Dodge Ram Power Wagon Spy

We just told you that that Chrysler will be launching four new "Moparized" vehicles later this month, and our spies have already caught one of these new vehicles – the Dodge Ram Power Wagon – on the streets of southeast Michigan.


Unlike the Power Wagon that's just now hitting dealers, this is a totally unique package, featuring a single-cab configuration with a short, style-side bed. The huge off-road tires and exaggerated wheel arches lead us to believe that this is Chrysler's answer to the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor (if only in concept form), and our spies tell us that this prototype "made hair-raising sounds" as it drove by, leading us to believe that the 383-horsepower Hemi V8 is underhood.


We can't wait to see the production version on March 27 at the 44th Annual Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah. If these spy shots are anything to go off of, it looks like it'll be serious fun for desert storming.



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Spy Photos: 2012 Hyundai Veloster coupe

There are only two shots of the car, but from what we can tell, it appears that Hyundai Motor America's CEO John Krafcik wasn't exaggerating when he told Inside Line this past summer that the production model will look 70-80 per cent like the 2007 Veloster Concept.


Inspired by the two-door Veloster concept car from the 2007 Seoul auto show, the production-ready Veloster coupe packs attractive exterior body style with slopping roof-line and short front and rear overhangs.


The small front-wheel drive coupe, which has been described by Krafcik as a "4-passenger Honda CR-X", is scheduled to go on sale at Hyundai's dealerships alongside the larger and more expensive rear-wheel drive Genesis Coupe before the end of 2011.


It was revealed earlier this month that the showroom-ready Hyundai Veloster will be powered by 1.6L four-cylinder engine, which features direct injection technology and churns out impressive 140+ horsepower. The entry-level powerplant is expected to achieve over 40 mpg!
via:carscoop

Spy Shots: Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible

The shots were taken by an eagle-eyed Pistonheads reader who posted the shots in October. It definitely appears to be the Supersports Convertible, it has the revised front bumper and bonnet, both of which provide a great deal more cooling for the beefed up engine.





Apparently spied during a photo shoot, the ragtop has the same styling tweaks (a revised front bumper, a ventilated hood, smoked headlights, 20-inch wheels, and two sport seats) as the standard Continental Supersports. Besides the exterior changes, the convertible also features a modest weight reduction, a 'Quickshift' transmission, and carbon-ceramic brakes.





Power will be provided by a 6.0-liter twin-turbo W12 engine that can run on regular petrol or E85 bio-fuel. Producing 621 hp (463 kW) and 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque, the Supersport Convertible will likely accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds before topping out somewhere in the neighborhood of 200 mph (322 km/h).





Look for more information to be released when Bentley officially unveils the Continental Supersports Convertible at next month's North American International Auto Show or the Geneva Motor Show in March 2010.

via:worldcarfans

2011 Porsche Cayenne SUV gets Sleeker Spy Photos

Not surprisingly, the Cayenne's dashboard looks very similar to the Panamera sports sedan featuring a five-gauge cluster and a center stack dominated by a large screen with the climate controls positioned underneath. Flanking the gear lever on the elevated lower console are the suspension controls and numerous other buttons.


Porsche is putting the final touches on its second generation Cayenne SUV that is anticipated to be introduced at a major car show in the first half of 2010. These new spy pictures suggest that the next Cayenne will be far better looking than its graceless predecessor adopting a smoother design language and more dynamic proportions accentuated by the lowered roofline, smaller rear window and steeper angle of the rear tailgate.


The direct-injection powerplants are expected to be carry-over units from the Panamera. A VW Group-sourced V6 petrol producing around 300-horsepower will serve as the entry-level engine, while the range will top out with Porsche's 4.8-liter V8 delivering 400HP in naturally aspirated form and 500HP in turbo spec.


Word from Germany is that Porsche's engineers have worked overtime to reduce the SUV's weight as much as 200kg or 440 lbs over the current model with obvious benefits in handling, fuel economy, CO2 emissions and of course, performance figures.


The V8 models will most likely feature Porsche's seven-speed double-clutch PDK transmission as standard.

Porsche will also offer the new Cayenne with a V6 gasoline-electric hybrid powerplant as well as a V6 diesel engine.

The next Cayenne will be built on a modified version of the Panamera's platform that will also be shared with the second generation VW Touareg.
Source:carscoop

SPY SHOTS: 2011 BMW M5 with Twin-Turbocharged V8

Having already introduced the next generation 5-Series sedan, BMW and in particular, its M division, is now concentrating on the development of the flagship version of the series, the M5 that was caught here testing at the Nordschleife. The hotly anticipated M5 will debut about a year after the standard 5-Series that is due to make its first public appearance at the 2010 Geneva Show next March.

Until recently, it wasn't clear if the new M5 would continue to use the current model's exotic V10 powerplant or if the Bavarian's would go for the new 4.4-liter bi-turbo V8 that debuted in the X5M and X6M. However, BMW officials have now confirmed that the new M5 will indeed be equipped with the turbocharged V8.


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Alfa Romeo Kamal SUV Mystery Spy Photos?

These photos, with Elasis headquarters in the background, were taken in September. What is unknown is if this vehicle is a mule being used for testing, or an abandoned Kamal design study just being moved elsewhere. The Alfa Romeo Kamal had been rumored for 2010 production on the Alfa Romeo 159 platform. But those plans changed after the Fiat/Chrysler mashup. Back in June, the speculation was that two SUVs would be built by Jeep, and get the A.R. shield.







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Spy Shots: Porsche 991 Cabrio

Our spies took these pictures of the upcoming Porsche 911 Cabriolet (rumoured model code 998 or 991) testing on the street. The exclusive model features an adjustable rear wing that forms part of the bodywork.


Engine details are scarce but there is some hushed talk of a 390kW (530hp) Turbo model, meaning well over 400kW (544hp) for the more potent GT2 and 570hp for a Turbo S. All four wheels would be driven either by a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed PDK depending on how much torque is available.


For the first time we can see the slightly different headlights which will be accompanied by the visible LED daytime running lights. Do not be fooled by those Turbo-style side air intake vents in the quarter panels because they are bogus. The rear lights seen through the big camo bum are the real deal.


It seems Porsche will stick to the traditional soft top philosophy for the Cabrio instead of the relatively heavier tin-top others are employing.
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2011 Buick Compact Sedan teaser sketch [With Video]

During Buick's Los Angeles Auto Show press conference for the unveiling of the Opel Insignia-based 2011 Regal saloon, the company's product marketing director, Craig Bierly, showed a teaser sketch of the next addition to the Buick range, a premium compact sedan.



"And now, I have more exciting news to share with you; the first public showing of a rendering that includes our entire future sedan portfolio," Bierly said at the presentation.





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Fresh spy pictures For 2010 Mercedes R-Class Facelift

A new front bumper, headlights, LED daytime running lights, bonnet and redesigned side mirrors are featured. Upgrades to the back end include LED lights, a new bumper and different tailpipes.


More camouflage pieces seem to be coming off the Mercedes-Benz R-Class facelift as evidenced by these fresh spy pictures. Very little is left to the imagination and it's quite clear that Mercedes have made the front end to resemble current models in the brand's stable.


There should be engine modifications and additions as well, including tried and tested BlueEfficiency and BlueTec motors. We might even see a hybrid model sharing its basic powertrain architecture with the S 400 Hybrid. It's also probable that the interior will receive its own facelift to include gadgets like the new COMAND system with Split Screen technology and Night View Assist.


Expect the new R-Class to debut at 2010 North American Auto Show in Detroit after which it will sell as a 2011 model.
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