Spyshots: 2014 Porsche Panamera Winter Testing, Sports New Lights

The refreshed or facelifted Porsche Panamera is undergoing its second session of winter testing in Northern Europe. Last year, we were reporting that the changes made to this car would not be that significant, but these latest prototypes are much different.

It appears that Porsche might have reconsidered their original plans and are now going to introduce sweeping changes to the Panamera. We've heard similar rumours about Macan compact SUV, which is supposedly going to be redesigned to be as funky as its main rival, the Evoque.

These photos our spy photographers have managed to capture show the Panamera now sports a new set of taillights, which are all-LED and designed much the same way as those on a Cayman.

At the front, heavy camouflage is masking our view, but we know an LED bar will be used for the daytime runners, a much needed update.

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Spyshots: New 2014 BMW M3 Snow Fun

Earlier today, we showed you some allegedly leaked images of the upcoming 2014 BMW M3 and now we're back on the topic to offer you a fresh set of spyshots.

While the aforementioned images only revealed the front of the car, the adjacent spy photos offer us a complete view of the M3, which is still wearing some camo.

The 2014 M3 will follow the trend seen in many performance car segments nowadays: it won't up the ante on the power front too much, but it will lose some serious weight.

The vehicle is targeting the weight of the E46 M3 from two generations ago - 1470 kg (3240.8 lbs) for the coupe. This will improve performance in all areas, as well as increase fuel efficiency. The diet will include the use of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) body parts on a larger scale than before.

Boosting fuel economy is also the reason for which the naturally aspirated 4.0-liter V8 unit of the current generation will have to go. This will be replaced with a turbocharged unit, which is expected to be a 3.3-liter six-cylinder delivering about 450 hp.

The test vehicle captured here uses the BMW M performance brakes (blue calipers), but you'll be able to order to production version with the new BMW M Carbon Ceramic brakes. The ceramics, which were introduced at the Detroit Motor Show on the M6 Gran Coupe, come with golden calipers.

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Spyshots: Porsche 918 Spyder Winter Testing

A few million in the bank and nothing to do with them? Forget about buying your wife that expensive diamond necklace that a queen wore, she's just going to get bored with it. What you need is a Porsche 918 Spyder.

At least, that's what we think the mentality of the person who buys one of these is like. And we say that because we really can't imagine anybody wanting to pay $845,000 not including tax for a Porsche. Not a Ferrari Enzo, or a Zonda.

But if there ever was a technological showcase that's worth that sort of money, it would have to be this one. It's an advanced hybrid supercar that offers a high-strung 4.6-liter mid-mounted V8 with 570 PS and a pair of electric motors that do their part towards a combined output of 800 PS or so.

The drivetrain is so advanced that it can sip fuel at the rate of supermini or blitz the Nurburgring in just 7 minutes 14 seconds.

This is the first time it's been spotted undergoing winter testing in chilly Scandinavia. However, the 918 has toured the world, filling at gas stations from the Nurburgring to Nevada.

News Source: autoevolution

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Spyshots: Porsche 918 Spyder Captured Winter Testing

The buildup to the final official launch of the Porsche 918 Spyder has been one of the most drawn out affairs in recent memory and although the long wait may be upsetting for many in the automotive press let alone those who have previewed the car, it does help to highlight just how precise Porsche has been throughout its development as they will not finish road testing the supercar until they inevitably feel it’s the world’s best supercar.

To highlight this point, the Porsche 918 Spyder was recently captured by spy photographers undergoing sub-zero winter testing to help fine tune the car’s charging systems.

With the launch of the car pinned for the 2013 IAA Frankfurt Motor Show in September, Porsche is up to the final stages in developing the 918 with pictures recently being leaked of the production ready version.

Deliveries are then expected to begin in early 2014, with the car going for 625,400 euros and then 683,600 euros for the lightweight Weissach model.

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[Spyshots] Production Version of the Volkwsagen XL1 Spotted Snow Drifting

The XL1, arguably one of the most interesting concepts to come from the VW group in a very long time, is set to debut later this year. For those who may not know it, the XL1 is a two-seater car, designed to be as efficient as possible, while using 'conventional' hybrid technology.

It will be powered by a two-pot turbo diesel engine, which will make around 50 hp, and it will be boosted by a 30 hp electric motor. The combined output of both engines is sent to the rear wheels via a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The car is expected to be highly efficient, and if VW prices it correctly, it will make a lot of sense for people who don`t need any more than two seats, and those who want to get from A to B as efficiently as possible.

The car's interior will be simple in its design, and will stay true to that of the original concept version of the XL1. Also, looking at the photos, you will have noticed that the rear wheels are set too far inward, so it is expected that they will be completely covered in the final version, to further boost the car's excellent drag coefficient.

The production version of the car was recently spotted doing some cold weather testing, at -30 degrees Celsius, and the driver seemed to be enjoying himself, drifting the little rear-wheel driven VW around in the snow, and having to apply quite a bit of lock.

News Source: autoevolution

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Spyshots: 2014 Porsche Macan Winter Testing

While all Germans are created equal, some are more equal than others. Porsche took the platform from the Audi Q5, as well as the V6 engines, and transformed them into something much better.

Following the trend for small crossovers, the maker of the 911 is finally launching a model that’s smaller and probably cheaper than the Cayenne. The idea is to create a car that’s to its big brother what the Cayman is to the 911.

Powering the Macan will be a new 4-cylinder 2-liter TSI producing 220 hp, just like a Golf GTI, as well as TDI and TSI V6 engines. The most powerful model will be the 380-or-so hp Macan Turbo, with a bi-turbo 3-liter under its bonnet.

The Macan will be unveiled later this year and should enter production soon after that, so this is Porsche’s last chance to see if it stands up to the toughest winter conditions Europe can offer, in Scandinavia.

News Source: autoevolution

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Spyshots: 2014 BMW X7 Spotted Testing in California

BimmerBoost has posted images of what they believe to be the long-rumored 2014 BMW X7. Rivals like Mercedes-Benz and Audi both have been very successful in the large SUV market, especially in the United States. It would only make sense financially for BMW to at least make an attempt to enter and compete in the large SUV market.

The X7 is reported to be a main rival to the widely popular 7-seat variant of the Mercedes-Benz GL SUV range. The photos were snapped in the California mountains, where the car was testing. No surprise really, as California remains one of the regions of the United States with the highest year-to-year SUV sales.

The car looks markedly larger than the recently spotted next generation BMW X5, with the test driver reportedly stating the car “is a 2014 X7.” While little additional information is known beyond the realm of pure speculation, the pictures appear to show a non-M variant X7 prototype, which fits logically with BMW’s historical release schedule. No word on if a X5M-style variant will be offered.

Check out the pics and full story on BimmerBoost. We will keep you posted as more information becomes available.

News source:  BimmerBoost

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2014 Porsche Panamera Facelift Spied in Stuttgart Again

Porsche launched the Panamera four-door back in 2009, at the Shanghai Auto Show. Four years will soon have passed, and they are no closer to stopping criticism about the looks. Soon though, The Germans will have their answer, one which couldn’t come a moment to soon.

The performance, practicality and luxury, not to mention the build quality, are still there. But for the Panamera’s mid-cycle refresh, some major cosmetic changes will take place. Nobody outside Porsche has seen this car without camo on, but most of us are expecting the headlight and bumpers to be styled after the Cayenne and 911.

However, the changes aren’t going to be dramatic in nature. If you’re expecting a production version of the beautiful Panamera Sport Turismo Concept... don’t, just don’t.

Inside, we’re likely to see updated electronics and hopefully fewer buttons. Changes should also include color and trim combinations.

This Panamera prototype was spotted testing on public roads and is likely a naturally aspirated V8 model like the S or GTS, judging by the sound. It was filmed recently by DrGumoLunatic in Stuttgart, though no new details can be seen.

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Spy Video: 2014 Mercedes S-Class With Minimal Camo

This prototype of a brand new W222 Mercedes S-Class was spotted in Stuttgart, Germany, the home of Porsche. It shows only minimal disguise, a good opportunity to see what’s going on with Mercedes’ biggest and most expensive model.

The S-Cass was always a game-changer. It was the first car to get airbags, for instance, and while it won’t be able to reinvent the wheel, this new model will try to change the way we look at car safety. It is said that with all the onboard sensors that detect lane departure, vehicles in front and road condition, the S-Class might be able to drive itself.

Style-wise, the car is exactly what you’d expect from Mercedes, an evolution. The car clearly has fresh but conservative lines that won’t offend the older gentlemen buyers. However, it does offer stronger character lines going down the side of the car from headlight to rear wheel arch.

Expect a full reveal of the new S-Class to take place either in March at the Geneva Motor Show or a month after that in China.

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Spyshots: All-New Peugeot 308 Spotted Testing

Ever since the highly-appreciated 306, which spawned one of the best hot hatches of the 1990s, the 306 GTI-6, Peugeot lost their way a bit, and ended up making the 307. It was a bland car, with a bland interior, and there were very few people who actually liked it - its main downfall, we say, was the fact that it was nowhere near as fun to drive as the older 306.

Next came the current Peugeot 308, which received a facelift last year. However, it merely improved on what the 307 offered, and while it was noticeably better, it was and is still far from class-leading. It does have a competent chassis, though it does not have independent rear suspension, the interior is very good for a Peugeot, and it doesn`t look half-bad with some of the larger rims on offer.

Still, they have a lot to improve with the all new 308, which was recently spotted testing, bearing heavy camouflage, to hide its new design. It is reportedly a combination between the styling of the 208 and the SR1 concept, and it should also be considerably lighter and nimbler than the slightly-cumbersome 308.

It will also share some engines with the new 208, and even a three-pot may find its way under the bonnet of the all-new car. However, being underpinned by the same platform as the current Citroen C4, the 308 will still most likely be mediocre to drive, and not much fun.

Peugeot really need to get their act together, because the 308 is a very important car for them, and since they are already not doing particularly well in Europe, the new compact hatch really needs to shine. Otherwise, all those very negative news articles about them ending up on the border of bankruptcy may just come true...

News Source: autoevolution

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Spyshots: Mercedes GLA 45 AMG

The boss of the AMG division has made no secret that a hot version of the GLA crossover is possible. The vehicle has yet to be revealed in normal production or even concept form, but it’s been designed to rival BMW’s X1 and produce a compact crossover winner for Mercedes.

The GLA is built o the same platform as the new A- and B-Class. It’s going to use the same engines and will offer the same engine range, from Renault-sourced diesels to the range-topping GLA 250’s 2-liter turbo with 211 PS.

But it looks like the full AMG version of the GLA is also on the way. The fact that they’ve built a prototype likely means Mercedes has given the green light for production. Like the A 45 AMG, our hot little crossover will have a 2-liter turbo engine tuned by AMG to produce 350 horsepower and about 450 Nm of torque. This will be mated to a 7-speed double-clutch gearbox and standard 4MATIC all-whell drive system.

News Source: autoevolution

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Spyshots: Production BMW 4-Series Sports Coupe

Right now, the highlight of BMW’s stand in Detroit is the new 4-Series Coupe Concept. Hundred of photos are taken of it every minute, as the 2013 North American International Auto Show plays host for one of the most important new Bavarian models.

However, a prototype wearing actual production bumpers, headlights and body interior trim panels is currently undergoing road testing to ensure the 4-Series is ready for its market launch this summer.

Comparing this car to the concept we photographed in Detroit, the rear bumper has completely changed at the back, and the taillights have gained similar graphics to the 3-Series. At the front, the bumper his hidden but doesn’t appear to have any sort of chin spoiler. The headlights are also much simpler and the typical BMW halos are now round.

The red 4-Series coupe appears to be some sort of base model, like a 320i, indicating BMW hasn’t cut all the smaller engines from the lineup.

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Spyshots: 2014 Aston Martin Rapide S Without Camouflage

Spy photographers recently spotted what they presume as the 2014 Aston Martin Rapide S testing without camouflage, and it looks dangerously good. The Rapide, before ‘S’ designation produced 470hp and 443lb-ft of torque from its Aston-sourced 6.0 liter V12. Power in the S version is expected to be given a significant bump, up anywhere from 30-50hp over the standard model. That puts it squarely in the eyes of the Panamera Turbo and Turbo S, which produce 500 and 520hp, respectively. 

The current chassis will be modified to handle the added horsepower and aid in providing a more agile platform for the Aston engineers to work with. So far, no conrete pricing numbers have been leaked, but if prior pricing strategy is anything to go by, expect the Rapide S to cost quite a bit more than a comparably fast Panamera Turbo. Hey, it is an Aston after all.

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Spyshots: Opel Corsa Facelift... Again

The Suzuki Swift was all-new for 2010. The Ford Fiesta is being significantly refreshed with powerful new 1-liter turbo engines, while the Renault Clio and Peugeot 208 are both less than a year old. The list of new or significantly refreshed superminis on sale in Europe will go on and on, but the class also has a stubborn kid who refuses to change.

The Opel Corsa is the oldest of the mainstream superminis. It was launched in 2006, built on a platform that was co-developed with Fiat. In 2010, it received a minor facelift that changed the shape of the headlights and bumper a bit, but instead of thinking of a brand new one, Opel engineers are making another facelift.

We were under the distinct impression that they’d already built a prototype for the all-new Corsa. Yet the poor sales might be forcing them to rethink their strategy and stick with the old architecture.

The changes that are being made seem significant. At the front, the look of the new Adam city car seems to have been grafted on, while the interior has been complete transformed. The radio and the steering heel are among the biggest improvements, but we’re also impressed by the plastic they used for the dash.

Overall, the changes to the interior are a step in the right direction. Let’s hope they introduce some better engines that aren’t quite so sluggish.

This new look should be ready to debut by September, when the Frankfurt Motor Show kicks off.

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Kia Optima / K3 Facelift Spied in Korea

As far as car design goes, Kia’s Optima sedan is somewhere in the middle between the newer generation and the old one. Its Tiger Nose grille and body contours are all angular looking, contrasting with the new Cee’d or Rio.

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Spyshots: Mercedes B-Class Electric Drive

German automaker Mercedes Benz remains committed to electric mobility. The three-pointed star brand has shied away making bespoke electric cars like BMW’s i3, but its B-Class Electric Drive promises to be just as impressive.

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Mercedes Working on Facelift Long Wheelbase E-Class in China

The Chinese car market is filed with slightly different version of cars we all know and love. For example, both the BMW 3-Series (F30) and Audi A6 come with long wheelbase versions that you’re unlikely to see anywhere else in the world.

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Spyshots: 2014 Hyundai i10

Lately, Hyundai and Kia have taken a pounding in the US for exaggerating their fuel economy claims, but there’s nothing exaggerated about the sipping power of a true econobox like the Hyundai i10.

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New Spyshots Show Turbocharged Ferrari California Testing Again

Turbochargers are more or less uncharacteristic for the Italian supercar brand Ferrari. It’s been a while since they used them, while several historic flagships like the F40 and the 288 GTO were turbocharged. 

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Spyshots: New BMW i8 Supercar

The BMW i8 supercar has been spied yet again undergoing final developmental testing before it hits select BMW showroom floors around the world.

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