The Black Series epidemic has claimed the as its latest victim. Our spy photographers recently managed to catch a few photos of the SLS AMG Black Series out for a little testing on the Nürburgring.
What will the vehicle bring to the table when the production version arrives? The whispers kicking around the web indicate that buyers will enjoy around 650 horsepower wrapped in a package that’s lighter than the standard car. The extra power and reduced weight should get the Black Series to 60 miles per hour in around three seconds flat.
No one knows for certain, but we feel confident in guessing that the machine will also embrace a host of suspension and brake modifications for an even higher performance threshold. Don’t think that all of those toys will come cheap, however. Chances are the model will cost over $500,000.
is progressing with development of the its A4 Allroad facelift. Our spy photographers caught the model out and about during hot weather testing in southern Europe, which means the final production version is closer than ever before. It’s still unclear as to whether or not the long-roof will find its way Stateside due to the fact that the German automaker has placed most of its chips on its CUV range. The A4 Allroad is built to handle all sorts of unpleasant road conditions thanks to its tall wheel arches, slightly higher ride height and stout all-wheel-drive system.
We’re guessing this machine would have no problem besting most crossovers when the dirt trail turns to rock and mud. While some photos have surfaced showing the A4 Allroad with U.S.-spec amber marker lights, the tester in this series of shots is clearly a European model.
It appears that Roding has been hard at work on developing the company’s Roadster prototype. Spy photographers managed to click a few photos of a new version of the vehicle out for laps at the Nürburgring, and the latest iteration is a massive leap forward from the old fin-laden mule we first saw this time last year. Whereas the first version looked as if it was the product of an electric shaver and an Audi R8, the newest version actually looks plenty becoming. While some of the original angles remain, the carbon fiber bodywork now wears a more proportioned appearance.
There’s no word as to what’s under the hood, but we’re guessing the machine still relies on the same turbocharged six cylinder as its predecessor. That means buyers can expect around 300 horsepower, which should be enough to get the 2,100-pound lightweight to speed in a hurry. Last we heard, Roding planned to unveil a production version of the car this year, but it’s beginning to look as if we won’t see the final version until 2012 at the earliest.
Remember how the debuted long before we ever saw the final production car? Well, it appears that parent company is planning to pull a similar stunt with its FT-86coupe.
Here, we see a racier FR-S prototype being prepped for this weekend’s German VLN race at the Nürburgring. Even with the revised wheels, front fascia, and -embarrassing wing out back, we can still get a good glimpse of what the production FR-S will look like when it debuts at the next month.
We’ll have more details after this weekend’s activities, and we’re eagerly awaiting the official FR-S reveal in just a few weeks.
When you seen an prototype with enormous lower air intakes up front, it can only mean one thing: an RS model cometh. Earlier reports stated that and go right for the hardcore RS1 you see here, and while we’ve seen spy shots of , the fact that we haven’t heard anything since could mean that this RS model will be what launches first.
Fine by us, even though we American’s can’t drive the hot little Audi.
We could speculate all day about the RS1 getting the same 350-horsepower 2.5-liter turbo-five as the , but the truth is, it’ll probably use a turbocharged four-cylinder powerplant producing around 250 horsepower. That’s still a potent punch in a car as small as the A1, and with Quattro all-wheel drive on hand, we imagine it’ll be one heck of a good steer.
It’s been a while since we’ve heard anything about the next-generation , and judging by this latest set of spy photos, there’s still quite a bit of work to be done before the new Silver Arrow flagship makes its debut.
Like the , the next-generation S-Class will likely use a larger, more upright grille design, previewed by the from a few years ago. Expect the Merc’s face to be chocked full of LED goodness, and under the hood, you can count on the standard range of gasoline, diesel and hybrid powertrains.
Inside, you can bet that the new S-Class will be as luxurious as ever, with as possible cabin materials. Sounds plush. Look for the all-new S-Class to debut sometime in 2012.
Late last year, confirmed that its seriously pretty concept , and our trusty spy photographers have now caught the first test mules out on the road near the automaker’s headquarters. Aside from the addition of some shapely new sheetmetal at the car’s hind quarters, not much is expected to change from the standard sedan range, and that’s just fine with us.
Expect Merc’s new twin-turbocharged 4.6-liter V8 to be the base engine at launch, with a Shooting Brake (be still our hearts!) coming down the pipeline. When Mercedes-Benz initially confirmed that the five-door CLS would go into production, we were told it would arrive sometime in 2012, and because these test mules appear to be nearly done with the development phase, we wouldn’t be surprised if the final car debuts at the next March (if not sooner).
It looks as if is closer to giving the C63 AMG Sedan the Black Series treatment, judging by the shots our spy photographers nabbed of the menacing four door frolicking around the Nürburgring.
Word has it that the C63 AMG Black Series Sedan will pack the same 510-horsepower6.2-liter V8 as found in the two-door as well as an identical seven-speed automatic gearbox. It’s worth pointing out that the cog swapper is no standard slusher, however. The seven speed is an AMG SpeedShift MCT capable of changing gears in as little as one tenth of a second. Let’s see your left foot do that.
Expect to see a volley of suspension tricks lifted from the meaner coupe as well as a larger oil cooler and brakes capable of bringing planetary bodies to a screeching halt. So far there’s no word on when we’ll see the vehicle debut, but we’re guessing it won’t be too far down the line. Stay tuned.
Between and , the pair of / rear-wheel-drive coupes are high in the running for the honorary Award For Painfully Slow New Car Rollouts. We won’t take you through the entire lifespan of this pair of Japanese sports cars, but we’ll say this: we’re sick of waiting in Pavlovian anticipation for their unveiling already.
Still, at least this latest set of spy photos gives us a better glimpse at some of the Subie’s finer details, including the full shape of the taillamps and what appear to be LED running lights just above the fog lights. We could probably do without that rear spoiler, though we’ll wait until all of the swirly paper has been removed before making any final design assessments.
Subaru will be bringing a concept version of the BRZ to the before the final production car debuts in Japan. All we can say is, it’s about time.
Don’t let this test vehicle’s proportions deceive you – there’s stretched architecture under all of that cladding. Yes, is working on expanding its C30 range with the addition of this, the upcoming V30, set to rival the and recently redone hatchback in Europe. There’s also a high-riding crossover variant, tentatively dubbed XC30 (go figure) in the cards.
The V30 will launch along side or shortly after the next-generation C30 hatch, and this prototype previews the new 30 family’s design. In front, we can see smaller, more angular headlamps that better mimic what we see on the , and around back, we can see a more shapely taillamp design, still incorporating Volvo’s signature all-the-way-up-the-D-pillar lighting scheme.
Look for the V30 to officially debut in late 2012 or early 2013.
Spy photographers have managed to snap a fairly clear look at what the next iteration of the will bring to the table. If these photos are any indication, the crossover will wear a mild facelift that includes updates to the vehicle’s grille, fog lights and front fascia as well as new badging. Expect to see new brightwork surrounding both the grille and the vehicle’s headlights along with a restyled bumper cap. If that’s not pulse-quickening enough for you, it looks as if will also roll in a new fog-light design with a slimmer housing.
The rear of the vehicle will also receive a quick nip and tuck with a reworked bumper cap. We’re guessing the rear hatch area may see some attention as well given the heavy camouflage present on this particular test vehicle. Word has it Flex buyers will also get a shot at MyFord Touch for the first time when the vehicle makes its way to dealer lots. Stay tuned.
GM Inside News reports that General Motors is working on a new turbocharged four-cylinder engine for the Cadillac ATS. The small-displacement engine is expected to produce between 270 and 280 horsepower. Those are impressive figures, though there’s no indication as to whether or not the engine will require premium fuel.
If true, the engine’s introduction only stokes the rumors indicating that GM is walking away from V6 drivetrain options in its mid-size offerings altogether. Automakers like and have already abandoned the six, allowing those companies to produce lighter, more efficient sedans that are just as powerful as their V6 competition.
GMI says that the new 2.0-liter will be cut from the same cloth as the 2.5-liter Ecotec four-cylinder that GM recently unveiled in the . In other words, while it may borrow some tricks from the turbo 2.0-liter lump that powers the Buick Regal GS, it will by and large be its own beast.
Spy photographers have managed to snap a few quick shots of the wagon variant of the upcoming 2013 Ford Mondeo/Fusion undergoing testing in the Alps. The lightly camouflaged hauler is our best look yet at how plans to translate the design language from the Evos Concept displayed at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show onto production vehicles. No one is saying whether or not Ford is planning to actually offer a in the States, of course. We see that as highly unlikely, though the long-roof lines are plenty becoming on the Australian-based family cruiser.
Ford is likely, however, to keep the Fusion Hybrid alive for the next generation, and we expect it to pack enough efficiency enhancements to give the a run for its battery-operated money.
Fans of large displacement and forced induction (isn’t that everyone?) can officially rejoice today as the between and the has answered a question that’s been on our minds ever since upped the horsepower ante with its . Yes, folks, the will be blessed with a 5.8-liter supercharged V8 engine.
While conventional wisdom has always been that the easiest way to increase horsepower and torque was to bore-and-stroke your way to more displacement, an interesting series of spy shots showing led some to believe Ford was ditching the supercharger in favor of twin turbos. Not so, apparently. Ford’s latest contract with the UAW reveals that its Romeo Engine Assembly Plant will receive a $50 million investment to build the 5.8L supercharged mill.
Naturally, contract talk doesn’t include a whiff on horsepower or torque, but you can bet Ford is planning on eking out more than the 580 horses that Chevy has corralled from the 2012 Camaro ZL1. seems like a safe bet, but we’ll just have to wait for an official announcement from Ford. In the meantime, sweat supercharged dreams.
Our crafty spy photographer have managed to set lenses upon a completely undisguised out and about in the light of day. With all of the vehicle’s camouflage removed, we can clearly see the body lines of the new convertible. Though the familiar face hasn’t gone anywhere, the side of the vehicle now wears a dramatic side strake and sizable air inlet positioned just forward of a set of equally bold wheel arches. Those openings are filled with massive, multi-spoke rollers. Toward the rear of the vehicle, we can clearly see a new integrated lip spoiler that spans across the entirety of the car’s rump, bisecting the taillamps.
That’s exciting and all, but our spies also indicate that this model may boast a next-generation 2.5-liter flat four-cylinder. If those whispers are to be believed, the 2012 Boxster could pack as much as 360 horsepower courtesy of a little forced induction. Word is the vehicle will receive a proper introduction on the show circuit in the next few months.
Here at Autoblog, our love for the runs deep. It’s arguably one of the coolest vehicles available in the United States, and it sits alongside the and as seemingly unchanged stalwarts of the off-road world. Perhaps the best part about the G-Class, however, is that Mercedes-Benz continues to offer a high-performance AMG version, and according to this latest set of spy shots, it appears that the G55 AMG is due to receive a host of updates.
Most notably, the naturally aspirated 5.5-liter V8 from the current G55 is expected to be yanked out in favor of Merc’s new twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter powerplant. This means the new AMG Wagen should produce somewhere between 525 and 545 horsepower, sending its power to all four wheels.
Additionally, it appears that a modest visual freshening is in store, with the G55 getting new side mirrors and a revised front fascia, encompassing what appears to be a three-intake design. New LED running lamps should also be in the cards, and while one G55 prototype was sporting a , we’re hoping those gaudy rollers don’t make it to production. Well, except maybe in Dubai.
Our spy photographers have snapped a glimpse of the forthcoming . The Mondeo-based sedan looks to have lifted lighting inspiration from the Ford Evos Concept that the automaker debuted at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show. With thin, slit-like projection lenses and a very vertical grille, the 2013 Fusion looks to bring quite a bit more attitude to the table than the current model. Right now, the Fusion is built in Mexico, but there’s some indication that the model may shift to a U.S. plant in the near future as part of the current negotiations between Ford and the United Auto Workers.
At this stage in the vehicle’s development, it’s unclear exactly what Ford will offer in terms of powertrain options or what the inevitable hybrid variant will bring to the table when it arrives. We are told that Ford will likely show off the first real look at the 2013 Fusion at January’s . Stay tuned.
Chevrolet Sonic, Dodge Ram wins shootout, Dodge Caliber replacement, Supercharged Hyundai Genesis Coupe
Episode #249 of the Autoblog Podcast is here. This week Chris, Zach, and Dan are joined by AOL Autos Editor in Chief David Kiley. Topics include the Chevrolet Sonic, the Ram pickup’s $30,000 truck shootout victory, the Alfa Romeo-based replacement for the Dodge Caliber and rumors and spy shots suggesting a supercharged Hyundai Genesis Coupe is coming. Your questions and comments power the last third of the podcast, and for those of you who hung with us live on our , thanks for taking the time. We’ve embedded our Q&A module for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!
Autoblog Podcast #249:
In the Autoblog Garage
2011 Hyundai Equus Ultimate
2012 Nissan GT-R
2011 Cadillac CTS Sedan
Hosts: , , , Guest: Runtime: 01:25:25
Get the podcast
[] Listen live on Mondays at 10PM Eastern at UStream
[] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
[] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[] Download the MP3 directly
Feedback
Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com
Voicemail: 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763)
Review the show in iTunes and take our
We’re big fans of the here at Autoblog. We’re also fans of vehicles that find ways to make our driving experience more exciting in any way possible. And while it would be nice to see plop its 5.0-liter V8 engine under the hood of the Genesis coupe, there is little chance of that ever happening. (Probably for good reason, too.) Still, that doesn’t mean more power can’t be had, and spy photographers have captured a possible solution lurking under the hood of a Genesis prototype.
It looks like Hyundai is simply going to stick with its 3.8-liter V6 as the range-topping engine, albeit, with a bit of supercharged force added on. What you are looking at could very well be a Hyundai Genesis Coupe R-Spec that’s indeed fitting of its extra nomenclature. The supercharger should help push the standard 3.8-liter output of 306 horsepower (333 hp in the ) up closer to a figure that will have Mustang GT drivers checking their mirrors.
We’ve already gotten a fairly clear look at the next-generation thanks to a few leaked and the unveiling of the , but our friendly neighborhood spy photographer managed to snap a few photos of the real deal out and about in the South of France for a little testing. We can clearly see the more stylized nose, complete with its swept front fascia and broad three-bar grille. While the extensive cladding does a smart job of hiding the D-pillar from prying eyes, it’s easy to imagine the redesigned look of the roof structure from the patent sketches.
Don’t expect to see much in the way of revolutionary engine options when the production model gets a full-unveil at the LA Auto Show. The same 2.4-liter four-cylinder is said to stick around for next year, mated to a new six-speed automatic gearbox.
