Mercedes Benz S-Class Stretched Limousine Facelift Spied

The facelifted Mercedes-Benz S-Class was shown in April this year. Now spies have caught the stretch limousine version of the car being tested. The front end seems to feature a new bumper and LED lights will be part of its appearance. The limo appears to be on some sort of skid pan in what looks like the standard training exercise conducted by Mercedes-Benz for drivers and sometimes owners of these cars.

Mercedes-Benz is big on stretched limousines and has a good chunk of the market in many countries. This particular car should be 6.4 metres long and weigh more than two tones.

The current S-Class Pullman Guard is powered by a 5.5-litre V12 bi-turbo engine that makes a heady 380kW (517hp) and 830Nm of torque. Peformance figures are not the same as the standard-length car because of the extra security features installed, such as thicker windows. It also has body resistance for certain types of hand guns, some explosives, runs on runflat tyres and has an interior fire extinguisher fitted.

The Pullman Guard is not just a semi-armoured tank but a proper S-Class as well, which means a luxurious interior suited to the kind of money paid for such a car.

Audi A7: Test mule spotted in the Alps?

Have a look at these interesting spy shots of what is alleged to be the upcoming Audi A7.

2012 Mercedes SLK Spy Video

Our spy photographers have managed to catch new video of Mercedes' upcoming 2012 SLK roadster.

Like previous mules, this prototype is heavily camouflaged which prevents us from getting a glimpse of the car's new styling. Regardless, the convertible appears to adopt a more chiseled appearance that seems to dismiss much of the current model's shapely curves. The SLR-inspired nose is also expected to disappear, in favor of a more conventional grille which will likely echo the new E-Class Coupe.

Although details are limited, power is expected to be provided by the usual mix of naturally aspirated and turbocharged petrol engines. Rumor suggests the new SLK may offer a turbo diesel engine, but that remains to be seen. Despite mounting concerns about fuel economy and emissions, several sources are indicating the AMG version will feature a new twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 with 470hp (350kW).

Expect more information to leak out as the redesigned SLK approaches it's 2012 launch date.

Bugatti Bordeaux second teaser image surfaces

A second teaser image of Bugatti's upcoming Bordeaux super sedan has surfaced.

The new picture shows the rear end of Bugatti's highly anticipated sedan. While we can't make out a lot of details, it is clear the Bordeaux features a distinctive design thanks to two horizontal horseshoe taillights and a large vertical center taillight which suggests the car may have a split rear window. Below the unique lighting display, we can see twin sets of quad tailpipes.

While details are scarce, the Veyron's quad-turbocharged 8.0-liter W16 engine is expected to see duty in the new sedan. This likely means the Bordeaux will boast 1001 hp and 1250 Nm of torque, which should earn it the title of being the fastest and most powerful sedan ever created.

The picture reportedly comes from an invitation to an event which takes place during the Frankfurt Motor Show, so expect a concept version of the Bordeaux to debut in September.

Spy Photos: BMW 3 Series GT

Almost unnoticed, the BMW 3 Series GT showed up during an early stage test drive somewhere in Germany. The secrecy around this new niche model from BMW is bigger than ever and not many information have leaked so far.

But here is what we know so far: the PAC, short for Progressive Activity Coupe, is built on a long-wheel base 3 Series. The Progressive Activity Coupe has a higher roof when compared to the existing 3 Series Wagon and of course, a longer wheelbase as well. Following the steps of its “bigger brother”, 5 Series Gran Turismo, the 3 GT will be available in a smaller segment and will share some personalization features such as optional bench or individual seating . It will bring a personal approach to luxury and will differentiate itself from the Wagon model.

Since it’s based on a 3 Series platform, BMW’s plans are to maintain the performance and dynamics seen on the other 3er models. The engine range will include the latest six cylinder turbo(N55) found in the GT and the latest six cylinder diesel , additional petrol and diesels will include BMW’s upcoming four cylinder Turbocharged petrol engine and the four cylinder diesel.

Spy Photos: 2012 Five-Door BMW 1 Series spotted

Another week and some more spy photos of the next generation BMW 1 Series which will make its debut in 2012. This time, the spy photographers capture on camera a five-door 1 Series test mule during a testing session in Germany.

Judging by these photos, we are clearly looking at the 5-door hatchback, part of the future large 1 Series family. Now what makes these latest spy shots even more interesting is the RoaDyn Measuring Wheel System which uses a sensor to monitor the dynamic measurement of force and torque. Similar systems have been used before by engineers in the tuning process of AWD platforms.

Of course, we can only speculate at this point that we’re looking at an xDrive 1er model, but nonetheless, it was worth mention it.

We already know that BMW is looking to launch an extensive 1 Series line-up, from a 3-door touring, 3 and 5-door GT to 5-door hatchback and a 3-door Coupe and Convertible. A high-performance model, similar to an M car, is in works as well and sources close to BMW use the codename Supersports when referring to it.

BMW X1 Officially Released with HD Video

BMW has released official details of the new X1 SUV (SAV). The smallest X vehicle in the range is 4.45 metres long, has a wheelbase of 2.76 metres, is 1.545 metres high and the lightest model weighs in at 1,615kg (EU). It is designed to have a low-slung rear window to make it look the sporting car that it is, and it features wide wheel arches for an aggressive squat. The signature kidney grille is as bold and muscular as it is on the 7 Series. Standard wheels coming with the range are 17-inch alloys.

Contours and sharp lines are evident all the way to the sides and back, including the "Hofmeister kink" at the C pillar. Further confirming that this is a true BMW design are the L-shaped rear lights clusters with sharp jagged edges.

Inside the X1 gives an elevated seating position to each passenger while the driver benefits from a driver-facing "surfboard" dashboard that made BMWs of yesteryear so different from their rivals. The new iDrive system is installed and can be mated to a USB port, a CD player, and six Pro Logic 7 HiFi loud speakers. A rear parking camera and/or Park Distance Control can also be specified from the options list.

Six models will be available at launch. Only one of these is petrol-powered and that is the X1 xDrive28i. Fitted to this version is the 3.0-litre straight six with 258hp (190kW) and torque of 310Nm. The rest of the lineup runs on diesel, starting with the sDrive18d making 143hp (105kW) and 320Nm of torque. Then comes the sDrive20d which produces 177hp (130kW) and 350Nm. Both these RWD vehicles are coupled with a 6-speed manual gearbox.

Higher up the rung are the manual xDrive18d with the same figures of 143hp (105kW) and 320Nm, an xDrive20d of 177hp (130kW) and 350Nm as well as the thrusty xDrive23d. It has the 2.0-litre twin turbo motor that does 204hp (150kW) and 400Nm of maximum pulling power.

Customers living in the USA will start getting their consignment of the BMW X1 some time in 2011. US-bound engines and powertrains will be confirmed closer to launch.

Audi A8 teaser image discovered

The first teaser image promoting the Audi A8 has recently been found. Standing with the cloth-covered A8 is Audi's Board Member for Technical Development, Michael Dick.

Few things are clearly visible in the picture other than Dick. We can see the now-signature Audi LED daytime lights through the sheet, but we also notice a car that could be a little shorther than the current generation. The rear windshield of the car also looks to have a bit of a sharp angle, something that contradicts the official sketch of the car released by Audi last October.

According to Autovisie, the photo was buried in a collection of promotional materials released by the automaker as part of a 100th anniversary celebration.

The Audi A8 is expected to hit the market in 2010 with four engine options, including petrol and diesel versions of a 3.0-liter and 4.2-liter V8. Should a S8 model be released, it could receive a 5.0-liter V10 FSI that unleashes 620 horsepower.

Built with a next generation Aluminum Space Frame, the 2010 Audi A8 was supposed to be shown off in Frankfurt this September but recent reports state this has been postponed despite the "surfacing" of this teaser image.

Mercedes SLS AMG Gullwing images leaked

The leaks are starting to flow. Just within the past week we saw the latest spy photos of an SLS Gullwing in grey, more official "teaser" images were published, and today rumours of an SLS Gullwing electric vehicle is slated for 2015. But the day isn't over yet and another very legitimate looking image revealing the front and rear design details has surfaced.

Here we have two very different versions of the same grainy image. The first of which is clearly a magazine cover from Autobild with a bonus rear shot, and the second version from Autowerald.com in The Netherlands is the source image without the clutter.

WCF sources state the images are genuine. Judging from the generic studio background and lack of computer touch-up work, they could be preview images for dealers or existing clientele. Additionally, the type of low resolution picture quality, even visible on the magazine cover version, suggests the source images are from a printed brochure or magazine and then captured using a mobile phone camera.

Public unveiling in Frankfurt is only two months away. Judging by all of the recent leaks and releases, an official media release could happen very soon.

2011 BMW 5 Series sedan spied with less disguise - showing its shape

So far, we've seem to have faired better in snatching some spy shots of the next-generation 5-series wagon rather than those of the sedan model. But here's a few shots of the upcoming new 5-series standard sedan, expected to roll into town sometime in 2010.

Now, what do these pics tell us? Not much, because the camouflage is still pretty distracting and quite effective at disguising any changes to the design. Of course, those changes will be subtle, anyway. But shape-wise, the new 5-series seems to be a little more tightly carved. Looking trim, sportier and more like a 3-series than the 7-series it is often compared to. Although, we have had previous spy shots of the 5-series tourer revealing some design cues from its senior sibling, such as with the tail lights.

The 5-series will be expected to come with a wide range of engines currently in the BMW stable. Those include both the 3.0 liter inline 6 cylinder and the 4.4 liter V8 twin-turbo engines. On the lower end of the scale, there will also be 2.0 liter petrol and diesel engines packing enough punch to properly power this mid-range premium model.



The one snapshot of the interior also, unfortunately, doesn't reveal much. But with German brands, the progression of models is always more evolutionary than revolutionary. Expect more of a nodding-of-your-head-in-satisfactory-approval response rather than an elated-popping-of-the-eyes one.

Next gen 2012 Audi A3 mule first spy photos

Our spy photographers have managed to catch the first images of Audi's upcoming 2012 A3.



Like previous prototype Audis, this A3 mule is wearing a Volkswagen body to divert attention. While the Golf body prevents us from seeing the A3's new styling, the extended fenders suggest the car will grow a few inches in width. So far, our only indication of A3's exterior design comes from a leaked image that supposedly shows the car's Q5-inspired rear hatch.

Engine options will likely include the 105hp (75kW) 1.2-liter TSI, the 141hp (104kW) 1.4-liter TSI, and the 173hp (127kW) 1.8-liter TSI. We can also expect a variety of diesel engines, with a rumored 207hp (152kW) 2.0-liter TDI taking the top spot.

As we have previously reported, Michael Dick, a member of Audi's board of management for technical development, has stated that Audi is considering an RS3. If such a model were to be produced, it would likely feature the 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbocharged engine from the TT-RS. Packing 340hp and 450Nm of torque, the RS3 would probably rocket from 0-62 mph in 4.6 seconds before hitting an estimated top speed of 179 mph (288 km/h).



In an attempt to establish a greater foothold in the North America, Audi is also considering an A3 sedan which is designed to appeal to hatch-hating Americans.

Top Gear slams Mercedes SL 65 AMG Black Series

Porsche to Launch High Performance Panamera GTS

Porsche's Panamera lineup is poised to expand as the company is reportedly working on a new diesel variant as well as a high performance GTS.

Although little is known about the Panamera GTS, it is expected to be positioned above the Panamera Turbo. This means the GTS will likely boast more than 500 horsepower, which should enable it to beat the 4.0 second 0-60 mph time of the Panamera Turbo. The GTS is also expected to ditch the Turbo's heavy air suspension system, in favor of traditional coil springs.

According to Autocar, Porsche is also considering a diesel-powered Panamera. If such a model were to be built, it would likely adopt a modified version of the Cayenne's 240 bhp 3.0-liter V6 or the Audi A8's 322 bhp 4.2-liter V8.

Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG In Depth

More details of the Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG have been released. The car is the top-of-the-range model and features certain equipment that other E-Class models don't. Most important of these and the one that makes it stand out is the 6.3-litre (6208 cc) V8 engine that has remained naturally aspirated. Its maximum rated power is 386kW (525hp) and peak torque is 630Nm mated with the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission from the SL 63 AMG. Incidentally the power figures of the two über Benzes are now matched. The conventional torque converter has been done away with in favour of a wet start-up clutch. Three changing modes can be actuated; Controlled Efficiency, Sport, and Manual. The latter is the more fun option where the driver changes gears using either the paddles behind the steering wheel or the gear lever itself.

Mercedes-Benz says the E 63 AMG will accelerate from 0 - 100km/h in just 4.5 seconds and top off at an electronically limited speed of 250km/h (155mph). Stopping power can be assisted by the optional ceramic brakes. Lightweight forged 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels with size 255/35 R 19 tyres at the front and 285/30 R 19 at the rear are fitted. Other differences include an AMG spoiler lip on the boot lid, a roller blind for rear window, Nappa leather appointments for the seats, the top section of the dashboard, the beltlines, the door armrests as well as the centre console and door centre panels.

AMG has chosen to use a new speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion steering system for more direct responsiveness. It helps when cornering hard, helped by the newly developed AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension, but is comfort-friendly too when the suspension system is in comfort mode. Thus the day-to-day usability of the car is not compromised by its high performance abilities. Even the ESP can be personalised, from "on", to "sport" to "off".