Monday, May 18, 2009

Amazing Spy Photos For The Lexus LF-A Race Version

While Ferrari, Lamborghini and Aston Martin have for long shared the prestigious title of the ‘ultimate supercar manufacturers’, Toyota’s luxury arm - Lexus - is on a quest to show the world, that it to can make a proper supercar.

Lexus LF-A Race Version Spy Photos


Japanese rival Nissan has already proven with its GT-R that you don’t need a $500,000 budget to lap the Nürburgring faster than today’s best supercars, but now it’s Lexus’ turn.



Our sources tell us that Lexus is going to use the legendary 24-hours race at the Nürburgring in May to officially show the all-new LF-A to the public for the very first time.




Lexus LF-A Race Version Spy Photos


However it won’t be the production variant, but this angry race-prepared LF-A variant. Caught by our European photographers yesterday, the ultimate Lexus doesn’t seem to share many design ideas with the current range. Not that it needs to.


Equipped with a massive aerodynamics kit including front flaps, smaller mirrors, a dramatic rear wing to ensure downforce plus an additional fuel filler right behind the passenger’s side window, the LF-A might just surprise us all in May (it may also fail miserably against the strong competition).



Lexus LF-A Race Version Spy Photos


The production version is expected to sport a V10 engine with around 400kW of power, but it’s uncertain which engine Lexus is using to power the race variant and how much power it produces.


The LF-A will the be Halo car for Lexus as it tries to bring performance to its brand. Lexus will shorly launch the IS-F in Australia plus many other ‘F’ models.




Lexus LF-A Race Version Spy Photos


Honda is also working on the next-generation NSX to compete with its Japanese rivals.

Lexus IS facelift/hybrid spy photos

Our European photographers took these photos of what appears to be a heavily disguised Lexus IS undergoing speed tests at the German Nürburgring.

Lexus IS facelift hybrid spy photos



Although similar in shape to the current model, there are hints of differentiation, the current IS series, which in Australia only includes the IS250, has been on the market since late 2005 and should be getting ready for a facelift.




Lexus IS facelift hybrid spy photos



Given the heavy disguise it’s hard to tell whether the headlight and taillamps have changed, but the bulge on the bonnet leads us to believe the actual prototype is a test mule for an IS variant featuring Lexus’ Hybrid Synergy Drive.




Lexus IS facelift hybrid spy photos



The BMW M3 and Audi RS4 competitor, the Lexus IS-F should be arriving soon. The IS-F will pack a 5.0-litre V8, good for around 300kW. It will put its power down through the rear wheels using an eight-speed automatic gearbox.



Lexus IS facelift hybrid spy photos



Lexus will also bring the IS coupe/convertible to Australia later in the year.



Lexus IS facelift hybrid spy photos



Toyota’s luxury arm is also working on a smaller and cheaper Lexus model to compete in the bottom end of the luxury market (against the 1-series). However that won’t be here for a few more years.

Top 2009 Lexus RX spy photos

The current Lexus RX range has been around since 2003 and it’s beginning to show its age. Australia was first introduced to the RX range with the arrival of the RX330 which was followed by the RX350 in 2006. The RX400h currently tops the range. However, Lexus is working on a new RX.


2009 Lexus RX spy photos



Our sources say the RX will be undergoing a major update for the 2009 model year, with production beginning on the revamped RX in late December this year, with cars expected mid-late 2009.




2009 Lexus RX spy photos



The “new” RX will measure in a fraction larger. It will still offer a 3.5-litre V6 (203kW & 341Nm), but we’re expecting a new 6-speed transmission to go along with the V6.




2009 Lexus RX spy photos



The current hybrid car only has 155kW and 288Nm of torque, however insiders say a new 400-horsepower (298kW) hybrid powerplant is expected in the RX by 2010 or 2011.



2009 Lexus RX spy photos



From the photos it seems that the new RX still looks like one we know now, but no doubt it will be modernised to keep up with current styling trends.



2009 Lexus RX spy photos

The Best Lotus ‘Eagle’ Spy Photos

Lotus ‘Eagle’ Spy Photos

Under the watchful eyes of Malaysian backers, Lotus has been undergoing a period of management stability allowing the company to reach its best. Recent rumours that the Malaysian-British joint-venture is gearing up to release another model seem to be true.

Lotus ‘Eagle’ Spy Photos


Snapped while undergoing handling testing in southern France, these pictures show what we currently know as the Lotus “Eagle”.



Larger and more powerful than the Elise, the ‘Eagle’ will be powered by a mid-mounted 3.5-litre petrol engine borrowed from Toyota and driven via the rear wheels.



Lotus ‘Eagle’ Spy Photos


Little else is currently known about the engine, but we are keen to find out if it’s the same 200kW unit found in Toyota’s Aurion, RAV4 V6, Kluger, Tarago etc…


The mass-produced engine will ensure that the ‘Eagle’ will pass strict EU and US emission regulations.




Lotus ‘Eagle’ Spy Photos


The Lotus Eagle is rumoured to be heading for the British motor show in July this year.

Amazing spy shots for Mini Crossman

Mini enthusiasts have a whole new reason to get excited, now that the name of the company’s upcoming crossover has been released - the Mini Crossman, previously referred to internally as the “Colorado,” will bring the brand firmly into new territory.


Mini Crossman spy photos


Called the R58 within BMW from here on out, the Crossman is expected to ride higher than current Mini models and have All Wheel Drive, making it a potential choice for off-roaders. These photos are of a Crossman mule undergoing testing in Europe.




Mini Crossman spy photos


With these new capabilities, Mini plans to expand their customer base to include young men wanting something a tad more “masculine” than the current models.




Mini Crossman spy photos


However initial response to the new name has made a few us wonder if Mini has lost its creative edge? Also, a Mini off-roader? Mini runs the potential risk of alienating the fan base that has rallied around the small car brand since the release of the Cooper.



Mini Crossman spy photos


The Crossman will also be the first Mini assembled outside the U.K. with Austrian manufacturer Magna Steyr building the car.



Mini Crossman spy photos


The Mini Crossman is scheduled for release in 2010. According to Mini Boss Kay Segler, there are currently no plans for a fifth Mini model.

Top Lotus Eagle Spy Photos

Lotus Eagle Spy Photos


Lotus’ latest model, code-named Lotus “Eagle” has been snapped undergoing handling tests at the ring (Nürburgring).



Lotus Eagle Spy Photos


We brought you the first pictures of the 2+2 Lotus sports car last month, and since then the car has been spotted testing more frequently ahead of its unveiling at the British Motor Show in July.




Lotus Eagle Spy Photos


It will be powered by a mid-mounted 3.5-litre petrol engine borrowed from Toyota, and the V6 unit will drive the rear wheels alone.




Lotus Eagle Spy Photos


Forced induction is expected but not confirmed. Lotus plans to market at least five versions ranging from a convertible to variants utilising paddle shifters (a first for Lotus).



Lotus Eagle Spy Photos


Entering production at the beginning of 2009, Project Eagle will enter the market as Lotus’ flagship performance car above the Elise, Exige and Europa.

Spying The 2010 Mini Crossman SUV

2010 Mini Crossman SUV spied

The Mini Crossman SUV is quickly approaching the final stages of its development, with our photographers snapping a rather interestingly camouflaged production version for the first time.

2010 Mini Crossman SUV spied


The paradox of a Mini SUV is aimed at launching the brand into new territory, with BMW hoping it will become a more “masculine” alternative in the hotly contested crossover market.


Since our last look at the Crossman, Mini has revealed the new model as a concept at the Paris Auto Show, which is likely to reveal subtle details which will appear in final production model.


2010 Mini Crossman SUV spied


These spy shots reveal the Crossman will feature a split rear tail gate like the Clubman, although designers appear to have eliminated the issue of compromised rear visibility.


2010 Mini Crossman SUV spied


With Mini rapidly running out of space at their current facilities, this new vehicle will also mark the first time a Mini has been assembled outside the UK, with Austrian manufacturer Magna Steyr set to take on that role.



2010 Mini Crossman SUV spied2010 Mini Crossman SUV spied


The Mini Crossman SUV is set to be released in 2010, with reportedly no plans for a fifth model in the Mini line-up.