As we have previously reported, BMW will expand its 1-Series with coupe and convertible versions. Spy photographers have snapped the best shots yet of the coupe variant of the BMW 1-Series during testing in Munich.

There are rumors of a version powered by BMW’s new 3.0L twin-turbo, and possibly an M version as well.

The BMW 1-Series Coupe will join the 3- and 5-door hatch models and is scheduled to debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show this fall.

## Source: World Car Fans ##

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Over the last month, Saab has taken prototypes of its facelifted 9-3 out for cold weather testing, and we’ve shown spy shots of both wagon and convertible models. Spy photographers have once again caught a prototype of the facelifted 9-3 Convertible during testing.

Featuring the same Aero X-inspired front end as the wagon, this 9-3 is wearing slightly less camouflage, giving us a better look at the restyled front end. Earlier prototypes did not have decor strips on the bodysides, which we expected meant that they were begin dropped for a cleaner look, however they have returned on this prototype.

The facelifted Saab 9-3 may debut as part of Saab’s 60th anniversary celebrations in June.

## Source: World Car Fans ##

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Last month, we saw the first spy shots of Ford’s all-new lifestyle crossover, which is inspired by the Iosis X concept. Spy photographers have again caught the crossover during cold weather testing, and have even put together an illustration of what the crossover could look like.

Inspired by the Iosis X, which debuted at the last fall’s Paris Motor Show, the production crossover will feature Ford of Europe’s “kinetic design” language also seen on the Mondeo, and S-MAX and Galaxy MPVs. The new lifestyle crossover will be based on the Euro Focus C1 platform

Ford’s new crossover is scheduled to debut at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, and will enter a growing yet crowded market, including vehicles like the BMW X3, Opel Antara, Toyota RAV4, Nissan Qashqai, and other new entries like the Audi Q5, Volkswagen Tiguan, and Mercedes GLK.

## Source: World Car Fans ##

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We’ve seen several shots of BMW’s mystery roadster that has sparked much debate among auto spies as to this car’s identity. While many thought this was BMW’s SL-challenging Z9 (or Z6) roadster, there are others that think this is the next-generation Z4. The next Z4 is expected to grow to make room for a 1-Series-based Z2 entry-level roadster.

Based on the last set of photos, many changed their minds and got behind the idea that this is the next-generation Z4. While doubts are likely to remain for some time, as we don’t expect to see the camouflage stripped off the car for a while yet, we are jumping on the Z4 bandwagon — but we reserve the right to change our minds at any time.

Whatever it is, we have another set of photos of what we are saying is the Z4 roadster with its top down.

## Source: World Car Fans ##

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BMW continues testing its forthcoming M3, and spy photographers have caught a camouflaged prototype of its M3 sedan. The next-generation M3 will launch this fall with the M3 coupe, followed in the spring by the M3 cabriolet and finally the sedan version next fall. This will be the first M3 sedan in 13 years.

Under the camo, the M3 sedan is expected to feature a similar (if not identical) rear fascia and muscular fender flares as the M3 coupe. The M3 sedan will also share its aggressive front fascia will the M3 coupe, including the headlamps and grille coming from the 3-Series coupe. All M3 models will be powered by a 420-hp 4.0L V8 derived from the M5/M6’s V10.

The BMW M3 Coupe will have its official debut at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show in September. No word on when the M3 sedan will debut.

## Source: World Car Fans ##

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Following last week’s debut of the BMW M3 Concept, the Bavarian automaker returned to testing its M3 models. Spy photographers have caught a camouflaged prototypes of its M3 sedan and cabriolet. The V8-powered M3 coupe will launch this fall, with the M3 cabriolet following in the spring.

There is plenty of debate about the type of top that will be seen on the cabriolet model. At first it was thought that the droptop M3 would feature a folding metal hardtop just like the standard model 3-Series, but then came the reports the BMW’s M engineers were not happy with the extra weight of the hardtop.

Based on these photos, it looks like BMW is still considering a hardtop for its M3 cabriolet or it is just trying to throw the dogs off the scent. When we first heard that BMW was considering a soft-top, there was some speculation that BMW may be considering a carbon fiber hardtop as a weight-saving measure.

Either way, the BMW M3 cabriolet is expected in spring of 2008 and we’ll know before then.

## Source: Winding Road ##

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Porsche has taken several of its new models up north for cold weather testing. First, we saw the restyled Boxster, then it was the restyled Cayman, and then the 911 Turbo Cabriolet. Nowe we have the first photos of undisguised prototype of the Porsche 911 GT2.

While the all-wheel drive 911 Turbo has make due with just 480-hp, the 3.6L turbo in the rear-wheel drive GT2 is expected to deliver up to 520-hp. In part by stripping out the all-wheel drive system, the GT2 will tip the scales about 100 kg to 150 kg lighter than the 911 Turbo. Lighter weight and more power is always a good recipe from the ultimate track performance.

As is typical of recent turbo Porsche models, the GT2 will feature the floating turn indicators. The GT2 will sport larger air intakes, and a huge fixed wing out back.

## Source: World Car Fans ##

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Amateur spy photographer, John M. Sullivan, caught a couple of camouflaged 2008 Jeep Libertys during a visit to the Coors Brewing Company in Golden, Colorado. Looking nearly identical to the Dodge Nitro, a closer inspection reveals the trademark Jeep grille and rounded headlamps.

As it is sharing its platform with the Dodge Nitro, the 2008 Jeep Liberty will ride on a longer wheelbase and have a longer rear overhang. All this extra not only benefits passengers and cargo, but allows the spare to be relocated under the vehicle, which means a vertically opening rear hatch.

## Source: Autoblog ##

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Porsche has take several of its car up north from some cold weather testing. Spy photographers caught an undisguised prototype of the new Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet during cold weather in Sweden. Until now, all we’ve seen have been disguised prototypes, but this is the first time the cabrio has been caught undressed.

No significant mechanical changes are expected from the 911 Turbo coupe, which means a 480-hp 3.6L flat-six mated to a six-speed manual or five-speed Tiptronic, and an all-wheel drive system.

The Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet will likely carry a price tag just over $10,000 higher than the $122,900 coupe.

## Source: The Car Connection ##

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Following the refresh of its 5-Series sedan, BMW is giving its 6-Series a minor facelift, which will likely arrive for the 2008 model year. Up front, the BMW 6-Series gets a revised front air dam, with narrower center intake and repositioned fog lights within the center air intake. The disguised headlamps offer hints that BMW has those will see a few changes. Out back, a revised bumper will include redesigned reflectors back-up lights. The revised taillamps will feature three gill-like extensions for a little visual bling.

With the dramatic/controversial design of the 6-Series, The minor refresh is typical of BMW’s mid-cycle facelifts, and with the dramatic/controversial design of the 6-Series is likely to be noticed by only the most avid BMW fans.

## Source: The Car Connection ##

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In the space of a few hours, we have gone from posting that Bentley is working on an update for its Continental GT to showing you the fist pictures of the facelifted cars. Earlier today we reported that Bentley would debut an refreshed the Continental GT later this year, now spy photographers have caught the updated cars out during cold weather testing.

As we expected, the styling revisions will apply to all Continental models, including the Flying Spur sedan. The facelifted Continentals will get a mildly reshaped bumper with a wider central air intake. Bentley will also make some minor changes to the car’s interior, but the 6.0L W12 engine is likely to be unchanged.

The updated Bentley Continentals are expected to arrive by the end of the year.

## Source: World Car Fans ##

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Pay no attention to the label on the tailgate — this is no R32. Spy photographers have caught Volkswagen’s new Golf R36 at a fuel stop during cold weather testing. If the recently unveiled (in the U.S.) R32 and its 250-hp isn’t enough, Volkswagen is working on a hotter Golf R version featuring the 300-hp 3.6L V6 out of the Passat R36. The R36 will deliver the additional power through the same all-wheel drive and DSG powertrain as the R32.

Based on the photos, the R36 will be differentiated from the R32 by a unique front fascia with massive air intakes, and revised front grille with two small air intakes at the bottom of the grille.

No word on whether the hotter R32 will make it to the States, but that hasn’t stopped us from drooling.

## Source: World Car Fans ##

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We’ve seen shots of the facelifted Boxster, but spy photographers have finally caught the facelifted Porsche Cayman that will debut for the 2009 model year.

As can be seen in the photos, the Cayman will feature a restyled front fascia including new air intakes with the round foglights moved closer to the outer edge, and new LED daytime driving lamps. Out back, the Cayman will get a reshaped rear bumper and new LED taillamps.

There is no word yet on interior or mechanical upgrades, but we wouldn’t be surprised to see Porsche DFI direct fuel injection to find its way into the Cayman and Boxter.

## Source: World Car Fans ##

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As we have previously reported, the Land Cruiser, the oldest vehicle of Toyota’s lineup, will be redesigned for the 2009 model year. While we have seen similarly disguised vehicles in the past, the big news is that the next-generation Land Cruiser will be available with a new 4.5L V8 turbodiesel. Output for the new engine is said to be producing 206-hp and 317 lb-ft of torque, which both seem a little low, with the torque being extremely low.

The new Toyota Land Cruiser is expected to debut at the Tokyo Auto Salon in December, with sales beginning in 2008.

## Source: Carscoop ##

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Ford has begun to roll out test mules for the next-generation is its vitally important F-150. Most of the mules spotted by cameramen have been wearing current F-Series body panels with a jutting front bumper. No spy photographer have finally caught first test mule that is actually wearing the front clip and grille of the next-generation Ford F-150.

While everything forward of the A-pillar is heavily disguised, we can still see a variant of Ford’s new corporate grille, with three thick chrome bars. The camouflage does an excellent job covering everything else, but the next F-150 is expected to get all new sheet metal and interior.

Based on the jutting front bumper, the F-150 looks to be slightly longer in front of the A-pillar, which likely means a larger engine bay. So why does the F-150 need a larger engine bay? Is it for Ford’s new V8 gas engines? The new light-duty diesel? The 6.8L V10? Let the speculation begin.

## Source: Winding Road ##

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