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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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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McLaren Automotive reveals details of its next generation of prototypes [Video]

Development of the groundbreaking McLaren MP4-12C is entering its final phase. The bespoke high-performance sports car is due to launch in 2011, and right now the latest Experimental Prototype (XP) 12Cs are undergoing intensive appraisal at a number of test locations around the world.



One such site is Spain's Applus IDIADA facility, the most comprehensive independent proving ground in Europe. McLaren Automotive recently obtained special permission to capture on camera the XP Beta cars in action at Applus IDIADA, and on public roads in the foothills near Tarragona. The result is the second in the 'Inside McLaren Automotive' series of short films. This gives viewers a unique insight into a performance car testing programme from the perspective of the development team responsible for the 12C.





Featured in the short film are XP8 and XP10, two XP Beta-phase prototypes. Wrapped almost entirely in matt black vinyl, XP Beta cars are clearly discernable from 2009's XP cars, which were seen in the 'Inside McLaren: Developing the MP4-12C" video sporting a black and white contrasting camouflage exterior.



The XP Beta test cars feature significant technological advancements that take the 12C nearer to production. A revised iteration of the M838T twin-turbo engine, transmission featuring new gear ratios, a more efficient cooling package, new suspension geometry and upgraded electrical architecture are the headline features of current prototypes, denoting key differences between XP and XP Beta cars.





Indicative performance figures generated by the XP Beta cars are expected to be announced in March, but feedback from February's testing suggests that McLaren Automotive's aspirations to out-perform its competitors appear well-founded.



A core team of 20-25 Vehicle Technicians travel with the XP Beta cars and are on hand 24 hours a day, seven days a week to support a test programme that mirrors the intensity of developing a Formula 1 car. Meanwhile, a further 12 Vehicle Development Engineers are responsible for specific technologies and systems being appraised while out on test.





Mark Vinnels, McLaren Automotive Programme Director, is leading the engineering team and said: "There is an extensive list of subjective and objective targets set for our prototype vehicles. These XP Beta cars are already achieving outstanding results in many of the subjective areas, which includes ride quality, handling and many other aspects of dynamic performance.



"The benchmark competitor vehicles we have tested become nervous and twitchy at higher speed, but the 12C feels more stable than anything I have driven. Because the bump rejection is so good, the ride is smooth and the steering is solid."





"Between now and production the vehicles and the team are working flat out. All this is geared towards not just achieving our unprecedented levels of performance but also guaranteeing the levels of quality, reliability and durability with which we expect to delight future McLaren customers."





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McLaren Automotive reveals details of its next generation of prototypes [Video]

Development of the groundbreaking McLaren MP4-12C is entering its final phase. The bespoke high-performance sports car is due to launch in 2011, and right now the latest Experimental Prototype (XP) 12Cs are undergoing intensive appraisal at a number of test locations around the world.



One such site is Spain's Applus IDIADA facility, the most comprehensive independent proving ground in Europe. McLaren Automotive recently obtained special permission to capture on camera the XP Beta cars in action at Applus IDIADA, and on public roads in the foothills near Tarragona. The result is the second in the 'Inside McLaren Automotive' series of short films. This gives viewers a unique insight into a performance car testing programme from the perspective of the development team responsible for the 12C.





Featured in the short film are XP8 and XP10, two XP Beta-phase prototypes. Wrapped almost entirely in matt black vinyl, XP Beta cars are clearly discernable from 2009's XP cars, which were seen in the 'Inside McLaren: Developing the MP4-12C" video sporting a black and white contrasting camouflage exterior.



The XP Beta test cars feature significant technological advancements that take the 12C nearer to production. A revised iteration of the M838T twin-turbo engine, transmission featuring new gear ratios, a more efficient cooling package, new suspension geometry and upgraded electrical architecture are the headline features of current prototypes, denoting key differences between XP and XP Beta cars.





Indicative performance figures generated by the XP Beta cars are expected to be announced in March, but feedback from February's testing suggests that McLaren Automotive's aspirations to out-perform its competitors appear well-founded.



A core team of 20-25 Vehicle Technicians travel with the XP Beta cars and are on hand 24 hours a day, seven days a week to support a test programme that mirrors the intensity of developing a Formula 1 car. Meanwhile, a further 12 Vehicle Development Engineers are responsible for specific technologies and systems being appraised while out on test.





Mark Vinnels, McLaren Automotive Programme Director, is leading the engineering team and said: "There is an extensive list of subjective and objective targets set for our prototype vehicles. These XP Beta cars are already achieving outstanding results in many of the subjective areas, which includes ride quality, handling and many other aspects of dynamic performance.



"The benchmark competitor vehicles we have tested become nervous and twitchy at higher speed, but the 12C feels more stable than anything I have driven. Because the bump rejection is so good, the ride is smooth and the steering is solid."





"Between now and production the vehicles and the team are working flat out. All this is geared towards not just achieving our unprecedented levels of performance but also guaranteeing the levels of quality, reliability and durability with which we expect to delight future McLaren customers."





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2011 Porsche Cayenne Diesel Spy

We have a fairly good idea of what the new 2011 Porsche Cayenne look likes, thanks to a couple of official leaks and some revealing spy shots, but in less than two weeks all will finally be revealed as the new SUV makes its debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show.


The current-generation Cayenne Diesel achieves a fuel economy of around 25.3 mpg (Combined European) but with a kerb weight almost 400 pounds lighter, the new Cayenne Diesel should achieve significantly better results. The Cayenne S Hybrid, however, will be the most fuel efficient Porsche in the automaker’s lineup, returning a fuel economy of about 28.7 mpg.


The regular gasoline models will include the base Cayenne, powered by a 3.6-liter V-6 model with 300 horsepower, the naturally aspirated 4.8-liter V-8 Cayenne S with 400 horsepower and a range-topping twin-turbocharged 4.8-liter V-8 Cayenne Turbo with 500 horsepower.


This latter model has been seen testing for the first time, captured here by spy photographers whilst being filled up with diesel fuel near a test location in Northern Europe. The new 2011 Porsche Cayenne Diesel will pack the same 240 horsepower 3.0-liter V-6 turbodiesel engine found in the current model but will tuned slightly to produce fewer emissions.


Two more models will eventually join the lineup: the Cayenne S Hybrid, which packs a supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 and electric motor for a combined output of 375 horsepower, and the new Cayenne Diesel.

Sadly, neither the Cayenne Diesel nor Cayenne S Hybrid will be arriving in the U.S. anytime soon.
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2011 Porsche Cayenne Diesel Spy

We have a fairly good idea of what the new 2011 Porsche Cayenne look likes, thanks to a couple of official leaks and some revealing spy shots, but in less than two weeks all will finally be revealed as the new SUV makes its debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show.


The current-generation Cayenne Diesel achieves a fuel economy of around 25.3 mpg (Combined European) but with a kerb weight almost 400 pounds lighter, the new Cayenne Diesel should achieve significantly better results. The Cayenne S Hybrid, however, will be the most fuel efficient Porsche in the automaker’s lineup, returning a fuel economy of about 28.7 mpg.


The regular gasoline models will include the base Cayenne, powered by a 3.6-liter V-6 model with 300 horsepower, the naturally aspirated 4.8-liter V-8 Cayenne S with 400 horsepower and a range-topping twin-turbocharged 4.8-liter V-8 Cayenne Turbo with 500 horsepower.


This latter model has been seen testing for the first time, captured here by spy photographers whilst being filled up with diesel fuel near a test location in Northern Europe. The new 2011 Porsche Cayenne Diesel will pack the same 240 horsepower 3.0-liter V-6 turbodiesel engine found in the current model but will tuned slightly to produce fewer emissions.


Two more models will eventually join the lineup: the Cayenne S Hybrid, which packs a supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 and electric motor for a combined output of 375 horsepower, and the new Cayenne Diesel.

Sadly, neither the Cayenne Diesel nor Cayenne S Hybrid will be arriving in the U.S. anytime soon.
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Spy Shots: BMW 6-Series Cabrio

Spy photographers have captured new pictures of the next generation BMW 6-Series Cabrio. The pictures were taken while the car was on the road in Munich.


Images show for the first time the rear light clusters in place of the conical dummy units from previous prototypes. Also we can see a center brake light mounted in the center of the boot lid, similar to the last version.


The car's emblem, already recessed in the previous generation's boot lid, looks larger, and inset to the point where it is almost perfectly flat, according to the spy.


Look for the next-gen BMW 6-Series to take styling cues from both the 7er and the CS Concept.
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Spy Shots: BMW 6-Series Cabrio

Spy photographers have captured new pictures of the next generation BMW 6-Series Cabrio. The pictures were taken while the car was on the road in Munich.


Images show for the first time the rear light clusters in place of the conical dummy units from previous prototypes. Also we can see a center brake light mounted in the center of the boot lid, similar to the last version.


The car's emblem, already recessed in the previous generation's boot lid, looks larger, and inset to the point where it is almost perfectly flat, according to the spy.


Look for the next-gen BMW 6-Series to take styling cues from both the 7er and the CS Concept.
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2011 Chevrolet Orlando Spy Winter Testing

These latest spy shots capture a 2011 Orlando prototype undergoing cold weather testing in Europe. They reveal that the production Orlando will keep the boxy design, swept-back roof, and blunt front-end of the concept, although it appears that the sliding door and split tailgate configuration of the show car has been dropped in favor of a conventional four-door body and vertically lifting tailgate.


The Orlando is based on the same front-wheel drive Delta platform that underpins cars like the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze and Volt plug-in hybrid, and despite its compact proportions the upcoming crossover will be able to seat seven.


Being based on the Delta platform means the Orlando will most likely enter production at the same Hamtramck plant in Detroit that will build the Cruze and Volt sedans. However, the new crossover will be a crucial model in Chevrolet’s global lineup, with production planned for Europe and South Korea as well.


Expect a similar powertrain lineup to the one in the Cruze for North American markets, which means a range of four-cylinder gasoline engines in both naturally aspirated and turbocharged forms. A plug-in hybrid version using the Voltec system borrowed from the Volt may also make an appearance according to previous comments from GM vice chairman and former product planner Bob Lutz.


Chevrolet confirmed early last year that it would bring a production version of 2008’s Orlando concept vehicle to North American markets sometime in 2011, reversing an earlier decision to only sell the vehicle overseas.
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Next-gen Porsche 911 gets LED indicators Spy Photos

No other automaker subscribes to the "evolution, not revolution" idiom more than Porsche, and the next generation 911 will benefit from yet another styling refresh later this year in the form of some subtly tweaked sheetmetal and a new set of LED indicators that join the current model's daytime running lights.


Although the front-mounted LEDs are the most glaring addition, these newest spy shots hint at slightly reworked front and rear fascias, Panamera-inspired mirrors and the possible addition of a retractable rear spoiler. If we had to guess, we'd expect the newest 911 to debut either at the Geneva Motor Show in March or the Paris show this October, with a few minor mechanical updates and the usual assortment of interior upgrades.


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Spied: 2011 Ford Mondeo Facelift Again Winter Testing

New spy photos of the 2011 Ford Mondeo facelift have surfaced six weeks before its introduction in Geneva. The car was spied during cold weather testing along European route E45, a road that runs from the northern Sweden/Finland border down to the southern tip of Sicily, Italy.

The new pictures show a car, powered by the TDCi engine, that has faced at least one challenge: the car looks to be scratched and dented at the bottom of the rear passenger-side door.


Under Ford's Kinetic Design scheme, engineers included a new front bumper with other changes expected on the facelifted model. The prototypes are still sporting black tape covering up details here, which may include LEDs. A new grille is also expected here. Test vehicles also seem to indicate that the next model will have new side mirrors, as well as rear LED clusters. Changes to the rear bumper are also possible, and interior upgrades are anticipated.


Look for the 2011 model year Mondeo to get the Galaxy facelift's 200-horsepower 2.0-liter Ecoboost engine mated to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission, and the 2.0-liter Duratorq TDCi diesel. The diesel will be available with either 113, 138, or 160 horsepower.


Eventually, a four-cylinder 1.6-liter Ecoboost producing up to 180 hp may also be offered.

Look for the 2011 Ford Mondeo facelift to be introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in March.
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