Jalopnik: spy photos

First Lotus F1 Car In Fifteen Years Spied Lapping Silverstone

Wes Siler — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:30:00 EST

After fifteen years, Lotus will return to Formula One this season with this car, spied undergoing its first test at Silverstone. No details 'til Friday, but damn is it good to see green and yellow in F1 again. [Autosport]

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thecharles411 — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:16:11 EST

The new Lotus F1

#spyphotos
#tips

thecharles411

Chinese VW Jetta Facelift Comically Bad

Matt Hardigree — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:00:00 EST

What we know as the second-generation VW Jetta has been in continuous production in China since 1991 and, because they also sell newer Volkswagens there, they've constantly upgraded it to match the corporate image. Now it's just ridiculous.

Despite molding a pair of headlights and a grille similar to the latest Jetta, the flat-sided old vee-dub looks hilarious. It just doesn't work. The best part, though, is the Phaeton-esque taillights. Remember, this isn't a clone. This is Volkswagen. [China Car Times]

Ferrari Confirms 599 GTO, Spy Shots Hit The 'Net

Sam Smith — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 18:00:00 EST

Ferrari CEO Amadeo Felisa recently confirmed that the Prancing Horse plans to release a streetable version of the 599XX. The car will be dubbed 599 GTO, weigh 3600 pounds, and produce 650 HP. A range-topping Enzo successor is also planned.

Details are slim, but Felisa has confirmed that the GTO will make extensive use of lightweight materials and offer both modified gearbox ratios and aerodynamic bits. Wheel diameter will be at least twenty inches, and the car will reportedly produce twice as much downforce as the ordinary 599 GTB. The GTO will likely be unveiled at a dedicated event this summer.

Related Ferrari news:

458: Maranello has no plans to produce a 458 Scuderia, but the 458 Spider will debut in 2011.

Hybrids: A 599 hybrid concept will be displayed at the Geneva auto show, but the company has no plans to produce a hybrid street car before 2015.

Fuel Efficiency: Cylinder deactivation, start-stop technology, and KERS will soon appear on production Ferraris, with the California being the first guinea pig.

Enzo Successor: To emphasize its "unique abilities," Maranello's next hypercar will be offered only in left-hand drive. A limited number (duh) will be sold.

[Autoblog.it and Autogespot]

Camaro Convertible Spotted Sporting Horrific Color Combo

Matt Hardigree — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 17:15:00 EST

The quick-to-the-shutter KGP photogs caught the Chevy Camaro Convertible very close to production. A drop-top Camaro could solve some visibility issues but please, for the love of all that's holy and mulleted, don't give it this beige-on-silver color combo. Ghastly.

Of course maybe this is some sort of new camouflage.

Spy Photog #1: "Was that a Camaro convertible?"
Spy Photog #2: "Naw, just a Solara I think..."

Photo Credit: KGP Photography

2012 Dodge Magnum Revealed In Patent Drawings, Looks Like An Olds

Ben Wojdyla — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 14:00:00 EST

The next-generation Dodge SUV will probably be called the 2012 Dodge Magnum, instead of Durango, but whatever it's called these patent drawings show it's got a Ram nose, old Viper wheels and an Oldsmobile Bravada roofline.

Since Fiat's locked down pretty much all corporate communications coming out of Chrysler regarding future products and plans since their big five-year plan, we don't really know much about the replacement for the Durango. It could end up staying badged the Durango or picking up the Magnum name that passed away with their excellent but eventually canceled large wagon.

Whatever the case, this is what the thing will look like and it's said to be riding on a version of the platform underpinning the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, which means a modded Mercedes ML chassis. All these bedfellows are certainly making things strange. [Carscoop]

The Juke: Proof Nissan Isn't Even Trying Any More

Ben Wojdyla — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 15:15:00 EST

Avert your eyes. Please. This is likely the upcoming Euro-spec Nissan Juke, a horrifying fug-monster of a vehicle so hideous it might supplant the Pontiac Aztek as the butt of all jokes. At least for a little while. [WoodysCarSite]

2011 Pagani C9 A New, Turbocharged Unicorn

Matt Hardigree — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 13:00:00 EST

There may only be one 1994 Escort built with Electric Green exterior and pink interior, but nobody cares. A Pagani, on the other hand, is something rare and special. Time to start saving for the twin-turbocharged 2011 Pagani C9.

These photos show a tester for the Zonda-replacing C9, this time ditching the 7.3-liter AMG V12 in favor of the twin-turbo 6.0-liter V12 from the SL65 AMG Black Series. With 40 models set to be produced per year, the chances of owning one increase slightly... if you have $1.3 million burning a hole in your custom-tailored Italian pockets. [Road & Track]

First Photos: 2011 Grand Cherokee Gets Trail-Rated

Ben Wojdyla — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 09:30:00 EST

When we first heard the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee was getting air suspension, we were concerned it'd impact off-roading prowess. However, based on these first Rubicon Trail images, the next Grand Cherokee seems to crawl just fine.

The wheeling happened during the recent Jeep Jamboree and the new Grand Cherokee's display an impressive level of capability. We were under the impression the next-gen WKs (or whatever they'll be called) were pansy machines, but they're showing some significant badasserry here. If you pay attention in the gallery you'll even see the white one demonstrating some pretty impressive trail rash on the driver's side rear fender.

When Daimler-controlled Jeep said their vehicles wouldn't necessarily be Rubicon rated, we about tossed in the towel, but this new Grand Cherokee is proving there's still hope yet for the perennially cursed brand. It appears the new Grand Cherokee is handsomely appointed, wells-styled, AND capable off road. Color us hopeful for the one new Chrysler product.

Especially given other news today from the folks at JeepGarage.org that the all-new Grand Cherokee may get a starting price of $31,480 (including destination charges) for a base 4x2 Laredo up to $45,770 for a top-of-the range 4x4 Overland. That's a whopping ten bucks cheaper on the low end than the price of the long-in-the-tooth 2010 model. [Facebook, JeepGarage]

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thecharles411 — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 16:50:25 EST

New 2010 Williams F1 car revealed in [fake?] spy video

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thecharles411

If Only The Real 2011 VW Touareg Was This Small

Wes Siler — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 15:00:00 EST

Two shots of a toy based on the 2011 VW Touareg way ahead of the Geneva Motor Show in March. What do they reveal? A VW Golf grille on a 2011 Porsche Cayenne. Or is that the other way around?

Like its Porsche doppelganger, the new Touareg is expected to shed a little bit of weight as any pretension of off-road ability is dropped while interior space and quality should increase. Expect the usual array of VW engines, including a TDI, but also the new generation of twincharged TSI engines under the hood. [via WCF]

#spyphotos

Audaxero — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 07:19:17 EST

Stern.de has got some more (admittedly still camouflaged) pics of the Mercedes SLK prototype, braving the German public and petrol prices...

[www.stern.de]

#tips
#spyphotos

Audaxero

2012 Mercedes ML Can't Tow New CL Out Of Snow

Matt Hardigree — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 10:30:00 EST

What better way to test out the towing capabilities of your 2012 Mercedes ML test mule than pulling a face-lifted CL out of the snow? Oh, it can't? And there's a photographer around? Oops. [DiabloMotor (translated)]

2011 BMW 5 Series Lines Up With Ancestors In First Real-Life Photos

Matt Hardigree — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 09:00:00 EST

The 2011 BMW 5 Series was spotted in Portugal setting up at its own press reveal for what appears to be a real life version of the awesome photo of all six generations of the rapidly expanding mid-size luxo-barge.

Photo Credit: BMW Blog
Photo Credit: BMW Blog
Photo Credit: BMW Blog
Photo Credit: BMW Blog
Photo Credit: BMW Blog
Photo Credit: BMW Blog
Photo Credit: BMW Blog
Photo Credit: BMW Blog

Mysterious 1-Series Testing, Possibly M1?

Ben Wojdyla — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 11:00:00 EST

Although overly pudgy, BMW's got a high-potential chassis in the 1-Series. We've heard rumors of a More aggressive 1-series with a carbon fiber roof and bigger brakes. Sorta like this one seen testing in the M-division's hometown of Garching. M1?

We like the 1-series, but we want to love it. Unfortunately, weight is sorta a big factor. Given that, although we don't exactly know what BMW's testing here, if it's something M-flavored as the rumors indicate, we'll be quite pleased. Click through to take a closer look:

Obviously, one of the most noticeable features of this tester is the carbon fiber fender flairs. Compared to the stock 1-er behind it, the added tire width is quite evident.

Photo Credit: 1Addicts.com

Since the 1-Series came out, every Bimmer-phile's been pining for an M version, which this might be, but there's also rumor of a 1-Series supersport, a kind of CSL-like car without the a bonkers motor.

Photo Credit: 1Addicts.com

Here we can see some pretty serious Michelin Pilots over cross-drilled brakes, not too shabby.

Photo Credit: 1Addicts.com

Not much to see from this angle, except for the carbon fiber roof, which is the lead indicator this is more than just a wide-tire test machine. Development work and tooling for a part that big isn't cheap, and the M3's got a CF lid too. Now we're not ringing the bell on an M-1 or anything, but this could be pretty interesting.

Photo Credit: 1Addicts.com

Mini Four-Door "Crossman" Crossover Trips Out

Matt Hardigree — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 10:30:00 EST

To whet our appetite for the Crossman four-door crossover, Mini is teasing us with this video of a freaky camo'ed version driving through a similarly acid-enhanced world. Far. Freakin'. Out.

You can make out a few details including four doors, which means the gussied-up fancy-pants MINI Beachcomber-inspired concept we saw in Detroit is not a signal the new car will go sans-doors.

Lamborghini "Jota" Plans Murcielago's Retirement From Snowy Lair

Matt Hardigree — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 16:20:00 EST

The Lamborghini Murcielago will eventually be usurped by an even lighter and more powerful 700 HP V12 model seen here undergoing extreme weather testing in Northern Europe. It may be named Jota as an homage to the Miura SVJ. [WindingRoad]

2012 Mercedes SL Spied In Sweden

Wes Siler — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 13:45:00 EST

The 2012 Mercedes SL has been spied cold weather testing in Sweden ahead of an expected 2011 Paris Motor Show unveiling. Expect a taller front end to make pedestrians safer and styling based on the 2012 Mercedes CLS. [Automarket]

Next-Gen Chrysler 300C Hiding Behind Chrysler Guido

Matt Hardigree — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 11:15:00 EST

Probably because we called it the Chrysler Guido and made fun of them for having nothing, the clever folks at Chrysler inserted what looks like one pic of the 2012/2013 300C into a boring video behind the Guido.

Thankfully, our colleagues at MPGomatic were shooting video of the rebadged Lancia Delta and caught a a few of the stills in the background video. The first three appear to be Chrysler 200C but the fourth is almost certainly the 300C. When will this debut? Not sure, but the five-year product plan seems to indicate 2012/2013 for first sales. Here's the video.

(Hat tip to M_Bonkowski!)

The Chevy Aveo RS Concept Is Surprisingly Hot

Ray Wert — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 18:00:00 EST

While the embargo's just a few hours away, a few shots of a surprisingly attractive Chevy Aveo RS show car have leaked their way onto the internet. Click through to see them in all their surprising glory.

We'll have more details on the concept set to debut at the Detroit Auto Show later tonight, but for the moment these grainy shots show a much more attractive car than what we ever expected to see out of the Aveo. We approve. [via CarSpyShots]

Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 SuperVeloce: First Look

Wes Siler — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 13:00:00 EST

If these leaked images and data are correct, the Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 SuperVeloce might be gaining even more power and dropping more weight than the LP560-4. That probably means close to 570 HP and less than 3,300 Lbs. Update!

Update: Looks like we were duped folks, these images are renders created by LamboCars.com and the very existence of the LP570-4 looks more like wishful thinking than reality. Head over to LamboCars.com for full details.

These images leaked through a Romanian website without any firm details, so for now we're just looking at the name and placing an educated guess on those numbers. The "-4" indicates AWD.

The current Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 can hit 60 MPH in just 3.7 seconds, costs $198,000 and makes 553 HP and 398 Lb-Ft of torque. The LP570 is due to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show. [Automarket via Edmunds]