Future Car Spy Shots !

[John02Hawk]

<center>Spy Shots: ‘06 Benz CLS 65 AMG

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Mercedes introduced their CLS - a four-door coupe - at the Geneva Motor Show last March - but what they didn't show was this hot AMG version, expected for the 2006 model year.

Sources are telling us the 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-12 engine will put out over 600 horsepower, with prices expected to start in the mid-$80,000 range.</center>

[John02Hawk]

<center>Spy Shots: ‘06 Ferrari 600 Imola
The replacement for the 575 Maranello begins to break cover.

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Here are the very first pictures of Ferrari's forthcoming replacement for the celebrated 575M Maranello. Dubbed the Ferrari 600 Imola and expected to debut in 2006, the new car will carry over the technical concept of a V-12 front-engine super sports coupe seating for two, but is expected to become a considerably larger car (gaining especially in length) with roomier cabin and luggage compartments. Power will be delivered by a new 6.0-liter engine adopted from the Enzo and 612 Scaglietti models.

As a first prototype, the new car is cunningly hidden under a cut-and-shut 612 Scaglietti body that has been shortened between the A and B-pillars by 6 inches. It takes a good look to spot the giveaway clues - the shorter doors, the bulged door panels, the arch of the side windows, and the widened front end.

Technically, the 600 will draw heavily on the 612's body-panel-on-aluminium-space-frame technology and mechanical underpinnings, including engine, transaxle transmissions, and front and rear suspension corner modules. Consequently, the 600 will not be considerably lighter than the 4056-lb 612 Scaglietti. But specially tweaked suspension geometries, damper and spring settings as well as shorter gear ratios will provide for a much sportier driving experience.

The 6.0-liter engine, rated at 540 hp in the 612 Scaglietti and 660 hp in the Enzo, is expected to be tuned for around 580 to 600 hp in the Imola. The 600 will also adopt the 612's front-mid-engine layout. The shorter wheelbase of the 600 and an even more forward position of the front axle will further improve handling abilities over those of the 612. When compared with the current 575M, the 600 may gain in driving stability as well as steering response and turn-in, thanks to its longer wheelbase and the more balanced weight distribution.

Unclear remains at the moment to what degree the new 600 Imola will optically resemble the 612 Scaglietti. It is anticipated that the external distinction will be similarly pronounced as it was between the 456M GT/GTA and the 550/575M models. But the close technical relationship and parts sharing philosophy between the new 612 and future 600 models will forbid Pininfarina (who are once more in charge of styling a prestigious new Ferrari) to depart from joint proportions and similar front and rear end shapes.

An open-top "Barchetta" spyder version is rumoured to debut in 2007 or 2008, i.e. one to two years into the F600 Imola's series production. </center>

[John02Hawk]

<center>Spy Shots: ‘05 Ferrari 420/430 Monza
The replacement for the 360 Modena grows clearer.

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Ferrari's replacement for the 360 Modena has come a long way. The vehicle has been anticipated for no less than the past three years. The first prototype mules were sighted in 2002 (engine development mule), 2003 (new headlight and powertrain development car) and earlier this year (new powertrain and chassis under old body with some improvised new exterior features). During all of that period, it remained inconclusive when exactly the new car would debut, and what would be the degree of innovation, between a simple facelift of the current car and a complete redesign.

Only now the first complete prototypes have hit the roads and have been captured on camera. The new car will quite radically depart from the looks of the current 360, with new front and rear ends that are greatly inspired by the mighty Ferrari Enzo. Similar to those on the Enzo, the new headlights will have more angular looks and be stacked vertically, rather than horizontally. The restyled frontal air scoops (now with a curved tear-drop shape) render the front clamshell much cleaner. The rear clamshell is all new, too, and features redesigned engine air scoops. The rear lights, newly positioned at the very top edge, are again clearly reminiscent of the Enzo and give the car an entirely new rear aspect and profile.*

It is also interesting to note the bulged camouflage and the air scoop between the rear lights. This section of the prototype directly resembles that of disguised Enzo prototypes during the final stages of its development and suggests that the new mid-engine V-8 Ferrari might be equipped with an adjustable rear spoiler, too.

These modifications should be good news for all those who found the appearance of the current 360 Modena too bland, and too compromised by its undoubtedly superior aerodynamic efficiency. The new Pininfarina effort promises to be a much more accomplished blend of a dramatic shape with uncompromised aerodynamics and function.

The innovations will not stop here, though. Extreme ultra-low profile tyres at the front axle are indicative of an upgraded suspension. Modified exhaust pipes (with a tapered, slightly reduced exit diameter) are indicative of the new 4.2-liter V-8 powertrain with further optimized intake and exhaust gas flow and an estimated maximum power figure of 450 hp.

Still unclear remains what the new Ferrari will be called. While the expected engine capacity suggests to a F420 label, it is reported that Ferrari recently has registered the F430 label in a number of key markets. The "Modena" name tag perhaps will be replaced with "Monza" - hence "Ferrari 430 Monza" is one likely possibility.*

The new 420/430 coupe is expected to be officially unveiled early in 2005 (Detroit or Geneva motor shows) and on sale in the first half of the year. Interestingly, no prototypes could be spotted yet for the redesigned Spyder version. This supports information according to which the new 420/430 Spyder will debut about a full year after the coupe, in 2006, but then come complete with an all-new retractable hardtop roof. At around the same time, a stripped-out race version of the coupe is expected, very much in the style of the current "Challenge Stradale" model. </center>

[John02Hawk]

<center>Spy Shots: ’06 Mazda Miata
Will the rotary come to the roadster or vice versa?

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The next generation of Mazda's Miata, one of the world's best-selling roadsters, is due in late 2005 or early 2006. The first Miata came on the market in 1989 in Japan and later to the U.S. and Europe, where it became also a great success.

Here are photos of a first prototype mule of the current Miata's successor during tests at Germany's Nürburgring. To judge from the prototype's front end, the new model is likely to resemble the RX-8, with a styling only moderately like last year's Ibuki concept car.</center>

[John02Hawk]

<center>Spy Shots: 2006 Hummer H3
The best shots yet of Hummer’s coming small ute.

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Everyone is downsizing these days - even Hummer. But this downsizing may actually increase Hummer sales by up to an estimated 100,000 units annually.

This smaller and less expensive Hummer is actually a derivative of the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon mid-size trucks, but in SUV guise and with aggressive and macho Hummer styling.

The 2005 H3 will be powered by a straight six, and will be priced nearly $75,000 less than the H1, and $15,000-$20,000 less than the $50,000 H2. The H3 should be a relative bargain at the $30,000-$35,000 range when it arrives at dealerships in mid-2005.</center>

[John02Hawk]

<center>Spy Shots: Cadillac CTS-V Plus
Even more horses for the CTS? Bet on it.

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As if the 400-horsepower CTS-V Series isn't enough, we photographed General Motors' Performance Division engineers testing an even higher performance version.

Referred to as the CTS-V Series Plus by spectators at the Nürburgring, this CTS mule is said to be powered by a 6.0-liter V-8, and sources are estimating the horsepower to be in the 475-500 range. General Motors is aggressively testing this more powerful CTS, but production plans have not yet been confirmed.

The vehicle show here is actually an older CTS-V mule. The higher-performance CTS-V Plus uses a larger-displacement pushrod small-block engine, so the hood hump should disappear in production. </center>

[John02Hawk]

<center>Spy Shots: ‘06 BMW M6
A 500-hp return to form.

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Seen here for the first time on a remote lake in Northern Finland is a prototype of BMW's M version of the 6-Series coupe.

Back in 1989 the Bavarian carmaker had an M6 on the market; it lived for six years. It became a legend and collectors' item, since only 5855 units were built.

Now, after almost a decade, it looks like the legend will return. The pictured prototype is featuring large air intakes in the front skirt and - according to insider information - is powered by a 5.5 liter V-10 engine delivering about 500 hp. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is rated around 4.5 seconds, but top speed will be cut off electronically at 250 km/h (155 mph).

The new model will come on the market in 2005 and will compete with the Porsche 911 Carrera, the Mercedes SL 55 AMG, and the Aston Martin DB9.</center>

[John02Hawk]

<center>Spy Shots: ’06 Porsche 911 Turbo

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Caught here is Porsche's upcoming 911 Turbo. Taking the current 3.6-liter flat six bi-turbo, modifying and tweaking it a bit to 3.8 liters with 450 horsepower, the new turbo is rumored to do 0-60 mph in just 3.7 seconds.

Aggressive styling with huge air scoops makes this Turbo stand out among the other 911s. And clearly visible in these photos is the new retro-styled circular headlamps that all 911s will soon be sporting.</center>

[John02Hawk]

<center>Spy Shots: Aston Martin AMV8 Vantage
Concept to virtual reality.

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At the 2003 Detroit auto show, Aston Martin proudly showed its AMV8 Vantage concept car. Although it was a "concept" at that time, Aston Martin spokesmen made it quite clear that this model was destined for production. Now these latest photos show a prototype of this new Aston Martin undergoing high-speed testing at Germany 's famous Nürburgring racetrack.

The AMV8 Vantage will be priced lower than other Aston Martin's, and is intended to sell in larger volumes. Still, with a price well over $100,000 this will not be a bargain-basement vehicle. It is instead a high-performance car that sets it sights on competing with Porsche and Ferrari.

The new AMV8 Vantage will be smaller than the Aston Martin DB7 and Vanquish models, and will be strictly a two-seater inside. Powering the AMV8 Vantage will be a 4.3-liter V-8 engine. The powertrain will be front-engine and rear-drive, and will use a rear-mounted transmission to help it achieve a near-50/50 weight balance.

The AMV8 Vantage is expected to go on sale in 2005.</center>

[John02Hawk]

<center>Spy Shots: ’05 Porsche 911 Cabrio
Going along with the hardtop.

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We've all seen pictures of the new 911 - but these are likely the very first pictures of the cabrio completely uncamouflaged.

We expect to see this version of the new 911 at dealerships late in the 2005 model year.</center>

[John02Hawk]

<center>Spy Shots: 2006 Audi TT
Wider, longer, stronger.

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Audi is developing a replacement for the Audi TT sports car, which has been on the market since 1998. The first prototype mules have been caught, and here they're joined by illustrations showing how the final TT may look when the new coupe is shown at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show.

The new model will keep the same Deco-fabulous styling, but will grow somewhat to bestow its passengers with more interior space. The radical new front grille from the A8 and A6 will be adapted. And the coupe will also feature a retractable rear spoiler for more downforce.

Once again the new Audi TT will be available with either front-wheel drive or quattro all-wheel drive. Power will come from various transversely mounted in-line four-cylinder and V-6 engines. A super-sporty TT RS version is said to be in the pipeline, too, as a rival against the likes of Mercedes SLK AMG or the M-version of BMW's Z4. The roadster TT will show up a year after the debut of the coupe.</center>

[John02Hawk]

<center>Spy Shots: 2006 Jaguar X150
Aluminum body, steely soul.

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These are the first spy pictures of the new Jaguar aluminium-bodied sports coupe that will replace the current XK Series in 2006. The new coupe and convertible models are expected to debut in autumn 2005, or early in 2006 as 2006 models.

Codenamed X150, the completely redesigned 2+2-seaters are based on the drivetrain, platform, and rivet-bonded aluminum body design of the latest XJ Series sedans. As a result, the first prototype shown here hides its new XK internals under a cut-and-shut Jaguar XJ body.

The new chassis will in fact have a wheelbase that's ten inches shorter than the XJ. The wide track and lack of rear doors are the best clues to the new XK's identity. While it's difficult to draw any firm conclusions on the exterior styling of the new XK, the proportions of this first prototype are representative. The computer-generated illustration accompanying the spy shots is an interpretation of how the X150 may develop, based on concepts shown by Jaguar, such as the R-D6 concept and the F-Type. There is no confirmation that the "fake" rear doors on the prototype indicate a set of rear-hinged doors for the new sports car.

Earlier this year, Jaguar confirmed the X150 project and announced that it will be built along with the XJ in its Browns Lane factory in Coventry, U.K. The normally aspirated (XK) and supercharged (XKR) V-8 engines and a six-speed ZF automatic transmission will be adapted from the XJ saloon cars, but specially tuned for duty in the lighter and sportier coupe/convertible XK.
No word yet as to the adoption of Aston Martin's 6.0-liter V-12 engine.</center>

[John02Hawk]

<center>'06 Pontiac Grand Prix GXP
What power lies under the hood?

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Pontiac restyled the Grand Prix for the 2004 model year. Now these latest photos capture a restyled, high-performance Grand Prix, thought to be the 2006 Grand Prix GXP.

The front of the prototype clearly shows a completely different front end design. The twin grille openings are a bit bolder, with a more square shape to the openings and a slightly wider vertical bar between the openings. The front bumper is completely new, with an extra-large, under-bumper air intake opening, and round turn signals tucked into a recessed pocket on each side of the bumper. Fog lights (taped over on the prototype) are moved to either side of the black painted air intake scoop. This eliminates the odd-looking current design in which the turn signals use the upper half of the round light, while the fog lights use the lower half.

The prototype sports low-profile tires on handsome five-spoke alloy wheels. Looking through the wheel openings one can easily see that both front and rear brakes have red-painted calipers and use cross-drilled disks. The rear spoiler is also redesigned, looking a little larger than the one on the current Grand Prix.

The new GXP is expected to be introduced in summer 2005.</center>

[John02Hawk]

<center> ’06 Bentley Sedan
Time to fire your accountant.

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Ignore the tacked-on Mercedes-like grille and fancy tape around the taillamps in a familiar Mercedes shape. This is no Mercedes: it's actually a new sedan based on the Bentley Continental GT Coupe, and built to compete with the upcoming Mercedes S-Class and others in the luxury sedan market. A convertible on this same platform is expected to be introduced shortly after the introduction of this sleek Bentley sedan.

We'll officially see this Continental GT Coupe-based sedan late in the 2005 model year, or possibly as an early 2006 introduction.

[John02Hawk]

<center>’06 Volkswagen R32
The Super Golf gets a successor.

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Volkswagen launches the new GTI version of the Golf V this week in Paris, and already a sportier version is in the making. Seen here for the first time in the open is the replacement of the former Golf R32 doing high-speed testing at Germany's Nürburgring racetrack.

The next Golf R32 will be powered by a 3.2-liter V-6 engine with 250 horsepower. Top speed is estimated to rate around 150 mph. Again the new R32 will be equipped with 4Motion AWD and will be offered with either with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.

From the outside, the new version can be distinguished from the GTI by its two big exhaust pipes. (On the pictured prototype, VW engineers might have added the ordinary GTI exhaust pipes to the left of the real exhaust pipes to disguise the new model). The car's front and rear skirts have a different shape as well.

The R32 is scheduled for launch at next year's Frankfurt Motor Show, and another even more powerful R36 version delivering 280 hp is said to be in the works for 2007.

[John02Hawk]

<center>'06 Toyota Supercar
Lexus or Toyota? Does it matter with 500 hp?</center>

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Toyota has been eyeing Nissan's success with the revived 350Z - and apparently, from spy pictures nabbed this week, it's been a little jealous of supercars like the Porsche Carrera GT, too. Toyota 's been caught testing what some insiders are calling the "TXS," a limited-production exotic that might be powered by a V-10 engine worth 500 hp.

Pictures show the TXS with enough cladding to disguise much of its shape, but clearly, this is no Celica or MR2-sized sportscar. Insiders suggest the car will tip in at less than 3000 pounds, giving its 500-hp powerplant (with 370 lb-ft of torque) a serious chance at catching the likes of the Porsche and Benz supercars. Top speed could reach 190 mph, the same league as the 550-hp Ford GT. Whether the drivetrain offers any version of Toyota 's hybrid technology is unknown.

Whether the final vehicle is sold as a Lexus or as a Toyota , it's likely that a limited production run of about 10,000 units is in order. Expect a debut at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show and an on-sale date soon after - with a price tag well over $100,000.

[John02Hawk]

<center>2006 Maserati GT Coupe
Don’t let the doors fool you.</center>

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Do not be fooled by the fake rear "doors" and door "handles": These are very first spy shots for the next incarnation of Maserati's all important 2+2 GT gran tourismo coupe, which is based on an only mildly shortened Quattroporte platform and was spotted near Ferrari's headquarters at Maranello, Italy. The next generation of the GT is expected to debut late in 2005 or early in 2006, as a genuine 2006 model, along with the replacement for the Spyder convertible.

The current GT was the first vehicle developed by Maserati's new owners, Ferrari, and not only played an important role in the survival of this historic Italian sportscar manufacturer, but also in a crucial image redefinition, and the repositioning among the world's most luxurious and desirable car brands. After several updates (most recently with the Gran Sport edition), the GT is now due for replacement with an all-new model.

The new GT will rely on a rigorous platform-sharing strategy and draws heavily on the latest Quattroporte saloon. Most noticeably, it will share the Ferrari-built V-8 engine, the rear-mounted transaxle Cambiocorsa transmission, the front suspension corner modules, and the rear axle with the large high-performance four-door car.

In comparison with the Quattroporte, the rear overhang and the wheelbase are each about four inches shorter, while the front overhang with the prominently protruding grille and the low lateral brake cooling ducts is both longer and more tapered. Thus, the new GT will grow significantly in size, seating four passengers with great luxury, style, and space, and be considerably more distinguished from the new Spyder hardtop convertible. The glass, roof, and doors of this prototype may still be improvised parts from a Quattroporte, both front and rear skirts, though, and all proportions are already fully finalized and representative for the final product.

[John02Hawk]

<center>2006 Chevy Corvette Z06
The high-powered Corvette makes its return.</center>

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Packing 500 horsepower with its 7.0-liter V-8, the high-powered Z06 Corvette will be introduced by Chevrolet early next year. Sources are speculating that Z06 coupe, shown here, will be introduced at the Los Angeles Auto Show in January, followed days later by the convertible introduction at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Wider tires and Brembo brake calipers give the first clue to the true identity of this masked Corvette. Rumors of a removable hardtop option are also circulating. But we may have to wait till January to find out more.

[John02Hawk]

<center>2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
The full-size GM utes come into closer view.

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Chevrolet's new Tahoe is due as a 2007 model, but thanks to quick eyes - and cameras - TCC has it here.

Not much is known about the major overall features of the GMT800 SUVs (which, with the revamped models, will be known as the GMT900 platform), but we are expecting a hybrid version to be eventually added to the lineup.

Watch for the new Tahoe to go on sale in the fall of 2006.