Spied: 2012 BMW 6-Series Coupe

BMW’s showed off its latest 6 Series Convertible for the 2012 model year at this month’s Detroit Auto Show, and fortunately it hasn’t strayed very far from the styling of its inspiration, the 6 Series Coupe Concept, apart from losing its top. But now we’ve gotten our first glimpse of the production Coupe a little ahead of schedule.

The new 6 Series is 2.9-inches longer overall and in wheelbase than the outgoing version, while being 1.5 inches wider and just under half an inch shorter. Weight was a major factor in the new car, with efforts taken to drop pounds via body panels being made out of both aluminum and composite materials.

Power comes from a new 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 that pushes out 400 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. The Convertible’s 0-to-60-mph time is said to be just 4.9 seconds and we expect the coupe to shed a few tenths of a second from that. Combine that additional power with EPA figures that are expected to be lower and you can consider the 6 Series’ powertrain to be well improved.

Expect the finished product to be a technological tour d’ force, with Driving Dynamic control, ConnectedDrive, and a three-dimensional heads-up display. Active cruise control is also on the menu, along with start-stop capability, lane-departure warning, and night vision.

What’s next after the 6 Series Coupe debut in Geneva this March? We’re still waiting on a M version…

Thanks to: Motor Trend

Spied: 2013 Jaguar XK

Despite being treated to some styling tweaks and some very impressive engines, Jaguar is still tweaking the XK, planning to give it one last facelift in 2012, before an all-new model arrives late in 2014.

This prototype is based on the current 5.0-litre supercharged V8 XKR, but features a new front-end treatment, including a redesigned bumper with extra cooling vents along its top edge. The new car also features full LEDs in its redesigned light clusters.

At the back, it’s the same story, with a new rear bumper and diffuser, and the addition of a modestly-proportioned rear wing. The XK will also benefit from new trim materials in the cabin.

The engine line-up is set to include the current 5.0-litre naturally aspirated and supercharged V8s, but could be joined by 3.0-litre V6 petrol and diesel units if Jaguar decides that’s what its customers want. The addition of an eight-speed gearbox to boost efficiency is also a possibility.

Performance fans will also be pleased to know that the final XK facelift will also spawn a special edition XKR-R high performance model, based on the XKR but offering a more hardcore drive thanks to an upgraded supercharger for the 5.0-litre V8, bigger brakes and the latest version of the firm’s adaptive dampers. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

Spied: 2012 Citroen DS5

Hot on the heels of the DS3 and with the launch of the DS4 imminent, Citroen is hard at work getting its DS5 ready for its grand debut.

Based on the same platform as the Citroen C5 and Peugeot 508, the DS5 will offer dramatic exterior styling and a luxurious interior as Citroen bids to offer Audi A4 and BMW 3-Series an interesting alternative exec choice.

As you can make out from our spy pictures, the DS5 will feature jacked-up estate car looks. These are inspired by Citroen’s C-Sportlounge concept of 2005 and its Hypnos SUV concept shown in 2008 and will give the DS5 a unique bodyshape in its segment, plus plenty of cabin space for passengers and their luggage.

Styled by Peugeot-Citroen design boss Jean-Pierre Ploué and Citroen design director Thierry Metroz, the DS5 is set to feature an extremely aerodynamic body, benefiting emissions and refinement by keeping wind noise to a minimum. Chrome detailing and LED lights are also expected.

To compliment the looks, as well as conventional petrol and diesel engines, the DS5 will be Citroen’s first production hybrid, mating a 200bhp diesel unit which drives the front wheels with an electric motor which powers the rears. More than 60mpg and 120g/km are expected too.

A new generation of Citroen’s famed hydropneumatic suspension is also on the cards for top models, giving a comfortable ride when cruising, but allowing the option of making the damping more aggressive when driving faster.

Like the DS3, which was previewed by the DS Inside concept, and the DS4, shown by the DS High Rider, the DS5 is likely to break cover as a thinly-vieled show car, possibly at the Shanghai Motor Show in April, as Citroen steps up its product offensive in Asia.

A Frankfurt Debut is likely for the production DS5, with Citroen then turning to getting a larger DS9 into production, based on the Metropolis shown at last year’s Shanghai event. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

Spied: 2012/2013 Ford Focus EV

Despite the exhaustive testing, this Focus is missing a key component – its exhaust pipe! Our spies have just captured this Focus Electric mule undergoing testing, and it’s the first we’ve seen that uses the new mkIII Focus bodyshell.

Along with the blanked-off rear bumper, the car features disguises over the area where the fuel filler cap is on both sides, which could mean that the Focus Electric will feature plug sockets on both side of the car, making recharging easier.

Ford began its Focus Electric project with the launch of a number of prototypes based on the current generation car at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. Called the Focus BEV, it had boot-mounted 23kWh lithium-ion batteries which powered a 134bhp electric motor. The range is 100 miles and top speed is 85mph.

At this year’s Geneva show, Blue Oval bosses confirmed that the Focus Electric will be based on the new Focus, and will go on sale in the US in 2011, before arriving in the UK in 2012.

Expect the production Focus Electric to feature similar specs to the BEV prototype, which will put it on a par with the Nissan Leaf for range and performance. The electric Ford will join an electric version of the Transit Connect, and is followed by two next-generation petrol hybrid-electric vehicles and a C-MAX plug-in hybrid in 2013. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

Spied: 2013 Mazda CX-5

The compact crossover market is hot, hot, hot and Mazda may be looking at a way to increase its share. Recently, in the wintery clime of the Alps, our spy shooters found this prototype, presumably undergoing winter testing.

Looking very much like a shorter, chopped CX-7, this crossover is based on the Mazda3 and could be powered by one of Mazda's new breed of fuel-efficient engines - either the gasoline-powered Skyactiv-G or diesel-powered Skyactiv-D. Odds are that the new Skyactiv transmission can also be found here, helping to boost fuel economy yet another notch. We suspect the car would be dubbed CX-5, in relation to the current CX-7 and CX-9 vehicles.

The new 1.4-liter Skyactive engines will be direct-injected with extremely high compression ratios of 14.0:1. The gasoline variant is slated to achieve 70 mpg when it rolls out in the Japanese market Mazda2 next year. Skyactiv transmissions include dual-clutch types as well as CVTs.

It is predicted by our European correspondents that the Mazda CX-5 is a global vehicle and will be sold in Japan, Europe and the U.S. We could hope to see a near-production vehicle in the sheetmetal in late 2011.
Thanks to: Motor Trend

Spied: 2012 Mercedes C-Class Coupe AMG

AMG used to be about straight-line performance above all. The small subsidiary, located some 15 miles north of Stuttgart in the village of Affalterbach, has traditionally focused on stuffing monstrous V-8 and V-12 engines into pretty much everything Mercedes makes. But now, the sub-brand is focusing more intently on compact and agile cars.

Seen here is an AMG version of the upcoming C-class coupe, which is built on the same platform as—but is designed to cater to a younger customer base than—the E-class coupe. Power for AMG's C coupe will come from a slightly detuned version of Affalterbach’s new 5.5-liter twin-turbo V-8. It will likely be turbocharged, although we've heard voices say a naturally aspirated version is not entirely unthinkable. A turbocharged V-6 is another possibility. What the coupe would be called is still up in the air and depends on what powers the vehicle—if it gets the turbo 5.5-liter, it will likely be called C63, but if it gets a naturally aspirated version of that engine or a six, the designation would almost certainly be different. Regardless of powerplant, top speed will be governed at 155 mph, but AMG will offer a package to increase top speed to a governed 174 mph.

Visual cues will include four large exhaust pipes, 18- or 19-inch AMG wheels, a sizeable rear spoiler that grows out of the shoulder line's upward kink, and an aero package. The front end will be dominated by large air intakes in the fascia with aggressive LED daytime running light strips. Inside, the AMG will have unique aluminum or carbon-fiber trim and sports seats.

The C-class coupe, by the way, won't remain the smallest AMG for long. We expect versions of the next-generation A- and B-class platform, potentially powered by a turbocharged four churning out upwards of 300 hp. But, with hairy V-8 muscle a near certainty—and with a Black Series sedan in the stable—the C-class is looking like the AMG project to watch.

Thanks to: Car and Driver

Spied: 2012 Jaguar XFR

Jaguar looks set to keep things subtle with the facelifted version of its XFR super-saloon, judging from the first spy shots of the car.

The complex pattern of the test car’s disguise almost manages to make this XF look like a regular model. But the deeper air intakes, side skirts and four exhaust pipes reveal that it is the next version of the 503bhp XFR hot rod.

Due to appear at the same time as the facelifted XF range, the revised XFR is unlikely to offer any significant gain in power over the current car.

But it is set to offer a couple of extra gear ratios; Jaguar is planning to roll out a ZF-developed eight-speed automatic gearbox across the range, replacing the current six-speed unit.

A range of new engines is expected to appear in the updated standard model range: a 2.2-litre, four-cylinder Ford/PSA diesel unit (currently used by Land Rover) is heavily tipped to join the range to power a new entry-level model. Power from this engine in the XF will be around 200bhp.

The facelifted saloon’s launch is expected to coincide with the debut of a fastback, sporting estate version of the XF. Expect elegant styling incorporating a shade more practicality to be the defining features in this model, rather than a Volvo-style cavernous load area.

Thanks to: Autocar

Spied: 2012 Chrysler 200 Convertible

Just last week, we took our first turn behind the wheel of the heavily reworked 2011 Chrysler 200 sedan. The former Chrysler Sebring underwent a very quick 12-month transformation, with nearly everything but the roof and the doors being replaced or redesigned. So we can give pretty solid predictions of what is hiding beneath the camouflage in these spy shots of the 200 convertible.

On the droptop 200, expect to see the same reworked front end, including the new grille, hood, fenders, fascia, and headlights housing LED accents. The rear should receive the same treatment as the sedan, with LED taillights bridged by an attractive chrome strip. We caught this mule wearing a cloth convertible top, but because the car keeps the same overall structure as the Sebring—and the two tops use the same mechanism with different skins—we expect to see the folding hardtop return as an option.

We’re trying to avoid sounding like a broken record, but in this case, it’s impossible. Like the sedan, the 200 convertible will welcome the new Pentastar 3.6-liter V-6 deploying its 283 hp through a six-speed automatic transmission. (Also like the sedan, it should retain the base 2.4-liter four, which is to be avoided.) To improve on the old Sebring’s atrocious ride and handling, we’re anticipating a similar approach to that which has greatly livened the sedan: lowered suspension with stiffer bushings, higher spring rates, and thicker anti-roll bars, as well as quicker steering. The interior will be greatly improved; like many other new Chryslers, the 200 will get a new one-piece, soft-touch dash pad accented by other high-quality plastics and chrome dressings.

We can say from firsthand experience that the 200 sedan is much improved over the car it replaces, and we’re looking forward to seeing those changes make their way to the 200 droptop. The convertible should debut early in 2011 and, if pricing stays in line with the sedan’s, expect a slight increase from the 2010 models, which started around $28,500. Considering the tremendous improvements to the car, it should be a fair deal.

Thanks to: Car and Driver