Showing posts with label Nurburgring. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nurburgring. Show all posts

Lexus LS TMG Edition 650HP Spied on Video: Are Those the Sounds of a V8 or a V10?


Our trusty spies have scored another touchdown with the high-performance, wide-body Lexus LS saloon that has piqued our interest over the past few days.

We already know it is called the Lexus LS TMG Edition and that it is being developed by the Japanese group's Toyota Motorsports GmbH division, formerly known as Toyota Team Europe, based in Cologne, Germany.

Toyota's subsidiary was responsible for firm's World Rally Championship cars starting from the 1970s right up to the 1990s, but now works on various special projects.

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Fresh Spy Shots of Lexus LS TMG Edition and New Spec Sheet that Says it gets 650-Horses


The veil of secrecy surrounding the super Lexus LS that we captured testing on the Nürburgring racetrack last week has started to fall apart.

Today, along with a fresh batch of scoop pictures of the hotted up LS, our spy photographers also sent us a shot of a spec sheet that's been circulating on the internet and which we were also informed about from the guys over at the Clublexus fan site.

Here's what Mike from ClubLexus told Carscoop:

"We had an insider at the old F1 Toyota facility snap photos of this LS and what looked like a modified LFA GT2 with BBS wheels, widened fenders....they snapped photos of the specs for the LS...it stated 650hp at 9,000 RPM with 20" wheels. Within hours of the pics posted, we got a message from Toyota to take the pics down, which we did."

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SPY SHOTS: Hotted Up Audi Q3 S/RS with 2.5-liter Turbo Takes to the 'Ring


A new flagship version of the Audi Q3 series is starting to take shape as the German company has begun testing prototype models of what may end up carrying the 'S', 'RS' or even perhaps a different moniker altogether on the famous Nürburgring racetrack.

We first received concrete proof that Audi is contemplating the development of a high-performance version of its Q3 compact crossover during a press event in Switzerland when the Ingolstadt-based automaker gave journalists the opportunity to drive a test model equipped with the force-fed five-pot found in the TT RS and RS3 models.

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SCOOP: Mystery Sport Lexus LS Caught Testing on the 'Ring, Could it be the LS-F?


Lexus may not be fully embroiled in the sports car segment as the only true performance models in its range are the IS-F and the limited run LFA special, but something tells us that the Japanese firm is not yet ready to throw the towel in and let its rivals take the win.

And this, despite the fact that over the years, we have heard many rumors about the possibility of Lexus expanding its range of high-performance F-badged lineup to include the GS and the LS models, and which never came into fruition.

This brings us to our mystery Lexus LS prototype that was snagged doing the rounds on the Nürburgring racetrack in Germany. Our scoop photographers tell us that the car featured the usual testing equipment seen on other prototypes on the 'Ring.

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SCOOP: New Audi RS4 Avant Flexes its Muscles on the Nürburgring


While Audi's executive officers were showcasing the Ingolstadt-based firm's latest conceptual and production models such as the S6, S7, S8 and the Urban studies, the company's engineers were hard at work trying out a prototype of the upcoming RS4 series in Avant form.

The wider front and rear tracks hiding under blistered wheel arches along with the massive brakes, large alloy wheels and the typical RS-style twin oval tail pipes leave no doubt that this is the upcoming RS4 Avant model.

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SCOOP: 2013 Cadillac ATS Hits the Road for Testing


Here's another chance to take a look at the upcoming 2013 Cadillac ATS, GM's answer to the executive compact sedan segment dominated by the likes of BMW's 3-Series, the Audi A4 and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

And just in case you're wondering, the introduction of the ATS will lead to a larger next-generation CTS to better compete against cars like the BMW 5-Series and the latest Lexus GS.

Our scoop photographers captured the 2013 Cadillac ATS while testing in Europe. Even though the prototype is clothed in camouflage, we manage to get a taste of the car's size as well as Cadillac's edgy design language with prominent creases running along sides and the front and rear ends of the ATS.

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Video: Lexus LFA Nürburgring Edition Laps the 'Ring in 7:14.64" Making it the 4th Fastest Production Car


After the news about the LFA Nürburgring Edition's lap time of 7:14.64 at Nordschleife racetrack started circulating around the web, Lexus decided today to confirm the feat with an official statement, and more importantly, in-car video footage.

The LFA Nürburgring Edition package is available only on 50 of the 500 LFA cars that are planned to be built.

Changes over the standard model include a more powerful 4.8-liter V10 with 571PS (+11ps), a faster 6-speed sequential transmission, carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic front apron and rear wing, a lower and more aggressively tuned suspension plus mesh-type alloys fitted with higher-grip tires.

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SPIED: New Diesel-Powered BMW X6 M Spotted on the 'Ring?



There has been a lot of talk lately about BMW's plans to introduce its first-ever diesel-powered 'M' model. Just last week, the Detroit-Bureau spoke to BMW M Manager Brian Watts who confirmed the German company's interest in an M-badged diesel model.

The news site also cited inside sources to say that the plans calls for the development of a highly modified version of BMW's 3.0-liter straight-six oil-burner fitted with three-turbochargers developing around 500-horsepower and well over 600 lb-ft of peak torque. This engine would be fitted on M-badged versions of the 5-Series and the X6 crossover.

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SPIED: New, Evoque-Inspired 2013 Range Rover Hits the 'Ring



Only last week, we brought you spy pictures of the all-new 2012 Range Rover, but our man with the long lens has once again managed to capture the luxury 4x4, this time, in and out of the Nordschleife.

The company’s test drivers put the zebra-dressed Range Rover prototype through its paces to check out different suspension settings and evaluate its on-road high-speed behavior and agility.

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SPIED: Porsche Developing New Cajun on Modified Audi Q5 Platform



Our trusty scoopers caught Porsche's development team working on a test mule of the new Cajun junior crossover before it entered the German firm's test facility at the Nürburgring.

Hiding under the Audi Q5 body is a modified version of the crossover's platform with wider tracks that will form the base for the new Porsche Cajun.

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SCOOP: 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe Facelift Gains Styling Tweaks and More Powerful V6



Hyundai's well-received first attempt in the rear-wheel drive sports car segment, the Genesis Coupe, is up for a mid-life nip and tuck, which will be more than skin deep.

Our spies nabbed a camouflaged prototype of the 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe testing in and around the Nürburgring racetrack in Germany. The first thing that caught our attention on the outside is the boot lid but we’re not certain if Hyundai has redesigned the rear end or is simply trying out a new spoiler.

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2012 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG Spied on and about the 'Ring


The next-gen Mercedes SL63 AMG has officially been caught testing, aaaaaaaannnd...there it is. Much like the SLS and recently-revealed CLS, the front end of Merc's new hardtop roadster will sport a more in-your-grille fascia (punny, I know). It's so blunt and brutish, I'd say the German firm's stylists could have been helping Dodge with the 2011 Charger.

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SPY VIDEO: 2011 Nissan GT-R SpecM Testing on the 'Ring


Nissan appears to be preparing a new SpecM version of the upgraded for the 2011 model year, GT-R sports car, as several lightly camouflaged prototypes were spied testing at the Nurburgring race track. The SpecM model was rumored to debut at last year's Tokyo Motor Show, but that never happened.

The prototype GT-Rs seen in this video look like they are equipped with the same aero kit and forged alloy wheels as the more hardcore SpecV model, but with a different design for the quad-exhaust tips.

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SPY VIDEO: Lamborghini Testing Spider Version of RWD Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni


Looks like Lamborghini is working on the development of a topless version of its limited-run Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni special, which was named after the Italian company's most renowned test driver. The test mule was spied testing in and around the famous Nürburgring race track.

As with the coupe model, the Gallardo Spyder LP550-2 Valentino Balboni will ditch the standard Gallardo's four-wheel drive system for a lighter rear-wheel drive configuration, with power coming from a 5.2-liter V10 engine pushing out 550HP and 398 lb-ft of torque at 6500 rpm, hooked up to either a manual gearbox or an e-gear automated transmission with column-mounted shift paddles.

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SPY VIDEO: New Audi A7 Sportback Doing Some Fast Laps on the 'Ring


Here's another spy video of the A7 Sportback, Audi's upcoming, low-roofline hatchback [sic]. Based on the architecture of the next-generation of the A6, the A7 will slot into the Audi lineup above the A6 and below the A8, in the same way that the A5 Sportback fits between the A4 and A6 models.

The upscale five-door model will compete with the new Mercedes-Benz CLS, and if the rumors turn out to be true, with the BMW 6-Series GT (or whatever else the Bavarian firm's decided to call the production Gran Coupe) also, when it goes on sale next year.

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New 2011 Suzuki Swift Snagged on Film, Could Debut in Paris This Year


Having presented the new Kizashi sedan, Suzuki is now focused on finishing the development of the new generation of the Swift supermini that was spied here on film during testing in and around the Nurburgring race track.

Riding on a new platform, the 2011 Swift will be slightly bigger than today's model but it will maintain its MINI-like design feel and shape. The most notable styling changes (or at least those that can be seen on the camouflaged cars) concern the more prominent and significantly larger headlamps and tail lights.

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SPY VIDEO: 2011 Toyota FT86 - Subaru Prototype Captured on the Nurburgring

The oddly shaped coupe covered in layers of metal and camouflage tape that you see in this spy video undergoing tests at the Nurburgring race track is none other than a test mule for the upcoming Toyota / Subaru co-developed rear-wheel drive sport coupes. Understandably, there's no way of knowing if it's a prototype for the Toyota-badged model that will be previewed at this week's Tokyo Motor Show with the FT-86 Concept or for Subaru's derivative that has yet to be revealed or even named.

Not that it matters as both compact sport coupes will share the same mechanical underpinnings including a modified version of Subaru's 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine said (but not officially confirmed) to produce up to 200HP.

Both the Subaru and Toyota variants of the rear-wheel drive 2+2 coupe are to be produced in Japan at Subaru's Gunma factory with the first examples due to arrive in the market in late 2011.

Via: Jalopnik , Source: Ft86club





2010 Alfa Romeo Milano - 149 Hatchback Spied Testing on the Nurburgring

Our spies have captured a masked prototype of the Alfa Romeo Milano, previously known as the 149, running tests at the Nurburgring race track in Germany. The Golf-sized premium hatchback will replace the aging 147 that has been around since 2000 having received a mid-life facelift in 2004. Rivaling the likes of the Audi A3 and BMW 1-Series hatch, the Milano uses the Fiat Group's new C-Evo medium car platform that is said to underpin an array of future Chrysler Group models.

The extensive cladding on the prototype cannot hide the familiar styling traits from Alfa Romeo's latest generation models and especially the curvalicious front end with the circular headlamps inspired from the MiTo and the 8C Competizione.

The spy photos suggest that the Milano will get a steeply raked roofline and a more unique treatment for the rear-end, though expect to see circular LED tail-lamps similar in design to the ones found on the MiTo.

When the Milano begins to arrive at Alfa Romeo's European dealerships sometime in the second half of 2010, the five-door hatchback will most likely be offered with the Fiat Group's 1.4-liter and 1.75-liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engines producing between 120HP and 200HP+. The range will also include a variety of turbo diesels.

Expect to see Alfa releasing sportier Ti variants with cosmetic and suspension upgrades while rumor has it that the Italians are also considering a range-topping GTA model, though we must point out that the same was said about the 159 and Alfa has yet to reveal its S4 challenger.

The official presentation of the Milano could take place as early as the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, but chances are that Alfa will probably wait for the Geneva Show in March 2010. It remains to be seen if the Alfa Romeo Milano makes its way to the States after the Fiat Group's tie up with Chrysler.

Nurburgring Webcam Captures Prototype Models

The Nurburgring webcam (click here) is one of our favorite free-time activities as the fact that you never know what you're going to stumble upon makes it rather addicting. Just a few minutes ago, after a couple of bimmers, a Volkswagen Scirocco and a Ford Focus RS, we saw two camouflaged prototype models. We are not 100 percent sure, but we reckon that the first car up front is the 2010 Opel Astra followed closely behind by Buick's small-sized sedan. What's your guess?


2012 Volkswagen Passat Test Mules Hit the 'Ring

The first test mules of Volkswagen's next-generation Passat sedan are slowly starting to break cover on and around the Nurburgring race track, as the German automaker moves ahead with the development of the mid-size sedan that is expected to hit the market sometime in 2012. It's still too early for specific details but the photos reveal that the new Passat will most likely sit atop a longer and wider platform - notice the stretched B-pillar and the extended wheelarches on the test mule that uses the body of the current generation Passat.

Like most new vehicles today, it is almost certain that Volkswagen will equip the new Passat with a revised engine line up promising to offer better fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions.

Via: Worldcarfans