Tag Archives: spy shots
A Look at the Spy Shots of the 2018 Ford Mustang
Photos for the prototype for the facelifted Ford Motor Company Mustang have just been revealed. Since this is a facelift, the visible tweaks were expected to be only minimal. Still, Ford engineers went to great lengths to try to conceal whatever changes they did on the Mustang.
Based on the photos released, tweaks in the 2018 Ford Mustang are expected on the headlights. And although the shape of the enclosure won’t be changing, the internal graphics will likely be updated along with the headlamps. As for the front bumpers, expect a totally revised look, the most dramatic change being an all-new design for the lower section of the bumper. The said design will take on an “A-wing” shape for the front splitter.
As for the car’s performance, fans might be interested to know there will be some mechanical changes such as a new 10-speed automatic, which will appear on high-end models, developed by Ford and General Motors Company. The current 6-speed and automatic will be maintained for lower-spec cars.
The 10-speed automatic has already been used for the 2016 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, which apparently experienced quicker shifting than Porsche’s dual-clutch transmission. A 6-speed manual, though, will remain standard on most Mustang models.
The current lineup of engines will most probably remain, except for some adjustments to improve power and gas mileage. The Mustang V-6 enjoys a production of 300 horsepower while the Mustang EcoBoost has 310 horsepower. The Mustang GT can cough up a stunning 435 horsepower while the Shelby GT350 and GT350R models produce 526 horsepower.
We’re expecting this Ford Mustang model to arrive in 2017 as a 2018 model after the sixth-generation Mustang made its final appearance in 2014 as a 2015 model. A new Mustang Shelby GT500 will also be arriving in 2018 as a range-topper model.
More updates will come in the next months. The Mustang maintains a strong lead over the Camaro in the past 22 months. In August 2016, Ford sold 8,299 Mustangs while Chevy released 5,604 Camaros.
Spy Shots Of 2018 BMW Z5 Released
Back in 2011, Toyota and BMW planned to jointly develop a mid-size sports car platform to replace their Z4 and Supra models, respectively. It looks like the day has finally come for us to see the completion of such platform.
New spy shots of a prototype for BMW have been released. We’re expecting these shots to be soon called as the Z5. Instead of being a next-generation Z4, adopting a new name links this car to BMW’s 507, which is a legend in the industry. And it being a notch higher than the Z4 means the German automaker can charge more for it.
The higher positioning can be backed up by the larger size of the prototype as compared to the Z4. And although the shots have almost similar to identical proportions to the Z4, what’s most noticeable is that this is going to be a soft-top convertible rather than a retractable hard-top. Based on one of the shots, we can also gleam that there is going to be a new grille design.
Another thing that should justify the higher positioning of what seems to be the new Z5 is the improved performance. This new car will be competing against the likes of the Jaguar F-Type and Porsche 911. The base model will most likely have an inline-4 though the inline-6 as an option is a popular suggestion too. Turbocharging might be standard for all variants of the Z5.
You may be wondering if the hybrid tech will be used on the Z5. This is highly unlikely because BMW certainly wants to differentiate their Z5 from Toyota’s Supra successor, which might go down the route of gasoline-electric.
This new BMW sports car, whether or not it will be called the Z5, will debut either in late 2017 or early 2018. Though there have been no word yet on pricing details, this will likely go as high as $50,000 for a starting price.
Spy Shots Of The 2018 Audi S8 Leaked
We last saw a mild facelift for the Audi S8 in 2014 after two generational changes that happened, the last one being in 2012. But even with such adjustments in terms of looks and feel, the S8 always looked a bit outdated.
But now, we are finally seeing what could be the 2018 Audi S8. Testing is being done on Nürburgring, and it will follow through Audi’s latest design language.
Based on the spy shots, the S8 will have a shorter nose because of Audi’s new grille design, which will be wider compared to the older models. While it still has that hexagonal shape, the edges in the upper corner are longer than before and the lower corners remained rounded in shape. Some changes have also been made on the hood and new headlight units, which contribute to the shaping of the nose.
On the sides, there is not much to talk about, except for the upper body line. Previously, the line goes from the corner of the headlight back to the rear, between the belt line and door handles. But now, the line was moved down a bit and runs inline with the door handles. The side view mirrors were also modified in such a way that the upper edged transitioned into the lower outside corner.
There are no concrete shots yet for the car’s interior, but it’s easy to calculate what kind of design prototype is going to be used. Just look at the insides of the 2017 A5 and S5, and you’ll have a pretty good idea how the S8 will look like, interior speaking.
The new S8 is being rumored to use the 2.9-liter engine that is now being shared between Porsche and Audi. This same engine was used in the Porsche Panamera, which can produce 440 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque.
Pricing for the S8 is still hazy, though we can expect it to charge $108,678.
Spy Shots Of 2019 Audi S7 Emerge
The second generation Audi S7 was spotted being tested on the road, and it reminds us of the large, four-door hatchback or “Sportback” body found in the Mercedes CLS Coupe, the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe and the Audi A7 Sportback in 2010.
This is the first time the second-generation Audi S7 was spotted in the wild, so we are sure there will be plenty of surprises in future spy shots. The prototype has a strong resemblance to the Prologue Avant Concept since it has the same stretched-out hexagonal grille and small but dominating corner air intakes.
For now, the fascia is still incomplete, so we’re yet to see if it will sport the proper grille or intake inserts. Up front, you’ll also notice the thin headlights, and this is a big thing because the lower, outer corner of the headlamps on the current S7 dips down. But on this model, the bottom edge of the light is flat while the top edge follows the hood. It is a much cleaner look, and would look great once the camouflage comes off the prototype.
On the sides, the Audi S7 has the same distinct body line on the bottom of the door between the two wheel arches. The mirrors are a little shorter and the rear quarter panels are extended outward, which along with the low body height, gives the vehicle rather a “sitting pretty” look. The roof is very much a true “Sportback” while the sharp body line on the rear quarters fade as it gets closer to the headlights.
There’s a new pair of taillights at the rear end. These are thinner than the current model, and have a more rounded contour on the top and the outside edges. As for the rear fascia, it’s not too different from the current model.
There’s no report yet on the powertrain of the new S7, though it may have the same 4.0-liter V-8, except that a little tweak can power it up to 470 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque.
Pricing for the S7 might be $80,500 for the entry model and $85,000 for the prestige.
See the Spy Shots And Video Of 2019 Toyota Supra
Back in 2011, Toyota signed a deal with BMW to jointly develop a sports car platform. It then announced a sports car, which would have been based on the platform for a replacement for the Z4. It was termed as the Z5 back then.
Although the Japanese automaker has yet to confirm the Supra name for its upcoming sports car, there were already some hints that it’s soon coming back. In fact, Toyota has reportedly trademarked the Supra name for the European market.
Guys over at SupraMKV released a spy video showing a Supra prototype leaving and entering the BMW M Test Center at the Nüburgring. This isn’t a surprise, of course, since Toyota is developing the Supra together with BMW.
Together with some spy shots, the video revealed that the car is smaller than 2014’s FT-1 concept car, which previously showed the design. Some of the more interesting elements borrowed from that concept are the double-bubble roof, protruding nose, muscular rear fenders, jet fighter-style glasshouse, and ducktail trunk lid. The new liftback can also be clearly seen from the shots.
However, for those excited to see the Toyota Supra, you will have to wait until we’re well into 2018 for it. It will likely arrive as a 2019 model, though it is also possible that a debut will take place in late 2017 at the Tokyo Motor Show.
So far, we know that the new platform has a front-midshap layout and a low center of gravity. That’s clearly evident from the very low hood and roof. It will also feature construction using a multitude of materials–some carbon fiber to keep it lightweight and boost the strength and power.
There should be more than one powertrain option. The range-topper is expected to be a hybrid powertrain combining a twin-turbocharged V-6 with an electric motor or two.
Spy Shots Of The 2018 Audi RS5 Surface Online
When the A5 and the S5 made their debuts, it became pretty clear how the Audi RS5 will look like. Since there wasn’t an RS5 for the 2016 model year, we’re a bit excited about the styling of the 2018 version.
The next-generation Audi RS5 was caught being tested in the wild, and while it hasn’t shed its camouflage, we can clearly see the correct front fascia and fenders. The vehicle features wider fenders and an RS5-correct front fascia. The fascia looks similar to the model that was caught testing in May, but the new spy shots revealed that the radiator grille is not properly defined in Audi fashion while the corner air intakes were refined to match.
Both the air intakes and the grille don’t have the proper mesh quite yet, though the Audi emblem is now prominently displayed a little below the hood. Now that the correct fascia and fenders are in place, we can safely assume that the RS5 is almost production ready. We may not see in at the Paris Auto Show later this month, but we bet it will debut at the Geneva Auto Show next March.
The rendering of the RS5 coupe showed the same hood as the A5 with the muscular character line and the same headlights. The grille has the same shape, except for the “quattro” lettering that go along with the RS5 emblem on the left side.
The side profile is expected to remain the same, except for a set of larger, light-alloy wheels wrapped in performance-spec tires. Compared to the previous RS5 and to the A5, the body might seat an inch lower to the ground. At the back, it will have the same taillights.
As for the powertrain, the RS5 might be packing a 3.0-liter, turbocharged V-6 that produces somewhere between 450 and 470 horsepower. And since it will be lighter, top speed will likely improve.
The next RS5 is expected to be priced at around $75,000.
Spy Shots Of 2020 BMW 8-Series are Out
We now have the first spy shots of the coupe BMW is working on in the hopes of reviving their 8-series name. The German automaker hinted of their plans last March when senior executives said BMW are planning to add more high-end models to their lineup.
One of these models will be simply called as the 8-series. The other one will be an i8 Spyder.
Based on the spy shots, the BMW 8-series will have a low roof and wide, muscular shoulders that we can vividly remember seeing in Aston Martin’s DB9, which also features four seats arranged in a 2+2 format—the same one we’re bound to see in BMW’s new 8-series.
The German automaker will reportedly be working alongside the Italian design house Pininfarina for the 8-series. Pininfarina is the same partner that developed the Gran Lusso Coupe, a modern successor to the 8-series in 2013. That partnership between BMW and Pininfarina is thought to hint at the finer design elements of the new 8-series.
What we do know for now is that the platform for the new 8-series will be BMW’s carbon-infused CLAR design, which debuted in the 2016 7-series. This ensures the 8-series will have a low curb weight and compatibility with electrified powertrains. Thanks to the latest in next-generation gesture control, it should also come packed with an amazing infotainment technology that passengers will enjoy.
The latest fillings from BMW might be a glimpse into what the 8-series can have— V-8, V-12, M Performance and dedicated M options. The fillings included “850”, “860”, “M850” and “M8.” The M8, according to speculations, might have a high-performance hybrid system known as the Power eDrive plug-in hybrid.
As for the system, the new 8-series will most probably combine a turbocharged inline-4 with a pair of electric motors for a combined output of 670 horsepower. The V12 models should have a 600-horsepower twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter engine from the latest M760i xDrive.
2018 BMW M4 GT4 Prototype Spotted
A prototype for the race car version of the BMW M4 was recently spotted. Spy shots of the car were taken while it was undergoing testing.
According to Motor Authority, which is also the source of the photos you are about to see below, the BMW race car is set to debut in 2018. The images show several aero upgrades made to the car to comply with the FIA GT4 regulations. However, as a cost-cutting measure and to ensure the reliability of the M4 GT4, BMW seems to have retained many elements of the car’s coupe model.
One noticeable feature of the spied auto suggesting that it is the race car variant of the M4 is its lower ride height. The other factors giving away its identity include the GT4-compliant new front splitter, side skirts, extended wheel arches, rear diffuser and rear wing. The source speculates that some parts of the car like the hood and roofing might use carbon-fiber materials similar to the limited edition of the M4 GTS.
Although it is hard to make out the M4 GT4’s interior based on the spy photos alone, the report said it will be equipped with a roll cage, bucket seat paired with a safety harness, and fire suppression system. Again, these should mirror the standards of the FIA.
BMW disclosed that the BMW M4 GT4 carries the same engine found on the race car’s road-legal coupe version. Therefore, expect the vehicle to have the same 3.0-liter inline-six engine. The output of the auto should be at least 425 hp with all the power distributed through the rear wheels.
The company stated that the upcoming BMW race car will be designed to meet the rules governing the GT4 events in North America, Europe and Asia. The targeted debut of the M4 GT4 is in January 2018 during the 24 Hours of Dubai race.
BMW M4 GT4 Spy Photos
Check out the spy shots of the upcoming BMW M4 GT4 in the gallery below:
Spy Shots Of 2017 Opel Insignia Released
The new 2017 Opel Insignia has been spotted about to be tested by car engineers. It was initially designed to compete in the mid-level sedan race, but the new model can also rival some larger models because of its relatively larger size. It looks like Open designed the sedan with a coupe-like profile too like the Audi A7.
Despite its bigger size as shown in the spy shots, the new Insignia should be lighter and more dynamic than the current model, largely thanks to the E2XX platform, which made its debut in the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The platform was made to endure high-strength steel in its construction, allowing the Malibu to have about 300 pounds of savings in weight. The same can be expected for the new Insignia.
As for the drivetrains, front-wheel drive will be the standard, but there will also be an option for an all-wheel drive. There are speculations that the power would come from a 3-, 4- and 6-cylinder configurations, both in diesel and gasoline flavors.
A hybrid option and a sporty OPC are rumored. The latter is expected to be paired with the Regal GS.
Remember Opel’s Monza concept from 2013 and the more recent GT concept? The new Insignia will be likely influenced by these. We should see features such as Matrix LED headlights, semi-autonomous systems and an infotainment system with smartphone connectivity.
Plans are also being made for an Insignia Sports Tourer Wagon, which might be brought to the US as a new Buick wagon.
This new model is crucial for General Motors since the Insignia is sold both in Europe, US and China where it is called the Buick Regal.
The new Insignia is expected to make its debut late this year or early next year. There might be an appearance at the 2016 Paris Auto Show in September, though no confirmation has been made yet.
Sightings of the 2018 BMW Z5 Give Details of What’s to Come
When BMW and Toyota announced their partnership in January 2013, many were speculating the revival of the Toyota Supra and the development of the next-generation BMW Z4.
But these recent spy shots confirmed what has long been a rumor—that instead of a next-generation Z4, the BMW-Toyota partnership will instead replace the Z4 with the Z5.
The Z5 recently made its first public appearance as a camouflaged prototype. The roadster was being tested in cold weather, suggesting that the German automaker has been working on this model for quite some time.
Based on these spy shots, it looks like the new roadster will have a new architecture that’ll make it sportier than the Z4.
On the outside, the Z5 has a long hood, a short rear deck, shorter overhangs and a low driving position. Compared to the Z4, the Z5 prototype seems to be slightly longer and wider. And instead of a soft top, the Z5 will have a folding metal roof.
It also has a lowered nose, bigger grille and larger headlamps. The sides don’t offer much, except that it might be missing a belt line, though we expect to see more once it is launched.
On the rear end, not much can be seen as well. The trunk lid looks similar to the Z4 with an integrated spoiler while the license plate recess has been moved upper into the right fascia.
There are no details yet for the interior, though we can expect premium feel and excellent fit. Seats should be made with premium leather with option for sportier seats on higher end models.
As for the drivetrain, we should expect a turbocharged four-cylinder with the higher range having a 3.0-liter inline-six. There are rumors that the Z5 would have a hybrid option, though some said it might divert from that route to differentiate itself from what Toyota is planning.
Customers will have an option of either manual transmission or dual-clutch automatic gearbox. An all-wheel drive might be in the works too.
We’re expecting the BMW Z5 to be unveiled in either late 2016 or early 2017. The Toyota counterpart, which will be different in looks and will revive the Supra nameplate, should be launched around the same time.
No information on prices yet, but the Z5 could go as high as $55,000 before options.
