coming from the M3/M4 line which produces 425 horsepower. These performance variants will have an aggressive body form that is also wider than the current X3.
13 New Spy Shots of the 2019 BMW X7 Emerge
In 2014, BMW announced plans to make a full-size SUV, the platform of which we are now seeing based on these spy shots. There are no surprises with the design of the BMW X7 since there have been speculations already that it will be patterned after the German company’s next-generation X5.
Here are things you need to know about the X7 before trying to get your hands on it:
Competition
The BMW X7 will compete against full-size SUVs in the luxury arena. In this segment are the Audi Q7, Cadillac Escalade, Mercedes-Benz GLS, Land Rover Range Rover Long-Wheelbase, Lincoln Navigator and upcoming Jeep Grand Wagoneer.
Design
There are no surprises when it comes to the design. The X7 looks like a stretched version of the next-generation X5, though the former is more muscular on the front section. Based on the spy shots, it’s easy to see that the grille and lights are all test units. They will be replaced once advanced prototypes have been tested and released.
For the X7, the platform that would be used is the German company’s flexible CLAR, a modular platform which made its debut on the 2016 7-Series and the 2017 5-Series. This platform will be soon used on all BMW models from 3-Series and up.
The CLAR platform promises lightweight construction and compatibility with electrified powertrains. Because of this, we can now assume that the X7 will feature a plug-in hybrid powertrain, along with the regular V-8 and inline-6 options. A V-12 may also be offered, though expect this to only be available for the M760i M Performance trim.
Interior
The cabin of the BMW X7 will be similar to the 2016 7-Series, especially the cockpit design. It will have three rows of spacious seating, a driver-focused layout, and an advanced infotainment system with gesture control.
Production of the X7 will take place in Spartanburg, South Carolina. It will be introduced in 2018, so it will likely be a 2019 model.
Photos
Here are the latest photos of the camouflaged 2019 BMW X7 from Motor Authority:
2017 BMW 6 Series Takes on Porsche Panamera and Audi S7
A possible 2017 BMW 6 Series was spotted testing on the road. It will have a new lightened chassis, upgraded tech for the cabin and refreshed styling on the outside.
Although details are still up in the air, what is clear is that it will be competing against the Porsche Panamera and the Audi S7.
Based on the spy shots, the fourth generation model of the BMW 6 Series will offer a roof with an angled approach towards the rear end, which promises to give the car a fastback profile. It also has a trailing spoiler and revamped taillights on the rear, and a kidney grille and slimmer headlights up front.
In terms of dimension, this is still in the midsize range, though it will carry the chassis code G14, G15, and G16, replacing the outgoing model’s designation of F12, F13, and F06, respectively.
Under the hood, the new BMW 6 Series will have the same powerplant treatment as the new 5 Series, meaning a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder from the 540i. Output is a mean 350 horsepower and 340 pound-feet of torque.
Currently, the 6 Series is pegged at $77,600, but the top-of-the-line model can go as high as $100,000.
Porsche Panamera or the BMW 6 Series?
For under $80,000, the Porsche Panamera—all that power—can be yours. It combines the power of a high-end sports car with the functionality of a five-door hatchback.
If you have the extra juice, meaning $100,000, you can get the Turbo S model, which has a 911-performance, thanks to its twin-turbo V-8 that can produce 570 horsepower. This can make the Panamera go from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds. It has a maximum speed of 192mph.
The Panamera also comes packing with the Porsche Active Suspension Management with three different drive modes—Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus.
If BMW plans to compete with this through the 6 Series, it better bring its A game.
3 Things To Know About The Facelifted Mercedes-Benz C-Class
German company Mercedes-Benz is working to update its C-Class. In fact, a prototype has been spotted being tested at Merc’s headquarters in Germany.
Based on the spy photos, there will be minor tweaks on the exterior of this small design. And though there are no actual photos of the car’s interior, previous rumors point out to a host of new technology inside.
It Resembles the E-Class
You can expect that the Mercedes-Benz C-Class will be fitted with new bumpers. There will also be modifications made to the internals of the lights. You’ll have to look closely if you want to find it. Previously, test photos already showed that the headlights of the new C-Class will closely resemble those found on the newest E-Class.
Switch to Digital Instrument is Possible
Although there are no shots of the C-Class’ interior, but there are expectations that it will be packed with the digital instrument cluster from the E-Class and S-Class models. This has been seen before anyway, so it’s not entirely impossible.
Yet, it’s also possible too that the updated C-Class will simply have an option to have the digital instrument cluster on its panel. This is what Audi did with its own digital instrument cluster for entry-level models.
Powertrain will be Similar to Merc’s Next-gen Engines
There is no word yet on what we can find under the hood of the new C-Class, although it will likely adopt Mercedes’ next-generation engines, which are slates to debut in the 2018 S-Class.
What we do know for now is that the updated C-Class will have numerous efficiency improvements that include a single electric motor to replace the current starter motor and alternator. The change also aims to improve the power of the new C-Class by boosting its performance on the road.
The new engines will reportedly have a modular design. Also, instead of the current V-6 design used by Mercedes-Benz, the 6-cylinder units are depending to an inline design.
This update is nothing spectacular drivetrain- and power-wise. The C-Class simply needs to fresh things up since it has reached the midway point in its life cycle.
The car was introduced as a 2015 model-year. Based on calculations, Mercedes-Benz will be releasing the upgraded C-Class as a 2019 model.
4 Things To Know About The 2018 Rolls-Royce Phantom
The 2018 Rolls-Royce Phantom has been spotted testing on public roads. This only confirmed that the seventh-generation Phantom, first launched in 2003, is finally on its way to the market.
Here are the things we learned about it based on a report:
1. It Will Have a New Aluminum Spaceframe Architecture
For the 2018 Phantom, Rolls developed an all-new aluminum spaceframe architecture that will be the basis for the entire lineup of the new Phantom.
The British auto company said that architecture is variable in size and ride height because it has to consider a list of other models, which will include coupes, sedans and yes, even an SUV.
The new frame will be lighter than the previous one, which was also an aluminum spaceframe. This means that the Phantom will have better dynamics compared to the outgoing model that weighs over 5,600 pounds.
The new architecture is expected to be considerably lighter than the previous one, also an aluminum spaceframe. Less weight should aid the new Phantom’s dynamics, given that the outgoing model weighs in at over 5,600 pounds.
2. Its Exterior is More Muscular
This new Phantom’s design will be evolutionary because the designers made it more muscular than the current car, and compared also to other models in the same segment. This muscular design is especially obvious at the rear, as well as on the modern touches such as LED headlights (rumored to be laser lights) and front bumper air curtains.
3. Its Interior is the Same as a BMW
Based on the spy shots, the interior elements of this new Phantom are test units similar to the BMW Group parts bin. The round air vents and leather-bound lower center console, however, are new items.
4. It Will Not Have a Hybrid Model
Because of it will have less weight, Rolls will be setting aside plans of an expected plug-in hybrid model, which would have to feature a large battery.
Top 3 Rumors About The New Toyota Supra
2019 Toyota Supra spy shot. (Photo Source: Motor Authority)
For the past several months, we have seen prototypes for Toyota’s new sports car being tested in the wild. The car is expected to revive the Toyota Supra name, so a lot is being expected from this.
1. The New Supra will get a V-6 Engine
Based on the spy video of the prototype, the engine sounds a lot like a V-6 engine, based only on the turbo whoosh-like sounds coming from the car. This would prove a report back in July that the car is getting a new twin-turbocharged V-6 engine that has been developed for Lexus and some high-end Toyotas.
There were earlier claims that the Supra will get a 4-cylinder, but that seems impossible given the leak on the possible V-6 engine, which can produce up to 400 horsepower on its own. Paired with the Supra and a hybrid system similar to the Hybrid-R concept, and the V-6 can churn more than 500 horses.
2. The New Supra’s Design Might be Based on BMW’s Z4
Details about the new Supra are scarce for now since Toyota has yet to release any word about how the Supra is going to be designed. Rumors, however, are saying that the Supra will have a similar rear-wheel-drive platform that was developed for the BMW Z4. It can also be recalled that such a design was previewed along with Toyota’s series of FT-1 concept cars back in 2014.
The BMW Z5, a replacement of the Z4, will be a traditional sports car with a soft-top roof. The Toyota is aimed to be a showpiece for the Japanese company’s performance-oriented hybrid technology that is developed for the World Endurance Championship.
3. The New Supra is Going to Markets Next Year
Toyota is not sure yet what they’ll call the sports car, though we’re gunning for the Supra label. Whatever name it ends up with, we can see by next year once it’s released if it can live up to the name and the hype. It will arrive just in time for the 2019 model year.
Three Things To Watch Out For In The Alfa Romeo Stelvio
The Alfa Romeo Stelvio is due to be revealed at the Los Angeles Auto Show, so it comes as a no surprise that we’re seeing prototypes being tested in broad daylight with less and less camouflage.
The latest spy shots of the car still haven’t revealed much detail about the Stelvio, but it did give us a glimpse of what to watch out for.
Stevlio’s Front Reveals New Grille, hood
The spy shots released earlier did not reveal the headlights. Unfortunately, the same holds true for these series of shots. The headlights are disguised by heavy tape, though it appears to be identical with the ones found on the Giulia sedan. As for the grille, a new v-shaped grille is found at the front with two rectangular ones placed on the bottom of the front fascia. The hood, on the other hand, has three odd-shaped ridges, although some see these ridges as more because of the camouflage than the actual creases on the Stelvio.
Profile is Similar to Porsche Macan
Earlier spy shots revealed that the Stelvio will mimic some of the most intricate and obvious designs of the Porsche Macan. In this regard, the spy shots were not wrong. This series also proved that the rear end of the SUV won’t change as much—the taillights are still taped off and appears to be very similar to the Giulia. What’s new, though, are the massive exhaust tips, which would be more perfect on a sports car.
Powertrains are Going to be the Same as with the Giulia
There aren’t any exhaustive details about the powertrains that the Stelvio will come packing. According to reports, it would be the same gasoline and diesel powertrains as being offered by the Giulia. But because of the massive exhaust tips found on the prototype, there are also rumors that the SUV might be getting the 2.9-liter V6 engine from Giulia Quadrifoglio.
3 Important Features Of The 2018 Ford Mustang
The first spy photos of the prototype for the facelifted 2018 Ford Mustang have just arrived, and did they arrive in style. Though only a facelift, so it’s expected that changes will be minimal, Ford engineers still went to great effort to mask the tweaks done.
Here are the top 3 important features of the upcoming Ford Mustang that we found out so far based on spy shots and rumors:
Front bumper receives “dramatic” change
The front end seems to be receiving a lot of attention, based on the prototype just uncovered. The most “dramatic” change comes with the new design for the lower section of the front bumper. Apparently, this will have an A-wing shape for the front splitter. Aside from the front bumper, there will also be tweaks on the headlights, specifically on the internal graphics. The shape of the enclosure won’t likely be changed.
New engine option for high-end models
What fans will be clamoring for in the coming months is the mechanical changes made on the 2018 Ford Mustang. There will be a new 10-speed automatic developed by Ford and General Motors that is going to be available as an option for high-end models. The current 6-speed automatic will be retained for the lower-spec variants. This 10-speed option is already being utilized by the 2016 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. Reportedly, it shifts faster than Porsche’s dual-clutch transmission. Good news, though, the 6-speed manual will remain for most models.
As for the speed, the current portfolio should be retained, though there will be changes in terms of power and gas mileage. The Mustang V-6 enjoys 300 horsepower while the Mustang EcoBoost has 310 horsepower and the Mustang GT produces a whopping 435 horsepower. The Shelby GT350 and GT350R models, on the other hand, can power up to 526 horsepower.
Arriving as a 2018 model
The facelifted Mustang, which will be introduced in 2017, will come out as a 2018 model. But also arriving for the same model-year is the Mustang Shelby GT500.
9 Spy Shots Show Bentley Flying Spur Prototype Testing
The Porsche Panamera Turbo is utilized as a test mule for the next-generation Bentley Flying Spur.
Spy shots of a Bentley Flying Spur prototype recently emerged online. The photos show the car being tested on wet conditions.
But how come the pictures here show a black Porsche Panamera Turbo?
While the photos indeed show a blacked-out Panamera, Autoblog claimed that the car is merely serving as a test mule for the Flying Spur. It makes sense that Bentley would use the Panamera to test the prototype of the Flying Spur because the two share the same platform. The new Panamera uses the MSB platform.
Another indication that we are looking at a test mule for the Flying Spur is the license plate of the Panamera. According to the photographer who captured the spy shots, the plate number of the auto is registered as a Bentley under UK’s Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency.
Since the Flying Spur is the four-door variant of the Bentley Continental GT, expect the next-generation of the car to get many of the styling elements presented in the EXP 10 Speed 6 concept that was unveiled last year at the Geneva Motor Show.
The Bentley EXP 10 Speed 6 at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show.
The source said the upcoming Flying Spur might keep the same powertrains available in the Panamera as the two share the same platform anyway. Therefore, expect the inclusion of the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 and 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 engines in the selection.
The Flying Spur concept is rumored to make its world premiere next year. The production model of the car will probably come out the following year.
Bentley Flying Spur Prototype Testing Spy Shots
Check out the images below showing the spy photos of the Porsche Panamera Turbo being used as a test mule for the new Bentley Flying Spur:
Spy Shots Of 2018 Dodge Challenger ADR Leaked
Dodge will create a wide-body SRT Hellcat based on these spy shots of a 2018 Dodge Challenger ADR. Positioned above the SRT Hellcat, this new range-topping Challenger has recently been spotted testing on Michigan roads ahead of a likely 2017 market launch, making it an entry for the 2018 model year.
The prototypes sighted are wearing standard body panels but the protruding rubber can still be clearly seen. There is simply no mistaking that this new Challenger is going to have a wide and sexy body.
The photos weren’t properly zoomed in because the poor weather hinders so, but the tires are definitely wider than the tiny 275/40-size set currently on the SRT Hellcat.
There were previous rumors that the 315s would be fitted on this model, but that’s a conservative estimate judging by these spy shots. In the industry, the car with the biggest rubber is the Dodge Viper, which is fitted with the massive 355/30-size tires at the rear.
Dodge hinted of a wide-body Challenger back when it first introduced the Challenger GT AWD concept at the 2015 SEMA show. The concept consists of an all-wheel drive system from the Dodge Charger though there’s only a 5.7-liter V-8 similar to the Fiat Chrysler.
Speculations have been pointing out that there will be two wide-body options for the Challenger, though it is also possible that more will come. The first two options might be an all-wheel drive car with an entry-level 3.6-liter V-6 and a high-performance car with the Hellcat supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 and rear-wheel drive.
The high-performance car is the new model, expected to be called the Challenger ADR (American Drag Racer). It is a rear-wheel drive with extra rubber to help put the Hellcat’s hellish power. The current model can produce 707 horsepower, though that can easily be bumped up.
This model is expected to be the final hurrah for the current Challenger before a redesigned model is introduced.
