With the new Lotus Esprit soon coming in, NextAutos‘ spy photographer has taken some shots of a regular Lotus Exige body running around being tested – which leaves us all thinking if it could be the actual engine going through tests, which would be put into the new Esprit’s body.

Now as to where the V8 is going to come from, remains unclear, but rumours do indicate that it would most probably be from Toyota, as Lotus has already used a Toyota engine previously in their Series 2 Exige (1.8L). However, that still may be proven wrong as earlier rumours say that perhaps a BMW V8 may power the new car. Whichever it may be though, we sure are excited for the revival of this amazing car.

Via: NextAutos

There are a few minor improvements over the current model including the addition of LED lights on the wing mirrors and a slight change in the shape of the bumper at the front. Otherwise, everything else is the same. It’s a good guess by everyone that the photos were taken on purpose to cause some hype on the other markets since the ES is not sold in Japan.

Also, with BMW and Lexus battling for the number one spot as best Luxury vehicle in the U.S., it’s a pretty decent way to bring in some pressure. Check out the photos below:

Via: Worldcarfans

Bugatti’s latest hyper car has been speculated over for many months now, but this four door follow-up came one step closer to creation with an official teaser released nearly two weeks ago. As usual artists have been hard at work speculating just what such a saloon of this magnitude might look like. With names like Royale, Bordeaux, and Atlantic floating around the idea of this sedan harkening back to the Bugatti’s of old is becoming more and more valid.

Although this rendering (compliments of Car Magazine) seems to have been loosely based off of the Porsche Panamera (whose beauty lies solely in its engineering) the classic Bugatti styling cues are apparent in the octuple exhausts and especially in the tailfin that is reminiscent of the outlandish type 57’s that appeared to be riveted together longways down the middle.

The new four door is slated to be one of the two replacements of the Veyron after its 300 unit run is through. The successor is reportedly recycling that old used up quad turbo w-16 (damn shame) and it will be mated to the same Ricardo seven speed trans. The real differences will be the front engine rear wheel drive configuration. This new RWD layout could be the result of platform sharing between Bentley and Bugatti. Cost measures such as platform sharing and continued use of the current drive train are pointed to by Volkswagen as ways to make this undertaking potentially profitable for the group.

And finally for all of you prospective buyers out there these Bugatti’s will be completely custom to your wants and needs. This all in hopes of paying homage to the Bugatti’s of old whose standard of luxury are still second to none.

via: car magazine

Ferrari had the Geneva Motor Show stunned with their 599 XX concept, but now here we see the beauty in full action at Ferrari’s Fiorano test track. The car is expected to run in its own race series by Ferrari similar to how they did for the Enzo FXX. Infact, there are rumours that it might be even faster than the Enzo FXX.

The car in the photos seems to be in its production outfit. There are some noticeable, yet small changes from the original concept exhibited at the show. For instance, the outlets and air intakes have been redone. There is also a slight difference in the rear spoiler. But despite these differences, the car still looks almost the same as the concept.

We’re sure that like us, you’re also waiting for the more detailed performance figures. With 700 horsepower at its disposal and a 6.0L powerplant, expect a 0-60 time of just over 3 seconds. But be sure to check back often because we’ll be sure to keep you up to date.

Sources: AutoWeek and RSportsCars

The new BMW 1-Series was caught testing about a month ago and now again at the Nurburgring by Next Autos‘ photographer. Taking some design elements from the 5-Series GT, the car has a difference that the photographer noted: the wheels. Apparently, these wheels have been used on BMW vehicles that have xDrive whilst they were being tested.

Check out the images and leave comments as to what you think!

Source: Next Autos

A leaked copy of the Mercedes SLS AMG dealer ordering guide has popped up on the net via various sources. This isn’t the final version of course, with photos of the exterior still missing. However there are lots of interior screens and options, along with estimated prices for the respective add-ons. This certainly is going to be an expensive car with a paint option costing $10,000, a $4,500 carbon trim option, a surround sound system costing about $6,400, not to mention the other pricey features.

You can check out the guide below in the gallery.

If you were listening to last week’s episode of Top Gear, they mentioned the announcement of a new Lamborghini called the Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balbon. This special edition supercar was built in dedication to their recently retired test driver, Valentino Balbon. The 550bhp, rear wheel drive monster will feature a white stripe (with a tinge of black to the side) along the center of the car and will come in a few colors such as Bianco Monocerus, Verde Ithaca, Arancio Borealis and Nero Noctis. Above is the first spy shot of it being delivered to a Zürich dealership.

Via: Autogespot | Image: Mario @ Autogesport

4 Wheel News has received a leaked photo of the Mercedes SLS AMG Gullwing taken from a German magazine. It this shot is real, then we can say it really has a good mix of modern design, but still keeps a strong sense of shape from the original 1954 300SL. For now this is all the info, but we will try to keep you up-to-date on what’s going on.

The 2011 BMW 5 series sedan has been spied, this time with some of the panels being exposed. Most of the unique design panels are still covered in the psychedelic camo regularly used by BMW, but the roof, lower door panels, lower lining edges of both bumpers and a tiny segment in the back are now exposed. From these photos, it looks like the new 5er is taking a lot of style cues from the 2009 BMW 7 series. The rear, even though covered, definitely will resemble that of the 7 series and 5 series GT. Also, this is the first time we get to see a very clear shot of the interior, which also resembles that of the 7er

The new line will feature a wide variety of engines including:

• 4.4 liter V8 twin turbo (petrol)
• 3.0 liter Inline 6 (petrol)
• 2.0 liter (petrol)
• 2.0 liter (diesel)

There will also be a six-speed Steptronic semi-auto gearbox, and a new ZF 8-speed gearbox for the higher end models. After the jump are a handful of photos of the 5er in action.

Images: Worldcarfans

The 2012 Audi A3 has been spied in a car lot of other Audis wearing VW Golf TDi’s body, so it is still hard to tell what the body will look like. The only visible change so far is the extended fender, meaning it will grow a bit in width. Also in the gallery below, in a shot of what is believe to be to body of the new A3, which takes a lot of design hints from the Q5. Lots of speculation hint to the development of an RS3, and maybe a sedan for the North American fans. Hit the jump to see the photos.

The red car depicts what is believed to be the new body design, while the other 4 shots are of the A3 in Golf’s clothing.

Via/Images: World Car Fans

The FerrariF450 prototype has once again been spied taking a lap the circuit, this time in its own F450 shell. The F450 initially took the skin of the F430, but is now using its own camo, meaning it is near complete in terms of visual appearances. This model is reported to be a hybrid version and might feature the recently KERS technology being used in Formula 1. If they launch this concept car at the LA Auto Show, then it will be the first car to hit the road with the tech. Stay tuned for more. For more photos, hit the jump. The first 4 are the new ones, and the last are the F450 in F430’s clothing

Via: Autoblog | Images: KPG Photography

MotorTrend has caught some spy shots of what appears to be the upgraded Gumpert Apollo Speed doing some serious numbers around the Nürburgring circuit. The Speed was first shown at the Geneva Auto Show and features a number of upgrades from the regular Apollo such as carbon fiber wheels, lower ride height, adjustable rear wing, and a choice of  either a 650, 700, or 800 bhp 4.2L Audi V-8 engine. The mid-level 700 horse car can make the sprint from 0-62 mph in 3.0 seconds, go from a standstill to 124 mph in a scant 8.9 seconds and hit a top speed of 224 mph. Check out the photos taken from the track.

Via/Images: MotorTrend